A TRADITIONAL Boxing Day charity football match raised £995 as Portland United stars past and present turned out to support the long-running event.

Taking place in support of the Three Ells Trust, the fixture was won 4-1 by Brendon King’s All-Stars, who beat Nick Preston’s Old Boys thanks to a Mark Robinson brace and further goals from Harry Hutchinson and Lewis Whyton.

Preston then added a late consolation for his eponymous side.

Speaking to Echosport after the game, organiser Darren Whyton, who also played, said the turnout for the game set a new record.

He said: “It was a good day, everyone had a cracking day out. Brendon hand-picked his side with people like Alex Browne, Ben Doidge, Nigel Evans, Carl Mutch and Lewis.

“We had over 150 people in the ground watching it and raised £995. Last year we had just over £1,000 but this was the best turnout ever.

“We had about 18 or 19 players-a-side and the next generation are coming on, we need it because we’re getting on! To be fair, Brendon took a few of the more mobile ones off.

“There were also 40 raffle prizes and my voice is killing me because I had to call them all out!

“The only downside was Ben Simmonds who broke his collarbone. He just fell over, it wasn’t a challenge. We just want to wish him well from everyone at the club.”

Other players who played included current Blues’ manager Simon Browne, Andy and Pete Turrell, Willie Gibson, Ian Hutchinson, Steve Alcock, Kern Forden, Paul Myers, Mark Long, Morris Welch, Andy Rosewell and Mark Carter.

Whyton added: “It’s something we do every year. I try and get a cheque made up and then we do a handover. It’s a charity close to our hearts.

“They’ve raised over £1million since they started. If we can increase their coffers and bank balance then more kids get help, it’s a really good cause.

“Thanks to Brendon and the manager at Travis Perkins for sponsoring the game. We just want to thank everyone that turned up, and the players too.”