Striker nets winner with a broken foot

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."