THE WALSALL FC All Stars helped to raise £6,500 for Meningitis UK on Sunday with a game against Wyrley Juniors FC.

The match was in memory of Liam Keeling, a Walsall FC fanatic, Junior Saddlers member and player for Wyrley Juniors Under-13s, who sadly died of bacterial meningitis late last year.

The Saddlers' line-up included Martin O'Connor, Dean Smith, Don Goodman, Mark Kinsella, Paul Hall, Stuart Ryder (pictured), Andy Reece, Paul Jones, Colin Harrison, Richard Brown and Peter Till.

Following overnight snow, a team of volunteers turned up early at Great Wyrley FC to clear the pitch and surrounding areas.

In the end, the younger legs of Wyrley Juniors, who are members of the West Midlands (Regional) League Division Two, won through as they claimed a 3-0 success in a game that was officiated by Premier League Referee, Alan Wiley.

A raffle and football memorabilia auction took place after the game and helped to take the fund-raising up to an impress £6,500. "The death of Liam hit both Wyrley Juniors and Walsall FC hard," said Keith Hardy, Chairman of Wyrley Juniors FC. "We were determined to play this game regardless of the conditions.

"There were some fantastic efforts by a number of people to ensure that the event was a success and I would like to thank eveyone who was involved.

"It was a fitting way to remember Liam and we are delighted with the sum raised.for such a worthy cause."

Liam's family, dad Andy, mum Georgina and sister Hannah, added: "We would like to thank the Wyrley Juniors Community for supporting us since Liam's death. We are delighted with the fantastic amount of money that they have raised for Meningitis UK."