Star-studded show of strength

Photo: Pictures: CHRIS SUNDERLAND

BRAVE: Andy Ritchie with Jack and Jodie Heaton, brother and sister of Jamie Heaton, who led the teams on to the pitch.

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Latics Legends beat a team of soap stars and musicians at Boundary Park yesterday — but the real winner was Oldham Council’s Distress Fund which collected £5,000 to help victims of the Shaw explosion.

Former Athletic favourites including Andy Ritchie, Andy Goram and David Eyres, clinched a 4-3 victory against the Once Upon A Smile charity team, captained by former “Emmerdale” star Danny Miller (Aaron Livesey).

The explosion in Buckley Street, Shaw, last month killed two-year-old Jamie Heaton as hundreds were evacuated from their homes.

Jamie’s brother and sister, Jack and Jodie, led the teams on to the pitch before the 1,489 crowd observed a minute’s silence.

The Legends, managed by former Latics boss Joe Royle, wore next season’s home kit, while their opposition played in white and orange.

OUAS raises money for families dealing with the illness or death of a child; the celebrity squad regularly stages fund-raising matches.

Man of the Match honours went to David Eyres for the Legends and Shane Ritchie Jnr for OUAS.










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