Stanley youngster leaves hospital

Accrington defender Tom Bender has been released from hospital after being injured in Stanley's JPT clash against Tranmere.

The 18-year-old, who is on loan from Colchester, is now recovering at home after he was stretchered off with severe concussion during Tuesday night's clash at the Crown Ground. Bender needed half an hour's treatment on the pitch, including oxygen and a drip, before an ambulance took him to hospital for a brain scan, following a horrific collision with his team-mate Ian Dunbavin. The match, which Tranmere were leading 2-1, had to be abandoned. The father of Bender had expressed his relief after earlier visiting his son in hospital and finding him in "good spirits". In a statement, Lee Bender said: "Tom's okay. He's in good spirits. He doesn't remember too much about it but that's nothing unusual! "I'm just glad I was here really. I don't think he knew much about it, though. He certainly didn't acknowledge me in the hospital, he recognised his team-mate Kurtis Guthrie more than me. "It was just a comfort to me, my wife and my family that I was able to be with him. "The medical care he got was absolutely superb. I'd like to thank everyone from Accrington and from Tranmere and the medical staff. "We couldn't have wished for any more. The players and management teams from both sides were great and everyone at Colchester has been brilliant too. "We're just waiting to find out from the doctors when they are going to release him from the hospital and when he's available to come back for training and selection for the first team." The incident happened when Bender collided with Dunbavin as the goalkeeper came out to clear a ball into the box in the 38th minute. 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 week. 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.