Swindon Town's former footballing heroes proved to the crowds they had lost none of their sporting prowess when they returned to the County Ground yesterday.
Almost all of the Dream Team from the 1992/1993 season which won Premiership promotion in the First Division Wembley play-offs were reunited to take on a host of celebrities in a charity match for the NSPCC.
The likes of Glenn Hoddle, Micky Hazard and Shaun Taylor proved more than a match for stars such as TV presenter Angus Deayton and sports commentator Jim Rosenthal, beating the showbiz side by eight goals to four.
Hoddle, a former manager at Swindon Town, replayed one of his Wembley moments by scoring, while, for the celebs, Anthea Turner's new husband Grant Bovey hit the net.
But the main goal of the game was to score funds for the NSPCC's Full Stop campaign which aims to stamp out child cruelty.
The event raised £12,000 from ticket sales alone as around 2,000 people paid to watch the game and much more was expected to be made from an evening fundraiser.
Jacquie Sheppard, corporate fundraiser for the NSPCC in Swindon, was delighted with the turn-out.
She said: "We have been amazed by how helpful the stars have been.
"There have been a lot of problems at the County Ground so we wanted to use this as an exercise not only to help the NSPCC but to give our support to Swindon's football club.
"Throughout the country there is a big problem with child abuse and the aim of the Full Stop Campaign is to end that ."
For many of the stars the event provided a welcome trip down memory lane as well as the chance to help a good cause.
"It has been great to get all the boys together again," said Glenn Hoddle.
"It must be six or seven years since I was here and the stadium has changed a bit but the people don't."
But the nostalgia did not exert enough pressure to entice him back in the wake of Colin Todd's departure.
He told the Adver: "I've already got a job."
Another former Swindon Town manager was also saying thank-you for the memories.
"It was wonderful to be reunited with all the players. Seeing them back together brought some very happy memories," said John Gorman.
TV presenter Anthea Turner was there too, cheering on husband Grant.
She said: "The fact the NSPCC is working through sport is inspiring."
Cliff Puffett, director of Swindon Town, said: "It is just wonderful that the NSPCC has almost chosen us as a venue for this. It is a tremendous cause.
"If this event brings over an awareness that Swindon Town can be a vehicle for these things, it is great."
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