While the sun shone down on a charity football extravaganza, it was raining goals as a crowd of more than a thousand supporters were treated to a beautiful game to remember.
Airdrieonians’ Excelsior Stadium played host to the All Stars v Legends clash in aid of North Lanarkshire Suicide Prevention that saw famous faces like musician Nathan Evans, River City’s Stephen Purdon and Cameron Fulton, and TikTok sensation Ryan "Sully" Sullivan go head-to-head with footballing icons including Airdrieonians’ own Owen Coyle, Alan Gow, Sandy Stewart and Willie McGuire, along with Rangers icon Gordon Smith.
In a hugely dramatic match, the All Stars team triumphed on penalties following an action-packed 7-7 draw as a crowd full of people of all ages watched on in amazement.
Radio presenter Ross Owen, who co-organised the fundraiser with Airdrieonians FC and the Airdrie Community Trust, hailed the event as a “massive success” and thanked everyone involved for their “wonderful support”.
Ross told Lanarkshire Live : “It was a marvellous day and we had over a thousand people in attendance.
“There was so much support on show and even if we only had six players on the pitch, I still think people would’ve turned up in great numbers to support the charity.
“Everyone had a great time and someone was smiling on us from above as we got lovely sunshine for the game after an overcast morning.
“Nathan Evans did an impromptu performance of Wellerman before the game and we also had a minute’s applause in memory of former Rangers goalkeeper, and Airdrie coach, Andy Goram.
“The match itself was a real thrill-ride as it finished 7-7, with Airdrie legend Owen Coyle scoring a quick hat-trick.
“The Legends team kept taking the lead only for the All Stars to equalise until the All Stars eventually went 7-6 ahead.
“But then, with the last kick of the game, the Legends made it 7-7 with a penalty kick.
“The All Stars came out on top in the penalty shoot-out and the fans were on the edge of their seats throughout.
“All of the players were full of praise for the new pitch and really enjoyed taking part in the game.”
Ross added: “At this time of year, you are wary of call-offs and changes as each celebrity and former footballer have busy schedules - and when you throw COVID into the mix too, it was a stressful time hoping that everything would come together.
“But everything worked out perfectly and we couldn’t have asked for a better outcome for everything involved with the fundraiser.
“People of all ages came along to support us and loved the pre-match entertainment, which included a bouncy castle, a pirate ship, face painting, live music and a few surprises.
“It was all for a wonderful cause as North Lanarkshire Suicide Prevention do outstanding, and crucial, work to support people across Monklands and beyond. If you are feeling low, it’s important to talk to people and know that you are not alone.
“This is a message that everyone involved with the All Stars v Legends event wholeheartedly endorses.”
And Ross and his teams of goal-hungry footballers are keen to hit the back of the net once again in the future.
Ross said: “Everyone was saying they couldn’t wait for the next charity game and the players were commenting on how much they enjoyed taking part.
“There are too many people to thank individually but I wish to show my appreciation to everyone who came along on the day, the players, Airdrieonians FC for putting it all together, volunteers who set everything up and helped at the event, and Airdrie Working Men’s Club for hosting the open day where celebrities sold tickets and met with fans.
“It was one colossal team effort and each and every person deserves a massive pat on the back.”
Ross added: “We should have a final total from the event by the end of this week but, thanks to the kindness of everyone who bought a ticket, we are looking at a very healthy donation for Airdrie Community Trust.”
Head online to find out more about the support available from North Lanarkshire Suicide Prevention.
See this week's Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser for more photos and coverage from the charity match.
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