The league season is over and Kingsdale have been able to celebrate bringing the first bit of silverware back to the club since the 90’s. The division 4 title was secured with 3 games remaining and the side finished 11 points clear of second place Fairfield and hit the 50 point barrier in the process. A series of achievements that Kingsdale can very well be proud of. Dane Keenan in the process also become the first Dale player since Kingsdale Legend Brian Rance to hit over 30 goals in a season. So all this has been achieved by the club, but up next for the Dale is a group of players who would have achieved far more in their footballing careers than the Kingsdale lads have as Kingsdale are facing the Charlton Athletic Legends. The game is the annual charity game for Demelza Hospice Care For Children that the club arrange and it is with great pleasure that Charlton Athletic have agreed to play us for the second year running. As it is the second year running we have some history in this fixture. Last year it was Charlton who emerged victorious from this game winning 3-2. Pete Elvin opened the scoring for the Dale but they were pegged back by Garry Nelson. Mark Robson put Charlton in front for them to go in 2-1 up at half time. In the second half Louie Lopez equalised but Charlton won the game from the penalty spot as Richard Wilson converted for the Addicks Legends to take the game 3-2.
For this years game, there have been many players linked to taking the field for the Charlton Legends, including former Charlton player and now TV pundit Mark Bright, who appeared for Charlton in the famous play off final against Sunderland in 1998. Probably one of the more surprising names that was mentioned was Ian Wright. The former Arsenal striker and also now TV and radio pundit name came in the frame. Although there is no direct Charlton playing connection, his son is Charlton’s top scorer, in the form of Bradley Wright-Phillips. There is of course the speculation from within the Charlton supporting Kingsdale players of will such players as Carl Leaburn, Richard Rufus, John Robinson, Matt Holland, Rob Lee, Scott Minto and most popular one for this writer, Mark Kinsella, be putting on the red of Charlton in this game. As far as we are aware, these players will not be representing the Addicks on Sunday but Charlton are bringing a strong squad to face Kingsdale. Included in their ranks are Peter Garland, whose display of passing, control and just sheer ability left many people saying he was the man of the match. His partner in crime that day was Mark Robson, who currently is not scheduled to be playing. Charlton’s Legend amongst the Legends is Steve Gritt. A player who played every position in his professional career for Charlton, including taking up the goalkeeping gloves in the days when if a keeper was sent off or injured an outfield player would have to take over between the sticks. Steve Gritt defies his age as he has fitness that many of the younger players would be proud of and during the game last season he was a controlled presence on the pitch. Speaking of classy and composed, top of this category has to be former Charlton right back John Humphrey, who still looked like he could do a job in the professional game. Up front you’ll find scorer in last seasons game Garry Nelson, who in scoring last season, scored his first goal in his 50’s. Also in the attacking area is Paul Williams. Willo as he was known to Charlton supporters had two really good seasons for the Addicks in the top flight and this saw him gain international recognition winning England Under 21 and England B caps. He partnered Ian Wright in his England B games. Every team needs an unsung hero so for Charlton step forward keeper Lee Heywood. Lee was a former youth at Charlton and Millwall and runs his own keeping school. He is in the sticks for Charlton because, as he put it, no one else wants to. A fact shown greatly by a popular player scheduled to appear this season. Bob Bolder is due to play for Charlton on the pitch. The former Charlton keeper spent many seasons as Charlton’s number 1 after replacing Nicky Johns. He can also count amongst his achievements a European Cup winners medal as he was on the bench for Liverpool in 1984. He actually never made a league appearance for Liverpool. He’s not the only European Cup winner in the squad as leading the Charlton Legend side is a player that will go down in Charlton’s history forever, although likely to miss playing through injury, Colin Walsh. December 5th 1992 when Colin Walsh hit home the first goal back at the Valley against Portsmouth is a moment every Charlton fan will remember. He also had European Cup success playing under Brian Clough at Nottingham Forrest. The Charlton squad is scheduled to include many other players from the clubs history including last year’s winning scorer Richard Wilson, John Bumstead, Simon Webster, Dartford manager Tony Burman and a late entry (4 in the morning to make the programme edit!) Anthony Barness. As well as former Southend player and Charlton fan, Andy Ansah, who has also found fame via his tv commitments, including Dream Team and Wayne Rooney’s Street Soccer. Oh, and a certain catchphrase that will no doubt be repeated several times on the day by the Kingsdale players. As well as Colin Walsh, leading the side from the bench is Mark Penfold, Theo Foley and Brian Kinsey. And finally a mention to another person who also goes down as a Mr Charlton and that is Keith Peacock, who may play some part in the game. Keith Peacock was the first ever sub used in the professional game, so he not only goes down in Charlton’s record books but that of the game also. A person who has filled every role at the club and has been a big help behind the scenes for Charlton manager Chris Powell as they won League 1.
With Charlton winning the title last weekend, this game can be billed Champions Vs Champions as OBDSFL Division 4 Champions take on the League 1 Champions. Both sides will be going out on the pitch to entertain the watching crowd as both are fully aware what is the most important element of the day. The match is to raise much needed funds for Demelza and it is hoped that the more entertaining the game is, the more people will be in a good mood and so donate more to the raffles and collections that will be going on while the game is taking place. The emphasis is on the game being a sporting and friendly clash where also on display will hopefully be some touches of class, from both sides. Keith Peacock is expecting the young Kingsdale side to be looking for revenge for last season’s defeat. In his own words ‘we’re expecting a close game in a very sporting occasion, like last year.’
So the stage is set. We’re hoping as many people as possible turn up to see this game. No doubt there will be more many Charlton supporters than Kingsdale in attendance, and some of those supporters will be Kingsdale players themselves. We know Charlton are the big draw team of the two but all that both sides are hoping is that a lot of money is raised for Demelza from this event. If that happens then both teams will class the day as a success, so please get down to Princes Park Sunday by two and see how this game goes and join in the day of celebration, fun and fund raising.
We would also like to offer our thanks to Woodrow Press who are the match sponsors for this game and have provided support to Kingsdale in the past when it has come to the charity matches the club has been involved in.
No matter the opponents we end this as we usually do, good luck to all those connected with Charlton Athletic ahead of the game on Sunday.
If you wish to make a donation to Demelza, please follow the link or send a text to the number below:
http://www.justgiving.com/Kingsdale-FC0Text KSBJ71 to 70070 stating amount (minimum £1).
