Harlow Town midfielder Clark Akers, event organiser Billy Shaw and Hawks utility player Michael Gliddon (c)

FOOTBALL

WINTRY weather conditions didn't stop Harlow Town Football Club's Easter funday on Monday, arranged to coincide with the Hawks massive home derby against Billericay Town.

The club teamed up with local Peugeot dealers Bristol Street Motors, who provided a brand new Peugeot 207 for the day which was filled with balloons, with supporters tasked with guessing the amount inside.

Nobody guessed the correct amount, but Barbara Strows was closest, with her guess earning her a giant bucket full of chocolate Easter eggs.

In addition, invitations were sent to every Harlow Town Youth player before the event, and after the club received hundreds of responses, many turned out despite the cold conditions.

As a special Easter treat, each youth player who returned their invitation was entered into a free prize draw to win a signed West Ham United shirt.

The lucky winner was Harlow Town U10 player Lee Chapman, who was delighted to collect the shirt worn by Nolberto Solano for West Ham against Everton the previous week.

There was also an Easter raffle taking place, with prizes such as a signed framed Harlow Town team photograph and a family ticket to visit Broxbourne's Paradise Wildlife Park.

The day went ahead following the sterling work of a team of volunteers, who acted as makeshift groundstaff to clear the pitch of ice and surface water.

A club spokesman said: "There were times in the morning when we thought there was no way the day was going ahead, but thanks to the never say die attitude of our staff and helpers, we got the green light from the match referee.

"This was a great opportunity to get some of our youth players introduced to first team football, and you could tell all the prize winners were particularly pleased."

9:15am Thursday 27th March 2008

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