Darren plays through pain barrier

Aug 7 2008 by Andrew McGilvray

DARREN Murphy played through the pain barrier in Thorniewood United’s midweek friendly at Beith – despite breaking a rib.

The defender fell awkwardly after an aerial challenge but played on thinking that he had only suffered “a sore side”.

However, with 10 minutes to go his breathing became difficult and on the return journey from Ayrshire, he called into Monklands Hospital in Monklands.

There, medical staff confirmed that he had broken a rib, which was pressing against his heart.

United co-boss John Fallon said: “He was lucky he didn’t have a heart attack.”

The 6-1 defeat against Super Premier League Beith was almost secondary after the score to the player , but Fallon added:

“Our level of play and commitment throuhgout the match were excellent, and Des Bradshaw scored a great goal, the pick of the match.”

United were 2-1 up at Whitletts Vics on Saturday, and seemingly cruising yo victory after goals from John Fallon and Steph Mullen before they were hit by injuries, and ended up losing 3-2.

Fallon said: “We went down there with 15 players and two were injured in the warm-up.

“We picked up a couple more injuries in the second half, and finished with 10 men.

“They equalised late on and scored the winner with a minute to go which was not a true reflection.”