Pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for Wrens

Brews Park was the host for the first ever West Lancashire League 'Groundhop' match back in August.

This weekend sees the latest in the North West Counties 'Hop' - but one of the matches, to be held at Thornton Cleveleys at 2pm, was called off close to kick off.

With the Squires Gate v Nelson match kicking off at 5pm, it left hundreds of hoppers with nowhere to go - until Wrens came to the rescue.

The groundhoppers hastily decamped to Wrens for the 3pm Richardson Cup fixture against Astley and Buckshaw with the club taking donations at the gate, selling merchandise and buying food - after club legend Dave Brewell made an emergency trip to Morrisons!

West Lancs committee member Martin Benson said the crowd at Wrens was 219 and Groundhop UK organiser Chris Berezai was grateful to Wrens for being great hosts at such short notice.

Martin said: "Wrens took the lead on 15 minutes through a well hit goal from Kian Makepeace. Both sides had chances but the team went in 1-0 at half time.

"Wrens doubled their lead on 57 minutes when Bobby Hensley hit home after a goal mouth melee from a free kick. Just five minutes later Ric Seear made it 3-0 and while both sides worked hard there were few chances until Bobby Hensley got his second from a clean header to make it 4-0 on 92 minutes.

"Wrens move on into the next round."

The North West Counties Hop continues on Sunday.

• 11.30am - Atherton LR v Euxton Villa
• 2.30pm - Daisy Hill v Steeton