A YEAR ago, Jade Powell feared she would never play football again following surgery to have metal plates help repair a broken leg fractured in three places.

But the 29-year-old playmaker netted her first goal since the horrific injury in spectacular style this weekend, and she can't wait to kick on from here.

Powell, from Cinderford, suffered her injury during a pre-season friendly last summer and missed all but 12 minutes of action for Mitcheldean last season.

It happened innocuously enough; with no one within 15 yards of her, Powell turned awkwardly on the ball and a sickening snap ended her season before it had begun.

“My initial thoughts was that that would be it; I wouldn't play football again,” she remembered.

“Once I knew all the metalwork was going in I thought I wouldn't come back. But a year later, I'm back playing and scoring goals.

“It felt amazing today. The goal today is the one I'll remember.

“It's been a long, long road and it was a good goal and I'll take that even before the leg break.

“I broke my tibia and fibula and had one fracture site that was in 16 places. I had two operations, one to have a metal cage fitted and I now I have two plates and 13 screws in my left leg.

“One of the plates will hopefully come out to get me back to full fitness I'm hoping.”

The secondary school teacher starred in Mitcheldean Ladies' 6-0 demolition of hosts Bishop's Cleeve on Sunday and was named player of the match, scoring a 25-yard chip in the process.

Powell has played for Mitcheldean for seven years, and has filled in as a player/manager and coach, as well as being on the club's committee.

“It was heartbreaking; it was absolutely devastating to watch a team that I've supported and developed, and to come away from that broke me,” she added.

“So to come back – it's still a long way, I'm not anywhere near where I was but I'm getting there – and to feel part of something is better than nothing.

“I'm really happy with my performance and today I forgot all about it and that pain and agony that I went through with the long recovery.

“It was a very good win and a good display from the team; they're playing football how I like to play football which is a passing game.

“I just want to carry on and get back to fitness and help push this team into the top three again.”