IT’S a crunch match between two rival hospital teams – but whoever wins, both sides are hoping to net a great result for one local charity.

A Basingstoke Hospital FC team will take on opponents from Southampton General Hospital FC in a competitive, but fun, soccer showdown this Sunday.

The game was originally set to be played at Basingstoke Town FC’s Camrose ground, but unforeseen circumstances mean the venue has now been switched to Hampshire FA’s headquarters in Winklebury Way.

While each team is determined to win the big match, Ark Cancer Centre Charity will hopefully get a very positive result from the event as donations will be collected for the good cause at the game.

The match, which will kick off at 2.30pm, is free for spectators to attend, but Alex Nicholls, one of the organisers, hopes those on the sidelines will give generously to support the charity, which is raising £5million towards a unique local Cancer Treatment Centre in North Waltham.

If approved, the state-of-the-art centre will serve people in Basingstoke and Deane, Hook, Odiham, Hartley Wintney, Andover and Winchester.

Alex, who works as a porter at Basingstoke hospital, said: “Both teams are looking forward to the game, and as well as it being a good contest, we hope to score a fundraising victory for Ark Cancer Centre Charity.

“We hope that there will be plenty of support for the Basingstoke team and that our fans will be able to join us in celebrating a victory for the home side.”

Merv Rees, Ark Cancer Centre Charity trustee, said: “I am grateful to the hospital teams for deciding to raise money for the charity. I’m sure it will be a memorable afternoon, and I hope that plenty of supporters turn out to cheer the two sides on.”

A JustGiving page – www.justgiving.com/james-kearney1 – has been specially set up to help boost the funds raised from the big game.

Any firms that are interested in supporting the event should contact Alex on 07794 823173 or Steve Pike on 07841 398833.