EXPLOSIVE action was the order of the day for Thornton Juniors football club on Saturday (May 29).

Sporting their new kit courtesy of FA Cup sponsors Axa insurance group, the U9s lined up to smile for the Citizen camera when flash, bang, what a picture - the match ball exploded.

Coach Gary Dickinson said: "We thought it was a firecracker or something to get the kids attention.

"I wouldn't mind but it was the opposing team's ball."

Thornton went on to draw with Corby for a 2-2 score and received many comments on their new outfits which arrived after a team member's mother Wendy Edwards spotted kits being handed out on TV by famous footballers Michael Owen and Jamie Redknapp and made a few calls to the Axa local office.

Gary added: "The lads were made up with the kit but I've had to take them off them until next season or they'll be sleeping in them."

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