SOCCER: Macclesfield's park footballers found themselves up against an international manager at a charity tournament in the town.

Lining up at Macclesfield College against amateur teams from across the borough was Northern Ireland manager Sammy McIlroy.

The former Macclesfield Town boss turned out in the 'Old Codgers' Cup', a tournament which raised around £620 for Macc Boys' football teams.

McIlroy played for Damart Dynamoes, a team put together by former Silkmen chairman Eddie Furlong.

But despite McIlroy's efforts, Furlong's team did not win.

Tournament report

A dramatic penalty shoot-out, an international manager and a group of journalists barely fit to grace a football field - the Macc Boys' veterans' six-a-side tournament had it all.

The competition, held at Macclesfield College, saw 21 teams of 'experienced' players assemble to compete in the tournament, also known as the 'Old Codgers' Cup'.

Among those taking part were Northern Ireland boss Sammy McIlroy and a team representing the Macclesfield Express.

But it was a team made up of Macc Boys dads who carried off the trophy after a penalty shoot-out in the final.

Sparkout Moscow - made up of the fathers of Macc Boys' under-10s side, beat Congleton Corpses thanks to the goalkeeping heroics of Chris Booth.

Before the tournament, the question had been whether the excitement and tension of England's win against Argentina and the upset of Portugal's defeat to the USA could be reproduced on the playing fields of Macclesfield College.

The teams taking part proved that, despite a slightly higher average age than the England squad, it could be done!

Speed, skill, stamina, free flowing football, movement off the ball, effort and commitment belied the age of most of the players.

So much so in fact, rumour had it that Sammy Mcllroy, again playing for Damart Dynamos, was secretly scouting for people for Northern Ireland's 2006 World Cup campaign! In Group A ('the group of death') Norfolk-and-Chance, Gerry-Hatricks and the Zimmers failed to qualify, unfortunately living up to their names, despite the robust defending of Ian Hutcheson, the midfield industry of Pete Cotterill and the attacking 'artistry' of Nick Oldham.

Last year's finalists, John Collins' AR Dons, also faded - leaving Real Ale Madrid, Viagra Vikings and Sparkout Moscow to progress.

In Group B, Nick Shatwell's Sanatogen Studs looked to have been taking their pills, qualifying without losing a game.

The surprisingly lively Congleton Corpses, who pipped Jeff Foreman's OAP Eindhoven on goal difference to qualify, joined them. Despite not losing, Macclesfield Council's 'INA Coma' slipped quietly out of the competition along with Oldan' Arthritic, AK Panicin-Lifelus and last year's winners Ryles Park Rheumatics.

Group C saw the Macclesfield Express' 'Writers Cramp' team record a 7-0 win, the tournament's biggest scoreline, over the team that arguably best represents what the tournament should be about, Craig Nickeus' SAGA City.

Despite this win, it was last year's draw specialists Surreal Madrid, managed by Shaun Duggan, who qualified along with Damart Dynamos and Chris Hargreaves' Crampdoria.

The knockout stages saw the customary profusion of golden goal extra time and penalties, culminating with a tense penalty shoot-out in the final between the guest team of Congleton Corpses and the under-10s dads of Sparkout Moscow.

After some brave, if not foolhardy goalkeeping by Sparkout's Chris Booth and a measured penalty by the ever-cool Graham Moss, the Old Codgers Cup was 'coming home' to a Macc Boys dads team.

Macc Boys would like to thank the referees, everyone who took part and especially those who also helped organise the event. The tournament raised more than £620 for club funds.

Richard Shaw