Blyth Spartans Pass On Condolences After Shaw Lane Aquaforce Player Dies During Match

Blyth Spartans are saddened to hear the news that Shaw Lane Aquaforce defender Daniel Wilkinson has passed away, after he collapsed during a match last night.

Shaw Lane had been 2-0 up in their Integro Doodson Sports Cup tie with Brighouse Town - with Spartans awaiting the winners in the next round - however, the game was postponed on the hour mark when the 26-year-old collapsed on the pitch.

Wilkinson - who joined Aquaforce from Evo-Stik Premier League side Rushall Olympic in the summer - received treatment on the pitch for some time, before being taken to Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax.

In a statement released on the club's Facebook page, Shaw Lane Aquaforce chairman Craig Wood said: "It's with great sadness that we have to announce the tragic loss of Daniel Wilkinson, who has sadly passed away after collapsing on the pitch during the game last night. Our thoughts and prayers are with him family and friends at this time.

"The club would like to thank everyone for their heartfelt messages and thoughts that we have received throughout the night. There are no more words at this time."

Everyone at Blyth Spartans would also like to pass our condolences on to Daniel's family and friends and our thoughts are with them and everyone at Shaw Lane Aquaforce during this difficult time.