Striker nets winner with a broken foot

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Monday, October 06, 2008
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This is SouthWales

IT'S like something out of Roy of the Rovers — only much better.

Super sub Ian Williams is the toast of his teammates at Pontlliw FC — after scoring the winning goal with a fractured foot.

The crocked 29-year-old striker came on in the 85th minute in the local derby against Pontarddulais Town.

Teammates were gobsmacked as the club's star striker threw down his crutches and took off his cast before hobbling onto the pitch.

Within a matter of seconds he had found the back of the net with his first touch of the game.

Ian said: "I was only on the subs bench to make the numbers up, but when we were still drawing 1-1 with five minutes left to go, I was dying to get on. I asked the boss to let put me on, and he said 'if you think you're up to it, then go-ahead'.

"When the ball hit the back of the net I couldn't believe it."

Former Morriston Town FC player Ian, who rejoined his village side this summer, felt a twinge in his foot last month during a league match for The Lliw.

A few days later, as the pain got worse he went to the hospital, where doctors revealed he had a fracture in his goal-scoring right foot.

"I was told I would not be able to play football for at least eight weeks," he said. "I was really gutted."

And when Pontlliw's eagerly- anticipated home game against Pontarddulais came around, Ian could only watch from the sidelines.

But after convincing boss Neil Courtney, he was OK to play, the former squaddie was brought on.

"I had a chance, pretty much straightaway, to score," he said. "But I couldn't jump up high enough to head the ball because the pain in my foot was still bad."

But seconds later, after some skillful midfield work, Ian found himself one-on-one with the opposition keeper.

"I struck it with my right foot and it flew into the top corner," he added. "I couldn't believe it. It hurt really bad the minute I struck it.

"I threw up pretty much straight away and had to be substituted a couple of minutes later."

In more pain he may have been, but he had won the match. Final whistle — Pontlliw FC 2, Pontarddulais Town 1.

Since then, the wonder goal has reached legendary status in Pontlliw.

Teammate Alun Withey, aged 26, said: "He put in an imperious performance — even if it was only for two minutes.

"Scoring the winning goal with a knackered foot is unbelievable.

"Everybody is talking about it."

But Ian, who is back in his special air-cast, said it's going to be a further eight weeks before he's back in action.

"It was good to score the winning goal, but I think I'll wait until my foot's properly healed next time."

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9 Comments

  • Profile image for This is SouthWales

    by george bush, orlando florida

    Tuesday, October 07 2008, 7:50PM

    “congratulations on the winning goal ian, i here is was a screaming header!!! all the best in recovery from the bush family and all republicans out there!!!”

  • Profile image for This is SouthWales

    by Henryk Kowalski, Pontlliw

    Monday, October 06 2008, 7:54PM

    “I'll take full credit for the goal, it was the rub down that did it! A pint of Stella will do, for making you famous man! Thanks Jaiver x”

  • Profile image for This is SouthWales

    by Clad, Glais

    Monday, October 06 2008, 11:22AM

    “What bottle! I retired last year but this has inspired me to carry on”

  • Profile image for This is SouthWales

    by Pontlliw FC Director of Communications, The Bernabeu

    Monday, October 06 2008, 11:01AM

    “It was one of Jaivers famous rub downs that got him through the pain!! Well done Captain Jigsaw!!!!”

  • Profile image for This is SouthWales

    by JK Rowling, Hogwarts

    Monday, October 06 2008, 10:19AM

    “I have read this article and the story is one that is far better than any I have ever produced...how a right foot can be mistaken for a head I have no idea???”

  • Profile image for This is SouthWales

    by Rob, Swansea

    Monday, October 06 2008, 10:04AM

    “Looking at the photo with this article I think the biggest story is not that he scored with a broken foot, but that he has two heads.”

  • Profile image for This is SouthWales

    by Gooser, Pontlliw

    Monday, October 06 2008, 9:34AM

    “I'm sure the morphine's gone to his head!!
    Must have been a hell of a goal for Withey to see it all the way from Pwll....”

  • Profile image for This is SouthWales

    by David Harrison, Tircoed Village

    Monday, October 06 2008, 9:32AM

    “Did Ian get two this game? I heard he scored with his head!!!”

  • Profile image for This is SouthWales

    by Klieve Shanks, Gorseinon (The Gip)

    Monday, October 06 2008, 9:29AM

    “What a star.”

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