It was a homecoming Johnny Ball, the PHC president, had been looking forward to for some time, the club hosting their first match at PHC Stadium for almost 17 years.

Unfortunately, Ball, who doubles up as the team’s left back when not carrying out administrative duties, was not able to enjoy the whole occasion after a dislocated shoulder near half-time sent him to hospital as he missed the end of the match against North Village which the visiting side won 3-1.

Apart from the result — and his own injury — Ball said that it was a good day for the club as a large crowd turned out to support the ‘Going Home’ initiative.

Another home match, however, will not come until early March when Zebras close out their season with two final home games against Devonshire Cougars and Hamilton Parish on March 8 and 15, by which time Ball should have long returned from the injury.

“I went to the hospital and they just popped my shoulder back in place,” Ball, who was in great discomfort as he waited for the ambulance to arrive at the ground, said

“It hurt a lot when it happened and it’s still a little bit sore now but definitely better than Sunday.”

Ball will likely miss Saturday night’s league match with Robin Hood but he expects to return soon after that, possibly for the quarter-finals of the FA Cup if PHC get by St David’s in tonight’s replay.

“I’m due to see the doctor tomorrow [today] and I imagine it will be a week or so,” Ball, who fell awkwardly after a challenge from Takeyhi Walker, said.

“It wasn’t anything malicious, he definitely bumped into me but I just fell awkwardly.

“It was just one of those things that had never happened to me before. My team-mate Jevone Sealey and my coach Mark Wade tried to pop it back into place but it didn’t quite happen, so I went to the hospital.

“They gave me a sling at the hospital and tomorrow I’ll see the doctor. We have adequate replacements for me in Jahnai Raynor and Darren Usher.”

Ball did manage to soak up some of the early atmosphere at the ground as football finally returned to the Warwick ground which was first opened 50 years ago with a match against the same opponents. Village also won that 1965 match.

“It’s something the executives and various committees had worked towards and it was definitely a blessing and a proud moment for the club,” Ball said.

“Overall it was a win for PHC and the community in being able to return to PHC Stadium, and we’re looking to build on that.

“It was great support, the most I’ve seen at a league match in years and we’re thankful for our supporters for coming out.

“We look forward to that same support for the rest of our home games.

“We’re just hopeful our fans will come out again and help create just as good an atmosphere in our next home game. There were fans there that I haven’t seen in years, old fans and old players.

“There was definitely excitement in the air and it was good to see the community coming together.”