Report

Welcome to the final match report of the season, after Wednesdays AGM, plenty going on at the club, and the future is looking good!!

This game wasn't like any other game this season if ever for the players. The players of Kingsdale will be playing against the former professionals of Charlton, some of what were idols to the players whilst growing up.

Kingsdale squad was Joe A back in goal, Alex rb, Maskell lb, Gav and Joe W cb, Andy rm, Pete lm, Louie and Danny cm, and up top George and Jim, the subs to start with were Browning, Tommy, Ben W, Harribo, Dean, Matt, Sam.

With rolling subs today the message was clear, everyone will get a fair run out, and enjoy playing against exerienced footballers, and to entertain as it was a charity match, put on a decent show.

KIngsdale started off the stronger of the 2 sides in the early exchanges of play, after about 10 minutes, Joe W played a ball to the overlapping Alex on the the right, who crossed the ball right across goal, in came Pete to strike home, 1 nil to the Dale.

Charlton then came back into the game, Peter Garland was instrumental in the centre mid, with Colin Walsh coming on, Mark Robson, Paull Williams all hassling away in the middle of the pitch, really good to see they still have it, the passing that was on display at times was different gear.

After 30 minutes Charlton got the equaliser, a ball through by Peter Garland, for the on running Garry Nelson to slot home, 1-1.

Within 10 minutes of the goal Charlton struck again, with a delightful lob from Mark Robson nestled into the Kingsdale goal, 2-1 Charlton.

Half Time message was clear, keep entertaining, and enjoying yourself's and for learn from them, as they are really good footballers.

The 2nd half kicked off, and the 2 teams were sparring one another, a few killer balls, Mark Robson guilty of possibly not wanting to increase the scoreline (that only happened once!) laid the ball back for Andy Ansah to have a shot high and wide.

The round the 70 minute mark Kingsdale were pressurising, and were taking full control again, Louie struck from the edge of the area and scored 2-2, fabulous strike.

With 10 to go a dubious handball decision was given to Charlton, birthday boy Richard Wilson struck the penalty nicely into the bottom corner, Joe A going the right way, but the pace of the ball just beat him. 3-2 CAFC Vets.

Just after this Peter Elvin went on a superb run, cutting through the Charlton defence, and tapping round the keeper Lee Haywood to be bought down, Ref no penalty!! The commentator couldn't believe it and neither could the Charlton keeper.

A couple of minutes left Andy Hammond, the event organiser came off injured after pinging his hamstring, a nice standing ovation was given.

The match played out 3-2 Charlton Vets

TOTAL MONEY RAISED FOR DEMELZA= TBC

GAFFERS THOUGHTS

What a special day for everyone involved, raising money for a very good cause in Demelza, looking to be round the £3,000 mark, and playing against former pros. Lads no criticism today as every squad member put on a great show for the 500 supporters who showed up, everyone said what an entertaining game it was, and hopefully we can do this every year.

That is it for another season, we have survived relegation, and next season I want us to be challenging for the title. Thanks to everyone who helped out with the day, Colin Walsh, Nicola Collett, Katherine Green, Jaqs, Steve Grey & Woodrow Prees, James Hunt, Kate Najdowski, Jim Kenny, Danny Cooper and Alex Warner AND THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO CAME DOWN OR DONATED ANY MONEY OR PRIZES FOR THE RAFFLE.

Catch you next season, UP THE DALE!!!