CHARITY MATCH - LINCOLN CITY XI 5-3 RAF WADDINGTON
SINCIL BANK – 08 MAY 14
RAF Waddington went into this charity match with low expectations, with the pre-match talk
being about damage limitation and preventing something that resembled a cricket score. But on
a night of high drama, quality and plenty of goals on the pitch, to enhancing the relationship
between the station and the local community off it, Waddington left Sincil Bank with their heads
firmly held high.
The evening was organised to raise money for the RAF Benevolent fund, Lincoln City FC Sports
and Education Trust, and Caring Matters Now - the only dedicated UK charity to provide
information and support for those affected by Congenital Melanocytic Naevus, a type of
birthmark that may appear in newborn babies.
After a 1 minute silence to mark the anniversary of the Bradford Valley Parade Stadium fire
disaster in the match between Bradford City and Lincoln City on 11 May 1985, the match began
with Waddington starting the brighter of the 2 sides. Confidently zipping the ball around on a
surface made slicker by the pre-match downpour they gave the home side several scares in the
opening 20 minutes. Lincoln, whose side consisted of promising youngsters from their U16-U18
sides, several of whom who had represented the first team last season, gradually grew into the
game which developed into an even affair with both sides competing for every ball.
After Waddington failed to
properly clear a corner in
the 34th minute Lincoln
finally broke the deadlock.
The ball was delivered
back into the box and was
smashed acrobatically into
the top corner from 12
yards out. Waddington
refused to let their heads
drop and carried on as they
had through the first half
and the score remained at
1-0 when the half-time
whistle blew.
The second half began with
several changes in personnel for
Waddington, and as the game got
back underway few could have
predicted what was to come. After
it seemed Lincoln were gaining
control of the game Waddington
stunned their hosts in a madcap
15 minutes which saw them go 3-1
up by the hour mark. Full of
confidence, the visitors continued to mount attacks on the Lincoln defence.
Lincoln were sparked into life and hit back in the 68th minute to lower the deficite to 3-2. The
score remained the same with the match finely balanced, until the 88th minute when an
equalizer turned the game on its head.
At 3-3 Lincoln visibly grew and began throwing everything at Waddington. With fitness and
stamina possibly playing its part, the RAF side conceded another 2 late goals, and the final
whistle blew with the score finishing at 5-3.
Waddington produced a performance of which
their manager, Richie Killick, and all his staff
and squad, were rightly proud. Event organiser
Cpl Trevor Lent of 54 Sqn, Waddington was
extremely happy with how the night had
panned out and stated it was the first of what
would now be an annual fixture between the
station and the professional club.
All in all, it was a hugely successful night for the station and RAF as a whole, and reason for
belief and optimism for RAF Waddington football team.
Match Report – Cpl Andy Campbell – RAF Waddington
Match Photographer – SAC Blake Carruthers – RAF Waddington