Legends meeting in charity clash

Kicking off at the home of the EVO-STIK League Southern Division One South & West runners-up at 2pm, the Roger Emms Charity Match is being organised by the popular former Salisbury City defender and Whites fans for the Prospect Hospice Marlborough Community who provided care and support for his late wife Rhian.

The 50-year-old, who is embarking on a seven-day trek up Mount Kilimanjaro in September in memory of his wife as part of a year of fundraising, has persuaded a long list of legends to turn out including Whites old boys Paul Sales, Tyronne Bowers, Matt Tubbs, Aaron Cook, Chris Ferrett, Robbie Harbut, Mike Harris, Matty Lovell, Matt Holmes and Eastleigh FC physio Andy Cook.

Emms told dailyecho.co.uk on Friday: “When the Salisbury Supporters’ Club contacted me about the prospect of arranging a charity match, I was taken aback. It is a fantastic gesture and it should hopefully prove to be an entertaining afternoon.

"Tracking down some players has been a challenge, but it will be interesting catching up with everybody after so many years. I hope we manage to attract a reasonable number to the match and raise a little more money towards my overriding challenge, trekking up Mount Kilimanjaro later this year.

“The Prospect Hospice gave such tremendous support to both my wife and myself during what was a difficult time. I’m now trying to give something back to them in the memory of my wife.”

For more information and to donate to the fundraising former player's charity page visit: http://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/rogeremms1kilimanjaro.

* Steve Claridge's side will kick off their preseason programme by hosting their manager's hometown club on Saturday 1 July. The Whites announced their first warm-up game against Paul Cook's newly promoted side on Friday. Claridge managed Pompey during the 2000-1 season after scoring 34 goals in 104 appearances for the League One-bound club.

Follow the EVO-STIK League Southern on Twitter at @SouthernLeague1