Old boys beaten in final

ATHLETIC’S golden oldies were beaten North West finalists for the second successive year in the Screwfix Masters Cup.

After a valiant effort, in which they topped a group containing both Manchester giants, Athletic were pipped 2-1 by Bolton in the final of the over-35s tournament at the MEN Arena.

Athletic had earlier vanquished City 3-0 through goals from Neil Tolson, Darren Sheridan and Tommy Wright.

They lost 3-2 to United - Andy Liddell and Sheridan the local marksmen - but went through to the final on goal difference after Athletic, City and United each won one of their two group games.

Athletic had four changes to their side to last year when they lost to City in the final.

Jon Hallworth, Tony Philliskirk, Andy Ritchie and Rick Holden were replaced by Andy Rhodes, Mike Flynn, Andy Liddell and Neil Tolson.

Athletic captain Wright, a former Masters Cup winner with Leicester, was disappointed not to qualify for the grand final at the Liverpool Echo Arena in September.

Wright, assistant manager at Chesterfield, said: “It was disappointing to lose for a second successive year in the final.

“I thought we were a wee bit unlucky, but I was always fearful of Bolton who had a very good side.

“Manchester United and City both had strong sides and we did well to get through the group to reach the final.”

Lee Sharpe and Andrei Kanchelskis were in the United team while City paraded the likes of Eike Immel, Nicky Summerbee and Peter Beagrie.

Group A: Blackburn 2, Burnley 2; Blackburn 1, Bolton 4, Burnley 1, Bolton 5. Group B: Athletic 3, Man City 0; Man City 4, Man Utd 3; Athletic 2, Man Utd 3. Final: Athletic 1, Bolton 2.


SADLY the event was marred by fighting between Burnley and Blackburn fans with police help summoned after stewards were unable to restore order. A number of fans were removed from the arena.