Match abandoned as player collides with advertising board and ambulance called

A Non-League fixture was called off after a horrific incident which saw a player crash head first into a pitchside advertising board.

The National League South encounter between Bath City and Dulwich Hamlet was abandoned after the collision involving Alex Fletcher, which led to an initial stoppage in the fifth minute, when the score was still 0-0. The hosts subsequently confirmed an ambulance had been called for their 23-year-old forward.

"This evening's match has been temporarily suspended whilst we await further medical attention for Alex Fletcher," Bath City wrote on Twitter, adding: "Fletcher collided with an advertising hoarding in the early stages of the game and we are awaiting an ambulance at Twerton Park. We will update you all as soon as possible, but for now all of our best wishes are with Alex."

Bath City said they will "update supporters on Fletcher's condition at the earliest opportunity" in another tweet as they confirmed the fixture had been called off. They wrote: "This evening's game has been abandoned and will be played at a later date.

"Everyone at the club is deeply saddened by tonight's events and it has been agreed that the game will not resume. Our best wishes and thoughts are with Alex Fletcher."

Dulwich Hamlet also sent their best wishes to Fletcher, tweeting: "Due to the serious injury sustained by Alex Fletcher, both teams have agreed to abandon the game. For now the most important thing is the safety and recovery of Alex, and from everyone connected with Dulwich, we wish him a speedy and full recovery."

Do you have a message of support for Alex Fletcher? Send him your well wishes in the comments below.

Bath City came into the match after a strong start to the season, winning eight games to leave themselves eighth in the National League South. Dulwich Hamlet, meanwhile, have lost eight games and sit 19th in the division, which is the sixth tier of English football.

Fletcher was born in Newton Abbot and came through the ranks at Plymouth Argyle, going on to make 25 appearances for the club, including 19 in League One, during which he scored once. The striker spent time on loan with Torquay United, Aldershot Town and Tiverton Town before joining the latter permanently in 2020, going on to score eight goals in seven appearances in the Southern League Premier Division South.

He joined Bath City later that year and netted an impressive 16 goals in 39 appearances during his first full campaign with the club, and a further three in other competitions. This season, he has been one of the finest marksmen in the National League South, scoring eight goals in 17 appearances.

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