Annan Athletic host first Sam Wallace Memorial Match

Two charities were the real winners after the first Sam Wallace Memorial match at Annan last Sunday.

Former footballers from Annan and Queen of the South lined up at Galabank for the tribute match in honour of the ex-goalkeeper and manager of the club who died in 2022 while vice chairman.

They battled it out for the Annan Athletic Memorial Cup and a Galabankies select beat Queens 7-3 to lift the silverware before a bumper crowd.

The money raised from donations collected at the gate before kick off will go to Cancer Research and the Alexandra Unit at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary.

Both sets of players paid a donation to keep their special commemorative tops which also went to the two causes.

An Annan Athletic FC spokesman said: “What a fantastic turnout for such a great occasion, in tribute to the late Sam Wallace.

“It was a victory for Annan, whose captain Colin Anderson was presented with the trophy from Sam’s wife Janet.

“We had an emotional start to the day as our Galabank Lounge is named in memory of Sam and Mr Annan Athletic, Alan Irving. Two men who selflessly volunteered their services to give us the club we have today.

“Thank you to everyone that turned up and all the players that took part.”