Cirencester Town Legends 3 RAF Legends 2
On Sat 31 Jul a RAF Football Association Veterans team were just edged by the Cirencester Town FC Legends in a good-spirited and enjoyable charity encounter in aid of Help for Heroes. Three goals in the last five minutes produced a rousing finale as tiredness led to fatigue and then near-exhaustion and it was Cirencester who claimed the winner in the 90th minute.
The fixture was named ‘Clash of the Legends’ and Warrant Officer Tony Dunn, RAF Halton, was invited by Cirencester Town Football Club to put together a team of RAF Football Veterans (over age 35) to represent the RAF Football Association in this charity fixture. The majority of the Cirencester team had played football at professional or semi-pro level, so it was a stern test for the team. However, the RAF Vets’ represented the Service superbly and had numerous chances to score in the first half; Cpl Darren Shalliker, the youngest member of the team, rattled the Ciren cross-bar with a powerful shot from 20 yards and retired Warrant Officer Geordie Salkeld, the senior man, tested the goal keeper with a fierce drive that was well saved at the front post. Slightly against the run of play Cirencester Town took the lead on 65 mins to lead 1-0 at half time.
The RAF Vets’ came roaring back in the 2nd half and coach FS Paul Spencer-White introduced fresh legs with WO Ian Shaw and Chief Tech Martin Wilkinson coming on. Following a good passing move on the right, Sgt Pete Lehair found retired FS Steve Tapp in space 18 yards out; Tappy skipped past one challenge and then, with a drop of the should and a swivel of the hips, rounded the advancing goal keeper to score a deserved equaliser. As tiredness set in the game became stretched as both teams pressed for the winning goal. Sqn Ldr Criag Gill and FS Mark Mallinson marshalled the RAF Vets’ defence, ably supported by WO Paul Wheable, while WO Tony Dunn worked tirelessly in mid-field, but on 85 minutes Cirencester took the lead following a goal mouth scramble. The RAF Vets’ fought back and on 89 minutes equalised for the 2nd time; Sgt Pete Lehair shooting across the keeper into the far corner of the net. With all the players shattered both sides would have settled for a draw, but in the final attack of the game Cirencester scored the winning goal. The 3–2 defeat was harsh on the RAF Vets’ as they had contributed to a thoroughly entertaining game, superbly officiated by Sgt Sully O’Sullivan. Following the game Wing Commander R J L Harris FRSPH ACIEH RAF Ret’d, Life Vice President of the RAF Football Association, presented a RAFFA plaque to Cirencester Town Football Club and thanked them for hosting the event and their generous hospitality.
RAF Legends: Sgt Peter Lehair, WO Tony Dunn, Cpl Darren Shalliker, FS Mark Mallinson, FS Paul Spence-White, Darren Robison, Phil Harris, C/T Martin Wilkinson, Sqn Ldr Craig Gill, Sgt Michael Santos, Dave ‘Geordie’ Salkeld, WO Ian Shaw, WO Paul Wheable, Steve Tapp.
Everyone agreed that the RAF Football Veterans should develop and play more fixtures, potentially at inter-service level against the Royal Navy and Army Vets’ Teams. If you are a RAF Football Association Veteran (age over 35 and ideally with inter-service football experience) and are interested in getting involved, either as player or socially, please get in touch with WO Tony Dunn, RAF Halton 95237 7077, tony.dunn695@halton.raf.mod.uk