Frampton United footballer Liam Harper suffered a gruesome facial injury during Saturday's County League clash against Hanham.

Harper and Hanham’s Jake Fry were involved in an accidental clash of heads during the opening 10 minutes of the game, which was immediately abandoned.

Harper,18, was knocked out and sustained a deep gash to his lip, which required 20 stitches and a suspected broken nose. Fry received a broken nose and collar bone.

“I don’t remember what happened,” said Harper. “I’ve been told it was just a coming together. I turned to run after the ball and an opposing player turned and ran in my direction and we both ran into each other and smashed heads, and we were knocked out straight away.

"The Hanham team were a great credit too helping me and their own injured player who I wish a speedy recovery.

“I’m feel pretty awful to be honest, but the swelling is going down by the day, but the pain isn’t wearing off just yet,” added Harper, who is studying sport at Hartpury College.

Frampton boss Josh Loveridge felt the decision to call the game off was the right thing to do.

He said: “While we were disappointed that the game was abandoned, it was absolutely the right decision. The health of the two lads involved is the most important thing."

League leaders Frampton travel to Henbury on Saturday, 2pm.