AN Alton United XI turned back the clock 20 years when they played Manor Colts in honour of former coach and manager Jim Barnett.

Some 500 people flocked to the Anstey Park enclosure for the match which brought back fond memories and reunited old friends while raising £1,200 for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The match featured players from the late 80s and early 90s who were managed and coached by Jim Barnett and assistant manager/coach Simon Disney.

As in the past Mr Barnett talked to his players before the game – on this occasion accompanied by the mayor Sue Hodder, whose son, Jonathan, was in the team.

They were pitched against a Manor Colts team from the same era, captained by Kevin Barnes and, according to Mr Barnett, both played "fantastically well. It was amazing – they hadn't lost their football skills".

Amazed by the turnout, Mr Barnett, who is fighting cancer and was delighted to raise so much for Marie Curie nurses, said he had never seen so many at the enclosure for a charity match: "It was absolutely incredible, one of the most moving experiences I have ever had."

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.