03/08/2025
Match Report – Derek Ferguson Memorial Charity Match
Winton Park | Rangers XI 4–4 Celtic XI (Rangers win 6–5 on penalties)
On paper, this was a friendly – a charity clash in memory of the much-loved Derek “Fergie” Ferguson and a fundraiser for Friends of FAB (Families' Activity Breaks). But with Rangers and Celtic shirts on show, everyone at Winton Park knew better: there’s no such thing as a friendly in this rivalry.
A sun-soaked Winton Park was the perfect setting, packed with families, friends, and football fans all turning out to celebrate Fergie’s legacy. But once the whistle blew, sentiment gave way to a fiercely contested, end-to-end thriller worthy of any derby.
⸻
First Half – Fireworks from the Off
Celtic struck early through Marc Wardrobe, who opened the scoring with a tidy finish to make it 1–0. But Rangers hit straight back, Nathan Wieringa converting smartly to level at 1–1.
From there, the tackles flew in. No quarter was given as both sides hunted for control, with tempers occasionally bubbling over.
Wardrobe wasn’t done, adding a second to restore Celtic’s lead at 2–1. But a defensive lapse handed Rangers a lifeline, and Findlay Frye produced a moment of magic — spotting the keeper off his line and chipping him from distance to level at 2–2.
Just before the interval, Celtic edged ahead again. Marc Farrell unleashed a rocket of a left-footed strike from outside the box, crashing it home to make it 3–2 at the break.
⸻
Second Half – Missed Chances and Late Drama
The second half brought fresh legs, but the intensity remained sky-high. Rangers were awarded a penalty and looked set to equalise. Scott Adam stepped up, only for Celtic keeper John Brennan to produce a brilliant save. Ordered to retake it due to encroachment, Adam went again — and remarkably, Brennan saved again.
Moments later, Celtic made Rangers pay. Matthew Coleman was on hand to tuck away a well-worked move and make it 4–2.
Rangers needed something special, and Harvey Gilmour delivered — weaving past defenders before finishing with aplomb to bring it back to 4–3.
Then, with the clock ticking down, Rangers won a free-kick on the edge of the box. Gilmour stepped up once more and lashed it into the top corner. 4–4. Pandemonium in the stands. The match, fittingly, would be decided by penalties.
⸻
Penalty Shootout – High Drama and Heroics
The shootout delivered drama in spades:
• 1–0 Rangers: Garry Russell converted.
• 1–1: Mick Wardrobe levelled for Celtic.
• 2–1 Rangers: Gilmour slotted home.
• 2–2: Marc Wardrobe kept Celtic in it.
• 3–2 Rangers: Donnie Clarke scored.
• Miss: Celtic’s Sean Lundy denied by a superb Joe Ferguson save.
• 4–2 Rangers: Chris Chirry scored coolly.
• 4–3: Craig Breen kept Celtic alive.
• Miss: Scott Fletcher thundered his chance for glory off the bar.
• 4–4: Mark Curran converted to force sudden death.
Into sudden death:
• Miss: Ricky Little missed for Rangers.
• Miss: Joe Ferguson saved again from Darren McCann.
• 5–4 Rangers: Findlay Frye made no mistake.
• 5–5: Paul McInnes replied for Celtic.
• 6–5 Rangers: David Gibson found the net.
• Miss: Andy Stevenson’s final spot-kick cannoned off the post, sparking jubilant scenes.
Rangers win 6–5 on penalties.
⸻
A Fitting Tribute
This wasn’t just a football match — it was a heartfelt tribute to Derek Ferguson, a man clearly loved by everyone present. Fierce on the pitch, but united off it, both sets of players and supporters raised over £6,000 for FAB — a remarkable total.
FAB (Family Activity Breaks) provides adventure camps across the UK for bereaved military families — a cause close to many hearts.
A special thank you goes to Winton for their outstanding hospitality and support. The football may have been competitive, but the day was full of warmth, laughter, and remembrance.
Everyone loves Fergie – and this was a day he would’ve been proud of.
