Skipper comes to aid of boy, 10, injured at Bristol FA Cup Tie: Stanley is given lift by Bromley hero Jack

BY RACHEL STEINBERG
toby@slpmedia.co.uk

A Bromley FC supporter thanked captain Jack Holland after the footballer aided a 10-year-old boy
injured during an FA Cup clash at Bristol Rovers.

Stanley was allegedly pushed into a pole and bumped his head during a celebration following Bromley’s thrilling late-game

leveller against the League One side – the first round tie will be replayed tonight at the Ravens’ home ground, Hayes Lane.

Family friend Jessica, 12, also suffered minor injuries when she was caught in the revelry after Bromley’s Chris Bush equalised for the 10-man Ravens on Sunday, December 10.

The goal earned Bromley a draw against a team two divisions above them in the football pyramid.

Jessica’s father, Ben Toovey, said both children missed some school last week as a result of their injuries, but are now feeling better.

He said he was grateful for the captain’s help following the accident. Mr Toovey, who accompanied the children to the match, said: “It was a bit of a nightmare, really.

“I had four paramedics looking after two kids. Stanley had a lump on his head the size of a golf ball.”

Mr Holland paid a surprise visit to the side of the pitch were the children were being treated.

The captain picked Stanley up and carried him across the pitch to the dressing room to meet the team.

Mr Holland encouraged Stanley to put on a brave face and raise a victorious fist to the chanting Bromley supporters as they crossed the ground.

Mr Toovey said: “Jack Holland was buzzing. He was so great with the kids. He’d do anything to help.”

The Bromley-based family have supported their local club for a decade, but Mr Toovey said they’d never experienced this level of interaction with the players.

The kids were a bit shaken up from what happened,” he said. “Being with the players helped relieve that.”

Mr Toovey’s son Bobby, nine, was thrilled to meet Mr Holland, his favourite player, and spend time with team.

The injured children received further medical attention in the clubhouse, before being discharged after about an hour.

Mr Toovey had nothing but praise for his local club, including Mr Holland and manager Neil Smith, who also spent some time with the children.

Tonight’s replay will be shown live on BT Sport, and Mr Toovey is delighted. He said: “Little Bromley is making big noises at the moment.

“It’s the small clubs that get forgotten about, so hopefully we can get the win.”

Mr Toovey is planning to attend the replay. He isn’t yet sure if he’ll bring the kids – but not because of their experience last week.

“It’s a school night.” he said.Bristol Rovers had not replied when the story went to press.