AS one or two of you may be aware, three avid local amateur sports enthusiasts took it upon themselves to take part in a photo caption competition devised by Mr Tinniswood and we soon became known as the Mad Cap Trio.

Following a lengthy pursuit of the Park Patroller I decided that it was time to come out and declare myself as the artist formerly known as Brian Pollock. Now Stevie T has asked me to tell of my tales from the touchline. I am in the twilight of my playing career and will soon be put out to stud! I play for Oswaldtwistle St Mary's FC and we play in the East Lancs Second Division.

After a good start this season, we have just lost our first game since February going down 2-0 to Padiham and I must have to accept some of the blame as I was a fault for one of their goals.

So next weekend we will be looking to get back to winning ways although I will be very doubtful with a dodgy knee.

Why do injuries take longer to heal when you reach veteran status? On behalf of the players of St Mary's I would like to thank the support of the people behind the scenes. Last week we had an AGM and the committee announced that the club is in a healthy state and is looking forward with great anticipation.

They have backed up my plan of getting a junior academy set up to introduce local youngsters to the game and I would like to thank Marc Beard and and Michael Joyce for their great support coaching the kids.

Talking of youngster, it was noticed the other week when we played Whalley Con, we had five 18-year-olds playing and they all played well. They provide welcome relief for my legs and the other older member of our team although he keeps going in goal (sorry Steve). On a lighter note a colleague has asked me to mention the Monday night football that takes place at Darwen Leisure Centre. One regular David Wylie, has been scoring goals galore for the Darwen Sharpshooters and was watched by a couple of scouts last week. The week before it was a couple of girl guides -- never mind David!

Not so bad, yerself.