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Footy fans descended upon Oldcoates as the Red Hart Reprobates of Blyth took on the Blyth Bombers as a fundraiser for the Aurora Wellbeing Centre in Worksop.

Visitors also had the chance to bid on a football signed by recent champions Manchester City FC.

Aurora manager Sally Richardson said: “The Red Hart Reprobates had a strong squad of 15 men, with a mixture of regular footballers and those who had not and perhaps should not have played for years!”

“The Blyth Bombers old boys were brought back together after retiring last year after playing in the under 19 league, with the guest appearance of ex-Sheffield United and Wimbledon player Glynn Hodges.”

She continued: “The sides were fairly evenly matched for the first 20 minutes but then the fitness of the younger squad began to show when Lewis Francis scored the first of his four goals. In the end referee Phil Hollinger blew the final whistle at 9-1, before both teams then went on to leave the passion of football on the field and enjoy the hospitality of the Red Hart in Blyth.”

The Aurora Wellbeing Centre needs to raise £750,000 to convert the old library building on Memorial Avenue into a cancer care centre - with this event raising an impressive £1,000 towards this great cause.

Sally Richardson added: “Thanks must go to everyone involved, but a special mention must go to Gill and Paul Riley from the Red Hart, Kim and Howard Smith who’s brainchild the match was, and of course to Glynn Hodges for guest staring on the day and donating the football.”

“Everyone in the village really enjoyed the event.”

To donate or arrange your own fundraiser for Aurora, you can contact Sally Richardson, fundraiser on 01909 502767 or email her on [email protected]