NOSTALGIA filled the air as March Town United’s players marked the club’s 125th anniversary with a showcase friendly against Cambridge United.

Legendary Hares players including Sid Garratt and Brian Baxter watched as March’s current crop provided a fitting tribute against a classy U’s select XI at the GER on Monday.

Adam Marriott’s penalties and goals from CRC players Bobby-Joe Taylor and Ryan Ingrey gave the Blue Square Premier outfit a comfortable 4-0 win, but March did themselves proud.

Phil White, in his fourth year as Hares chairman, said: “I’m really pleased Cambridge United came down here to play and brought a few first-teamers to help us celebrate our anniversary. It was a great gesture.

“They were fantastic on the night, and their players were quality, but our lads never gave up and did us proud.

“Performances and occasions like Monday and the Wisbech game in the FA Cup have hopefully woken the town up a little bit to our football club again.”

On-loan ‘keeper Lewis Moat made a string of fine saves but brave March - who play five levels below Cambridge in the non-league ladder - battled until the end.

White said: “The club have achieved a lot over the years but we need support from people in the town to help us get more success. It’s up to us to keep doing well on the pitch though.

“We’ve had our ups and downs but the club has been here for 125 years - and I hope it’s here for another 125.”

Brett Whaley’s Hares, who lost 2-1 to Brightlingsea Regent in the league at the weekend despite Chris Lenton’s goal, host Cornard United in the Ridgeons First Division on Saturday (3pm kick-off).