Ritchie all-stars taken to wire

Photo: Chris Sunderland

Action from the match between an Andy Ritchie XI of former Latics players and the Community XI.

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HUNDREDS of football fans basked in the sunshine at Boundary Park to enjoy a charity match with a difference.

Latics legend Andy Ritchie led a team of former players as they took on a Community XI made up of some of the best Asian football players.

The match finished 3-3 but the Latics XI narrowly snatched victory after winning a penalty shoot-out.

The event was organised by Oldham Muslim Centre and Oldham Athletic Community Trust and all proceeds will be shared between the two organisations to contribute to their local projects.

This is the first time the two organisations have worked together with the aim of showcasing some of the talent in the lower local leagues.

Colin Moore, Oldham Athletic Community Trust manager, said: “Oldham Athletic is proud to work with the Oldham Muslim Centre.

“We have worked with them previously and their commitment to community cohesion is excellent. We want to see more players from south Asian heritages make it into football and one day playing at the highest level in the Premier League.”