I'm feeling the pain of defeat

Jamie Borthwick • Published 16 Sep 2009 12:00

Taxi drivers' 'star' striker dislocates shoulder and his team capitulates

A TEAM of taxi drivers who took on a bunch of ex professional footballers ended up getting hammered after their self proclaimed "star" striker dislocated his shoulder.

Cabbie Kevin McLaughlin sternly believes the 7-2 defeat would not have happened if he had remained on the pitch.

For Kevin, who faces being off work for weeks while he recovers, the pain of his "excruciating" injury was not as bad as the pain of defeat.

The tough-talker, his arm now in a sling, said: "If I had stayed on it would have been a different story."

But the striker took some solace in the fact he kept up his 100 per cent scoring record in the annual charity event on Sunday, now in its third year, and did his bit for a good cause.

The town's taxi drivers this year lined up against the challenge match specialists Dukla Pumpherston - featuring a host of ex-players and celebrity politician Tommy Sheridan - to raise cash for St Margaret's Hospice in Whitecrook.

Kevin, 32, of Parkhall described how he turned awkwardly, dislocating his shoulder 25 minutes into the game at the Duntocher Hibs Park.

As Kevin was driven to hospital his taxi driver colleagues - managed by ex Rangers legend and current Clyde boss, John Brown - capitulated.

Kevin said: "That was the third game I have played in - I scored a hat-trick the first time, and two goals last year, so at least I kept up my record.

"I don't get nervous and I don't care who I'm up against - I could play anyone and if I get a chance I feel like I'll score it.

"Someone swung the ball in and I turned and tried to swivel and heard the shoulder pop - the pain was excruciating and I was up in the hospital for six or seven hours."

A total of £2,000 was raised over the day, including more than £300 in a raffle for signed Rangers and Celtic football shirts.

Brenda Johnstone, a fundraiser for St Margaret's, praised the players and supporters who turned out.

Brenda told the Post: "It was a brilliant time with a good crowd and a great family atmosphere.

"I'd like to say a huge thank you to Gina Townsley of Clydebank TOA, and Clydebank Taxi Cars for their effort, and to Dukla Pumpherston for rising to the challenge."

Thanks also went to Future Construction and John Brown for their generous donations, Lorraine at Lainey's Snacks for the buffet and Eddie at the Hibs Club.

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This article appeared in Clydebank Post 16 Sep 09

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