PORTLAND United chairman Matt Lucas hopes the charity match against Southampton Legends can be a “celebration of football in our local area”.
Lucas will welcome a Saints side full of iconic former stars to the Camp & Satherley Stadium tomorrow, Friday, April 29 (7pm) to face a Portland Old Boys team.
Portland are hosting the match as the cherry on top of their centenary celebrations this season.
Southampton’s squad will contain the likes of Matt Le Tissier, Wayne Bridge, James Beattie, David Hughes, Francis Benali, Jason Dodd, Glenn Cockerill, Steve Williams and Tommy Widdrington.
Darren Whyton, Alan Rodgers, Brendon King, Nigel Evans, Andy and Pete Turrell plus numerous other household Portland names will turn out for the hosts.
Nearly 300 online tickets have already been sold with a strong late surge expected as the event draws closer.
Lucas told Echosport: “A hundred years is something to be proud about in any walk of life.
“We make no secret that we’ve wanted to celebrate that in many ways. It’s been well documented that we’ve had a number of events throughout the season.
“I’m very aware that the legends of Southampton are very well known to the country, but players that are going to be playing for Portland United are our own legends.
“There will be many names that will be making an appearance on the evening that do have that legendary status at Portland and in the local area.
“So, it will be a proper evening and I would just like to ask everybody if they’re a football to come along and make this a special occasion, also a celebration of football in our local area.”
Gates open at 3.30pm, with a seniors match commencing proceedings at 4pm.
Burgers will be on sale and the Blues’ bar open. Player autographs and pitch-side photos can be obtained throughout the evening.
Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for under-16s, with under-10s granted free admission.
Funds raised will help support chosen charities the Three Ells Trust, Cancer Research UK and Southampton Children’s Charities.
Excelsior coaches are running a service from Southampton, stopping at Dorchester, Weymouth and Portland for those interested in attending.
For coach travel, contact Excelsior Coaches on 01202 338420 to book your seat.
For tickets, contact tickets@portlandutdfc.co.uk or Vic Hollands on 07802 600108 for more details.
Match sponsor: Dave Wilson, Weymouth Precision Engineering
Match ball sponsor: Marlboro Restaurant
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