Goals by Ledbury's Robbie Colwell and Stuart Hall in the second half were the highlight of the evening, both men almost moved to tears at scoring against the team they support.

After the game Manchester-born team captain Stuart, from Newent, said: "I can't describe it. It was just brilliant, the best feeling in the world."

Robbie said: "It was unreal, the best game of my life."

Ledbury Town first team manager Paul Wilband said: "It was very good from the perspective that we scored a couple of goals, which put a bit of gloss on it. Stuart was ecstatic, which was nice, very nice."

The Manchester United reserve squad were impressed with Ledbury Town and patient with the hundreds of fans who asked them for autographs.

Before the game, right back Mark Lynch said: "Tonight will be good experience for the lads and the fact that it's for such a good cause is an added bonus. It's nice for a club like United to come here and play."

United goalkeeper James Jowsey said Ledbury was very different to what he was used to.

"But there's a nice friendly atmosphere and it should be a good game," he said.

United team coach Riky Sbragia said he had never been to Ledbury but had visited Malvern in the early Seventies, when he played for Birmingham City.

He said: "The club have been very helpful and very friendly."

Match referee Ray Whittaker summed up the evening when he said: "It was just an amazing game of football and something very special."

See back page for action pictures from match