On a scorching hot July summers day twenty years ago teams from across the North West gathered at the first Cancer Relief Football Tournament.
Here we look back at what was a defining day for local football.
The seven-a-side cup played at the Witton Park Artificial Turf in Blackburn attracted more than 35 teams in three age ranges. It was held in memory of Mohammed Feroze with funds on the day presented to Christies Against Cancer.
Lord Raglon take on Santos
The seniors section featuring 24 teams saw some of the best seven-a-sides outfits from across the North West take part. The final was competed between local side Malt and Hops Preston’s Deepdale.
Malt and Hops reached the final having beaten Whalley Range in the semi-finals. With the game heading to penalties locked at 0-0 Mark Boyle turned wonderfully to score the winner.
Audley Boys take on Blackburn United in the under 16s
Malt and Hops (above) and Deepdale FC (below)
Seven-a-side specialists, Whalley Range meanwhile had earlier overcome another side who would go on to win this tournament in years to come – Santos FC - a towering header from Imran Akuji settling the tie.
Deepdale had beaten dark horses Blackburn Clothing in the semi-finals who had dumped out Blackburn United in the quarters on penalties in one of the games of the tournament. Deepdale FC had also beaten a very strong ICE Vehicle Securities in the second round.
The final was contested between Blackburn and Preston. With more than a hundred players and supporters lined up along the touchlines the final began at 6pm. Malt and Hops started strongly but as the game wore on it always looked like Deepdale would be the first to score. They hit two late on to clinch the cup.
The Audley Boys 'Dream Team' stormed to the Under 16s victory with a win against Silas Rangers as the Bengal Stars beat Blackburn United in the final of the Under 12s.
Up until then few football tournaments of this nature had began and started on time and with the assistance of Jav Feroze, Iqbal Bhai and Ismael Esat and a whole team of volunteers the cup competition helped to raise £2500 for Christies Against Cancer.
A cheque presentation was later made at Audley Community Centre.
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