NEEDHAM MARKET | THE LONG ROAD TO FITNESS

Popular midfielder back after two years out

As Needham Market battle it out amongst the front-runners in the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central, they have received a timely boost with the long-awaited return to action of midfielder, Byron Lawrence.

The 27 year-old suffered an horrific double leg break two years ago and the journey back to fitness has been a long and painful one.

“It's been frustrating at times, full of ups and downs, especially when I wasn’t sure if I would make it back onto the pitch ever again,” admitted Lawrence, who figured in The Marketmen’s Suffolk Premier Cup victory at Long Melford at the start of this month. “But that makes me proud of myself that I’ve got to this point, so I’m going to try and enjoy every minute I get to play because it can easily be taken away.

“It’s been a long process getting back to football and I still need to manage my ankle moving forward, but I absolutely loved playing again, I've missed it a lot these last two years.

"I thought I did alright, I got 45 minutes under my belt, so that was good. I just wanted to make sure my ankle coped with the game which it did, so I was happy with how it went.”

The popular player has received a tremendous amount of support from the club during his rehabilitation.

“The manager [Kevin Horlock] has been great with me throughout my injury and I know how pleased he is to see me back out on the pitch," he continued. "The physios [Jenks and Bex] have also been really helpful and supportive through every step.

“So many people have been willing me to get back onto the pitch and it really has been a source of inspiration through all of the ups and downs. It feels great to finally get there.”

Lawrence is also relishing playing his part in his team's push for promotion, with the Marketmen currently sitting in second place in the table.

“The boys are flying this season, which makes it a really enjoyable team to get back involved in,” he added. “Hopefully as time goes on I can contribute to a successful season. The boys are doing us proud right now and long may that continue.”

With thanks to Drew Kendall for his assistance with this article.

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