Stars of stage, screen and stadium were on show at Melbourne on Sunday as legends from Chelmsford City’s past went down by the odd goal in seven to a side packed with Arsenal Celebrities, raising cash for The Prince’s Trust and the Gunners’ own charity.

Ralph Little of the Royle Family fame, Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet and Tommy Walsh from Ground Force were amongst the team in red which also included Sam Attwater (Leon from Eastenders) and former Arsenal player Paul Davis in the line-up. Hundreds of spectators witnessed an entertaining game as part of a whole day of festivities that featured bouncy castles, beat-the-goalie and numerous gift stalls.

City’s Ken Wigley opened the scoring on 15 minutes - beating his own goalkeeper - then Attwater added a second just after the half-hour from close range. Barry Lakin pulled a goal back for the Clarets prior to the break with a 35-yard thunderbolt but the Gunners added to their advantage courtesy of Davis and Micky Nunn after half-time. With five minutes remaining, Chelmsford rallied through poacher Steve Portway who dribbled into the box and finished neatly before also teeing-up Gareth Street for a third.

Mick Loughton, who had two spells in charge of the Clarets at New Writtle Street, managed City again on the day and he was assisted by Mick Tiffen in the dugout. Bob Batchford was the man with the magic sponge and all-time leading scorer Tony Butcher kicked the game off. The club’s best wishes go to Colin Johnson, Ken Wigley, Mick Butcher and anyone else who hobbled off with injury or fatigue! Ex-players John Devine, Willie Carrick and Ian Templeton were present on the terraces to watch the match.

A raffle also helped boost the total raised, with a signed Ronnie O’Sullivan snooker cue amongst the prizes, and Commercial Manager Aaron Desmond paid tribute to everyone involved in the event, saying: “It never ceases to amaze me how willing people are to give up their time and volunteer as they have today. The success of this event is all down to a team effort and we hope to have raised a decent figure as well as showing how proud Chelmsford City Football Club are to support the excellent work of the Trust.”

The full list of participants for the City Legends side included: Adrian Owers, Barry Lakin, Barry O’Dea, Colin Johnson, David Greene, Dennis Greene, Frank Bishop, Gareth Street, John Bishop, Jon O’Brien, Keith Goodwin, Ken Wigley, Kevin Foster, Mick Butcher, Paul Goyette, Peter Gillott, Phil Thrift, Robbie Garvey, Simon Clarke, Steve Portway, Terry O’Donnell, Tony Butcher, Tony Rogers and Mark Chadwick from Playface.