Coundon Conservative Club yesterday won the FA Carlsberg Sunday Cup, at Anfield, beating Bristol's Lebeq Tavern Courage 5-0. Mark Tallentire watched the game with the Coundon fans.

WHEN the match was over and the trophy for the best Sunday league team in the country had been presented, the players of Coundon Cons celebrated in front of Anfield's Kop end.

Five days earlier, the players of Liverpool had done the same, having beaten Chelsea to claim a place in the European Champions League final.

That night, those applauding were saluting their heroes - superstar millionaires including captain Steven Gerrard, said to be in negotiations over a contract that could see him paid £120,000 a week.

Yesterday, the followers of Coundon Cons were doing the same, but their heroes were their friends and relatives - lads they bump into in Collingwood Street or have a pint with at the club, footballers who play for the pleasure of turning out for the team every Sunday morning.

"It's unbelievable," said Stuart, older brother of Paul "Pele" Aldsworth, the Coundon Cons manager, who was standing outside The Park pub in the shadow of Anfield before the game.

Around him were people decked out in red Coundon scarves. About 1,000 made the 130-mile journey. Youngsters enthusiastically waved red Coundon flags.

"We never thought we'd get this far. We've been the underdogs in every round, but here we are - Coundon Cons at Anfield. Unbelievable. It's like a dream."

Ninety minutes and five goals later, the dream became reality, and the Cons had won the cup.

Just as in the Liverpool v Chelsea game, the Reds had beaten the Blues.

"They were magic," said long-time Coundon fan Brian Webster, proudly wearing his treasured Cons tracksuit.

"They really rose to the occasion.

"To play like they did at Anfield - magic."

Midfielder Phil Brumwell hurdled the Anfield advertising boards and sprinted up the terraced stairs to celebrate with his 19-month-old son, Harry.

"Of course, he's too young to remember it, but he'll be told about it when he grows up," said his mother, Vicky.

"Pele" Aldsworth's nickname suddenly seems fitting.

"I've heard you're having a night in," a fan shouts.

"Yeah, a game of cards and there's supposed to be a good film on," the coach replied with a smile.

"They were brilliant," brother Stuart said.

"It couldn't have been any better.

"We'll be talking about this for many a year."

Players and fans together. Down the club.