It is the dream of every football fan to play on the pitch of a professional football club. But perhaps shipping 12 goals in during the game is further down the bucket list.

By the end of Thursday morning, I had done both.

Representing the Media XI in what was described as the biggest game of the season (by no one), I took to Swindon Town’s County ground pitch alongside Adver Sport reporter Jonny Leighfield.

Our opponents were a selection of past and present Swindon Town staff who we took on to raise funds for the Ukraine appeal.

Swindon Advertiser: The star-studded media team managed to score seven goals.The star-studded media team managed to score seven goals. (Image: Jane Clinton)

Scheduled with a 10am kick-off on Thursday, May 18, the nerves started to grow as we arrived at the stadium and these were only enhanced as we walked through the tunnel out onto the field.

It was a surreal experience to set foot on the pitch and score a few cracking goals - but sadly the warm-up did come to an end and the real match began.

I was placed at left back to start the game, while Wiltshire’s Julian Alvarez took his place in attack, separating our legendary Adver duo.

Like other famous partners, our performances differed somewhat.

Swindon Advertiser: The pitch was a lot larger than most of the team thought it would be.The pitch was a lot larger than most of the team thought it would be. (Image: Newsquest)

You could say I was the Hyde to Jonny’s Jekyll - or the Jason Tindall to his Eddie Howe.

Jonny managed to christen the pitch with a fabulous goal whereas I was caught ball watching, being robbed of the ball on the halfway line and watching helplessly as the attacker prodded it home.

The second half went better for myself as I was moved to my preferred position of centre back and we saw a slowing down of the goals against us.

I managed to play 30 minutes in each half but was left destroyed by having to run on the full-sized pitch.

Swindon Advertiser: Words were said at half time with the team behind.Words were said at half time with the team behind. (Image: Jane Clinton)

The good news is that our sturdy team of journalists and writers managed a healthy seven goals for the morning.

Whisper it quietly but we did also let in 12 goals in response, but as one of my fellow defenders remarked, at least we got to within half of their total.

It is also worth noting that we scored the final goal, and as everyone knows, last goal wins.

Swindon Advertiser: The score was rather unflattering towards Media XI.The score was rather unflattering towards Media XI. (Image: Newsquest)

Despite the 12-7 hammering, we stayed upbeat and managed to raise £325 for the charity effort which was the main thing.

Something tells me I won’t be getting a preseason call-up from Michael Flynn anytime soon though…