Spring Cup Final Replayed – And This Time, We Play for Ricky
- Southend Collegians FC
- 3 minutes ago
- 2 min read
This Friday 16th May, our Southend Collegians Sunday team returns to the Len Salmon Stadium (home of Bowers & Pitsea FC) for the rescheduled Sceptre League Spring Cup Final against Thames Rovers. Kick-off is at 7:45PM, and entry is free for all attendees.
But this is more than just a cup final.This is personal.This time...we play for Ricky.
The Original Final: A Night Cut Short
The original fixture was played last Friday, 9th May. Just 12 minutes into the match, a 50/50 challenge led to a horrific injury to Ricky Marsh, our teammate, friend, and vital part of the Sunday squad. The tackle resulted in a clean break of both his fibula and tibia, instantly stopping the game.
With both sets of players visibly shaken, and with paramedics attending to Ricky pitch-side, the decision was made to abandon the match out of respect and concern for his welfare.
Surgery, Recovery, and Real-Life Impact
Ricky is now set to undergo surgery this week, where surgeons will restructure his leg using rods, plates, and screws. The road to recovery will be long and painful.
As a self-employed plasterer, Ricky faces an incredibly difficult few months. He has two young children under the age of three. Understandably, the stress on his young family is immense.
Supporting Our Own
We as a club are initiating action with our Sports Liability Insurance in order to secure Ricky funds to help ease the burden caused by the injury. In addition, the club and Ricky’s teammates have come together to launch a fundraising campaign to support him and his family over the next few months.
We are asking anyone attending the rescheduled final, or anyone in the wider football community, to consider making a donation - no matter how small - to help Ricky and his family through this difficult time.
🟡 GoFundMe Page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/78cffd-rickys-family-fund
There will also be opportunities to donate at the final, with Southend Collegians representatives collecting in and around the ground.
Let’s Pack the Stands – And Play for Ricky
While the cup final is a huge moment for the club on the pitch, it’s now also a symbol of something greater; community, solidarity, and looking after our own.
We encourage all fans, friends, families, and football lovers to join us on Friday night. Come in your colours, bring your voices, and show your support, not just for the badge, but for a teammate in need.
This Friday, let’s win the cup. Let’s win it for Ricky.