Oxford United's under 18 game at Gosport Borough was abandoned this afternoon after an air ambulance was called to attend a steward working at the game.
The match was abandened by the referee to allow emergency treatment and we would like to pass on our best wishes to the person involved and our thanks to the medical team at the ground.
In the game itself the young U's were trailing 3-1 when the game was called off. Ryan Crooks grabbed the opener from the penalty spot but three quick-fire goals from the hosts gave them the advantage before the incident occurred
United got the opening goal on 10 minutes through Crooks after the U’s were awarded a penalty when Owen James was brought down by a Gosport defender. Crooks stepped up and calmly placed his penalty into the bottom left corner, sending O’Flaherty the wrong way.
Gosport did eventually pull level in the first half through Joe Lea. A gap in the U’s defence allowed Lea to go through on goal. Harris made himself big, but it was a neat finish by the Gosport defender to level the game. The home side then took the lead on the stroke of half time through George Barker. The Gosport forward received a pass on the edge of the area and finished first time into the bottom corner leaving Harris with no chance.
Shortly after half time Gosport extended their lead through Samuel Argent when George Barker tumbled in the area and the Gosport forward fired his penalty straight down the middle.
The U’s tried to get themselves back in the game when a trialist was sent through on goal by a terrific pass from Chambers-Parillon but his effort was cleared for a corner and the resulting cross was headed against the bar.
However the match was abandoned around the 75th minute to allow the air ambulance to land on the pitch. Everybody at Oxford United fully supports that decision.
UNITED: Max Harris, Aaron Heap, Trialist A, Aaron McCreadie, Yoav Sade, Leon Chambers-Parillon, Trialist B, Jack Stevens, Ryan Crooks, Trialist C (Tyler Goodrham 45’), Owen James
UPDATE: The steward who was airlifted to hospital during the game is okay and will make a full recovery - fantastic work by all involved to make sure the individual got the medical attention they needed and we thank Gosport for their hospitality on Saturday.