A BOY who cheated death in an horrific accident has made a comeback to the sport he loves.
And young Josh Singleton has even more reason to celebrate - he scored his first goal for Westend, based at Salendine Nook, in a game against Upperthong.
Josh, 11, of Heaton Road, Paddock, spent six months in hospital after being caught in the path of a lorry in Outlane three years ago.
His head injuries were dreadful and for days he lay in a coma.
What made it so much worse for Josh and for his family was that he had just been asked to go for trials at Leeds United, who had spotted his talents on show with Westend.
Sadly, Josh never made it to the trials but he has started playing soccer again.
And he was one of the Westend scorers as they romped to a 9-0 win at Upperthong.
Westend secretary Ricky Thwaites said: "Everyone was so delighted for Josh because he is a great lad.
"He had played a few games for us before his accident and he was a gifted young player. The scouts from Leeds United had watched him and had spoken to his family, inviting him for a trial.
"It was a terrible, terrible accident and we feared he had died. But he is a fighter and he is now back and playing and we are really delighted."
Josh's mum, Tina Prentice, said: "He's so lucky to be here, never mind to be playing football again.
"He suffered terrible head injuries in the accident and he spent three months in Leeds General Infirmary and three months in Huddersfield Royal Infirmary."
Josh, a pupil at Newsome High School and Sports College, lives with his mum, her partner Paul and sister Bethany, nine.
He has lost some use of his left arm and has mobility problems with his left leg. But he has played a number of games in the Westend Under12A side, both in attack and defence, and now hopes to add to his impressive goals tally.
