AN annual football match proved to be a rather one-sided affair, but even the losing players were all smiles.

For last Friday's friendly fixture, organised by Whitefield man Graeme Warner, raised more than £4,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Each April, keen soccer players gather at Manchester Grammar School to compete for the Stuart Dale Memorial Trophy in memory of the school staff member, who died from cancer in 2005.

This year's fixture, between school staff and an All-Star team ended up 6-0 to the All Stars, who included former Manchester United captain Bryan Robson and ex-Manchester City striker Shaun Goater.

Mr Warner, of Ferndale Avenue, said: "Our All Stars team had a bit too much class for the staff.

"Robson still has the magic touch.

"It was a great event and a thrill for us all to line up alongside such huge legends of the game," added Mr Warner, whose son Lee attended the school.

The match was played in glorious sunshine and was supported by a non-uniform day among school pupils.

Bryan Robson said: "It's always nice to see so many people giving up their time to raise money for charity.

"Macmillan is such a worthwhile cause and they do such great work to help people whose lives are affected by cancer, so I'm pleased to be here at the school to help raise money for MacMillan."

The school's development director Simon Jones said: "Stuart was a much-loved porter here at the school, and he is still very much missed.

"Millions of people in the UK have been touched by cancer and I know there are boys, staff and parents within the school community who have also been affected by cancer like Stuart's family have, so the MacMillan charity is one close to our hearts.

"It was fantastic to see so many boys and staff donate to the charity and turn out for the match to show their support from the touchlines, and I would like to say a big 'thank you' to all those players who gave up their time, dusted off their boots and shinpads and took part in the match."

Macmillan fundraising manager Becky Bainton said: "Thank you so much to everyone involved in the match.

"We really would not be able to reach as many people as we do without amazing support like this."