Players, supporters and volunteers came together at the Mornflake Stadium for the sixth annual Andrew Scoffin Memorial Match in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
The charity fixture honoured lifelong Alex supporter and stadium announcer Andrew Scoffin (pictured), who died in July 2021 following a long battle with cancer.
Andrew organised the first charity match in May 2021 to raise funds for The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.
Since 2022, Andrew’s sons Warren and Ashley Scoffin have continued the event in his memory, raising vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
A minute’s applause was held before kick-off, with players and match officials gathering around the centre circle in tribute to Andrew.
Players entered into a draw at £2.50 each, then if successful, paid £20 to take part in the 90-minute match, which was split into four quarters, with teams representing ‘Crewe Alex Home Shirts Past & Present’ and ‘Crewe Alex Away Shirts Past & Present’.
Ashley captained the Home Shirts side, while brother Warren led the Away Shirts team.
The Home Shirts squad featured Ashley Scoffin (captain & goalkeeper), Alex Bazley, Kevin Beresford, Dec Stubbs, Jem Cornes, Cameron Rodgers, Chris Worral, Liam Taylor, Danny Cartwright, Neil Bergin, Jordan Robinson, Tyler Birtles, Dean Huxley (goalkeeper), Ben Redock, Andy Stubbs, Jim Ashley, Steve Goodwin, James Hill, Andy Clews, Jamie Brown, Adam Lowe, Daniel Wood.
Representing the Away Shirts were Elliott Lane (goalkeeper), Tommy Bilsborough, John Cope, Tom Carless, Alex Murrell, Steve Hamill, Adam Tweets, Warren Scoffin (captain), Will Pardy, Micheal Large, Ryan Clowes, Phil Ray, Will Frost (goalkeeper), Tyler Beresford, Brandon Huxley, Jamie Wild, Kevin Rodgers, Ben Gilbert, Chris Wutsy, Dave Adams, Adam Cooper, Luke Bazley.
The Away Shirts led 2-0 at half-time before the Home Shirts staged a spirited comeback to level the scores at 2-2 shortly after the restart.
With the match finely poised heading into the final quarter, the Away Shirts edged back in front at 3-2, only for the Home Shirts to respond once again and make it 3-3.
One of the night’s standout moments came when Warren stepped up to take a penalty against his brother Ashley in goal.
Warren blazed his effort over the crossbar, much to the amusement of players and spectators alike.
However, the Away Shirts eventually found a late winner – a brilliant shot from the edge of the box by Phil Ray – to seal a dramatic 4-3 victory and hand Warren Scoffin’s side the bragging rights.
At full-time, Warren received the Andrew Scoffin Memorial Trophy from Ashley before celebrating with a spray of bubbly.
All players also received a commemorative Macmillan Cancer Support T-shirt and medal.
The event was supported by Upwright Developments & Property Services Ltd and Morrisons in Crewe.
The game raised £1,760 (plus £383.36 Gift Aid) of much needed funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Since the match was renamed The Andrew Scoffin Memorial Match in 2022, the annual event has now raised over £14,200 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Warren and Ashley Scoffin said: “Every year this match makes us incredibly proud because it brings so many people together in memory of our dad.
“We want to thank every player, volunteer, supporter and everyone at Crewe Alexandra Football Club for continuing to back the event and help raise vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
“The support we receive year after year means the world to our family and helps keep Dad’s memory alive in such a positive way.”
(Story and images by Jonathan White)
Recent Comments