In pictures: Former Dons turn out in the name of charity at Cove’s Balmoral Stadium

Former Aberdeen players and members of the AFC Women's squad team-up to raise funds for Cash For Kids.

By Paul Third

June 4 2023, 6:02 pm

Lee Miller celebrates after scoring in the Cash For Kids fundraiser. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson

Aberdeen players past and present joined forces in the name of charity as they served up a 10-goal thriller at Balmoral Stadium.

A crowd of around 500 turned out to cheer on former Dons including Eoin Jess, Jamie Langfield, Chris Clark, Richie Byrne and Phil McGuire as they teamed with some of the AFC Women’s team and members of the public for the annual friendly.

They were not disappointed as the blues rallied from 3-1 down to win 6-4.

Organiser Graham Watt was delighted with the turnout.

He said: “It’s been a successful day. It takes a year to organise this and it’s stressful but it feels great when it all comes together.

“Hopefully we’ve managed to raise a lot of money which ultimately is what this is all about.

“When you see the crowd, which looks bigger than last year, it’s fantastic and I’m sure it will be all have been worthwhile by the time the final amount is tallied.”

Fans treated to goals aplenty at Balmoral Stadium

Supporters made a donation upon entry and purchased raffle tickets as part of the build-up and it did not take long for the goals on the pitch to flow.

Darren Mackie put the Yellows ahead when he breached the Blues defence to fire his side into an eighth minute lead.

Callum Dunbar equalised for the Blues when he fired past Jamie Langfield but they were not level for long as Gary Dempsey’s curling strike put the Yellows back in front in the 21st minute.

Darren Mackie looks to break away from Loren Campbell. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson

Lee Miller made it 3-1 to the Yellows when he ran on to Dempsey’s defence-splitting pass before firing home.

Richard Foster pulled a goal back for the Blues and in the second half Eoin Jess’ low drive for the Blues made it 3-3.

The Yellows got their noses in front again in the 72nd minute as Stephen Dobson’s diving header from a Gary Hake cross beat Tomas Cerny.

Eoin Jess looks to start a Blues attack. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson

But the lead lasted just two minutes as Francesca Ogilvie cut in from the right flank before scoring to make it 4-4.

Dunbar then grabbed his second of the game in spectacular fashion as he fired in an audacious 35-yard lob which went in off the post to make it 5-4 to the Blues.

Gavin Elphinstone ended any hope of a comeback from the Yellows when he raced clear before slotting home to make it 6-4.