Tim Blackman was delighted to play his part on behalf of Gardner Leader in the CALM All-Stars match at York Road on Sunday 14 April.
Below is the match report provided by Maidenhead United FC –
It was a CALM day all round on Sunday afternoon as Maidenhead United hosted a well-attended All-Stars match in the sunshine. A host of ex-MUFC players, charity partners, charity auction winners, celebrities, MUFC Women and MUFC staff managed by Alan Devonshire and former Wycombe Wanderers legend Gareth Ainsworth entertained a large crowd and raised more than £7000 in the process.
Team Dev – featuring the likes of National League South title winners Sean Marks, James Comley and Rene Steer came out on top in a ten-goal thriller against a Team Ainsworth line up that boasted talent such as Adrian Clifton, Matt Glynn and Chris Ferdinand. A cagey start saw Ainsworth’s side on the back foot as Dev’s assistant manager Ryan Peters rolled back the years to notch twice. However, by the break the scores were level. Mohammed Riaz – of CALM partner Fast Lane – scored a measured lob before auction winner Josh Moxom showed composure to equalise from the penalty spot.
The goals continued to flow in the second half. A brace from auction winner Jake Schneider had Dev’s side two goals ahead again but back came Gareth’s team with a smart finish from MUWFC legend Amy Saunders. Magpies chairman Peter Griffin – who played alongside his sons, Jack and Oscar – scored a poachers finish to restore the two-goal cushion before Sean Marks rolled by the years by slotting a cross from the right home at the near post. There was a nice moment before the end as Clifton’s son, ‘Little Cliff’ – young Alfie – galloped clear to roll home a fourth for Team Gareth and celebrated with in style with his dad to complete the scoring.
The club would like to place on record our thanks to all who attended yesterday to play or spectate and also to or ‘CALM Partners’ without whom we would not be able to accommodate the logo of this fine charity on our shirts. Thank you to Fast Lane, Shanly Foundation, Smedvig, Wilson Partners, Kensington Mortgages, My HR Department, JJ Rhatigan, Maidenhead Advertiser, Origin, HUB and G&L Healthcare Advisors. We’d also like to thank Maidenhead Electrical, Gardner Leader and Inspirations for their generation donations in the lead up to the match.