THE GOAL is in sight for football fans who set themselves a £1,000 target to help a regional hospital charity cause.

Members of the Chester-le-Street and District branch of the Sunderland AFC Supporters' Association staged a charity night on their return from the Stadium of Light following the club's first home game of the season last Saturday.

The downcast fans' spirits were lifted following Sunderland's 0-1 defeat to Millwall, by the wisecracks of comedian Oliver and a karaoke, at the branch's base at Relton Terrace Workmen's Club, Chester-le-Street. It raised £570 on the night, which coupled with proceeds from a similar end of season event, staged at the club in May, took the overall tally to £940.

Branch officials plan to 'top up' the tally to take it beyond the £1,000-mark from the sale of scratchcards and raffle tickets at forthcoming events. The final sum will be passed on to the regional children's ward at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in coming weeks.

Organiser Kevin Atkinson thanked the club and branch committees and branch members who supported the events for their backing for the worthy cause.

Meanwhile, former Sunderland, Ipswich and England sharp shooter Eric Gates, now a local radio pundit, will present a question and answer session following Tuesday's monthly branch meeting at the Relton Terrace club.

The meeting begins at 7.30pm, with the star for the evening taking the microphone on the completion of business.

Tickets, costing £2, can be booked via the branch hotline, on 0788-792 1726.