Leading a side out onto the pitch, I have to say, was memorable and this despite the accusations of match fixing and the unruly behaviour of the crowd, particularly those from 
Both teams were from Clarets Mad and with this fantastic opportunity of playing on the Turf we were all winners – that despite the fact that we were beaten 3-1.
Herts-Clarets, in goal for the opposition takes up the story: “What a fantastic day! Changing in the dressing room where so many famous names have changed before us. Hansbury, Neenan, Woodworth, Peacock and Kendall are just some of the keepers who have pulled on the number one shirt, and to follow them was no mean feat!
“Lining up in the tunnel, walking out to the roar of the crowd and milking the applause prior to the formalities from the massed ranks of Clarets causing a disturbance in the directors box before making my way to the goal in front of the Jimmy Mac stand. Didn't even get a touch of the ball before we kicked off, so the first time I had that confidence boost was from a free kick to my right. Big shout and took the ball cleanly. Phew! Couple more catches and back passes and it was half time with a one goal lead.
“Our half time team talk built confidence, whilst the oppositions focused on arranging financial incentives for the officials. Early in the second half, with our game plan going well, the opposition's plan kicked in, with the referee awarding a penalty for the slightest touch on the forward. (Was this the ref from the
“Two more goals from the red and blacks, from Ben and Dan (did he score??) sealed a 3-1 victory, one dive at CovClaret's feet after our right sided defenders did their best Fred West impressions and the game was over. Handshakes, photographs, the threat of a pitch invasion from the pie eaters and we left the pitch.
“I played on the Turf, my team won, I saved a penalty. Does it get any better than that?
Another member of the winning side was agreenwood and he too enjoyed the match and told the waiting press at the post match conference, “It was a really enjoyable day. The game was quite tight in the first half, with the teams taking time to get used to the size of the pitch and the sun.
“In the second half Attilla's Barbarians took control, largely due to Ben and Pete (no.8) showing a bit more quality than the rest. Clarets Mad did score, but it was a very dubious penalty. Their joy was short-lived with Ben and Dan taking the goals well. 3-1 was a fair result.
”Man of Match for me should be shared between Ben and CovClaret.”
The winning team were really rubbing it in after it was all over and SussexClaret was gloating over the result and said, “I thought the day was excellent and hopefully we'll all get the chance to do it again someday.
“I'd also like to say that the best team won and you were lucky to get away with only conceding three!”
The losing side were anything but bitter and Clarets Mad’s 5-a-side captain LancasterClaret said, “I just want to give a massive thank you for all involved in organising and playing.
“What a cracking day, and the feeling I got when I ran out on to the Turf was unbelievable!”
And Murger added, “The amount of pride I felt running out onto the hallowed Turf was unbelievable, something I will never forget.
“Onto the game although I very rarely touched the ball, I felt I played a part. Started to tire near the end, but didn’t everybody? All in all an experience I will never forget.”
There is no doubt that I did have words with the officials, strong words with the assistant referee who seemed to keep missing blatant offsides.
My only words with the referee were regarding a member of the opposition constantly using bad language. Apparently he is the editor of a fanzine and when the ball moved he always had something to say.
I was at times concerned for the safety of the players with the unruly element in the crowd, some big chap and a load of pie eaters. At one point in the second half I had no option but to leave the technical area to try and sort it out.
It was though an unforgettable afternoon for each and every one of us who took part. I’ve been going to the Turf now for just about 44 years and had never been able to appreciate just how it felt coming down that tunnel onto the pitch. I’m sure we’ll all be back next year.