Report from George Clandon

The combined veteran teams of Burscough FC and Burscough Richmond FC met at Richmond Park on Sunday afternoon to help raise money for charity in the name of Alex Blakeman, a former player for both clubs who died recently aged 60.

The score was 4-2 to the veterans, the match graced with a former Northern Irish international Lee McEvilly, who represented Burscough FC.

Chris Blakeman, the eldest son made a short speech at the end of the game thanking everyone, saying he was a little nervous about how many players might turn up to play and how many people may have watched.

He added that he was 'absolutely delighted' when two full teams turned up along with 150 spectators who contributed £600 to the designated charity.

Special thanks to BRFC and later to Pauline and Brian Sewell from the Barons club in the village who laid on refreshments after the game, not forgetting the three organisers from the Burscough FC veterans of Ryan Bowen, Jed Nolan and Billy Knowles.

An excellent day with a string of memories, former players from both sides delighted to be meeting each other again after what seems eons ago.

Well done everyone, the Blakeman family are so grateful and completely overwhelmed, this is what Alex. loved and thrived on.