STORM CANT RUIN CHARITY MATCH

Charity Match

UNITED GRAYS FC 10 DCT BOXING ACADEMY FC 6

played at Melbourne Park, Aspley

Att: around 120

Id only ever been to Melbourne Park once before and that wasnt for a football match but for a local Wrestling event, so was eager to get back to the venue to see a game, so when last week John Manders contacted me to make me aware of this charity match, it gave me the chance. I contacted local hopper Malc Storer and also Chesterfield based hopper Chris Roberts.

On arrival, I soon found the tea bar open, so grabbed a cuppa whilst chatting to a few players and also the match referee Jevon Swinscoe who had given up his match fee for the charity event.

The match kicked off in awful wet conditions and everyone crowded under the trees on the sidelines whilst the players matched each other and played some football, me and Chris were soon joined by Kev Buxton and Willie from Awsworth Villa FC. Chris than offered me a lift back home to Chesterfield to save me catching 3 buses, which I was very thankful of.

It took a while for the match to liven up and united were awarded a penalty on 33 minutes to which it was dispatched. On 41 minutes, a cross from the right wing was tapped in close home to double United's lead. Then a total mix up by the DCT keeper and defender left the United attacker with just the ball to angle home from a acute angle to extend United;s advantage to a half time 3-0 lead.

With loads of changes for the Second Half and the rain stopped, it was DCT who had the first chance with the ball beating the keeper but just flashing wide. After 50 minutes, United made it 4-0 and it soon became 5 when the DCT keeper palmed out a strong shot only to fall in to the path of a attacking player who knocked the ball home.

After 56 minutes, it became 6-0 when the United keeper converted a penalty and it looked like it was going to be a matter of how many goals would be scored in this second half.

Both sides then bought on some little kids to join in the fun and on 61 minutes, one of the kids run a full 40 yards showing some skills before hammering home DCT;s first goal, the same youngster then reduced the arrears to 6-2, but United were not in giving mood when a ball from the right side saw the ball headed home on the line to make it 7-2.

Goals were then rolling in at steady intervals and I made the score 10-5 to United Grays but according to Chris Roberts he made it 10-6, so I swill go with Chris;s score as it adds another 25p in to the Charity pot.

A really good fun day and what a shame about the weather as I am sure a lot more people would have turned out

With the 16 goals scored it now takes the running total for The Nottingham Stroke Club to £296.25p and John Manders has kindly pledged to make a donation during this week, so a BIG thankyou to John.

127 photos can be seen on this LINK