A CHARITY football match between Swindon Town and Swindon Supermarine Legends has raised £2,247 for the NSPCC.

Former striker Charlie Austin joined the likes of Simon Cox, Paul Bodin and Sam Parkin in the event, which took place last weekend in front of a 600-strong crowd at the Webbswood Stadium.

Austin was a surprise addition to the starting line-up ahead of his move to Brisbane Roar later this month.

After a goalless first half, it was Paul Hunt who broke the deadlock on the hour mark, before Supermarine’s Alan Griffin pegged them back less than 10 minutes later.

The two teams were level for less than five minutes as midfielder Michael Doughty converted a penalty in the 72nd minute, before Gio Wrona completed the scoring in the 80th minute.

The match also saw appearances from Swindon musician Grim Sickers and comedian Ivo Graham who are both avid Swindon Town fans.

The event marked the start of a year of fundraising from the charity’s Swindon and North Wiltshire Branch, who are celebrating their 125th anniversary this year.

Alan Fletcher has been president of the group since 2018 and was delighted with the event.

“We are extremely grateful to both football clubs for their tremendous help in staging this game and for the generosity of all those attending,” he said.

“We really appreciate the players giving up their Sunday afternoon to put on an entertaining display of their skills which gave all those attending a memorable afternoon.”

During half-time, the charity’s Speak out Stay Safe programme, which teaches children how to recognise abuse and identify a person of trust, mascot Buddy took to the field to take part in a crossbar challenge alongside former footballers and Swindon Supermarine owner Jez Webb.

Community Fundraising Manager for Bath, Bristol and Wiltshire, Emma Hildesley said: “It cannot be understated just how important events like this are to the NSPCC.

“Without fundraisers like Alan, the NSPCC wouldn’t be able to support children in Swindon who need our help.”