EVERYONE who was at the Crown Ground last Tuesday night will never want to see another evening like it.

As Tom Bender lay motionless on the floor during Accrington Stanley’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie against Tranmere, it was hard not to fear the worst case scenario.

For me, the name Michael Watson came worryingly into mind.

Just a few weeks ago there was a touching documentary on television about the 20th anniversary of the head injury and blood clot that ended Watson’s boxing career and almost his life, after a fight with Chris Eubank.

It was a cautionary tale for boxing and all sport.

Now medical provisions at sporting events are much improved.

Although many fans grew more concerned as the wait for an ambulance went – matches with an attendance under 5,000 are not required to have one on site – Bender was already getting the treatment he needed.

Much of the credit for that initial treatment goes to Stanley club doctor Joyce Watson, physio Joe Hinnigan, Tranmere physio Gregg Blundell – the former Reds loan striker – and Kevin Benson, an A&E doctor who was only at the game as a visiting fan but jumped out of the crowd to assist.

Countless others also did everything they could to help, for not naming them all I apologise.

Last Tuesday was the most worrying night I have experienced in a sporting arena.

Thankfully, Bender received only severe concussion. It is such a relief to us all that he is now on the mend.