AFC TOTTON goalkeeper Shane Murphy has confirmed that he sustained a fractured skull in Hampshire FA Senior Cup action last night.

Murphy had to be helped from the pitch after taking a blow to the head just ten minutes into the tie against Horndean at The Testwood Stadium.

He was injured in an accidental collision with the Deans’ Fuzz Kanjanda.

Murphy has been Totton’s No1 since joining the Stags from Dorchester Town two summers ago.

The 25-year-old, who was on AFC Bournemouth’s books, has become a firm fans’ favourite with the Evo-Stik Division One South club.

Murphy tweeted today: "Can confirm that I sustained a fractured skull in last nights match during a one on one, absolutely gutted and a little bit scared tbh, thank you to the @AFCTotton and @Horndean_FC staff for the care and to @alicejeans_1 and her dad for staying with me all night at the hospital.”

Totton went on to lose the county cup tie 4-1, with experienced defender Dave Allen deputising for Murphy in goal.

But that defeat pales into insignificance in the light of Murphy’s injury, with a club spokesman saying: “This puts the result into perspective.

“I am sure everybody will join us in wishing Shane a speedy recovery.”