After more than 110 years, the fourth instalment of the peace match and the third of its kind between Newark Town and FC Emmendingen didn’t fail to deliver.

In a day of historic significance, remembrance and community spirit, Newark Town FC welcomed FC Emmendingen, the German town Newark is twinned with, to the YMCA to mark nearly 112 years since the first peace match took place between British and German forces in the First World War.

Before the match got underway, I had the privilege of speaking to three veterans in attendance: Mac Mallard, Bob Raynor and Michael O’Reilly, all of the local charity the Newark Patriotic Fund, who spoke of the historic significance and importance of the day. They spoke of how much it meant to them personally as veterans but also the charity they represent and the wider community. 

They were soon joined pre match by 15 year old Harriet Gibson who rightfully had the privilege of playing the last post before kick off. When I spoke to Harriet, she said she felt “honoured” to be able to play not only at the game today but at multiple events alongside the Newark Patriotic Fund. 

Soon after, Matt Colbourne from Radio Newark Breakfast spoke to local historian Francis Towndroe who was holding a replica leather football similar to the one that would have been used in 1914. Talking of the football, Towndroe said “this football was used in 2014 in the first peace game and it represents the football William Setchfield (from Newark) produced in the trenches in 1914”. This shows the detail the football club put into this fixture to rightfully and respectfully mark such an important historic event. 

It wasn’t long before the two teams took to the pitch. They were joined around the centre circle by the veterans and Harriet and what followed was an impeccable two minute silence accompanied by Harriet flawlessly playing the last post. 

The referee then blew for kick off in front of a very busy YMCA. It was a dominant performance from Newark Town, who ran the show. Just shy of the half hour mark, Newark Town were awarded a penalty after the attacker was brought down in the box, Brad McGregor stepped up and found the back of the net in what was just one highlight in a game where he shone. The teams went in at the break 1-0.

The second half saw FC Emmendingen come into the game with them now having attacking spells as the match grew in entertainment. Newark Town however put the game to bed with a second goal following a corner at 84 minutes. The game ended Newark Town 2 FC Emmendingen 0.

Post game, I caught up with FC Emmendingen manager Benjamin Zügle who said “the game was symbolic and historic where teams from two different countries come together and that aspect was most important today”.

Shortly after, I spoke to Newark Town manager Luke Parsons and captain Alex Hales. Hales spoke of how the game was “slower than what we are used to” and manager Parsons said how “it was a competitive game which is what we wanted”. Parsons went on to say how the match was “important for the town and football was irrelevant today and a bigger message was meant to be sent and I think we did that”. 

Local MP Robert Jenrick was also in attendance and he spoke of how the match was “a great tradition” and he went on to recall the story behind Newark’s involvement in the peace match with Newark soldier William Setchfield providing the match ball and that Newark’s involvement is something “we should all take pride in”. 

Once all interviews were complete, all players and hosts made their way back into the warmth where a fabulous meal and presentation was held where FC Emmendingen were presented with a remarkable painting commemorating the original peace match. It was shortly after this I spoke to Sarah Robinson, chair of Newark Town FC, who put emphasis on community and said “we are a very popular club, club of the town and this is a unique event. It is not all about the game and the football, it is a community initiative”. 

I must say that I agree with Sarah and everybody else. The peace match is about much more than football, it is about peace, community, remembrance and togetherness. Newark Town, along with Emmendingen, did the town proud in getting that message across. A huge well done and thank you is owed to all those who helped organise this incredible event and here is to the next peace match.