REECE PRIDE DIMS ARMY GOAL RUSH
GOALS flowed on Wednesday night as three Vanarama National League representative sides took on teams within the British Army – and Tamworth striker Reece Styche hailed a special occasion.
Kicking off simultaneously, the unique matches were played at Harrogate Town, Tamworth and Eastbourne Borough and featured select squads of National League North and South players.
Charlie Sheringham, on loan at Hemel Hempstead from Ebbsfleet United, helped himself to six goals on the south-coast.
Nathaniel Pinney also scored a hat-trick as the side, managed by Sports’ boss Tommy Widdrington, cruised to a 12-0 victory.
At Harrogate, the team overseen by Town manager Simon Weaver won 9-0 – FC United’s Tom Greaves hitting a double – while it finished 7-2 in the game hosted by Tamworth, with Lambs boss Andy Morrell in the dug-out, to complete a treble for the National League.
Styche, who scored twice in that win, said it was a proud event.
“My Grandfather was based over in Gibraltar for many years,” he said. “He also went to Berlin, Osnabruck, Northern Ireland, so it made the match more meaningful.
“I was proud to be selected by the National League. It’s a night where it really is the taking part that counts.”
Graham Brookland, assistant secretary of the Army FA, explained the gulf in class that existed between the sides, adding: “We must emphasise that the Army squads were not our representative teams but divisional/regional squads, the vast majority who play at Army unit level.
“The experience of many Army unit players pitting their wits against those who have played in the Premier and Football Leagues was unique for them and an occasion many of the players will never have encountered before. We hope that the healthy relationship that we have with the National League ensures we can build on this occasion.
“Of course, should the situation arise in the future a commitment will be made within the Army FA to provide opposition of a suitable strength that runs parallel with the squads provided by the National League whose quality shone through.
“We express our sincere appreciation and thanks to the National League, Vanarama, S&C Slatter for their commitment and Eastbourne Borough, Tamworth and Harrogate Town who were excellent hosts.”