Stokoemotiv claim victory in Whitby Goth Weekend charity match

Hundreds braved the ferocious conditions to support the traditional Goth Weekend football match, all in aid of charity.

Real Gothic FC were narrowly beaten by Stokoemotiv Whitby FC who ran out 5-3 winners in an enjoyable affair.

Urged on by two Gothic commentators, equipped with a megaphone, and the backing of hundreds of Goths, Real Gothic FC almost mounted an unlikely comeback, having gone into half-time 3-0 down.

Two further goals after the break for Stokoemotiv looked to have wrapped the game up, before a late surge saw three quick goals from the boys in black, prompting a roar of encouragement from the crowd.

The entertaining event was held in support of three charities: Whitby RNLI, The Willow Foundation and SOS Children’s Villages UK.

Entry was priced at £1 per person, with a raffle also helping to boost the funds raised.

The Sisters of Real emerged victorious from a half-time penalty shootout prompting celebrations on the pitch and in the stands.

Despite a bitter wind chill and heavy rainfall, the crowd were in good spirits, frequently cheering when Real Gothic briefly kept possession, only to boo Stokoe's boys when the ball inevitably found its way back to a white shirt.

The Goths started poorly, barely mustering a shot on target as Stokoemotiv built up a comfortable 3-0 lead.

Disaster then struck in the stands as one of the commentator's pints blew over in a gust of wind, "I bet John Motson has never had this problem," he announced.

A glimmer of hope emerged on the stroke of half-time when a penalty was awarded to Real, but the effort crashed back off the crossbar.

"The Goths never score at Whitby," said one spectator.

The amusing commentators then announced over a megaphone: "The combined age of the opposition is also the number we are going to lose by."

Real Gothic began the second half in the same vein as the first, gifting two goals to the opposition, but this failed to dampen the spirits of the leather clad crowd who rose in support of their heroes.

A remarkable ten minute spell then saw the Goths spring into life, scoring three goals in the process, although it was sadly too late to mount a serious comeback.

Refreshments, a raffle and an auction was then held in the club house to boost the funds raised for the chosen charities.

Send us your pictures of the game and of Goth Weekend as a whole to: [email protected]