Gillingham’s medical staff have been praised for their actions after a Harrogate Town player went to ground on Saturday.

The game was held up in the second half for around 10 minutes as various medical personnel, including the Gills doctor Wathik El Alami and physio Gary Hemens, assisted Harrogate’s own medics after Sam Folarin went to ground.

Match referee Neil Hair was quick to summon the Harrogate Town physio onto the pitch when a ball struck Folarin in the head, leading to breathing difficulties.

Having been helped with his breathing, the player was eventually stretchered off the pitch. Half an hour later he was back on his feet at the full-time whistle.

Folarin, 22, and his club both sent messages of thanks to the Gills.

The former Middlesbrough player wrote: “I appreciate the messages glad that I’m okay would also like to thank the physios for their work from both clubs ❤️.”

His own club said: “We are pleased to report Sam Folarin has come away with no serious injuries.

“He was out walking on the pitch after the full time whistle 👏

“A big thank you to Gillingham’s medical team as well as our own for taking care of the player 💛”

Visiting manager Simon Weaver, speaking after the game, added: “Sam took a ball to the face in close proximity and that knocked the stuffing out of him.

“He was struggling to breathe, he was on the oxygen, but has come around and is much better thankfully.”