ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
Laurence Newman has dedicated Sunday’s cup win over Temple Fortune to teammate Marc Parry who suffered a serious injury in South Manchester’s Peter Morrison Trophy win at the Armitage.
Play was suspended for more than an hour as Parry lay in agony waiting for an ambulance after falling awkward seven minutes into the match. He was later taken to hospital where it was confirmed that he had suffered a compound fracture and two breaks of his left arm.
Newman said: “No disrespect to our opposition or the competition, but the game seemed a little less important after the injury to Marc. It clearly affected a lot of the lads when we eventually restarted, particularly as he was still being attended to on the side nearly two hours after the incident.
“He has arguably been our player of the season so far and it is a big blow for him and the club. We all wish him a speedy recovery and thank all those that helped out, as well as Temple Fortune for their patience and good wishes.”
South Manchester booked their place in the quarter-finals following a 5-0 victory. Bobby Abrams (2), Adam Lavin, Mark Addis and Tom Cantor steered them home as they ran in four second-half goals.
Newman said: “We knew Temple Fortune would provide a different type of opposition to the sides we face week in, week out in the Manchester Accountants League and we coped with it fairly comfortably in the end.
“We have a home tie in the next round and look forward to welcoming another London side to the Armitage. For the time being we turn our attention to Miam Miam on Sunday, a game that could decide the league title.”
Fortune boss Lee Fegan said: “South Manchester were too strong for us so there isn’t much else to add about the game. We wish their player a speedy recovery from his injury.”
Parry was forced to wait until Tuesday to have the operation but says he is “on the road to recovery”.
* South Manchester Sports Club this week achieved Charter Standard status from the Football Association.