Basingstoke game abandoned after player fractures neck

Dorchester's Wes Fogden fractured two vertebrae in his neck in the 40th minute at the Winklebury Football Complex on Saturday, October 25.

The former Portsmouth and Bournemouth midfielder, 37, received immediate on-field treatment from both clubs' medical teams before play was suspended by officials.

Dorchester Town FC provided an update the following day, wishing Fogden the very best in his recovery and confirming that he was conscious and talking as he was taken to the hospital via ambulance.

Wes Fogen broke his neck in a match against Basingstoke (Image: Dorchester Town FC)

A spokesperson for Dorchester Town FC said: "Our FA Trophy game at Baingstoke yesterday was abandoned following a serious injury to Magpies player/coach Wes Fogden in the first half. Wes was conscious and talking as he was taken in to the ambulance, and scans in hospital yesterday evening have confirmed two fractured vertebrae in his neck, which will require a number of weeks in a neck collar.

"We will provide further updates on Wes's condition when we are able to .

"We would like to place on record our thanks to all Magpies and Basingstoke staff and players who helped look after Wes yesterday on the pitch before he was taken to hospital.

"From everyone at the club, we send our love and very best wishes to Wes for a full and speedy recovery."

Fans from both sides returned to the touchline to applaud the Dorchester player/coach as he was taken away for treatment.

A spokesperson for Basingstoke Town FC said: "We’d like to place on record our thanks to our supporters for their classy reaction to yesterday’s unfortunate event.

"In the immediacy of the moment, it would have been easy to make light of what was happening before the full picture was clear.

"Instead, you showed respect, empathy and patience for the injured player.

"The fact our fans returned to the touchline an hour later to applaud him as he was taken from the pitch summed it up perfectly.

"We’re yet to receive an update on the player, but we’re sending our best and hoping for a smooth, full and speedy recovery."

Basingstoke Town Community Football Club also thanked the head of medical, Seanagh McCarthy, for the role she played in helping Fogden.

The spokesperson added: "[We are] pleased to hear the latest on Wes. While it’s a serious injury, we’re relieved to know he’s in excellent hands.

"A huge credit to our head of medical, Seanagh McCarthy, for her outstanding professionalism.

"Seanagh is brilliant every week, but in moments like this, you really see just how exceptional she is."

'Stoke were 1-0 up at the time of the incident, but the clash with Dorchester will be replayed from the start.

The fixture has now been rearranged, due to take place on Tuesday, October 28, at 7.45pm at the Winklebury Football Complex.