STARS of television and ex-professionals took part in a charity football match in Suffolk to raise money for Cancer Research.

Russell Claydon

STARS of television and ex-professionals took part in a charity football match in Suffolk to raise money for Cancer Research.

A host of famous faces, including former EastEnders star Phil Daniels, took to the pitch at Needham Market Football Club yesterday.

The Showbiz XI included Mike McClean of The Big Breakfast and Richard Judy fame and went up against an old-pros side led by ex-Ipswich midfielder Kevin Horlock.

Also playing at Bloomfields was ex-West Brom, Sunderland and Leeds centre forward Bob Taylor, while former Ipswich captain Matt Holland, now playing for Charlton, was the special guest on the sidelines.

Daniels, who sang on Blur's Britpop anthem Parklife, scored one of the goals in an entertaining 2-2 draw. He hit a sweetly-struck shot from the edge of the area to give his side a 2-1 lead that looked to be enough for victory.

But East Anglian Daily Times sports reporter Stuart Watson salvaged some pride for the veterans with a last-minute headed equaliser in a game watched by several hundred supporters.

Signed Manchester United, Chelsea and Ipswich shirts were auctioned off following the game to boost the funds raised from the day for the cancer charity.