Pic: Highgate United FC
MIDLAND League side Highgate United are hoping to raise £2,500 through Crowdfunding to help commemorate the 50th anniversary of Tony Allden’s passing while playing for the club.
It was February 25, 1967 and over 3,500 had packed into Highate’s Tythe Barn Lane ground in Shirley, Solihull, to watch the Gate take on Non-League giants Enfield in the quarter-finals of the FA Amateur Cup.
Spirits were high and the club had hoped it would be a day to remember for the massive crowd but with just 28 minutes on the clock, things took a turn for the worse.
The sky turned black and following some torrential rain, a flash of lightning struck down and hit Highgate central defender Allden.
Allden was given the kiss of life and rushed to nearby Solihull Hospital but sadly passed away the following day.
To mark the 50th anniversary this February, Highgate want to rename their main stand to the Tony Allden Stand, with a new sign to be unveiled by Allden’s widow, his sister and team-mates from the 1966-67 side.
The club are hoping to raise money for the sign, as well as to put towards costs of publishing a book about their Cup run the fateful day called ‘When tragedy struck’.
The Gate also plan to use some of the cash to help stage a friendly this summer with Enfield Town, a club formed from supporters of the now defunct Enfield FC, as well as a charity match with local ex-professionals.
A Highgate statement read: “In 1967 Highgate’s Tony Allden was tragically killed by lightning. For the 50th anniversary we’re aiming to name our stand and release a book.
“To help fund these and other planned tributes to Tony Allden we need your help. Highgate United is a club that is proudly run by volunteers, so please pledge whatever you can afford.
“It will be really appreciated and in return we offer a number of rewards. Every penny will help, thank you.”
