MATT Cyster played his first game in 16 months since fracturing his skull in three places and celebrated his return by scoring a hat-trick.

Doctors originally couldn't tell his wife Lucy whether he would survive after he suffered a triple fracture in an accidental clash with the goalkeeper during a reserve match for Flackwell Heath at Wingate and Finchley in October 2000.

Lucy said: "They couldn't tell me if he would live or die when he first did it. It was hell but they are amazed by his recovery."

The 30-year-old has now been given the all-clear by the medics and he made his return to action for Busbys in their 11-0 win over Biffa in the Sunday Combination League fifth division.

And the father-of-two young children played as though he had never been away, slamming in a hat-trick.

Lucy, 32, said: "It's fantastic that he is back playing again. It's his big passion. He wouldn't even go and watch it when he couldn't play but he's much happier now.

"It's great for him and and for all the family and friends who have helped him."

Ironically though he is struggling to be fit for Busby's game against Wycombe Town Reserves in the Combination on Saturday as he has been laid low by a stomach upset.