Former Guiseley AFC Junior Matthew Lewis, better known by millions as Neville Longbottom of Harry Potter fame, flew in his celebrity team last Sunday to play Rancell UK’s LA Galaxy bound trialists at Keighley’s Cougar Park.

Matthew explained he had the winning formula before the match.  Alas, it was not to be, much like his screen spells, it didn’t go quite as planned.

Neither he nor fellow Potterites Oliver and James Phelps (Fred and George Weasley) or Alfie Enoch (Dean Thomas) could turn their on-screen magic into goals and victory on the pitch against the tireless trialists.   The Rancell team being victorious 7-2.

However, Matthew had the satisfaction of knowing it was his pressure which led to Rancell right back Tom Wilkinson conceding an own goal to level the scores.  This after Tom Dibb had given the trialists the lead.   John Butcher regained the lead for Rancell, cutting inside the All-Stars full back James Hooton, (Emmerdale’s Sam Dingle) before rounding the keeper (The Good Die Young’s Paul (Wolf)).  Who kept Alex Lawler of The Match and Mike Bassett England Manager from his customary goalkeeping spot in the first half. 

Lawler played a roving outfield role in the first half.   Taking up his more usual role between the posts as the second half commenced in torrential rain.  His outstanding saves and physical presence coupled with the battling qualities of Hall stopped a rout.  In sapping conditions and with very little support Hall covered every blade of grass and standing puddle.  Whilst Lawler stopped the Rancell onslaught, thwarting Aaron Hollindrake (Man of the Match), Daniel Moriarty and Jamie Duffy’s goal bound shots.   Even he was however left floundering by Guiseley’s Scott Morrison’s cross-goal shot, which nestled in the corner.  Fittingly, it was James Phelps (George Weasley) whose trickery on the ball secured a late consolation for the Celebrity 11, and the final score of the game.

A BIG thank you to everyone involved in making todays event such a success, especially the Keighley Ladies F.C coaching staff of Neil and Andrew for filling in as referee's at the last second. Even though some acts pulled out due to the weather, we tried our best to make it a fun day out for everyone. We also won which was a huge bonus. All the All-star team played to a high level, and did not look out of place by any means. But the quality of the whole Rancell UK squad shone, even though the sunshine didn't. Now with plenty of training, and a few friendlies, we will be ready to train with the LA Galaxy in a few weeks time.