Tom Bender relieved after injury scare
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Your support makes all the difference.Accrington defender Tom Bender admits he was lucky to avoid serious injury after describing his horrific collision during last week's Johnstone's Paint Trophy match against Tranmere as seeming "like more of a dream than reality".
The match last Tuesday night had to be abandoned as Bender received treatment for half an hour following an accidental clash with team-mate Ian Dunbavin.
Oxygen and a drip were used on the pitch, raising concerns over the long-term health of the 18-year-old, who is on loan to Stanley from Colchester, who it was feared might have suffered a broken neck.
However, it was later confirmed Bender suffered severe concussion - something he was left feeling thankful for.
He told Sky Sports News: "When I came round, the phone lines were going mad and there were rumours I had broken my neck and even some that I could die.
"When I spoke to the doctors and they told me the outcome, it really made me realise how lucky I am."
He added: "I have no recollection of what happened, it seems like someone else when I watch it back. It seems like more of a dream than reality."
Far from allowing himself some prolonged recuperation time, Bender is already eyeing a return to action.
"I am getting there," he said.
"It's improving and I feel a lot better than did on Tuesday," he said.
"Hopefully it's not long before I am back."
PA
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