After almost eight years absence, nets were on, players warmed up, and spectators gathered on the sideline to witness the return of local football to the Charlie Wayman pitch at the Miners Welfare Recreation Ground, reports Sue Reece.
It was fitting that former star players and coaches, the Chilton Legends, got to kick off the charity match against the newly formed Chilton Club FC.
In a tightly contested match, the Legends were fighting hard to keep pace against the younger legs, and fortunately they had some of the Chilton juniors on side to assist.
All in all, they were fairly matched at 4-4 by full -time but Chilton Club clinched it on penalties, with former Chilton Juniors player, Jack Clark scoring one of the winning goals, making his dad and former coach Ian extremely happy.
Another proud parent, Daggon Hewitt said: “I couldn’t be prouder if I tried. My boy Odin stepped up to play against men, my heart was in my mouth …. well done to everyone!”
Man of the match for Club FC was Joseph Gibson and Kai Thistlewaire for the Legends with the match sponsored by BCP Promotions Charity Boxing.
Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped make this happen.
The field has been the home of Chilton Football for over 100 years.
In fact, Chilton Athletic FC was the first amateur team to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup and has produced some great players, not only the ground’s namesake, Charlie Wayman, but also the fabulous Sam Hartnell, the first player from Chilton to play for England.
Sam lived in no. 57 West Chilton Terrace and played in the first Victory Shield game in 1911. The final score was 1-1 with Sam scoring the goal for England.
Come along and watch the next pre-season friendly, a local derby against Ferryhill Ivorson this Sunday, 6 July, with a 10.30am kick off.
You never know, you might be watching the next England superstar!
Sue Reece
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
