EVERYTHING was certainly ship-shape and Bristol fashion when a junior football team provided both mascots for a vital Third Division match at Gigg Lane.

Local boy Adam Stansfield was the Bury mascot when the Shakers took on Bristol Rovers. And the Rovers mascot was team-mate Adam Alford whose dad used to live in Bristol before moving north 20 years ago.

Both youngsters play for the Westbury under 12s side in the Bury and Radcliffe Junior League. And not to be outdone, eight of their team-mates served as ball boys during last week's game when Bury ended up on the wrong side of a 1-0 scoreline.

Mr Dave Alford, who trains the Westbury youngsters, explained: "I am originally from Bristol. I contacted the Rovers secretary to ask if my son could be their mascot for the Gigg Lane game and they agreed. Adam Stansfield, who was Bury's mascot on the night, is the son of Westbury team manager, Gary."

Dave admits that he is still a Bristol Rovers fan, although his son is not. "Adam was born and bred in Bury so he obviously doesn't support Bristol. The whole evening was marvellous for Westbury, given that two boys were chosen as respective mascots and the rest were ballboys."