A photo has been unearthed of Sean Connery starring in a charity football match well before the introduction of Soccer Aid and regular pro-ams.

The James Bond actor, then 30, was playing alongside some big names in sport and showbiz at the time, including TV presenter and comedian Des O'Connor.

The picture, which was found this week, is from August 1960 and was taken at Crawley Town's ground, Town Mead.

Sean Connery, left ring, was playing alongside some big names in sport and showbiz at the time, including TV presenter and comedian Des O'Connor, right ring

A photo has been unearthed of Sean Connery, left, and Des O'Connor, right, starring in a charity football match well before the introduction of Soccer Aid and regular pro-ams

He is said to have broken down the defence of the Sportsmen's XI on a number occasions and even created goalscoring opportunities.

The crowd were treated to a rare spectacle, as they watched the game in aid of the Showbiz Fund and the Dedham Convalescent Home for Children.

The match was refereed by 1956 FA Cup final whistler Alf Bond, but there is no known record of who actually won.

The match was refereed by 1956 FA Cup final whistler Alf Bond, but there is no known record of who actually won the match

Dr No and Thunderball actor, Connery, has never hidden his love for the beautiful game.

In his younger days, the Connery played for Fet-Lor Amateurs and Bonnyrigg Rose in Midlothian.

He was even offered a contract to play for Manchester United by manager Sir Matt Busby.

The Scottish actor, 73, shocked many football supporters when he announced he had switched allegiances from boyhood club Celtic to their fiercest rivals Rangers in 2008.

O'Connor, 83, was briefly a professional footballer for Northampton Town when he was evacuated to the East Midlands during the Second World War.

In his younger days, the Connery played for Fet-Lor Amateurs, pictured, left, and Bonnyrigg Rose in Midlothian. He was even offered a contract to play for Manchester United by manager Sir Matt Busby