Hundreds of football fans provided some end-of-season cheer at Stonebridge Road as Sunday League footballers played a charity match to raise funds for the Stacey Mowle Appeal.

Earl Grey FC, who play in the North Kent Sunday League, staged the game on Saturday with sides picked by manager Glenn Murphy and captain Tony MacGowan.

Proceeds from the match will be split between the Stacey Mowle Appeal – the Messenger’s charity of the year – and Prostate Cancer UK as Mr MacGowan is battling the disease.

About 300 spectators attended including Warren, Samantha and Jake Mowle, the family of nine-year-old Stacey who died from relapsed neuroblastoma in March.

Relatives of popular Gravesend taxi driver Barry Bushell, who died last month from a sudden heart attack, were also in the crowd.

A minute’s applause was held before kick-off in memory of anyone who had died from cancer.

More than £1,700 has been raised so far, with more money expected.

Fleet’s star striker Danny Kedwell played the second half for the manager’s team, helping them to a comprehensive 5-1 win.

Mr Murphy – who described himself as the team’s manager, chairman and kit washer – said the afternoon was an incredible experience.

He said: “It was an amazing success playing in front of 300 people.

“A lot of the team have close ties to Stacey’s family and we wanted to do something to help Tony even if it is raising awareness.

“Danny Kedwell came on in the second half and bossed it. He was instrumental in getting us the win and he probably only played at 20%.

“We are grateful the club gave him permission to play.”

After the final whistle, players retreated to the Earl Grey pub in Vale Road, Northfleet, for the club’s end of season awards.

Mr Murphy added: “The entire day was an amazing experience and I think some of the boys will have had sore heads on Sunday.”