National League North match abandoned after 12 minutes as player suffers worrying injury

The National League North match between Kidderminster and Alfreton was abandoned after 12 minutes with a player suffering a worrying injury.

Harriers loanee Matt Preston went down in the 12th minute following a challenge with the game at 0-0 when the incident happened.

Lengthy treatment as long as 15 minutes followed with the crowd falling silent before the 26-year-old defender was stretchered off the pitch.

A statement followed over the tannoy at Aggborough Stadium saying the game had been abandoned in respect of the players and crowd left shaken up by the ordeal.

Preston, owned by league above Solihull Moors, had been in stunning form for Kiddy and was one of the hero’s as Russ Penn’s men nearly overcame West Ham in the FA Cup earlier this month.

Supporters were asked retain their tickets as it will remain valid for the re-arranged fixture with the date yet to be confirmed.

KIDDERMINSTER’S TWITTER COMMENTARY:

[1] An early free kick for Harriers that ends with Hemmings taking a drive at goal, it’s deflected away for a corner.

[10] Alfreton have tightened up well after that early chance for Harriers. No way through at the moment as Harriers try to probe.

[12] Reeves has just had a shot blocked inside the area, but there’s a much bigger concern over Matt Preston who looks to have been seriously hurt by a challenge. He’s now getting treatment.

[21] Preston down and still getting treatment. Thoughts with the big man

[27] Preston now being carried from the field. We’re with you Matty 👊

[30] There’s been an announcement to say there will be a further update soon. At this stage, no idea on the status of Matty or the game, but the latter seems pretty irrelevant at the minute.

Today’s match has been abandoned following a serious injury to Matt Preston. Supporters, please retain your tickets as these will remain valid for the fixture once re-arranged. Thank you for your patience during this difficult situation.

You got this, boss 👊💪

We’re with you all the way. pic.twitter.com/ccjfN3FcMw

— Kidderminster Harriers 🦅 (@khfcofficial) February 19, 2022

Good luck with your recovery, Matt. Best wishes from everyone at West Ham United.

— West Ham United (@WestHam) February 19, 2022

Social media users gave their reaction as the National League North match gets abandoned after 12 minutes…

@FyldeCal: Get well soon @Matt_Preston1

@murpho78: Disgusting tackle in my opinion. What makes it worse Branson had a big smile on his face after making it!

@TravisKHFC: One Matt preston ❤️

@LiamKHFC: Serious injury. Fracture or a break.

@PGrundberge: Why no fucker sent off?

@ryanhall93_: Absolute soldier of a defender ⚔️ hopefully with the team behind him, he’ll make a speedy recovery 🔥🔴⚪️

@puds68: How do you launch at a player, break his leg and don’t even get spoken to! Spineless refereeing!!

@Saddampiper:
Absolute warrior
Hope to see him in a red shirt permanently
Get well soon
#khfc

@stephen_dimmock: I remember a couple of weeks ago vs West Ham he was the best player on the pitch. Hope he gets better soon

@LA_Cadbury: Speedy recovery @Matt_Preston1 all our thoughts are with you. Also thinking of all your team mates who were all visibly distraught

@Ben_amos07: Referee needs to have a word with himself if there’s no repercussions. Disgraceful challenge

@CourtDamian: Gutted for you @Matt_Preston1 you have been immense for us and loved watching you play for the Harriers over the past few weeks. Speedy recovery, hope to see you again. Best wishes.

@HaveringHammer: All the best and get well soon to Matt Preston of @khfcofficial who was MOTM against @WestHam recently and who has suffered a terrible injury today playing for Kidderminster 🤝

@RobTheHammer73: Well wishes from a Hammer who watched you boss our attack for 120 mins 👊

@MarkJoh89440321: Always superb for @khfcofficial. All the best for your recovery.

@AlexWithers14: Absolutely gutted for Matt preston,I hope the lads can re group and not let this hamper the progress so far,do it for Matt. Id love to see him back in a harriers shirt again.

@Villa_Nik: Every Kidderminster fan and beyond will be behind Matt. Best wishes to him, his family, and all at #KHFC

@KrasnyiDJW: Some things more important than three points. Awful injury to Matt Preston causing the abandonment of our game against Alfreton today. Two weeks ago he was MOTM against West Ham. Speedy recovery Matt.

@kiddyguest: Hope you have a speedy recovery and are back on the pitch as soon as possible. Preferably in our colours. To be a Harriers legend after playing less than 10 games takes some doing. 👍

@Eldewsio: I’m sure I speak on behalf of York City fans in wishing you a full and speedy recovery Matt Preston. We know that Russ Penn will look after you. All the best Matt

@deano_nev: Didn’t think granite could be damaged – get well soon @Matt_Preston1

@lewisegan: Generally one of the worst tackles I’ve seen this season. Joke officiating.

@ianjuckes @Matt_Preston1 speedy recovery you have been immense for us #KHFC

@ChrisDavis2707: No conceded a league goal since he joined!!!!! Speedy recovery @Matt_Preston1 made a massive impression on us Kiddy fans 🔴⚪️🔴⚪️🔴⚪️ #khfc #harriers

@khfc_laura: all the best matty ❤️😔