Basingstoke Town 1, Brentford XI 0

THIS specially-arranged friendly at the Camrose on Wednesday helped to raise £1,475 for the tsunami appeal to help those in south-east Asia whose lives were devastated by the Boxing Day disaster.

Despite Chelsea taking on Manchester United in a Carling Cup semi-final first leg, a good crowd of people went along to watch and donate to the fundraising effort.

Reading-based radio station 210 FM had two crews at the ground to ask various people attending - including spectating Town players Ricky Allaway and Jason Bristow - about the evening.

Basingstoke Town vice-chairman Steve Murfitt said: "We'd like to thank everyone who came down to raise money for such a good cause.

"Brentford brought enough fans to effectively double the gate receipts, so full credit to them.

"We'd also like to thank Premiership official Rob Styles for coming to referee the game for nothing and giving up one of his free evenings to do it."

Entry to the game was £5, but that was the minimum amount adults could contribute, and many gave more. Under-16s got in for £2.

The crowd certainly got their money's worth, as an entertaining game was settled by Ryan Stephens' 40th-minute goal.

Stephens, a replacement for Cristian Levis, who limped off injured after 25 minutes to manager Ernie Howe's frustration, muscled out Brentford's Aaron Steele to collect David Ray's ball into the right channel of the penalty area.

Turning past Steele, a deft touch left then took the ball away from out-rushing goal-keeper Alan Julian and Stephens had a simple job to roll the ball into an empty net.

Brentford's 18-strong squad, all of whom were used, was packed full of youngsters, the pick of whom was skilful striker Sam Lee.

He went close with a few long-range shots that flashed past Mark Zawadski's goal.

The second half saw a couple of rasping drives from Jamie Roach that warmed the hands of Julian, while Toby Sumner's 25-yard shot flashed past the upright.

From set pieces, Liam Parrington had two headed chances, the second being well-saved by Julian.

Howe took a look at Italian Luca Angelico, after a recommendation, but the long-haired right-wing trialist did little of note.

The Town boss, suffering flu, said afterwards: "The game served its purpose and we've raised a good sum for the tsunami fund.

"We are extremely grateful to Brentford manager Martin Allen for his co-operation and everyone at the club for making this fixture possible.

"I'd also like to thank all those who came down to support the game for showing such generosity."

Tomorrow, Town are without a first-team fixture so Howe will give some of his senior players a run-out with the reserves in their match against Wingate and Finchley at the Camrose (3pm).

Basingstoke Town: Mark Zawadski (sub Liam Castle 82min), Brett Cooper, Jamie Roach, Toby Sumner, Scott Smith, David Ray, Nathan Stamp (sub Luca Angelico 45min), Jamie McClurg, Cristian Levis (sub Ryan Stephens 25min), Neville Roach, Liam Parrington. Sub not used: Neville Stamp.