TWO Melksham building merchants have gone head-to-head in a charity football match raising £915 for Macmillan Cancer Research.

Both Buildbase and Travis Perkins players took to the pitch on Sunday (April 3) at 2pm with the former securing local pride in a closely fought contest which ended 6-5 on penalties.

The last gasp victory at The Conigre Football Ground in Melksham House was the second match between the two after Travis Perkins won 4-2 the previous year.

Organiser Robbie Newton, 33, of Hilperton, said: “We were a bit worried at one point as we thought they might have brought in some players from Melksham Town but luckily they failed to turn up so it was nice and close.

“The weather was sadly not as nice as when we did it last year but it was definitely really good fun again.

“I am not sure how many people turned up but I would say in the region of around 100 spectators were there.”

After the game, which ended 2-2, the referee awarded the man of the match to Buildbase goalkeeper Steve Simms.

Mr Newton added: “We should have won the game really. We had enough chances to wrap it up but he kept saving them all.

“He definitely deserved man of the match and we plan to do it again next year but we never know if there is going to be the same people working there.

“Really I would like to carry it on as long as possible. Sadly, I could not play this year as I am training for the London Marathon and really did not want to risk injury.”

Paul Lewis, 47, who played centre midfield for Buildbase, said: “This is the second game that I have played in 22 years.

“It is for a good cause and also a good bit of fun and banter with the lads.

“The charity is a really good one but Robbie is the one that does all the real work and raises a small fortune."

To donate to Mr Newton’s London Marathon fund go to virginmoneygiving.com/robbienewton.