ACTORS from two of British television's favourite soaps lit up Edgar Street with an outstanding nine-star display on Sunday.

The Hollyoaks and Brookside heartthrobs revelled in front of about 1,700 feverish fans, many of whom, despite the driving rain, arrived at the ground more than an hour before the start.

Cheered on by predominantly teenage, female admirers, the Channel 4 celebrities comfortably swept aside the gallant challenge of Wyvern FM to win the entertaining fund-raiser, 9-2.

Not for a long time has the Hereford arena witnessed such a dominant performance by a team wearing white shirts!

Phil Oliver, who plays Tinhead in Brookside, snapped up a hat-trick for the showbiz outfit, who train twice weekly.

The Liverpool-fan commented: "These games are great fun and it's the nearest thing to being a professional footballer."

And Nick Pickard, who plays the part of Tony in Hollyoaks, said: "It's mainly for the young people. It's all about fun and we always hope to put on a good performance."

The 'gaffer' added: "It's great to have played in Hereford, the supporters were fantastic and we have really enjoyed it. I think Hereford is one of the nicest grounds that we have played at."

To be fair, Wyvern were always going to play second fiddle to their star-studded opponents and, at times, their players appeared to be on different wavelengths.

The broadcasters walked out to a deafening silence but they actually won over many supporters by the final whistle.

Spare a thought for goalkeeper Ian Morgan, The Hereford Times football reporter, who waited 80 minutes for his big chance, only to beaten at the Meadow End by another hat-trick hero, Marcus Patric, seconds after arriving on the park.

Despite the heavy defeat, Wyvern captain Simon Monk remained upbeat -- with thoughts of a possible re-match. He was delighted that the successful day had raised much-needed funds for Hereford United Football Club.

A final word must go to Luke from Hollyoaks, Gary Lucy, who was 'sent off' in the second half but only after he too had got on the score sheet.