Charity football match for Rio Spurr draws in huge crowd

The game was in aid of Rio Spurr, son of former Blackburn Rovers defender Tommy, who suffered from a rare form of cancer.

Rio’s latest scans showed he has no sign of the disease, though with a high chance of remission, the family are continuing to fundraise so they can access potentially life-saving treatment if needed.

Crowds packed into Ribchester Rec to watch the game (Image: NQ)

The event, dubbed Ribchester’s Red Day for Rio, saw Ribchester Rovers play three 30-minute games against a host of former professionals, largely former Rovers and Preston North End players, in a team called Rio’s All-Stars.

These included Jermaine Beckford, whose hat-trick in the 2014/15 League One play-off final help North End back to the Championship; Rovers legend Colin Hendry, who was part of the Premier League title-winning side in 1994/95; and Ryan Lowe, current North End manager and scorer in the second game of the afternoon.

An even first match saw the scores finish level at 0-0, though Ribchester did force All-Star’s goalkeeper Jack Cudworth into a couple of saves.

The match was played in three parts, with each team winning one and the other being a draw (Image: NQ)

The All-Stars showed their professional quality in the second game, taking the lead when former Rovers and Bolton Wanderers man Chris Taylor bundled home a cross.

Lowe, whose playing career spanned the North West as well as year-long stint at MK Dons, then added a second a minute later, taking down a ball over the top and powering home.

Ribchester improved once again in the third match and managed to win 2-0, both goals coming from James Flitcroft - the first a header and the second from a stunning overhead kick after the goalkeeper had saved the initial shot.

As well as the football, there was plenty of entertainment for kids, with funfair rides, face painting and sweet stalls.

Food was on offer with a German grill and pizza stand, and there was a raffle held after the second game with top prizes including a cabin stay at Ribby Hall and sweet hampers from LouLou’s in Billington, Ribble Valley.

Other former professionals in the line-up included Alex Baptiste, Brett Ormerod, Jon Welsh, Matt Kilgallon, Chris Humphrey and Ross Wallace, while the All-Stars were managed by Craig Conway.

Speaking after the event, Tommy Spurr, who featured for both sides, said: “We want to thank everybody for coming out again this year. It’s a lot more positive news that it was this time last year. We still appreciate everyone’s support. We can’t thank you enough, we’re beyond grateful.

“The other thank you has to go to Ribchester Rovers. The club is full of wonderful people.

“A big thank you to all the lads from Ribchester who came out and played. We appreciate your support and hope you enjoyed it.”