IT IS usually the hallowed turf where Saints stars play their games.

But this time St Mary’s Stadium was host to a charity football event in memory of loved ones lost to cancer.

Past and present players of Chase Kings Football Club played two hour-long matches in honour of the mums of their vice-captain Luke Haynes, 25, and player Adam Hughes, 40.

Luke’s mum Tracey died in April 2015 and Adam’s mum Rosemary died in May 2013.

The club, from the Meon Valley, held the event to raise money for the Countess Mountbatten Hospice in West End, Southampton, in appreciation of the care they gave to the two women.

The night, which also included a two-minute silence for the victims of the Manchester terror attack, raised £2,000 in donations.

Organiser Steve Bridge said: “I just thought it was such a great story. The silence in particular was quite emotional for the lads. I thought the event was ambitious with 44 players having to find £60 to play and then raise sponsorship of at least £55 for the charity.

“But the players came through and together we did it culminating in a beautiful night with 200 spectators cheering us on.

“As for the football, all the boys got a kick out of playing on a Premier League pitch.”

The ‘legends’ match, Tudgey’s XI v Richie’s XI, featured Kings players from the past and those who have given more than ten years service to the club.

There was then the ‘Kings’ game with Robbie’s XI, the current manager, taking on a Strangey’s XI, the current coach, with players from the present.

Coach Strangey’s side got the better of the manager’s team and won 3-1 with goals from Ant Reeves, Luke Ryman, and Mark Shambrook replying to an early Luke Haynes strike.

Saturday side Chase Kings FC, founded in 2005 by manager Rob Sanders, are a grassroots football club with a difference.

Supported by Waltham Chase Methodist Church, the team play in the Solent Churches Football League.

Chase Kings play at Swanmore Recreational Ground.