| 26.07.2008 @ 15:00 The Camrose |
Crowd: |
| Basingstoke Town |
0 - 5 |
Reading |
| Referee: |
Friendly / Steve Richardson Testimonial-Match |
This was a day when the result, fortunately from a Basingstoke point of view, was far from the most important thing. Steve and his family arrived at the ground at 1.45 in transport provided by the Supporters Club. Steve was able to chat to fans from both sides who had arrived early and was then entertained in the Board Room where he was able to meet with guests from Reading, including the Club Patron, and Club Historian David Downes who had seen all of Rico's career at Reading. A further surprise for Steve was when one of his old team mates at Reading, Steve Wood, arrived.
Time then for Rico to change into a half Reading half Basingstoke shirt, specially made by the wife of the Supporters club chairman John Turner. The teams came out with Rico at the rear and lined up and applauded him and his children, mascots for the day, onto the field of play. A photo opportunity here and on to the game, in which Steve played the first 18 minutes, to cheers from the crowd at his every touch. By the time Rico left the field, Stoke were 2 down to goals from Nicholas Bignall, and a further from Gary Frewen had the home side going in at half-time 3 nil down. A youthful Reading Team, containing no less than 8 players who have represented their Country at some level, including Ireland International Alan Bennett, played with fluidity and style. Further goals were added with forward Simon Church netting the fourth and substitute Kelvin Bossman completing the scoring near the end.
Late chances fell to David Tarpey, and Carl Gibbs forcing a fine save from the visiting keeper. The quality in the Reading side showed, the team had had two hard days of training prior to the game, with the fact that they have spent some time together showing in their neat play.
The game over, time now for Steve to pose for photos, sign autographs and present the first prize winner of the half time raffle with her prize of a football signed by the Reading first team squad. Thanks must go to Reading FC for their help in making this a special day for Steve, donating the ball, 5 books and two signed caricature pictures of their championship winning team as prizes for the raffle.
The day was rounded off with a function in the clubhouse with invited guests and food, courtesy of the Supporters Club. Steve was presented with a glass plaque commemorating his time at the club, and various other mementos. Speeches followed, from BTFC Club Chairman Rafi Razzak and from David Downes on behalf of Reading FC. All in all Steve and his family were given a day that they will remember.
Basingstoke Town: Ross Kitteridge, Steve Richardson (Aiden Lewis) (Jamie Lovegrove), Robbie Watkins, Jason Bristow (Lloyd Boateng), Joe Dolan (Phil Ruggles), Sean Hankin, Medwood (Sam Tucknott) (Jiddy Ogunbote), Tom Williamson, James Faulkner (Carl Gibbs), Siddy Jombarti, Matt Warner (David Tarpey) |
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