Store First Boost Stanley Success at Charity Match

Store First provided a much-needed boost to Accrington Stanley as the club beat AFC Wimbledon in a charity match watched by its biggest crowd of the season.

Store First, which is stadium and shirt sponsor for the League 2 club, sponsored the match and treated 50 members of staff who work across all of its outlets to a three course meal and VIP treatment in the Store First Stadium’s hospitality lounge.

The special £5 entry price encouraged 2,149 football fans to flock to the ground to see ASFC score a 4-0 victory against AFC Wimbledon on the night.

50p from every ticket was donated to the Finley’s Friends charity appeal, which aims to raise £20,000 for Holly House treatment centre in Accrington.

Store First further boosted the amount donated by doubling proceeds from ticket sales to hand over a joint cheque for £1400 to Mackenzie Rosbotham, brother of Accrington boy Finley who learned to walk against the odds thanks to Holly House.

The total amount raised will be confirmed later this week when charity bucket collections have been counted.

A further £200 was handed over by Geoff Parkinson from the Official Supporters Club from donations collected in the Crown pub from the Official Supporters Club.

Finley's mum Kelly Rosbotham said she was moved to tears by the support that Store First, Accrington Stanley and the local community had given to her appeal.

She said: "It's been such a special night. It's moved me so much to see everyone coming together and showing such kindness towards our appeal, I feel proud of my town."

ASFC managing director Rob Heys said: "What a fantastic night, an incredible result and a wonderful amount of money raised for a local cause close to our hearts.

"The atmosphere was electric and it definitely made a difference to the lads on the pitch."

You can watch highlights from the day here.