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Legends enjoy a goal fest at Dundela

Fri, 11/10/2019 - 21:56

The now annual Charity game between the Glentoran Legends and Dundela Old Crocks XI’s took place on Sunday at Wilgar Park and what a highly entertaining game it proved to be.  Part of a fundraiser for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Friends of the Cancer Centre (BCH) the game was played in excellent conditions, on a great pitch considering the heavy rain on Saturday.

Before the game, quite a few of the usual Legends players had pulled out through injury and family commitments but we managed to get a starting eleven and supplemented the bench with a couple of Glentoran fans, who play regularly and help us out when the need arises.

In saying that, our starting line -up contained star names of the past such as Raymond Morrison, Tommy Leeman. Alan Gracey, Mark Glendinning, Barney Bowers, Jason Hill, Darren Parker and Marty Hunter.  Paul Leeman would join us later due to his son being at a coaching course.

Alan Gracey on the ball

On paper , Dundela looked to have the younger side and certainly had more in reserve but if one thing I have learned in the 12 Years working with the Legends is that , even in adversity or low numbers the guys pride in wearing the shirts again shines through and they dig deep and roll the clock back to when they were at their prime.

The game started well for the Legends, going into a 1-0 lead within five minutes through Jason Hill before we had another set back when Barney Bowers pulled up with a calf strain. As things turned out his replacement was one of the guys who had came to help us out, Craig Martin, son of ex Glentoran Colts player, Gary Martin, who himself was playing for us, whilst we awaited the arrival of Paul Leeman.

Darren Parker makes a challenge

As things panned out, young Craig bagged a brace before the break, along with goals from Brodie Leeman and Darren Parker to send the Legends in at half time five goals to the good.

It had been a terrific display from everyone, working hard for each other and taking the chances when they came, for which Dundela had no answer.

At the break, Paul Leeman took over from Gary Martin in midfield and his presence helped maintain our strong performance overall. As the half-continued Paul managed to get on the scoresheet himself in between young Craig Martin completing his hat-trick and Jason Hill netting twice to complete yet another hat trick for the Legends to make the final score 9-0.  It was a score line that was fully deserved as the Legends showed terrific form throughout the game.

Two goal Jason Hill

As usual the charities were the real winners on the day with over £6000 being raised from the Cabaret afternoon, Auction and Ballot in the Dundela club room after the game.

For the record the Glentoran Legends line up was –

Mathew Mc Bride, Raymond Morrison, Mark Glendinning, Tommy Leeman, Brodie Leeman, Barney Bowers, Darren Parker, Alan Gracey, Gary Martin, Jason Hill, Marty Hunter

Subs Paul Leeman, Craig Martin, Andrew Veighey

by Philip Stevenson

League winning captains Jim Cleary and Paul Leeman