Almost 1,500 fans turned out for Ernie Cooksey yesterday as Ernie's XI took on a John Sheridan side at Boundary Park.

While the game itself finished 4-4 with Ernie's team winning on penalties, it was the action off the pitch which mattered most.

Oldhamathletic.co.uk understands that the game has already raised over £10,000 for the Ernie Cooksey Treatment Fund, with money still coming in.

Simon Corney and Latics fan Nathan Milnes did their bit to help by pledging £350 each to play in the game, which featured footballing legends, ex-Latics favourites and stars of the small screen.

Fans of both Latics and Rochdale turned out in large numbers, with mascots travelling from as far afield as Lincoln, Sheffield and Bradford to be in attendance alongside Athletic's own Chaddy the Owl.

The Main Stand was packed as fans paid tribute to Ernie and showed their support as the popular midfielder battles malignant melanoma.

Martin Thomas, one of the event's organisers, said:

"I'd like to thank everyone for turning up and showing their support on what was a very good and certainly emotional day.

"Thanks should also go to the players for coming over to help Ernie by playing in the game.

"Ernie really appreciates everyone's support and kept saying on the day that he was simply overwhelmed.  He was certainly very emotional afterwards.

"The support Ernie is being given really means a lot to him."

The Ernie Cooksey Treatment Fund was set up to help pay for the cost of treatment in America, priced at over $80,000.

A number of other events are also coming up, including a Race Night in the Dale Bar at Spotland, home of Rochdale FC, on Saturday, May 24.

An Ernie Cooksey Golf Day is taking place on Friday, June 6 at Saddleworth Golf Club.  A team of four costs £350 for a day of golf, dinner, comedian and an auction.

Meanwhile Andy Ritchie will be speaking at an event at St Anne's Rugby Club, Oldham, on Sunday, July 6, starting at 1pm.

The ex-Latics and Huddersfield boss will be sharing some of his sporting stories alongside compere Andy Nicholls, a comedian and a special sports auction.

To book on any of the above events or to make a donation to the Ernie Cooksey Treatment Fund online, visit www.erniecooksey.com.