FRIENDS, family and former teammates came together in Dalry last week as they looked to honour the late Chrissy Lamont.

On Sunday, September 17, Dalry Thistle and Dalry Turf faced off at Merksworth Park as two of Chrissy's former teams looked to raise funds in his memory.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: Chrissy's sister Sarah and brother Matthew with Dalry Thistle player Tinashe Mugwanda.

Chrissy was much loved throughout his hometown of Dalry and beyond and the match was a more than fitting tribute.

One of the organisers, John Mclaughlan, was delighted to help honour his friend and former teammate.

He said: "Chrissy was a great guy, always smiling and laughing, I don't think I've ever been in his company, even on nights out and seen him not in good spirits.

"I hope he knows how much he's loved by everyone and he'll be sorely missed."

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: Chrissy after winning the league at Merksworth Park.

John described his time playing with Chrissy as something he'll "never forget", particularly paying homage to their "unbeaten domestic treble" with Dalry Turf.

"That's where I came up with the saying 'forever invincible'," John explained, "as we always called that season the invincible season and now it will be forever more with Chrissy, no longer with us."

John even had a special top printed for Chrissy saying exactly that, which he handed to his brother Matthew at the match.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: The top John had printed.

The game and event itself was a huge success, with over £600 raised so far. The money is set to be donated to Gillian's Saltire Appeal in Largs, which was chosen by Chrissy's family.

John had plenty of thanks to pass on to those who made it possible, particulary fellow organisers Bill Daly and Shaun O'Neil who he says did "brilliantly".

He added: "I want to thank everyone for making the effort to come along yesterday, to all the players, guys haven't played in years - our midfielders had one good knee between them.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: The Dalry Turf team from the match.

"Dalry Thistle Juniors and management for taking the game on and using their facilities which was a risk to them, but gladly no injuries.

"And to all the supporters who came along in the rain, people who have donated so far - as well as the prize donors themselves."

While John himself was also offered plenty of thanks, with his efforts described as "second to none" - though for John it was a no brainer commit himself to the cause.

He explained: "For about a week I had teams sorted so there was going to be two teams - one for the first and one for the second half, but with numerous call-offs and on the day we ended up having injuries numbers ended up lower than expected. 

"Myself and James Mcnamara had a West of Scotland cup tie which kicked off at 2pm in Neilston, so with the charity match being a 1pm kick off we were going to play first half then head up for the second half.

"But we decided within the first ten minutes there's no way we could leave the lads."

It was more than worth playing on as they played alongside their former Dalry Turf teammates and Chrissy's friends and family to honour a much missed man.

Moving forward, it is hoped the match will get bigger and better and become a regular fixture, year on year.