WIMBORNE Town will host Gosport Borough in a pre-season friendly for the Andy Culliford Trophy on Saturday (3pm kick off).

Andy, who played for both clubs, has been battling motor neurone disease since being diagnosed in 2011, aged just 34.

He now uses a wheelchair and is unable to swallow or speak, communicating by blinking into an eye machine.

The game was proposed by Gosport’s former Wimborne boss Alex Pike and will be played annually on a home and away basis to raise funds for the father of one.

A firefighter by profession, Andy may attend the Cuthbury match and could be accompanied by wife Donna and daughter Isla.

During his playing days in non-league, Andy was a cultured midfielder who also played for Paulton Rovers, Poole Town, Poppies, Bashley and Brockenhurst.

Andy recently took delivery of a therapy pool, which was purchased with assistance from Wessex Spas, to help improve his fitness.

Brian McIntyre of Wimborne Town said: “His courage and conduct are inspirational in fighting MND and humbling to witness for many.”

The Andy Culliford Trophy has been donated by Tony Dark of Alda Glass of Ringwood.