'DOUBLE miracle' footballer Mark Moore has defied the odds for a second time and returned to the pitch at Longlevens AFC.
The 27-year-old, whose heart stopped for half an hour during a match in August, was applauded by fans as he was called on as a surprise substitute for the final game of the season on Saturday.
After his collapse, doctors said he was lucky to be alive and banned him from playing football again.
But nine months later, Mark has fought back to fitness and been given the all clear to return to the beautiful game.
His pals could not contain their excitement when he helped them lift the trophy after winning against Frampton United.
The Longford striker's clubmates said it was his fighting spirit which spurred the team on to win the County League.
Manager James French said: "It's been a rollercoaster. After Mark's collapse I didn't think the team would even want to put their boots on.
"But it had the opposite effect and brought everyone closer. It really felt like we won it for him."
Mark had to give up his captaincy of the side after his heart stopped during an away game in Southam. He was saved by off duty paramedics playing on the neighbouring pitch who happened to have a defibrillator with them and shocked him eight times.
The former Elmbridge School pupil said: "I feel fantastic. It's good to be back playing. I'll be managing the seconds next season, but the aim is to come back to the first team full time."
Team captain Craig Martin, 28, said: "I'm so happy to have him back out there."
He said it felt 'superb' to lift the trophy with him and added: "I wouldn't want to do it with anyone else."
Teamate Dave Merrick, 25, was five yards from Mark when he collapsed and said the team had gone from the 'worst moment in football to the best, in one season'.
Club chairman Chris Bishop said it had been a 'miraculous and emotional season'.
The club have already raised £4,500 to buy a defibrillator for their grounds and they have also backed The Citizen's Stop the Heartbreak campaign.
It is being run in conjunction with the charity CRY – Cardiac Risk in the Young to raise awareness and also bring mobile screening units to sports teams.
Mark said: "I had no idea this kind of thing could happen to someone as young as me.
"A defibrillator only costs £1,000 but I prove they really can save someone's life."
