More than a match

GETTING stuck in . . . the teams battle it out in midfield

YOUNG footballers went toe-to-toe with the long arm of the law — and sent them packing.

The team from Derker, Waterhead and Higginshaw beat neighbourhood police officers 6-3 at Royton and Crompton.

PC Kevin Harrison said: “This was a great way for the police to break down barriers with the young people and have some fun at the same time.

“It was a hard-fought match and was very close until the last 10 minutes or so when fitness prevailed.”

The match was made possible thanks to St James’s Youth Forum and funding from Kerrching — the youth opportunity fund run by the council.

The youth group is now planning a pampering day for mothers and daughters and supporting Friends of Stoneleigh Park in planning their Hallowe’en event. PC Harrison added: “I would like to thank all the young people and the spectators who cheered us on.”