Non-league football can be a bruising game - although usually only for the players.

But an unlucky Sutton United fan found that merely watching a match can be a painful pursuit when he was knocked out cold by a wayward ball.

The pensioner was floored by midfielder Nicky Bailey's blistering strike, which smashed him in the head as he watched the U's pre-season friendly against Ebbsfleet United on July 30.

In footage filmed by SUFC TV, the club's online video channel, players and fellow fans rush to the spectator's help after he is struck.

The fan, who was standing by the perimeter fence near to the Ebbsfleet goal, was treated by paramedics but fortunately suffered no lasting injuries.

James King, who works for SUFC TV, said: “He was obviously a little shaken - I can’t imagine what it’s like to get a ball straight in the side of the head.

"The main thing is the fan in question was fine. He was back in the terraces on Sunday, but I don’t remember seeing him behind the goal."

It's not clear how long the fan remained unconscious, but we hope he came around in time to watch his team win the game 2-0.