Corinthian Casuals defender Dan Bedford suffered a broken leg in the 3-0 loss to Worthing in the Ryman League Division One South, writes Stuart Tree.

The 18-year-old, who started as a replacement for suspended skipper Joe Hicks, suffered the injury in the build up to Brannon O’Neill’s opening goal for the visitors early in the second half.

The incident saw an 80 minute delay to prcoeedings at King George’s Field as Bedford was on the pitch for more than an hour before paramedics arrived to take him to St George’s Hospital.

Worthing scored twice more after the restart through Curtis Gaylor and Will Berry.

Casuals boss Matt Howard could not complain about the result, it was the manner of the opening goal – scored with Bedford on the floor  – that left a bitter taste in his mouth.

“We all hope Dan is OK,” he said.

“It was the right decision to finish the game. We have no complaints.

“I was a little bit disappointed at the manner of their first goal. I thought that was poor from them. That's obviously the standard that they've set for themselves.

“But I can’t complain about the result. They were the better side and deservedly won.

Messages of support for Bedford have flooded in from across the UK and Brazil through the club’s connection with south American giants Corinthian Paulista.

Worthing player Jack Fagan tweeted: “Thoughts are with the young centre back Dan today for @CorinthianCas We all wish him a speedy recovery and hope he can come back stronger.”

Fellow Ryman clubs Folkestone Invicta and Guernsey also sent their best wishes via social media, while more than 125 messages of support have been posted on the club’s Facebook page.