Burnley agree to Branch benefit game

PREMIERSHIP newcomers Burnley have ethusiastically agreed to Colwyn Bay's request to send a team to Llanelian Road later this season to play a benefit game for Graham Branch - the ex-Burnley favourite whose playing career was ended by a serious eye injury while playing for the Bay at Rossendale in April.
Branch was a particularly popular player with the Turf Moor fans during his time at Burnley and the Lancashire club are anxious to help Colwyn Bay's plans to stage a benefit game - with Burnley manager Owen Coyle possibly playing himself.
I understand Burnley have already submitted three possible dates in November, but they clash with Colwyn Bay commitments (two re-arranged midweek league games and a pre-booked private function in the social club) and it is now hoped to hold the game some time in the New Year.
I am told Graham is still seeing a specialist over the injury caused by a kick in the face as he went to head the ball.
Meanwhile, I am informed that Rob Hopley has had a scan on his injured knee delayed for a further week due the amount of swelling around the joint, but that there is slightly more encouraging news.
He has had his leg put in a brace and Seagulls secretary Grant McIndoe, who was with the striker at the Countess of Chester hospital on Tuesday, reports that although nothing can be confirmed until the scan is done next week, the specialist says there is the possibility that the injury might not be as career-threatening as first diagnosed. If that proves to be correct, and the main damage is to the posterior ligament, there is a chance he could be training again in three to four months.
"Rob is a bit down at the moment, but is trying to stay positive," reported Grant, who added that the striker is hoping to be able to attend Saturday's home game against Trafford if he can.
Manager Neil Young tells me Rob has already texted a message to his team-mates urging them to get him a championship-winning medal this season!