A LARGE crowd at Worrall Hill were well entertained for 90 minutes in the sunshine on Saturday as the life of a talented local footballer was remembered.

The afternoon started with a minute’s applause to remember Ian Dawson on the fifth anniversary of his passing aged 46. 

The Ian Dawson XI contained mainly veteran players and Ian’s former team mates coped well with a star- studded All-Stars side for the first 15 minutes, until the silky skills of former West Ham and Bristol City winger Gavin Williams opened the scoring with a fine shot after a neat move. 

The All-Stars continued to create numerous chances with the midfield trio of Dave Bird, Joe Turley and Gavin Williams running the show.

Further goals came despite some superb saves by the home keeper, with the goal of the game coming from new Lydney Town manager Richard Kear, who launched a superb volley on the run from the edge of the 18-yard box.

It was 4-0 at half time and All-Stars managers Mark Lee and John Brough made a raft of changes at the interval, with some of the All Stars team switching sides.

Two further goals in the second half made the final score 6-0 in a game played in excellent spirit and well refereed by Kevin Brain.

“It’s been a great afternoon, and a decent crowd here to watch, so I hope we’ve done Ian proud,” said Paul Willetts.

“Thanks to both sets of players for giving up their time to support us, also to Cinderford MG, Forest of Dean Caravans, Worrall Hill FC, Simon James, John Brough, Barry Jessop, Brad Martin, Broadwell FC, and everyone else who helped out, but a special thanks to Mark Lee in particular who has had me bending his ear, but brought this squad together.”

“It’s been really fun and I’m glad I came – there were some good footballers out there today, with some good goals, credit to everyone who played and supported the game,” said Gavin Williams. 

“It’s for an excellent cause, and please continue to do this, its well worth it.” 

“I need to get my fitness up, but it’s been a good afternoon, and I know the players have enjoyed it,” laughed Joe Turley. 

Event organiser Mark Dawson said. “Thanks to everyone who has supported us today, it’s been a bit of an emotional day given its the fifth anniversary of Ian’s passing, especially when I heard Paul talking live on BBC Radio Gloucestershire about Ian and the game.”

The proceeds will be donated to Great Oaks Hospice in Coleford.