Reds 3 (Chris Zebroski, Charlie Payne, Alfie Payne)
Whites 3 (Kevin Nicholson, Patrick Dudley, Matt Tarr)
Whites win on penalties
A host of faces from United’s past came together with fans from the present to support Damon Lathrope at Plainmoor on Sunday, ably supported by the Yellow Army who turned out in their numbers.
Former Torquay United player Damon Lathrope suffered a career-ending injury playing for Woking in late-February, and has had a rough road in his recovery so far. He is an immensely popular figure at Plainmoor, which was evident when the Yellow Army raised over £1,200 for him in a collection this season which was doubled by the Club. This will add to the over £10,000 raised by Woking FC through a GoFundMe page.
Torquay United fan Joseph Pope (pictured below, L-R Garrett Pope, Chris Todd, Joseph Pope, Aaron Downes, Chris Zebroski) took on the daunting task of organizing a match to support Damon in his recovery. Joseph has been flat out to raise as much as possible which included a significant sum before the game had even been played.
The Yellow Army enjoyed a competitive match which was all-square after 90 minutes. The Whites came out on top in a penalty shootout where all penalties were taken by the fans that had donated to play in the match.
There is a list of thankyous below, but it was great to see so many ex-Torquay United players return to Plainmoor, and to the Yellow Army for supporting the event. Credit too to the fans that paid to play in the match. Along with the post-match raffle and upcoming auctions, plus ex-player and manager Chris Hargreaves’ offer to auction his boots and winners medal from United’s play-off win in 2009, it should all add up to a fantastic total raised for Damon (we’re all thinking of you ‘Damo’) by Joseph and everyone connected to the event.
There will be more reaction to come, but the last word must go to 18-year-old Joseph Pope. Well done Joe!
You can also see the photos from the day on our Facebook page. Click here. Why not like the page too!
Reds Starting XI: Stephen Breed, Justin Grinsill, Chris Todd, Aaron Downes, Joseph Pope, Kevin Hill, Joe Oastler, Danny Stevens, Charlie Payne, Alex Narramore, Chris Zebroski Reds Subs: Alfie Payne, Charlie Knott, Harry Lovering, Harvey Atkinson, Gary Stevens
Whites Starting XI: Michael Poke, Steven Winter, Guy Branston, Lee Hodges, Jason Marker, Patrick Dudley, Robbie Herrera, Lee Mansell, Kevin Nicholson, Ben Gerring, Mark Bithell Whites Subs: Dave Phillips, Cliff Marker, Kyle Lardner, Matt Tarr, Mike Woollacott
Joseph would like to thank the following companies for providing raffle & auction prizes: Raceworld Exeter, The Hare and Hounds, The Shiphay Chippy, The Usual Plaice, The House of Marbles, Cadbury’s, Exeter City, Coventry City, Jungle Journey Adventure Golf, Torquay Golf Club, Pro:Direct, The Derwent Hotel, River Ford Farm Foods
The Mascots: Thank you to the mascots that donated their pocket money to attend the game,
Ethan Knowles aged 10, Corbyn Locker aged 9, Max Burrows aged 10, Zara Studley aged 10, Keira Slay aged 10, Tom McCrindle aged 10 and James Macrea aged 10. All except Zara go to Warberry Academy Primary (Zara attends the Abbey School).
Match Sponsors: MB Insolvency & Darnells Accountants
Kit Sponsor: Pro:Direct
Match Officials: James Payne, Jordan Grimes and Jonathan Griffett
Thank you to: Torquay United Football Club, all the players that turned up to play, to the fans that paid to play, Kevin Nicholson, everyone that came to the game for their donations.