Southend United’s 2006 League One winning side reunited to revive memories of Essex football’s greatest ever season last night...
Steve Tilson’s team faced the Colchester United side that finished second while also winning promotion that season.
And the game raised close to £12,000 for Havens Hospices, much to the delight of Adam Barrett who organised the match alongside Echosport’s Chris Phillips as part of the duo’s fundraising for the London Marathon.
“It was an amazing night and to be back on the Roots Hall pitch with all of those lads was just brilliant,” said Barrett.
“So much effort and work went into the game and we’re so grateful to all of the sponsors and every single one of the volunteers who gave up their time for us to be able to put this on.
“Colchester had a few younger players than us but we all enjoyed it and a few of the lads have already spoken about doing it again and making sure they were a bit fitter next time.
“But we’ve raised an unbelievable total for a great charity which is extremely close to my heart after they cared for my mum, my father in law and also my brother’s mother in law.
“The work they do is amazing so I’d like to also say thanks to everyone who came along and donated.
“To have 1,700 people there on a Monday night was brilliant and huge credit to Colchester too because the way they’ve got behind the event and got the team together that they did was just superb.”
Colchester won the Sid Broomfield Trophy clash 6-3 on the night with Mark Bentley scoring twice for Blues, either side of a goal from Lee Bradbury.
The match was watched by 1,650 fans and raised £11, 933 to bring Barrett’s and Phillips’ combined fundraising for this year’s marathon to £20, 951.
However, the fundraising from Monday night’s match is set to continue as signed matchworn shirts will soon be auctioned off online along with a number of pictures.