Bira Dembele and Michael Timlin clash heads: Sickening clash leaves players needing combined total of 22 stitches

Pair were competing for header

Michael Timlin (GETTY IMAGES)

Bira Dembele and Michael Timlin were involved in a sickening clash of heads during the League Two play-off semi-final first leg between Stevenage and Southend.

The pair clashed accidentally as they competed for a header.

There were audible gasps at Broadhall Way at the sight of the incident that left both players on the deck and blood pouring from Timlin's head.

After receiving treatment on the pitch, Southend midfielder Timlin was substituted to be replaced by Gary Deegan.

However, quite incredibly Stevenage defender Dembele managed to carry on. According to reports the Frenchman told his manager he wanted to play on and was duly allowed back on with bandaging around his head. However he was eventually replaced at half-time.

Watch the incident below...

According to reports, the duo needed a combined 22-stitches. The match ended 1-1.