Rhys taken to hospital after sickening collision
ROCHDALE FLEETWOOD 2 3
FLEETWOOD Town twice came from behind to take the spoils at Rochdale on a day the club’s crippling injury list took a turn for the worse.
Rhys Norrington-Davies was stretchered off late in the contest following a collision with Cod Army goalkeeper Billy Crellin, leaving the defender with facial injuries.
Several of his teeth were loosened in the clash and he was taken straight to hospital, while on the field Dale conceded the decisive goal within minutes of the incident, Wes Burns securing the points for Fleetwood.
“It’s obviously very painful and concerning for his family, but he was relatively comfortable as he left the ground. He seemed to be in an okay state but there was a lot of damage to his mouth and he went straight to hospital,” said Dale boss Brian Barry-Murphy.
“When something like that happens to one of your teammates it’s very concerning and the challenge that resulted in Rhys’ injury was indicative of the type of player he is for this club.
“He was probably too brave, too committed, but it was a very fair challenge from both parties.
“The game had an eerie feel to it after that and I was concerned about our lads’ ability to refocus – the winning goal came pretty quickly after the incident, so it was disappointing in a football sense but I could understand the concern for Rhys.”
Aaron Wilbraham had twice fired Dale ahead only to be pegged back by strikes from Paddy Madden and Kyle Dempsey before Burns capitalised as Dale adjusted to Norrington-Davies’ unfortunate withdrawal.