Story added: 18th May 2015

Jamie the star at celebrity match as close to 9,500 fans enjoy memorable day of entertainment at Carrow Road

Following Norwich City’s play-off triumphs on Saturday, the party atmosphere continued at Carrow Road with the third-annual Jamie’s Game.

Celebrities from TV, film and music joined ex-Canaries for Sellebrity Soccer & the Community Sports Foundation’s showpiece event.

A bumper crowd of 9,485 fans filled both the City & Jarrold Stands, eager to catch a glimpse of the celebs and help support the charity game.

Young Jamie Abbott, the inspiration behind Jamie’s Game who was unable to come to last year’s event, took centre-stage as the guest of honour.

Following pre-match entertainment from the Broadland Youth Choir and dance-group KTRoo, as well as pitch demonstrations from CSF disability groups, Jamie Abbott was given a standing ovation as he was introduced to the crowd.

He led the two teams of celebrities out onto the pitch, which this year included Eastenders’ Jake Wood, singers Lee Ryan, Jay James, Stevi Ritchie, internet star Jim Chapman, along with Canaries legends including Chris Sutton, Adam Drury, Dean Ashton and Adrian Forbes.

A late injury to rapper Tinchy Stryder saw Sky Sports & CSF ambassador Simon Thomas take captainship of the music-star’s team and his side raced into a two-goal lead thanks largely to the good-work of Soccer AM’s duo Franky Fryer and Tubes.

Not to be outdone, crowd favourite Dan Osborne soon showed why he was awarded Man of the Match last year by scoring twice, including an unstoppable 25-yard effort into the top corner of Scott Howie’s net.

All the while, the crowd enjoyed lively match-time entertainment, led by the live feed on the big-screen which showed crowd ‘selfies’ and the popular ‘Bongo-cam’.

Half-time entertainment came from talented local singer Bill Downs, who performed a trio of songs, as well as a CSF disability dance group (who are supported by funds raised from Jamie’s Game) and the Angel Baton Twirlers.

The second-half continued much like the first, with both teams trading goals. At 4-3, the stage was set for another big moment from Jamie Abbott when he was introduced as a late substitute.

His equalising goal got the biggest cheer of the day and he delighted the crowd with his enthusiastic celebrations.

A penalty-shoot out followed, a first for a Jamie’s Game, and despite another converted penalty from Jamie Abbott, it was Simon Thomas’ XI who came out victorious.

Darren Eadie, founder of Sellebrity and on the winning team again this year, was appreciative of the support:

“Thank you to all our celebrities, who have given up their time to support this fantastic cause, the event sponsors and of course, to all of our fans.

“We’ve raised a lot of money and awareness for the Norwich City Community Sports Foundation and the fantastic work they do in the local community.

What a great finish to a special weekend here at Carrow Road!”

Emma Fletcher, CSF Fundraising officer, said:

“It was a magical day. We’re so grateful to everyone for supporting the event.

“The money raised will do so much to change lives of people in the local community.”

Thank you to our matchday sponsors Aviva, National Citizen Service, Macron Store Norwich, Norfolk County Council, Fisher Health Care, Hollywood Cinemas & Link Radio Services.

PHOTO GALLERY: Click here, here & here for photo galleries from the day.

Match summary:

Sunday 17th May 2015

Jake Wood XI 4-4 Simon Thomas XI

(Simon Thomas XI wins 4-3 on penalties)

Attendance: 9,485

Jake Wood XI:

Terry Alderton (GK), Dean Gaffney, Jay James, Kevin Cooper, Lee Ryan, Stevi Ritchie, Ruel Fox, Antony Costa, Dan Osborne, Jake Wood (C), Harvey, Adrian Forbes, Dean Ashton, Dane Bowers, Jamie Abbott

Simon Thomas XI:

Scott Howie (GK), Daz Everest, Franky Fryer, Adam Drury, Simon Thomas, Tubes, Scott Robinson, Jamie Cureton, Chris Sutton, Darren Eadie, Shayne Ward, John Chapman, Jim Chapman, Leon Bustin, Anthony Ogogo

Wood XI scorers:

Dan Osborne (2), Kevin Cooper & Jamie Abbott

Thomas XI scorers:

Franky Fryer (3), Leon Bustin

Penalties:

Kevin Cooper (Wood XI) – Scored
Shayne Ward (Thomas XI) – Scored
Harvey (Wood XI) – Scored
Franky Fryer (Thomas XI) – Scored
Dean Ashton (Wood XI) – Missed
Simon Thomas (Thomas XI) – Missed
Antony Costa (Wood XI) – Missed
Scott Robinson (Thomas XI) – Scored
Jamie Abbott (Wood XI) – Scored
Tubes (Thomas XI) – Scored

Match officials: Referee – Mr Mike George, Assistant Referees – Mr Alex Guy, Mr Mick Dennis, Fourth Official – Mr Ben Willgress

Man of the match: Jim Chapman