FOOTBALL-MAD Marshall Lawson can lay claim to being the oldest winger in town after turning out for his Sunday league team at the age of 66.

The grandfather played for his local side, Annfield Plain, in County Durham, in their 8-2 away drubbing at Marske.

"I didn't even suffer for it afterwards," said Mr Lawson, who is also the club secretary.

"I was expecting to really pay for it in aches and pains, but I haven't really noticed.

"Mind you I've had some stick from the lads. I'm just glad it was only a one-off."

A favourite jibe from Mr Lawson's team mates so far concerns a somewhat unfavourable comparison with the current television advertisement starring former Fulham player turned TV pundit Jimmy Hill.

Mr Lawson says that he was forced to play for the team - for which he first turned out at the age of 17 - when three players cried off at the last minute.

But, the hero of the hour was suitably modest about his performance.

"Let's just say I had a few touches of the ball," he said.

"They had me out on the wing and I did what I could. We have to fulfil our fixtures, so that is why I did it really. But I have to say I enjoyed it. I wouldn't mind getting a few of the old lads back to show the younger ones how it's done."

Mr Lawson, a retired electrical engineer, who has lived in Annfield Plain, near Stanley, all of his life, first played for the club when it was still semi-professional in the old North-Eastern League.

He is currently writing a history of football in North-West Durham, but had no thoughts that he might have to add a chapter on himself until his moment of glory came last Saturday.

Annfield Plain's next home match is at Derwent Park, next Wednesday, at 6.15pm, against Jarrow.