KARL Connolly and Steve Watkin turned back the clock in front of a bumper crowd at an entertaining charity match.

A crowd of over 200 turned up on Saturday afternoon for a charity match between Caerwys Veterans and Wrexham Legends.

Caerwys looked to be heading for victory when they built-up a 3-0 lead, only for Wrexham to hit back late in the contest and Watkin's last minute penalty made sure it finished up 3-3.

Caerwys turned out an older team in the first half, with many players aged between 44 and 55.

Wrexham started the stronger, with Sky Sports presenter / commentator Bryn Law putting some decent balls into the box. Gareth Owen, Steve Watkin and Karl Connolly all threatened, but they found the Caerwys defence well marshalled by Rob Griffith and John Haseldin.

Robin Gibson had Wrexham's best chance, but he blazed well over the bar.

At the other end, Bryn Roberts set up Adam Phillips to drill the ball in off the far post from 18 yards for the opening goal on 20 minutes.

The crowd was soon cheering again when Neil Greenough made it 2-0 on the half-hour.

Caerwys Veterans, who compete in the North East Wales Vets League, turned out after the interval.

Wrexham soon found themselves 3-0 down when Steve Hughes volleyed home from 10 yards out.

As the game wore on, Wrexham Legends started to up their game and after reducing the arrears on the hour, a fightback was on.

With 10 minutes left, Karl Connolly found himself unmarked in the box and his precision lob from a tight angle beat Joe Griffith. Then, in the 89th minute, referee Dave Williams had no hesitation in pointing to the spot after a blatant foul by the Caerwys keeper.

Steve Watkin, remembered for his match winner in the FA Cup against Arsenal in 1992, stepped up and his low shot just found the net for the equaliser.

The match was a great advert for veterans' football, played in great spirit and in the right manner.

In the region of £800 was raised to be shared between Ysgol yr Esgob and Caerwys in Bloom.

This included match day takings and a generous donation from the Royal Oak.