Bolton Wanderers: Former stars turn out for charity match

A number of ex-professionals turned out - including Filipe Morais, Jem Karacan, Nicky Hunt and Luke Joyce – to help raise money for some great causes in the local community and further afield.

Local boxer Alex Murphy and England Amputee footballer Rhyce Ramsden also took part, while the teams were managed by John McGinlay and Marc Came.

There was a great turnout at the Skuna Stadium considering the first team were also playing against Middlesbrough in Bishop Auckland as part of their pre-season schedule.

Luke Hoyce and Nicky Hunt were among the ex-pros involved (Image: Danny Crompton)

The wide range of stalls and activities helped build the atmosphere but when 3pm arrived, all eyes turned to the pitch.

The action did not disappoint, with nothing to separate to two sides after 90 minutes following an entertaining 4-4 draw.

Nicky Hunt, who has become a regular at the event, enjoyed the chance to put on his boots again.

“It was brilliant,” he told The Bolton News. “I played in it last year and we had four seasons in one day!

“It was fantastic, a great game of football and I am sure everyone watching had a great time.

“I have not seen Jeff Smith for about 15 years, it is always nice to catch up with people.

“It is all for a great cause and it is fantastic to see how many people came down. I thoroughly enjoyed it, I might need to get a bit fitter for next season!”

The teams certainly looked the part, sporting kits designed specially by Concept BWFC for the event.

Filipe Morais ran the opposition defence ragged in the second half and it was clear to see that the Postman still has it.

Jem Karacan also impressed and was delighted to score a diving header in the second half, even if it did give him cramp!

Luke Joyce, who finished his playing career down the road at Radcliffe before taking up a role at Premier League Brentford, was also a joy to watch in the middle of the pitch and took his goal well.

Despite the number of ex-pros on the field, it was Ramsden who had the final say with a timely equaliser.

The youngster, who recently helped the England Amputee team reach the semi-finals at the Euros in France, thought he had got on the scoresheet earlier in the second half but was denied by a wonder save.

Alex Murphy impressed in defence (Image: Danny Crompton)

He eventually got the goal his performance deserved after a brilliant run by Morais, one of his Bolton heroes.

“Eventually, it came. It makes it better with it being the equaliser so I am over the moon,” Ramsden grinned.

“Fair play to the goalkeeper. My other shot was going right in the top corner but he came out of nowhere and managed to tip it onto the bar.

“I usually play 50 minutes a game so playing 45 minutes a half, it has been a bit tiring – especially with it being the off-season!

“But I loved every minute of it and it makes me miss football even more. Even though it is a charity game and a bit of fun, I always love football.”

Alex Murphy was another player who managed to keep up with the ex-pros. The local boxing talent played at centre-back and made countless blocks.

He wants to be like Mayweather in the ring but on the pitch, it was like watching Maldini as he showed composure on the ball to constantly progress up the pitch.

“It was great, I am thankful that I was asked to play. I enjoyed myself out there but the main thing is it’s all for a great cause,” Murphy added.

“I got into boxing through football. I played up to the age of 18 and always played centre-back. I enjoy it and am just gutted that I can’t play as much now.”

Bolton Hospice, Whysup, Bolton Wanderers in the Community, Andy’s Man Club and Be Strong are among the organisations that will benefit from the funds raised this year.

The final total is yet to be confirmed but getting anywhere near to last year’s total of more than £10,000 would be a huge achievement given the first-team game being played at the same time.