FOOTBALL fanatic Michael Wilkin was left kicking himself after a mix-up in dates left him celebrating his wedding when he should have been watching his favourite team.

But as he tied the knot with sweetheart Zoe Quinn in Simonstone and enjoyed the reception on the opening day of the new season, he secretly kept in touch with his other beloved -- Burnley FC -- thanks to his best man.

Turf Moor season ticket holder Michael, 34, of Edmund Street, Great Harwood, said: "I just had to know how Burnley were doing and my best man came up with the solution."

The question of sport was answered by Gary Leech, of Beech Street, Great Harwood, who discreetly wired himself up to receive the vital info via radio as the nuptials proceeded at the Higher Trapp Hotel, Simonstone.

He then passed on news of the team's 3-1 defeat by Brighton at Turf Moor as the couple posed for pictures and welcomed guests to the hotel for the reception.

Gary, who is also a Turf Moor regular, said: "When we fixed the date of the wedding last year we thought the World Cup would mean the start of the season would be later.

"We couldn't believe it when the fixture list came out."

Fortunately, when Michael, who works with Blyth's Chemicals, Church, decided to blow the whistle on Burnley in favour of making a lifetime commitment of a different kind he also put the happy couple in line for a £2,000 reward

For Football League sponsor Nationwide decided to celebrate the start of the new season by searching out soccer fans who were starting married life as their favourite team began its campaign. They are offering the winning couple a personal loan which will never have to be repaid -- for having a love which conquers all.

And six runner-up fans are guaranteed a passion-fuelled date at their home ground with a pair of VIP match day tickets to wine, dine and introduce their partner to the other great love of their life.

Bride Zoe, 28, who is soon to start a new job with the Civil Service, had the final word as she celebrated Blackburn Rovers' 3-2 friendly victory over Lazio at Ewood Park on the eve of the big day. I'm really pleased with the date," she said. "I'm a Rovers fan and they don't kick off till next week."