NEARLY three decades after the car crash that killed close friends Al Smith, Bob Bond, Bill Ward, Rodney Phillips, Stephen Medcraft, John Webb, Steven Bayes and Stephen King, Basingstoke Town and Millwall played for a Remembrance Cup in memory of the eight young men who died on their way to see Southampton v Millwall on February 11, 1978.

Some 27 years later, members of the Ward, Bond, King and Medcraft families, who attended Saturday's game at the Camrose, said they were touched that such an occasion was being staged to honour their loved ones.

Bill Ward's widow Wendy said: "It's a very emotional day for all of the families here, but I am very glad the two clubs have recognised what happened and decided to honour them all.

"We are all going through a difficult time today, but it's nice to get through it together, because we haven't kept in touch.

"The boys were all great friends and used to go to school together, so were very close, but the wives and girlfriends and parents didn't have those bonds.

"It was very tough at the time, and still is, for those involved to get over what happened. Eight families were completely devastated.

"So, while it's a fantastic day for the young kids to see Millwall play at Basingstoke, for those of us who lost loved ones, it's a very emotional day."

It was particularly poignant for Kelly Ward, Bill's daughter, aged just three when her dad died.

She said: "I don't remember the funeral, so this pretty much feels like it's the day I never had all those years ago.

"It's very overwhelming and sad, but it means a great deal to me."

David Medcraft, who lost son Stephen, aged 19, said he felt the same way, before reliving the fateful day along with youngest son John, 17 at the time.

David said: "I got a lift down to The Dell with some work friends of mine who were Saints fans.

"Stephen and John went to the Bass House to meet up with the rest of the lads, and both my boys were going to get the train down, but only John did.

"I saw him at the ground later on and asked where Stephen was, but he said he didn't know and so we just thought he was up with all the other lads in another part of the ground.

"Even after the game, when we were driving home up the A33, I didn't know what had happened. My friend turned off the car radio, you see, and by the time we passed where the accident happened, the road had been cleared.

"It was only when I got home and turned the news on that I heard about the crash. So I rang the police and said who I was, and the lady I was speaking with said, 'haven't they got in touch with you yet?' That's when I was told."

The 70-year-old was joined by nine family members, but wife Vera was too ill to attend.

However, Bob Bond's mother, Vera, 73, and nursing a broken wrist set in plaster, was able to make it and was accompanied by her daughters Jane, Mary and Anne.

The sprightly lady remembered the eight fondly, saying: "I used to love all the boys coming to the house to watch football with me and have a beer.

"They were always popping around and were such great friends.

"It does bring all the sadness back, but it's lovely to come here and see their families again."

That sentiment was echoed by John and Connie King, who lost their son Stephen.

With them at the Camrose was youngest son Martin, 11 at the time his elder brother died.

Now 75, John said: "We'd moved house so didn't know anything about today until a few of our old neighbours saw The Gazette story and rang to tell us.

"That's why it's been very nice for us all - we could have missed this remembrance day and the opportunity to meet some of the other families again after all these years."

Millwall director and ex-chairman Jeff Burnige made sure he spoke with every one of the families represented, listening to their stories and memories.

He said: "I was at the game in '78 and we knew there had been a crash. When we later found out how bad, it was horrific.

"I always said that when I became chairman, we would do something to honour those lads."

In front of nearly 1,000 people, Basingstoke Town won 3-2 to win the trophy - inscribed with the date 11/02/78.

The families then presented the cup as a group to Town captain Jason Bristow, who said: "I hope they've all had a good day, even though I am sure it's been very emotional for them."

In conclusion, Jane Bond said: "I am very proud of everyone who turned up to remember them and I thank Steve Murfitt and Jeff for their idea of holding a day like this for the families."