A FOOTBALLER was airlifted to hospital after suffering a horror injury in the first minute of a local cup final.

Ledbury Town FC Reserves goalkeeper Mark Davis was left on the floor in agony after breaking his leg in two places during a collision just 25 seconds into Monday’s Ross Cup final against Sinkum FC.

The referee was left with no choice but to abandon the fixture as Mr Davis, aged 30, was treated by paramedics before being flown to Worcestershire Royal Hospital, where he was due to undergo surgery on the double-break either last night or this morning.

But despite the injury blow, Mr Davis has vowed to go ahead with his wedding to fiance Helen, scheduled to take place in just five weeks time.

Fellow reserves player Mitch Preedy, who spent all of Monday at the hospital with him, said: “They will still be going ahead with the wedding, without question.

“It is a nasty injury and he will be on crutches for the big day but they are determined to go ahead.”

Ledbury Town FC’s chairman Andy Kibble said the injury had come as a big shock to everyone connected with the club.

“It has left everybody in quite a sombre state. You never expect something like this but it just brings home what can happen on the football pitch,” he said.

“On behalf of everyone at the club, I wish him all the best and a speedy recovery.”