Bad break for Brown

Last updated : 01 February 2007 By Morris (Bristol)

Cheltenham Town have suffered an injury blow after new signing Scott Brown suffered a broken leg at former club Bristol City.

The former Everton midfielder, who only made his move to Whaddon Road a permanent arrangement this week, needed to be stretchered off in the early stages of Wednesday's 1-0 win at Ashton Gate.

Brown came out on the wrong end of a freak accident with team-mate Damian Spencer, as he fractured his left leg when Spencer connected with him in the midst of lining up a shot at City's goal.

Brown underwent surgery in a Bristol hospital as a result of the leg fracture, and Ward admitted the player was unlucky to sustain such an injury.

"It was strange, and it was only 12 minutes into the game," Ward told Sky Sports News.

"Damian is a big guy and a powerful player. He had cut inside and was winding up to shoot on his right foot.

"Scott Brown thought he could nick and run on with the ball, and Damian went through with his shot and kicked right through the back of Scott Brown's calf, which at the time, looked quite amusing.

"But when you see the horrific outcome of it, you realise the power that Damian generated right through.

"He's broken Scott's leg and it's a freakish accident - something like I've never seen before."

Former City boss Ward was full of praise for the fans at Ashton Gate for the plight of one of their former players.

"The whole incident lasted six minutes, so it was a long time, and people can get impatient with that," he added.

"But everybody in the ground knew it was a serious situation, and I'd like to thank the City supporters.

"They showed great respect for everything that was going on there. It was a real fine gesture from them."