Holsworthy AFC XI 2

Presidents XI 3

HOLSWORTHY Football Club celebrated its 125th anniversary with a charity match at Upcott Field on Sunday, September 4.

The day started with town crier, Roger Dunstan, welcoming everyone, and it wasn’t long before the teams gave the crowd of over 200 plenty to shout about.

With both current and former players taking part, Matt Andrew’s late winner proving decisive for the President’s Select XI after Adam Smith and Carlo Chandler had equalised for Holsworthy after early goals from Jacob Nosworthy and Andrew.

A number of high-profile figures from the club’s history were also in attendance, including ex chairman’s Rob Moores, Mike Pett, Barry Parrish and Tony Bayley.

Presentations were made by Devon FA chairman, Bernard Leach, to club legends Ron Gifford and Eric French who were members of the victorious Devon?Senior Cup side from the 1953/54 season.

French also became a life vice president of the club, along with Ray Latty, Clifford and Sylvia Gilbert, Ween Masters and Dawn Curtis.

Further presentations were made to Stuart Moore for his matchday programmes while Holsworthy Mayor, Cllr Jon Hutchings, presented commemorative badges to all the players for taking part.

However all of the day’s proceeds went to three charities.

£125 went to Prostate Cancer UK.

Twelve months ago the players raised £250 for the charity and for the day the Holsworthy team wore those special shirts.

The day’s gate and match draw earnings have enabled the club to give £400 to TAMBA?(Twins and Multiple Births Association) and to the cancer charity FORCE.

Once the game had finished everyone headed in for a buffet while people got the chance to view plenty of club photos from years gone by.

Manager, Liam Dart, said: “It was a fantastic day for the club where we raised a good amount of money for the charities.

“It was also really nice to see some legends of the club back at Upcott Field and also to honour members of the club for all that they have done so much for us over a number of years.”