Accrington Stanley defender Tom Bender was this morning comfortable in hospital as he recovered from the head injury he suffered in last night's abandoned Johnstone's Paint Trophy match against Tranmere.
The on-loan Colchester man remained in Blackburn Hospital overnight after taking a full blow in the face from Ian Dunbavin as the goalkeeper came out to clear a ball into the box in the 38th minute.
The 18-year-old was knocked out and needed half an hour of treatment on the pitch, including oxygen and a drip, before the ambulance took him to hospital for a scan on his head.
A spokesman for Blackburn Hospital, where he remained overnight, said this morning: "Mr Bender is comfortable and waiting to see the medic for assessment."
Stanley chief executive Rob Heys visited the player in hospital last night and this morning said: "He regained consciousness last night and was in a stable condition. He was in good spirits when I left.
"He's had a bang on the head so they'll take the necessary precautions and we'd expect to know more later on today."
Accrington manager John Coleman said: "Their striker was trying to get the ball. He was eager and it led to Tom's momentum going on to a full-blooded punch from Bavs.
"It was like double the force and the fact Tom didn't move when he hit the floor is a concern. The lads immediately knew something was wrong and waved the physio over straight away.
"The physio admitted it was scary. They didn't want to move Tom and we just had to wait for the ambulance to arrive, which obviously took some time.
"His dad was here watching and he has gone to hospital with Tom so he is close at hand.
"He is now in the safest hands and we've just got to hope and pray everything is okay."
Both managers agreed referee Rob Lewis was right to call tonight's contest off, with Tranmere leading 2-1 at the time of the incident.
Coleman added: "I am glad the game is off as I think a few of the players, including the goalkeeper, wouldn't have been in the right frame of mind to go on."
Tranmere boss Les Parry added: "It's a game of football and when someone's health is involved that's got to take precedence."
Stanley had taken the lead in the ninth minute when Kevin McIntyre's cross was turned into his own goal by Zoumana Bakayogo but Tranmere hit back to lead with goals from Ash Taylor (20) and Mustafa Tirkyaka (35), before play was halted.
Bender joined Accrington last month on a season-long loan deal and made his debut as a substitute against Barnet, on September 3. His first career start came in a 3-2 defeat of Carlisle in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy the following day.
He has also represented Wales at Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 level - coming on as a substitute in the latter's match against Hungary last month.
