Thousands of supporters turned out at the Moss Rose to watch amateur players take on ex professional footballers in aid of the Bosley disaster fund.
Friends from the village formed the ‘Bosley United’ side after the massive explosion at the wood mill and invited ex professionals to play against them and raise cash. This included ex England player Trevor Sinclair and former Manchester City stars Paul Dickov and Shaun Goater.
At least 2,500 people filled the stadium at Macclesfield Town Football Club to see the action.
There was a poignant start when balloons were let off and the crowds observed a minute’s silence in honour of those who died in the blast. Mill workers Dorothy Bailey, Will Barks and Derek Moore died and Jason Shingler is still missing. Dorothy’s sons Edward and Matthew were on the pitch to pay their respects.
The Bosley United players - managed by Bosley coach Derek Sidebotham - succumbed to an 8-1 defeat in the end, but held their own against the pros in the first half.
Darren Broomhead, from Bosley United, said: “Our aim was to give them a game in the first half and in the second we put on more players. The match exceeded my expectations and the atmosphere was amazing.”
Alan Swindells scored for Bosley and goalie Anthony Connelly-Tweed was named man of the match.
Also taking part were former City stars Rae Ingram and brothers Ian and David Brightwell, ex-Coronation Street actor Scott Wright, BBC Radio Manchester’s Mike Sweeney and Efe Sodje and John Askey of Macclesfield Town.
Efe’s friend Jamie Ryan came on to play in goal for Bosley in the second half - donating £100 for every goal conceded.
Organisers are working out how much was raised but it’s thought to be around £30,000.
Darren said: “It was like being a real professional player from start to finish. A highlight was playing against Trevor Sinclair. I looked up to him as a child. It’s amazing how skillful he still is and he was such a big presence.
“But the day wasn’t about us, it was about the families who have lost relatives and homes in the explosion. Most of the team knew Dorothy and it’s still so hard for Jason’s family so the day was about them, giving families something positive to focus on.
“I was proud of how everyone came together.”
