Issues on the field aren’t exactly helping strengthen the bond between club and the terraces, but Bristol Rovers remain a proud community club as emphasised by the staggering amount raised by Ash Belsten in the latest edition of the Martin Belsten Memorial Match.
In the fourth edition of the one-off charity game that brings together Rovers legends of the past to play against a select fans XI, many of which are relatives of former Gas greats, Belsten drew 2,089 fans to Mangotsfield United’s Cossham Street ground.
The sheer volume of Gasheads through the turnstiles – eclipsing some League Two and National League attendances just 24 hours earlier – shows the unity within the fanbase in what has been a pretty miserable time for the club falling from League One into the fourth tier amid division and turmoil.
In total, Belsten raised a remarkable £32,502.42 through ticket sales and donations, with various memorabilia also auctioned off, with Mangotsfield also earning five figures in bar takings on the day, a welcome return for the non-league side after 18 months of hardship due to the pandemic.
The money raised by Belsten - far exceeding his target of £20,000 - was also matched by Rovers president Wael Al-Qadi swelling the fund presented to the Community Trust to more than £65,000, which can now be used for their numerous initiatives across the city.
“I’d like to say thank you to all the supporters, sponsors, volunteers, the ex-players who came along and helped out in any way possible. Without them it’s not possible to put it on, it’s just me at 20-odd blokes sat in a field with a football,” said Belsten.
“If that proves to be a last dance, what a last dance we’ve had. £32,000 going to the Community Trust, very generously matched by Wael. Just absolutely incredible and my thanks to everyone. I drive it but without everyone else it’s not possible.”
This year’s edition saw the return to Bristol of former Gas luminaries such as Rickie Lambert, Aaron Lescott, Craig Disley plus Nigel Martyn as special guest, with Bristol City great (and eternal good sport) Scott Murray playing the role of jester as he was pelted with cold wet sponges.
Having put his heart and soul into organising the event since 2017, following the death of his grandfather Martin a year earlier, and raised tens of thousands for various charities including St Peter's Hospice and the British Heart Foundation, the 2021 edition was set to be the last.
However, there are thoughts to bring it back in 2023 once Belsten has had a chance to recharge the batteries and, in his own words, “get his life back”.
Sign up for our newsletter for more exclusive Bristol Rovers content
