While the Premier League’s international stars are away representing their respective countries, the perennially ignored Mark Noble was celebrating his 12 years and over 350 appearances at West Ham with an entertaining testimonial at the Boleyn Ground.
The game, between the current high-flying West Ham side and a team of former stars, was the classically banter laden testimonial clash, with quite a star-studded lineup-up…
Confirmed Mark Noble testimonial squads pic.twitter.com/KE2ONGipcD
— Brad Pinard (@Brad_Pinard) March 24, 2016
The goal of the game, which ended in a 6-5 win for Noble’s West Ham XI, came from former Hammer Dean Ashton, who was once touted as a future England star himself, only for injuries to ruin his burgeoning career. However, despite his hefty frame, the 32-year-old got off the ground to score this belter…
.@Dean36ashton10 take a bow… 🔥 #MN16 #WHUFC https://t.co/9b9406XOkk
— BT Sport Football (@btsportfootball) March 28, 2016
Goalkeeper Adrian also ran the length of the pitch to score this rather fortunate goal…
Anything @Noble16Mark can do, @AdriSanMiguel can do better! 😂👐⚒ #MN16 #WHUFC https://t.co/pwvQE2VnD3
— BT Sport Football (@btsportfootball) March 28, 2016
One of the charities to benefit from the day was the Dylan Tombides Foundation, set up after the Hammers’ trainee passed away from cancer. And it was fitting that his brother, Taylor, would score a rather fine goal himself for the All-Stars’ team. While Noble himself also got on the scoresheet on what was a fine afternoon in east London. Who need an international call-up!