Reds welcome some Ukrainian guests and their hosts to Tuesday night’s game

Accrington Stanley, Hyndburn Borough Council and the Official Accrington Stanley Supporters’ Trust (OASST) were delighted to welcome some Ukrainian guests and their hosts to Tuesday night’s game.

The club and Hyndburn Borough Council donated match tickets, whilst the OASST very kindly purchased items of Stanley merchandise as a gift for all.

OASST chairman Peter Leatham said: “After all the difficulties and upheaval the families must have suffered of late, we thought it would be nice to show some true East Lancashire hospitality and friendship and our football club was the ideal vehicle to do that. It’s typical to see such a great response from our fans who, whilst we may be small in numbers, are certainly big of heart and recognise a deserving cause when they see it.”

The guests were hosted on the night by OASST board members Darren Woodhead and Debra Phillips; with their host families, the Mayor of Hyndburn and the Leader of Hyndburn Council joining.

Mayor of Hyndburn, Councillor Abdul Khan said: “It was a pleasure to be part of the evening and, although a disappointing result for Stanley, it was a huge success for the guests. They thought the pies and the atmosphere was brilliant – a great way to introduce them to our town and community. Thank you to everyone involved.”

Leader of Hyndburn Council, Councillor Miles Parkinson OBE added: “Thank you to Accrington Stanley and the Supporters’ Trust for being such fantastic hosts for the evening. Everyone had a wonderful time and it was great to introduce the Ukrainian people to the stadium and facilities available, I am sure they will be back soon.”