Miles Jermy SCORING a goal is always special, but young Daniel Applegate had even more reason to celebrate when he found the back of the net.The Bradwell boy feared he might not kick a ball again when he was hit by a car and suffered serious leg injuries in May.

Miles Jermy

SCORING a goal is always special, but young Daniel Applegate had even more reason to celebrate when he found the back of the net.

The Bradwell boy feared he might not kick a ball again when he was hit by a car and suffered serious leg injuries in May.

Sports-mad Daniel, 11, dreamed of playing football again throughout the long months recovering from the accident.

The moment finally arrived two weeks ago when Daniel made his long awaited return for Blundeston Magpies.

The game was all the more memorable as he scored in an 11-1 win and received the man of the match award.

“I had watched the team play once or twice and was really looking forward to playing again,” said Daniel.

“My teammates were happy that I was back and gave me a really nice round of applause when I came on the pitch.”

“It was a bit strange at first, but I was really excited to score a goal and couldn't stop jumping around.”

Woodlands Primary School pupil Daniel suffered horrific injuries to his left leg with one bone puncturing the skin and another completely shattered. He needed to have several pins put in the leg and was not able to return to school until July.

With the help of extensive physiotherapy Daniel gradually regained use of his leg and was finally fit enough to take up sport again after Christmas.

Before the accident, Daniel had dreamed of being a professional athlete and he showed his potential finishing fifth for his age group in the recent Great Yarmouth schools cross country competition.

Mum Coral was amazed by the determination and patience shown by Daniel as he battled his way to recovery.

She said: “Daniel has a fantastic attitude and is a really strong character, his patience has amazed me.

“The medical staff could not promise that he would be able to run again, but he has made a far better recovery than I could have expected.

“I thought he would be nervous about playing in the game, but he was itching to get back out there.

“It was tremendous, the other young boys were chanting his name and for him to score was the icing on the cake.”

As a reward for his achievements Manchester United fan Daniel enjoyed a trip to Old Trafford with dad Craig and younger brother Joe to see his heroes play Spurs in the FA Cup last weekend.