There were just under 20 minutes to go in what was proving to be a committed and evenly-balanced encounter between Enfield and Hertford Town on Wednesday evening in the Pitching In Southern League Division One Central when a serious injury sustained by the visitors’ Harry Watson saw the game abandoned.
Medical staff from both teams were quickly on the scene to do what they could for the stricken 24 year-old until an ambulance arrived whereupon a triple leg break was later confirmed.
Now recovering in hospital, Watson is awaiting an operation to insert a metal rod inside the main bone of the lower leg.
“I can remember the majority of what happened,” he told us. “I somehow found myself running onto a ball down the left wing; it looked like I was in a race to get to the ball first and then a very strong challenge came in which resulted in sustaining the injury.
“Both physios were straight there and didn’t leave me until the paramedics arrived and took over. I am incredibly grateful for the amazing job that they did and I thank them most sincerely for their care and attention.
“You never fully realise the extent of the football community until something like this happens. A huge thing for me was having Ben Herd and Dave McAdam [Hertford Town’s management team] come to the hospital and the frequent visits and phone calls/texts that I’ve had since Wednesday evening.
“So many other clubs, players and fans have reached out and then I saw that a fund-raising page had been set up and it just makes you realise what caring and thoughtful people there are.
“I’m just waiting for an operation now, a tibial intramedullary nailing is what I believe they call it. I’m going to have to take some time off work until I get my bearings, but luckily I work from home, so I will hopefully be able to get something sorted with that.
“I’m definitely determined to get back on the pitch, but at the same time I understand that it will be a long and hard process.
“I was really looking forward to this season, amongst a great group of lads at Hertford Town. I’ll take things step-by-step after the surgery and hope to be back as soon as I can.
“The support of those around me will be very important along the road ahead.”
The Southern League sends our best wishes for a speedy and full recovery to Harry.
You can view and contribute to the fund-raising effort to support Harry here>>> HARRY WATSON FUND-RAISING.
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