‘I’m so proud of him’: Harborough Town boss Mitch Austin hails ‘strong’ Paul Malone after FA Cup goal, bereavement and horror injury
It was a rollercoaster of emotions for everyone involved at Harborough Town before, during and after the 5-1 FA Cup defeat at Leyton Orient.
But for no one more so than Paul Malone, who scored the Bees’ only goal at BetWright Stadium, giving the 1,113 away supporters a moment they will never forget.
Poking the ball with his oustretched left boot, Malone volleyed home Eliot Putman’s corner to make it 3-1, sending the travelling Beehive faithful wild.
The celebrations were special over on the far side as Malone jumped for joy with his teammates in hot pursuit.
Not many were aware, but Malone’s emotions were extra poignant as his grandfather died the day before the game. He showed immense courage to come off the bench.
Then, as if Malone didn’t already have enough on his plate, the 36-year-old suffered a serious injury with only a few minutes left to play.
It quickly became clear that Malone had to be stretchered off. He was later wheeled to the tunnel before being helped down the stairs by medical staff - from both clubs - and taken to hospital from there.
Although yet to be confirmed, there were murmurs in the tunnel that Malone had suffered a suspected broken leg.
Harborough manager Mitch Austin could not be prouder of Malone, who he has now worked with for over half a decade.
“Not a lot of people know, but Paul’s grandad passed away yesterday,” Austin told the Harborough Mail after the game, with a tear in his eye.
“It was tough for Paul. I asked him how long he had in him and he said he would run on adrenaline.
“And he scored! The guy has done that for me consistently since minute one that he’s been in this dressing room to now.
“The journey from the start to here, Paul Malone has been scoring goals for me and I’m as proud of him as ever, certainly with what he’s going through now.”
On the injury and its impact, Austin added: “He’s a strong boy and he’ll get through this mentally.
“He’s got a good family, some strong brothers with him. He’s also got me here and all his teammates. With that, he’ll be as good as gold.”