OVER £500 was raised for local childrens charity, Golden Wishes as the Walsall All-Stars took on an Easy Fit Select XI at the Banks's Stadium.

In front of a crowd of around 200 there was a lively opening to the proceedings with both sides having early opportunities.

Saddlers' shirt sponsors, Easy Fit, who had the silky skills of Paul Wilding in the engine room of the side, took the lead just before the half-hour mark through Bradley Felton and went on to extend their lead as half-time approached with Stuart Hopcroft and Mark Bell finding the net in quick succession.

The Walsall All-Stars, who lost both Brian Caswell and Richard Green to injury during the first half, looked for a way back into the game at the start of the second period as Paul Jones embarked upon a marauding run that ended with a powerful strike stinging the hands of the 'keeper.

There were a number of smart saves from Ron Green to keep his side in the game and deny a lively Easy Fit attack, whilst Mark Kinsella was all over the pitch.

Easy Fit went on to extend their lead with another two goals in quick succession from Hopcroft and Dean Howells.

Walsall All-Stars continued to battle away and deservedly pulled a goal back as Andy Reece coolly converted from the penalty spot to give the 'keeper no chance.

There was a further chance for Adam Davy to reduce the arrears but he fired inches wide from a good position. Easy Fit then went up the other end to break the offside trap and make it 6-1 through Gordon.

It was the Walsall All-Stars who finished strongly and Kinsella threaded a fine ball through to Jones who twisted and turned only to hit the post from a tight angle.

"It was a successful evening," said Walsall All-Stars manager, Mick Kearns. "We raised plenty of money for such a worthwhile local cause and everyone seemed to enjoy the occasion, even though we were well beaten in the end!"

A BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO TURNED UP TO SHOW THEIR SUPPORT, IT WAS MUCH APPRECIATED.

EASY FIT XI: Jamie Firkin, Mel Burgess, Andrew Lowe, Richard Dunn, Steve Forrester, Mark Gibbons, Dean Swingles, Gary Hamblett, Stuart Hopcroft, Paul Wilding, Bradley Felton. Subs from: Dawood Gordon, Dean Howells, Shaun Gater, Mark Bell, Scott Gittens.

WALSALL ALL-STARS: Ron Green, Brian Caswell, Colin Harrison, Phil Hawker, Richard Green, Andy Reece, Mark Kinsella, Paul Jones, Adam Davy, Marc Wilkes, Mark Rees. Subs from: Dan Johns, Paul Larvin, Jay Edwards, Simon Bailey, Green.