International flavour at Heanor Town ground

HEANOR Town Football Club's home for the last 82 years at the Town Ground is hosting a prestigious International game next Tuesday (March 4).
The visitors will be FC University of Evansville from the USA who have a long history and national identity in the New World.

Spectators should note there is a slightly later kick-off time of 8pm for this match.

The game will be staged in aid of the Anthony Nolan Trust Charity and will also give the Heanor Town club the opportunity to make a presentation to long serving defender and captain Steve Travis who, prior to joining the Derby County FC staff as a junior coach this season, played ten years for the club following his transfer from Matlock Town.

Tickets for the game can be purchased at Saturday’s home match against Rolls Royce Leisure at £3 adults and £1.50 children, but on the night admission will be £4 and £2.50 respectively at the turnstiles. An official match programme will also be available at £1.

Tickets can also be purchased by telephoning 01159 417715.

The FC University of Evansville has historically been one of the top university soccer sides in the United States, having been ranked as the top team in the country on several occasions.

Many past players have gone on to greater things including current USA international goalkeeper Troy Perkins, defender Marc Burch who will join DC United, Diego Gutierrez who has won the US Open Cup with Chicago and the MSL Cup with Kansas City Wizards and will this season line up with Chicago Fire.

Current in the club’s line up are Cory Elenio who was named All-Midwest first team for the second season in a row. Drafted first pick by the Columbus Crew and could play against David Beckham next season.

Alec Dufty, the United States current Under-20 goalkeeper which has qualified for the Under-20 World Championships. Kieran Purcell, New Zealand Under-20 international goalkeeper, and Reggie Edu, the younger brother of United States international Maurice Edu, and who is also tipped for international stardom.

The Town Ground, which is currently being refurbished with new dressing rooms and hospitality complex and a seated stand in readiness for Step Six football next season in the new East Midlands League, will stage the game which kick’s off at 8pm.

Harlaxton College at Grantham here in the UK is the sister university to the University of Evansville. The Lincolnshire establishment have asked for 100 tickets for the game to support their American colleagues and will be bringing good support.

Heanor Town club officials are hoping that local football supporters will turn out in force to cheer on the Lions.