Everton FC legends edge out Liverpool FC in charity game at Goodison Park to support Cash for Kids

May 27 2011 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo

AS A lightening-fast Everton striker he famously missed three gilt-edged chances to settle a Merseyside derby – but Stuart Barlow made no mistake to fire the Blues to derby victory in a charity game at Goodison.

Barlow, now 42, scored the only goal of the game during a masters game featuring star names from Merseyside football folklore like Ian Rush, John Barnes and Robbie Fowler.

Former Oldham and Wigan goal-poacher Barlow, was joined by fellow former Everton players Graham Stuart, Iain Jenkins, Joe Royle, Steve Simonsen and Joe Parkinson, while true-blue boxer Tony Bellew, politician Andy Burnham and former Barcelona star Eusebio Sacristan also pulled on the Blue shirt, with Howard Kendall taking on managerial duties.

And with all proceeds raised going to Radio City's Cash For Kids, the Teenage Cancer Trust, as well as the Everton Former Players Foundation, the event proved a huge success and attracted up to 3,000 fans.

Everton had the first chance of the game but Graham Stuart was thwarted by goalkeeper Eric Nixon.

But Barlow soon had the crucial goal as he skinned Michael Thomas and fired past former Tranmere goalkeeper Eric Nixon in the Liverpool goal.

Unlike in their prime, Rush and Aldridge both wasted chances to torment the Toffees and equalise before FA Cup medallist Stuart shot over for the Blues when well-placed.

Barlow was narrowly off target as another chance to put the game to bed went begging, before Simonsen produced a superb save to deny Bury striker Ryan Lowe, and referee Dermot Gallagher blew the final whistle.

The show-case game came after a day of matches on the Goodison pitch featuring ordinary supporters, soap actors and youth sides.

Popular former Everton and Liverpool defender Gary Ablett lead the two teams out to a standing ovation, as he continues to recover from cancer.

The day also featured live music from local girl band Estrella, and overall organisers are confident they have raised thousands of pounds.

Philip Ross, son of Everton FC chaplain Harry Ross who helped organise the game, said: “It really was a fantastic day and it was great to see so many popular former players back in their respective red and blue. The turn-out from supporters was fantastic and both charities have benefited.”