Traditional derby day revived after 30 years: Bilston Town v Darlaston Town in cenotaph fundraiser

Bilston Town and Darlaston Town walked onto the pitch through a guard of honour of British Legion standard bearers.

The sides lined up near the centre circle as bugler Karen Mason – celebrating her 51st birthday – played the Last Post followed by two minutes' silence in memory of those who gave their lives in combat.

Bilston Town chairman Graham Hodson suggested the friendly match at their home ground after the club backed the Bilston Remembered group which was formed to raise £80,000 over the next four years to return the town's cenotaph to its former glory.

"We wanted to do our bit and the obvious thing was to revive the derby with Darlo. It was last played in 1981 and since then both clubs have had to battle for survival. Now things are on the up," he said.

Eric Woolley, president of the Bilston branch of the Royal British Legion, said: "The cenotaph is a mess and is not a fitting memorial to the lads who were killed, but I am delighted that people have given up their New Year's Day in an effort to improve the situation."

Ike Yorke, who served with the Staffordshire Regiment and is the Bilston legion's standard bearer, said: "It is great to see people rallying to the cause."

Darlaston Town director Paul Foster said: "It is wonderful to be playing this local derby again. It used to be the traditional Boxing Day and New Year's Day fixture." Darlaston won 3-2.