Positive news for Harrogate Town and Will Smith as extent of defender's injury is revealed

The 22-year-old centre-half lay prone on the Wetherby Road turf after landing heavily following an aerial challenge in the closing minutes of the contest and received a prolonged spell of on-field treatment before eventually being stretchered off. He was then taken to hospital by ambulance.

Town manager Simon Weaver described the incident as "frightening", but said that he was encouraged by the fact that Smith was conscious and well enough to raise a smile before departing the EnviroVent Stadium.

And, club physio Rachel Davis has subsequently revealed that the former Barnsley youngster has not suffered spinal damage or any kind of fracture.

“Will fell awkwardly on the pitch and reported instant pain in the top of his spine which is why as a medical team we had to take precautions and use the spinal board and head blocks." David said.

"This can always look drastic and feel overwhelming, but it is purely to protect from movement until a full assessment can be made. Luckily, once in the hospital the consultant deemed no concern for a spinal injury or fracture.

"Will has quite bad concussion and a whiplash-type injury, which will mean he will be quite sore with muscle stiffness for a week or two. He also has pain in his hamstring so we will watch the clips back closely and assess that further over the coming days.

"I would like to thank Tranmere's medical team for helping with a safe and fast removal from the field of play."

Smith has been almost ever-present in the centre of the Harrogate defence since joining the club from Barnsley in the summer of 2019.

He has started all 11 of Town's League Two fixtures since they were promoted to the EFL this summer.