Nick Ackland charity game

Brimscombe Veterans 4

Stonehouse Town Vets 3

BRIMSCOMBE and Stonehouse rolled back the years to stage a charity game in memory of popular footballer Nick Ackland.

A thrilling clash, which Brimscombe edged 4-3, raised more than £700 for Longfield - which supports people with life-limiting illness.

Earlier, Stonehouse started brightly at the Meadow - Adam Thomas did well to tip and audacious Chris Bailey lob over the bar. Moments later Bailey picked Neil Long's pocket to evade Thomas and roll the ball home to give the Magpies the lead.

Just before the break Thomas saved an Andy Neale penalty after Clint Davies had fouled the Stonehouse striker.

Brimscombe netted parity when John Dalton fizzed home from the edge of the box from a Ricky Towers assist. Dalton grabbed his second from the penalty spot as the Lilywhites turned up the heat. However, a sumptuous Mel Beachus chip brought Stonehouse back into the match.

Jamie Underwood's thunderbolt handed Brimscombe a 3-2 lead and Lee Davis's deflected strike saw the Lilywhites open up a 4-2 scoreline. At the death, Long handled in the box and Shaun Hornsby grabbed a consolation goal for Stonehouse from the spot.

Brimscombe assistant manager Tim Wilkins, who organised the game, said: "A massive thanks to Brimscombe chairman Clive Baker and all the committee and staff to support this game. Also a massive thanks to Jaime Underwood and Stonehouse chairman Nigel Saunders for organising the teams and match ref Andy Davies and thanks go to the people who came along, watched and made generous donations. Overall, a fantastic day that will probably be made into an annual event and hopefully a Nick Ackland Memorial Trophy."