DID you play for the South Benfleet United team pictured on the right between 1956 and 1958?

The photograph was sent in by Stuart Mathewson, whose late father Jim played for the team.

They are shown on a day trip to Ramsgate, Kent, in 1958 and Jim is third from right in the picture, taken by AP Griffiths and Sons, 98-100 Armagh Road, Old Ford Bow, E3.

Said Stuart: “My dad was Scottish and lived in South Benfleet for two years between 1956-58.

“He returned to Scotland in 1958/59 and often recalled his time in South Benfleet with an enthusiastic fondness.

“He treasured his souvenirs, memories, photos and football medals from his time there.

“I have contacted officials of the current South Benfleet United who inform me that the current club was formed circa 1978 with no knowledge of the former team of that name.

“They have been very helpful and offered to find out more for me, but I am hoping that readers may be able to recall the photograph and those in it — or indeed anything of the South Benfleet United team from the late 1950s.”

Stuart lives in Motherwell and any reader with memories of the team should contact Dick Marshall on the Echo sport desk via email at dick.marshall@nqe.com or phone him on 01268 469403. We’ll pass all memories on to Stuart.

The team obviously enjoyed some success as the memorabilia includes a ticket invitation to the Southend and District Football League presentation of trophies dance at the Middleton Hotel in Southend High Street on Thursday May 31 1956 from 7.30-11pm.

Admission was one shilling and with dancing to the Jerry Mayes Four.