O'Melia left concussed as Ashes lose unbeaten record at Bridgwater

SALTASH United are likely to be without influential winger Kieran O’Melia for several weeks after he suffered facial injuries in Saturday’s first league defeat of the season against leaders Bridgwater United at Fairfax Park.

O’Melia collided with a goal post on the half-hour and needed a period of treatment on the pitch before being taken off and sent to hospital for further checks.

Manager Lee Britchford said: “It was a particularly nasty collision with the goal post, so he’s battered and bruised, he’s got a couple of black eyes, cuts all over his face and mouth, and severe concussion.

“But he is home now so that’s a massive positive. He’ll be out of action for a few weeks at least which is a big blow because he’s been doing really well at the start of the season.”

O’Melia’s injury came soon after striker Henry Donovan had given Saltash a 28th minute lead which rewarded an excellent opening to the game by the visitors, who went into the game unbeaten in seven games.

Unfortunately they could not carry that momentum into the second half as after Sam Beresford cannoned a header off the crossbar within two minutes of the restart, soon after they were ahead.

Shea Mannings went past several defenders and Jordan Duffey before firing on 52 minutes, and three minutes later they were in front when Beresford made no mistake following a throughball.

Saltash still managed to carve out a few half chances, but their overall performance failed to match their efforts of the first half.

Britchford said: “The game was frustrating to be honest with you. In the first half we were well in control and it’s probably the best we’ve looked in terms of possession all season.

“We went toe to toe with them, went 1-0 up and created some good openings as well, and I was really pleased with our first half performance.

“In the second half we stopped doing what was getting us success and ultimately we got punished for it. Personally I think there’s fouls in the lead up to both goals, but the referee thought otherwise.

“Both fouls disrupted our play and they’ve obviously capitalised. I thought the referee was poor for both teams to be honest.

“A draw might have been a fairer result, but having said that I don’t think we did enough in the second half to merit that.”

The Ashes are quickly back in action when Cornish rivals Newquay visit Kimberley Stadium on Tuesday night and Britchford said: “We’ll patch ourselves up and go again. We’ve got a threadbare squad at the moment.

“It’s another difficult week for us because we then have Bridgwater away again, this time in the FA Vase, on Saturday. But we’re up for the challenge.”

BRIDGWATER UNITED: Liam Kingston; David Thorne, Jason Quick, Tom Llewellyn, Toby Lawrence, Jacob Spence, Harry Horton (George King 78), Lloyd Mills (Miles Quick 73), Shea Mannings (Douglas Camillo,85), Sam Beresford (Michael Duffy 85). Sub not used: Jake Llewellyn.

SALTASH UNITED: Jordan Duffey; Jack Jefford (Dylan Holgate, 83), Alfie Wotton (capt), Hayden Greening (Harry Truscott, 83), Sam Joce, Charlie Elkington, Kieran O’Melia (Max Everall, 31), Fin Wilkes, Henry Donovan, Freddie Tolcher (Owen Davies, 83), Joe Preece (George Powell, 65).

Ashes’ man-of-the-match: Charlie Elkington.