NON-LEAGUE side Hendon were forced to cancel their game against Bedfont Sports after just seven minutes following defender Ethan Creary’s horror injury.
Play was stopped early on in the Isthmian League South Central Division clash after Creary suffered a nasty blow to his head.
A stretcher was brought on for the stricken star as a lengthy delay followed while medics were on the pitch assisting Creary.
Both sets of players were then taken off the pitch while Creary continued receiving treatment.
Eventually the referee decided to call off proceedings due to the serious nature of the injury and Creary was taken to hospital.
Hendon went on to report the player was “conscious and talking” in his hospital bed after a double collarbrone break and concussion.
The issue is likely to require surgery and he has also suffered possible ligament damage in his shoulder.
A club statement read: “We are pleased to be able to report that Ethan Creary is conscious, talking, and feeling better than earlier.
“Early signs are that he’s suffered a double break to the collarbone, possible shoulder ligament damage and concussion.
“We are hopeful he will be released home tonight ahead of surgery in the next few days and then a lengthy rehabilitation.
“The club will, of course, support Ethan in the coming days, weeks, and months ahead.”
Hendon also posted a picture of the defender sitting in his hospital bed while wearing a cast.
Creary’s blow comes just days after his friend and team-mate in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.
Williams, 26, had only joined Hendon in September and had scored his first goal for the club just days before his death.
Creary paid tribute to Williams in his own message posted by Hendon on his behalf amid a traumatic period off the pitch.
It said: “Yes boys, thank you for all the messages, sorry for not getting back to you all individually, I thought it would be easier to put a message in the group for now.
“I have a double break to the collar bone, will find out sometime this week whether it requires surgery.
“I have to be in the ward for 24hrs to assess any potential bleed in the brain, it’s just protocol and I woke up feeling okay.
“The reason I wanted to come here boys is because something special will happen here. Nothing changes in my eyes, with God & Ezekiel watching over us, no one can stand in our way.
“Hoping to come back to playoff positions at the absolute minimum, but my personal aim was always the title. See you lot soon.”
