May 09 2009
Wardy and the boys win on pens against Palace
Brighton and Hove Albion fans of all ages enjoyed a great evening of exciting football at the Dripping Pan in Lewes, at the annual Robert Eaton Memorial Fund Challenge Match.
Peter flew in from Florida especially for the game, as he is a keen supporter of the REMF, which was founded in memory of Albion fan Robert Eaton, killed in the World Trade Centre on 9/11.
The match is now an annual fixture between Brighton supporters and Crystal Palace supporters, and last night was a treat for the 350+ supporters who watched the Albion fans team stage a comeback from 1-4. Full time ended at 4-4, setting the scene for a penalty shootout.
Peter Ward stepped up and put the first penalty away, to the noisy delight of the Ward devotees in the stand, and his team mates followed his example by scoring each of the next 4 to win.
The evening was judged to be a great success, a 100% increase in attendance, and over £7,000 raised for the Fund. At the reception after the game, MC Alan Wares paid tribute to Peter, acknowledging that the increase was largely due his guest appearance.
During many a lunchtime 30-a-side game with a tennis ball on the playground of Goldstone Junior School in the late 70’s, I would dream of being my hero Peter Ward. One of my most prized possessions as a child was my Albion Bukta Shirt with Peter’s red number 8 sewn on the back!
My dream has now come true and I can say that I have played upfront with the man himself (in what at one point was the oldest strike force known to man with me, Wardy and the Albion legend Ricky Marlowe all pushing forward!).
I’ve played amateur football for over 22 years and close to 500 games all told and I would struggle to remember a more enjoyable game than last Friday! cheers Peter and Jacci.
Massive thanks Wardy, for coming over. To lead out an Albion team, to ‘Sussex by the Sea’ was pretty much a dream come true. For that team to include the club’s greatest ever player, was unbelievable.
Both you and Marlowe were fantastic all weekend, and I’m sure I speak for all the team in extending our huge thanks.
Hope to see you and Jacci again next year, when we go for 6 in a row!
Cheers
Simon
See Peter sending the keeper the wrong way with his penalty (first one)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq5UijnIWW8
It was an honour and a privilege to see THE legend in the stripes again. He was a true gent throughout the evening, standing in the cold after the game signing autographs and having photos taken by the crowd.
Thank you Peter, and also to Jacci for coming over.