NCEL: Duerden arm break overshadows Knaresborough Town win

Duerden suffered a broken arm in three places during the first half and will be a big loss to ‘Boro who went on to record a second consecutive win.

‘Boro’s captain went up for a header before hitting the floor hard under a strong aerial challenge and underwent surgery at Rotherham hospital yesterday morning.

Paul Stansfield’s captain looks set for an extended spell on the sidelines and the manager commented: “Football comes second when something like this happens.

“Our thoughts are with Matt now and not about Town, but he’s hard as nails and will come through.

“He was in so much pain but was as brave as a lion, he certainly has our best wishes.

“The atmosphere on the coach home was very subdued after such an injury, but it didn’t effect our performance; I thought we played well and looked very mature under the circumstances.”

Stansfield’s side were 1-0 up at the time of the injury through Fraser Lancaster’s header and added two more in the second half through Brad Walker as Dronfield were reduced to ten men late on.

Knaresborough travel to Winterton Rangers on Saturday and won’t be taking anything for granted, despite the hosts having endured a tough start to the season.

The weekend trip will be Knaresborough’s fourth away fixture of their first five games and Stansfield is determined to avoid any complacency.

He said: “Their start doesn’t impact our thinking at all.

“We had lost two going into the Westella game and proved there that we are a good team; I’m sure Winterton will want to do the same.

“We have to go there with our attitude spot on and battle for every ball.

“We won’t be taking it lightly that’s for sure!”

‘Boro got their first points of the season last Saturday with a 2-1 success over league newcomers Westella VIP and Stansfield was happy to pick up three valuable home points.

He said: “I am both relieved and pleased with the win, we showed great character to come back from consecutive defeats.

“I had a good feeling about the game and was confident approaching it.

“The quality is there and the team spirit is fantastic, we have a great set of lads.

“No one pressed the panic button after two defeats and we need to believe we are good enough, a win will certainly help.”