Jamie Carragher got his football boots back on - 20 years to the day since he signed professional forms for Liverpool.

Carra was joined by several other former Reds’ star including Alan Kennedy, David Thompson, Neil Mellor, Jason McAteer and fellow Bootle boy John Durnin for a charity game with his 23 Foundation against a Select 11.

A good crowd was on hand in the sunshine at the Delta Taxis Stadium to see the 23 Foundation run out 4-1 winners over a team, many of whom had made donations to play against their heros.

The star of the show in the first half was Ryan Lowe, currently playing for Crewe in League Two. His fitness and sharpness shone through and he could have had more than the two he eventually ended up with.

Carragher started in defence with Jon Otsemebor, Alan Kennedy on his left and Jason McAteer on the right with David Thompson pulling the strings in midfield.

It certainly wasn’t all one way traffic and the select 11 hit the post and crossbar before Lowe netted his second.

In between times a great cross from the left by Kennedy was headed over by Mellor.

The game got very open in the second half much to the crowd’s enjoyment with Mellor put clean through on goal but denied by the keeper Jamie Spear and ending up somersaulting into the air. He later claimed it was a clear penalty!

Carragher looked determined to get on the scoresheet - even attempting a theatrical dive to try to claim a penalty - but missed a huge chance after fooling a defender but blazing over from six yards.

A lovely backheel from Thompson put the Reds legend in again but after the keeper denied him, Neil Mellor was on hand to fire home powerfully from a narrow angle for 3-0.

The Select 11 hit back and when the 23 Foundation keeper came for a cross, Chris Blackburn was on hand to deliver a looping header into the head. His obvious delight was almost doubled when he later got on the end of another header but this time the keeper saved well.

The 23 Foundation hit straight back and John Durnin added a fourth to conclude the scoring.

The closing stages were noticeable for Carra’s desperate efforts to get on the scoresheet but it was not to be.

A great occasion saw the former Reds signing autographs and taking selfies for scores of kids after the final whistle and a lot of money should have been raised for a number of local charities, including the Community Food Pantry, which is a collaboration between the 23 Foundation and Seaforth Community Shop, ensuring that children don’t go hungry.

The 23 Foundation manager Roy Evans said: “At the end of the day, it’s all about charity and doing good things with good people. Jamie does a lot of that and it’s good to see the lads turn out to do their bit.

“It’s a smashing turn-out, being back in Bootle which is my birthplace too. I thought it was a really good game, interesting. Jamie in the second half, well he never scored goals anyway did he? He thinks he’s a striker but he never will be! It was about enjoying themselves, the players did and I think the crowd did too.”

Echo columnist Neil Mellor played a full 90 minutes but said it was hard going.

“I thought I was fitter than I was to be honest! I missed a few chances as well, I wanted to score. Lowey wanted to come back on but I said I’m not leaving till I score. Fitness is a big part of it and I’ll feel the effects of today after. The somersault? It was a penalty, the keeper took me out, he even said it should have been a penalty.

“It was a great turn-out and for good causes, that’s why I came down.”

Source: Liverpool Echo

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