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Trethomas Bluebirds Legends hosted Manchester United Legends in a charity football match at the Centre for Sporting Excellence over the weekend.

Hundreds of people turned up to watch the likes of Chris Eagles, Matt Jansen and Danny Simpson go up against Trethomas greats from days gone by.

The fixture itself was arranged by former Manchester United player, and now Bluebirds committee member, Derek Brazil, who acted as player-manager on the day for the visitors.

Ahead of the match, Brazil spoke about the stresses of planning the game: “It’s been a tireless effort from the club to sort this and it’s a great day for Trethomas and the area.

“We’ve got 14 players down who’ve all been very impressed with our set-up here. It’s for a great cause and should be a good occasion.”

The club partnered with The Parish Trust, a charity based in Trethomas who take food donations and hand them out to those most in need.

Fans lined the entry way to take pictures and ask for autographs from the United Legends, as the stand began to fill for the 3pm kick-off on Saturday June 24.

Player-manager and long time Bluebird Alun Griffiths spoke to Caerphilly Observer about “keeping the game tight” in the first half, as he went for his strongest line-up in hopes of catching Manchester United on the back foot.

To the surprise of the 1,000 or so spectators, that tactic came good when Adam Raymond, who still contributes to Trethomas’ first team, picked up the ball on the edge of the United area after six minutes and curled a sublime left-footed effort into the top corner.

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Nick Culken could only stand and watch as the crowd erupted and Raymond soaked up the celebrations. 1-0 to the Trethomas Bluebirds.

As the first half went on, the Bluebirds were looking surprisingly comfortable. United had obvious quality. Striker Danny Webber looked the standout player with his tricky footwork and range of passing, but Trethomas held the back line well and sat-in when needed.

Trethomas first team coach, Mark Dunford, laced his boots up for the first time in four years to play as the the target man for the Bluebirds.

Speaking ahead of the game he said: “It’s nice to be here and be able to relax and enjoy the day. We had a great season and we’re back in training soon but today’s all about the club and the profile of Trethomas.”

Dunford had a chance to get on the scoresheet – but missed something of a sitter to the amusement of the Trethomas bench. There was a good energy in the dugout with the rest of the legends from both sides chatting away and taking pictures together.

Thirty minutes in and Brazil had seen enough from the sidelines and subbed himself on to the cheers of the crowd.

Trethomas were getting tired as the sun beat down on the players, most of whom had been away from the game for a few years.

The break finally came for Manchester United after 40 minutes when dangerman Webber slotted home from close range and burst the Bluebirds’ bubble before the half.

The second for United came shortly after. Webber again as he rounded the keeper this time and fired into an empty net. The crowd loved what they were seeing as the half-time whistle blew and both sides were clapped off.

As promised, Griffiths opted to roll-out the “old timers” for the second half. It quickly became obvious that the game was only going one way.

The laughs roared in as quickly as the goals. Webber clocked up five in the end with Eagles grabbing a brace himself.

Matthew Prosser scored a consolation header in the last minute to the delight of the crowd but the game was of course over by then.

Full time and the referee core made up of local players blew up. Final score 11-2 to Manchester United.

Not at all disheartened by the result, Griffiths reflected on the game: “We had them in the first half and I think we were the better side. We held 1-0 for a good 40 minutes with both sides getting chances.

“Obviously the second half started and the real legends came on and that was that; but a great game nonetheless.

“It’s been an amzing experience for everyone at the club. I’d like to thank the sponsors and people who came along to make it a special day.”

For United manager Derek Brazil, it was an extra special occasion as he got to play alongside his daughter, Ava, who plays for Cwrt Rawlin under-13s.

He said: “It was a really proud moment for me. It was a fun game and huge for the club.”

Chairman for the Bluebirds Dave Evans spoke about the occasion: “It’s been better than we could have ever hoped for. We’ve raised hundreds for charity and kindly received bags of food and supplies for the charity.

“It’s great for the area and we hope to see lots of new faces next season.”