Former Cheltenham Town striker Mark Bellingham shone in England Veterans’ Over 50’s 13-1 win against the Republic of Ireland Over 50’s.
The former Robins forward marked his return to competitive football in style, scoring six goals and providing an assist in a clinical display for the Three Lions.
In a surprise call-up, Bellingham made his England debut in Cambridgeshire on Sunday, following in the footsteps of his sons Jude and Jobe by representing his country.
Having retired from football in 2019, the 50-year-old’s return to the pitch provided a memorable occasion, made even sweeter by his remarkable six-goal haul.
Bellingham joined Cheltenham Town from Chelmsford City ahead of the 1996/97 Southern League Premier Division campaign, signing under manager Chris Robinson.
However, his spell with the Robins proved relatively short, with the forward managing just one league goal before departing to Newport County.
Following his exit from Whaddon Road in 1997, Bellingham went on to enjoy a remarkable 17-year career across English non-league football, representing 22 different clubs.
It is fair to say sons Jude and Jobe have some catching up to do when it comes to their father’s goalscoring record, with Bellingham finding the net more than 700 times across a 25-year playing career.
Jude enjoyed a record-breaking campaign this summer becoming the highest goalscorer for England in a World Cup with seven goals.
The Real Madrid star has represented the Three Lions since the age of 17, making his senior debut against the Republic of Ireland in November 2020- the same opposition his father faced on his England debut.
Meanwhile, younger brother Jobe is yet to earn a senior England call-up but has already represented his country at Under-21 level.
