After m onths of meeting, phone calls and planning: the big annual charity match had arrived. Last year, Forever Bury played the cast and crew of ITV's Emmerdale, and this year it was the turn of Channel Four's Hollyoaks. With Alan and Ants sidelined due to injury, Rich and Benty came in as late additions to the squad. The first half team consisted of Neil in net, Tesco, Mark H, Wozza and Craig in defence, Gaz, Carl, Kev, Stu in midfield and Bob and Graeme up front. Everyone was looking forward to the game and did light training midweek to prevent causing any further injuries. However, with a bumper crowd expected, and the rumour of a nice young lady physio, Stu developed a 'groin strain' (which he shook off when he found out it was Rich). As a result, Tesco went right wing, leaving Stu to sit in at right back.

The Shakers went out to warm up and were slightly disappointed to only see approximately 100 people with half an hour to kick off. After a good fifteen minute warm up, the Shakers went in to get ready for the game, and get instructions from the management. The ref rang the bell to get the teams in the tunnel. Led out by Robbie the Bobby, the two teams made their way onto the pitch. Unfortunately they left their ear plugs back in the changing room as they were met by a roar from the 914 attendance. Winning the toss, Bury decided to kick-off and attack the Manny Road End.

With Bury being the clear underdogs, they wanted to put on a display as to why they are second in the league. Some nice football going through the middle, the ball found itself with Kev who tried to use the pace up front in the form of Bob and Graeme, but the linesman ruled that they were offside, something which happened a few times during the half.

It was Hollyoaks that came the closest, with Ricky (Calvin) winning the ball in the air for Phillip Olivier to break down the right. Using his famous pace he ran down the flank. Leg back to cross the ball, Stu shot over blocking the ball for a throw. The ball back in play, it was switched across field to the left. With bags of space it looked like Hollyoaks were going to score, but Wozza timed his tackle perfectly. However the ref, fancying himself as an actor, wanted a part in the show and said it was a free-kick.

"Four," was the cry from Neil as the Shakers were preparing the wall, and not 10 yards to try stop the quick free kick, but the ref allowed it and Olivier hit the ball home. 0-1.

One of the strengths of the Shakers is that heads don't drop and they were in search of a goal. After a midfield battle, won by Carl, the ball made its way right to Tesco who hit the ball over the top for Graeme to run on to, forcing a corner. The ball was swung in and fell on the edge of the box. Bob, on his way to try and send the ball back, got a shout off Tesco and superbly laid it back for him. Tesco struck the ball, sending it into the stratosphere which was met by "Waaaay!" by the crowd. The Shakers could have got a goal back with chances from Tesco, Graeme, Bob and Gaz, but failed to do so. Hollyoaks could have snatched another in a one-on-one, but Neil got a good hand on the ball to send it wide.

But they did manage a second just before half time from a Bury corner. The keeper claimed the ball and threw it out for a coun ter attack. A pass was misplaced, the Hollyoaks player won the ball and broke down the middle. With four passes, the ball found the back of the net by Olivier who had been a thorn in Bury's side all half. 0-2.

With it being a big day for the Forever Bury players, the WAGs were out in force, and played a part in the match...well, rather their handbags did. Graeme challenged for the ball on the Hollyoaks keeper and to prevent belly flopping him, put his arms out and took out the keeper. Knowing he was in the wrong, and in the interests of fair play, he offered his hand but it was declined and it was handbags at dawn.

The whistle blew for half-time, but it was the end of the game for the first half team, so they took up their places in the dug out while the other eleven warmed up. Chris Murray was in net, with John, Ste, Tobin and Gazza in defence, Rich, Paddy, Neil Sav and Si in midfield, and Tom and Nev up front.

The game restarted and the fresh legs of the Shakers tried to get back into the game with Nev and Si working tirelessly down the left and up front in search of a goal. Half way through the second half, the Shakers nearly got the goal they deserved with John Raff having a close range effort saved by the keeper. Being a true sportsman, the keeper threw the ball out of play so John could receive treatment for his nosebleed.The Hollyoaks stars knew Bury would score soon, and they had to kill the game off and quickly. Murray pulled off a good diving save, but using the speed and tricks of Olivier, they were through on goal, and he slotted the ball through Muzza's legs. 0-3.

The Shakers were running out of time and fast. Nev and Tom had a couple of chances saved, and again on the counter attack, Hollyoaks hit Bury on the break. With Ricky (Calvin) through on goal, the ball racing from him, Muzza came raching off his line and nutmegged Ricky and sent the ball clear. Unfortunately, the ball was won in midfield by Hollyoaks, who beat the offisde trap and finished to make it 0-4. A scoreline which flattered the Hollyoaks team. Overall, a fast and exciting game which was enjoyed by all.

On behalf of everyone from Forever Bury FC, I would like to thank Wozza for all his hard work that was put into arranging this fixture, Bury FC for allowing us to play on Gigg Lane and the cast and crew of Hollyoaks. Also, thank yous for the 914 people who turned out to support this event which hopefully has raised a lot of money for charity (just under £2000 so far).