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Toffee-nosed

Sukhi Ghuman, owner and founder of Derby security company Octavian Security, has fulfilled a life-long dream by taking to the pitch at Everton FC – helping to raise £10,000 for charity in the process.

The entrepreneur took part in a special match at Goodison Park organised by Football Aid. Established in 2000, the organisation supports the work of charitable and voluntary groups across the UK via its grant making charity Field of Dreams.

During the match, Sukhi and his ‘Everton supporting team’ of fellow professionals, entrepreneurs and former school and college friends from as far as Southampton, took on a team of Liverpool supporters from all over the UK.

With Sukhi’s team trailing 3-0, they managed to claw things back at the end of 90 minutes to reach 3-3. Going into extra time, Sukhi led the team to victory, scoring the winning goal in the 91st minute, to end things 4-3.

Speaking after the match, lifelong Everton supporter Sukhi said: "Having always been an avid supporter of Everton, it was a very special moment to step out onto the pitch at Goodison Park and was capped off by scoring the winning goal. It was made even more memorable to know that we were helping to support the fantastic work of charities and volunteers across the country at the same time.

"This is the second time I’ve played in a Football Aid match, having taken part in a game at Coventry City’s Highfield Lane back in 2000. Giving people like myself the opportunity to play a game they love at such a high profile venue is a great way to raise funds and I would certainly encourage anyone with a love of football to get involved."

The People’s Front of Judea

Meanwhile, more footy high-jinks at Nottingham-based data centre solution specialists 2bm, which has lent its support to a local football team that will make its debut in the local U14 league this September.

2bm Pumas has been formed as a breakaway team from Riverside, Long Eaton’s largest football club.

2bm director Mark King, who is chairman of the newly-formed club, has donated home and training kit for the team.

Mark said: "I am delighted that the company has supported the formation of the new team and we are hoping for a successful debut season in 2011/2012."

Splitters!

Speak up

Completing a hat-trick this week is Martin ‘Mad Dog’ Allen, the Notts County manager. Never normally backward at coming forward to the press, Martin released a statement stressing that he simply had to say something to us hacks. Responding to whispers that the club have offered former Forest striker Marlon Harewood a two-year contract at Meadow Lane, he said: "I can confirm after the non-stop rumours that I met Marlon Harewood with the chairman at Meadow Lane for a couple of hours.

"We have offered a two-year deal. I know he has a lot of options and several at Championship level, but if you don’t ask you don’t get.

"I don’t normally pass comment on all this speculation but I felt it was only right on this occasion."