FOR the past 20 years, every FA Cup Final day has marked an extra special occasion in Welwyn Hatfield, when a memorial match remembers a much-loved WGC resident.

While some of the nation’s best teams fight it out at Wembley for one of the most famous trophies in football, WGC’s very own ‘stars’ are battling it out for the annual Andy Scofield friendly cup.

The game was first organised by his friends, who joined up with family members to form Andy’s XI.

They originally played against the Ludwick Arms Sunday league pub side, for whom Andy played, before his tragic death in a road accident on the former slip road of Gypsy Lane and the A414, on March 30, 1991.

The Sika worker, a mad Arsenal fan, was just 25.

Two decades on and the keen runner’s memory is kept strong by the allegiance of players and spectators who turn up to support the match every year.

Andy’s younger brother, Ian, now organises the fixture, which features a different Sunday league side each year.

Last Saturday that match, held at Lemsford village hall, finished 4-3 to Andy’s XI, with 45-year-old super sub Dave Dewell scoring the winner against a mixed XI.

Ian told the WHT that the event was going as strong as ever.

“It has been a wonderful opportunity to meet up with friends and family and it has always been played in a great spirit.

“Over the years there’s been a lot of new faces and we’ve made a lot of friends through people who get into the spirit of it. It’s just a really good community event.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed over the years, and thank all the venues that have hosted us.

“A big thanks must also go out to Alison at Welwyn Hatfield Council and to my fiancee Belinda, who has just been fantastic over the past 14 years.”

Ian added: “Andy is sorely missed by all the family including dad Leslie, mum Sylvia and older brother Paul.”