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Arrow miss player 'cheated death' Arrow miss player 'cheated death'
(about 5 hours later)
A semi-professional footballer has said he feels lucky to be alive after almost being hit by a 1m-long arrow fired on to a pitch during a match.A semi-professional footballer has said he feels lucky to be alive after almost being hit by a 1m-long arrow fired on to a pitch during a match.
The referee stopped the Unibond First Division clash between Woodley Sports and Alsager Town at Lambeth Stadium, Stockport, 12 minutes before time.The referee stopped the Unibond First Division clash between Woodley Sports and Alsager Town at Lambeth Stadium, Stockport, 12 minutes before time.
The metal arrow, which police believe was fired from outside the ground, narrowly missed Jamie Kay, 18.The metal arrow, which police believe was fired from outside the ground, narrowly missed Jamie Kay, 18.
"I felt physically sick," said the teenager, who is from Stockport."I felt physically sick," said the teenager, who is from Stockport.
Mr Kay, who signed for the club in 2005, said he felt a rush of wind past his shoulder before turning around to see the arrow sticking out of the ground.Mr Kay, who signed for the club in 2005, said he felt a rush of wind past his shoulder before turning around to see the arrow sticking out of the ground.
I honestly think I would have died if it had gone two inches the other way Jamie KayI honestly think I would have died if it had gone two inches the other way Jamie Kay
"I thought it was just a breeze, then I saw the referee running over and I thought he was going to book me."I thought it was just a breeze, then I saw the referee running over and I thought he was going to book me.
"But he told me to turn round and when I saw the metal arrow, I felt physically sick."But he told me to turn round and when I saw the metal arrow, I felt physically sick.
"He said it missed me by an inch and God only knows what could have happened."He said it missed me by an inch and God only knows what could have happened.
"I honestly think I would have died if it had gone two inches the other way. I feel lucky to be alive.""I honestly think I would have died if it had gone two inches the other way. I feel lucky to be alive."
Woodley were winning 3-0 when the match was abandoned on Saturday afternoon.Woodley were winning 3-0 when the match was abandoned on Saturday afternoon.
'Reckless stupidity'
Woodley Sports and Football Club has put up a reward of up to £1,500 for anyone who helps find the person responsible.Woodley Sports and Football Club has put up a reward of up to £1,500 for anyone who helps find the person responsible.
Woodley manager Ally Pickering said: "Nothing like this has happened to the team in the 25 years since the club was founded.Woodley manager Ally Pickering said: "Nothing like this has happened to the team in the 25 years since the club was founded.
"We have no idea whether this was kids messing around or adults, but it has to be stopped. We're very lucky this wasn't much more serious."We have no idea whether this was kids messing around or adults, but it has to be stopped. We're very lucky this wasn't much more serious.
"It is hard enough to get people to support non-league football we just hope a one-off like this isn't going to put anyone off.""It is hard enough to get people to support non-league football we just hope a one-off like this isn't going to put anyone off."
A club spokesperson said: "Woodley Sports and Football club condemns the reckless stupidity of the mindless person or persons who fired the missile into our club ground.A club spokesperson said: "Woodley Sports and Football club condemns the reckless stupidity of the mindless person or persons who fired the missile into our club ground.
"The consequences of this action could have been devastating.""The consequences of this action could have been devastating."