A young footballer who collapsed during a match is hoping to be walking by tomorrow after being resuscitated on the pitch.

Welling United player Ali Reith, who spent his 16th birthday comatose on Tuesday, was seen smiling with Dartford FC youth development coach Phil Murray in a picture posted on the Darts' official website last night.

The former Darts youth team member, described as “one of the fittest and nicest guys in the club”, was given mouth-to-mouth resuscitation by Darts manager Tony Burman in front of horrified crowds, including the boy’s parents, at a pre-season friendly on Sunday.

Mr Burman said: "I happened to be watching the game and we could see that Ali was in trouble.

"I phoned emergency services and spoke to the operator it became quite apparent that he was in serious trouble."

Fortunately Mr Burman was first aid trained and administered CPR on the pitch under then guidance of the 999 operator.

The incident became critical when Mr Burman failed to feel any pulse from the youngster.

An air ambulance arrived at the scene soon afterwards and accompanied the casualty as he was taken to hospital by road.

Mr Burman added: "The emergency services and air ambulance were absolutely fantastic. All we did was try to keep him going until they arrived.

"I did what any other human would have done.

"He is one of the fittest and nicest guys that they have had at the club. I just hope we did the right thing and that he makes a good recovery."

Welling United have extended their thanks to Mr Burman as well as youth coach Phil Murray for their speedy reaction to the incident.

"We are pleased to say that updates from Ali's family seem positive and that he is progressing well, albeit slowly." - Dartford FC

In a statement published on its website, a Welling United spokesman said: "Everyone at the club would like to extend our best wishes and thoughts to Welling United youth player Ali Reith and his family after [Sunday's] incident at Dartford Football Club.

"Ali collapsed whilst playing in a pre-season friendly for Welling United U16’s against Dartford at Princes Park.

"We would to thank Tony Burman, Phil Murray from Dartford FC along with our own management team of Dave Shaw and John Cotton for their quick response in this traumatic event."

A spokesman from Dartford FC published a short update on the club's website today. It read: "We are pleased to say that updates from Ali's family seem positive and that he is progressing well, albeit slowly."

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