WHEN semi-pro footballer Chris Morris learnt his heavily pregnant girlfriend was having regular contractions one Saturday morning he did what many typical men might do – he put his kit on and went to play football.
And when 30 minutes into the match he was told by his assistant manager she had gone into labour and was being rushed to hospital, he did what many men might not dare do – he carried on playing – it was his home debut after all.
After netting the opening goal five minutes later for Stafford Rangers, Chris even decided to play on until half time where he faced a frantic dash in his muddy football kit to avoid being in the dog house.
And luckily for 22-year-old Chris he managed to get to the Stafford Hospital just in a nick of time to see his partner Claire Anderson, 25, give birth to his first child Savannah Louise - who weighed 6lbs 5oz.
“There were so many things going round in my head when I was on the football pitch,” said Chris, from Stafford.
“I had explained the situation to my manager Greg Clowes and after about half an hour I could hear my assistant manager shouting to me that she had gone into labour.
“But I was having a good game, it was my home debut so I wanted to play on. And five minutes later I’ve only gone and scored. The ball came over the top and I’ve gone past three defenders and knocked it in.
“So at half-time, I got my stuff and drove off with the Stafford Rangers kit still on. There was mud everywhere. It was an amazing day.
“She woke up on the Saturday and was like ‘I’m having contractions.’ They were about every 15 minutes.
“So I said to her I’d go to football and I’d take her to her mums. I told her to phone me if anything happened.”
Chris, who was on a YTS contract at League Two side Shrewsbury, says Claire was delighted he made the birth – but admits it would’ve been a different story had he missed the special occasion because of football.
“I promised I’d be there from the start,” added Chris, who has been with Claire for a year-and-a-half and lives with her in their Stafford home.
“As soon as I got there was delighted. She asked how the game was going and I said it was 1-0 and I’d scored. I think it helped take her mind off the birth.
“But she would’ve battered me if I had missed it.
“It’s all happened so quick. It only feels like it happened yesterday.”
Although he wasn’t there to see it, Chris’ first-half goal inspired Evo-Stik Premier Division side Stafford Rangers to a 5-1 victory over Stocksbridge Park Steels – and the striker says he is glad to be back playing football regularly.
“When I was released from Shrewsbury I lost interest in football and worked at Costa.
“I’ve been there three-and-a-half years, hopefully I’ll work up to being a manager.
“I’ve played for a few clubs now, Hednesford, Romulus, Stourbridge and now Stafford – but I’m hoping to stay at Stafford for a while.
“Everyone is really nice and things have started on a good foot.
“There was a friendly game last night but I had the game off to be with the family. I’ll be back in on Thursday ready for Saturday’s game.”
