Albion great Peter Ward to wear the stripes once more in aid of charity

Brighton & Hove Albion’s greatest ever goalscorer Peter Ward is jetting in to take part in a charity football match held in honour of a Seagulls fan who died during the 9/11 terrorist attack.

Peter Ward, the ever-popular centre-forward who bagged 81 goals for the Albion in two spells on the south coast and is still considered by many to be the club’s greatest ever player, will be playing in the 11th annual match between Brighton fans and their arch rivals from Crystal Palace in a bid to raise further funds in memory of Robert Eaton. This year’s match will take place on Friday, May 11 at the Dripping Pan in Lewes.

Robert was a popular Albion supporter who was working in the Twin Towers on the day the planes struck. A charity, the Robert Eaton Memorial Fund (REMF), was set up in his name and has gone on to raise more than £100,000 for footballing good causes and sports equipment for youth teams across Sussex and further afield - including a junior club in Robert’s adopted home of Queens, New York.

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Also taking to the field will be Ricky Marlowe - Robert’s favourite Albion player, who will be travelling down from his Scotland base - as he has done each year - to take part and Paul Rogers, the former Seagulls captain.

Kick-off is at 7.45pm and entry is just £5 for adults and £2 for children - although under 16s got free if accompanied by an adult. Gully’s Girls will also perform on the night and there will also be a raffle, including signed shirts. All proceeds go to REMF.

Tony Langridge, chairman for the REMF, said, “This is a great cause and the perfect way to remember Robert, who lost his life in such tragic circumstances.

“Hopefully as many Brighton fans as possible will come along on the night. Every penny raised goes to people who really need it and in the past we have helped fund projects in Africa which helps orphans with HIV as well as buying the Seagulls Specials a new mini bus last year.

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“Brighton have been going great guns on the pitch this season, but this is a brilliant opportunity for our younger fans to see a true great in action in Peter Ward.

“And, who knows, they might get to see the Albion beat Palace at least once this season.”