FAIRY-TILE STORY

Alfie's back on ladder after open-heart op

-  MIKE WALTERS

FOR roofer Alfie Rutherford, every day he kicks a ball from now on will feel as vivid as a night on the tiles.

The Dorking Wanderers striker is nearing a comeback just 10 months after open-heart surgery.

When Rutherford, 25, was crocked by ruptured knee ligaments early last season, he used the long lay-off as his chance to become the National League's youngest cardiac patient.

He's already back up the ladder and is "buzzing" at the prospect of resuming his football career.

Hopefully Wanderers will have a few more points on the board by the time their prolific poacher (49 goals in 88 appearances) is back.

But Rutherford's tale is a story to warm the heart of every fan.