SPECTATORS jumped around the stands and hugged each other after a famous victory.

That was the scene at the Reebok Stadium last night when Bolton Wanderers beat arch enemies Manchester United -- at Old Trafford.

Some 5,000 fans -- many dressed for the occasion in replica shirts -- watched the live action on a big screen and enjoyed an acceptable substitute for seeing their heroes in the flesh.

It was the World Cup all over again for football fans in the TV era.

And it says a lot about the magic of this particular fixture when you consider that the Wanderers were attracting gates of between 3,000 and 4,000 in the 1980s when this great club was languishing in Division Three.

Last night's 1-0 triumph, which followed a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford last season, was a terrific boost for the Wanderers and justified the big screen decision.

No doubt the club will consider doing this again for other fixtures now that they know there is a demand.

After all, it was just like the real thing with a police presence and a band of dejected United supporters.

The hope now is that the fans who were quick to moan after disappointing results in the first two matches will be as keen to express their delight after a memorable win.

United's multi-million pound line-up failed to prevail against spirited opposition from the cut-price Bolton team which has been assembled by Sam Allardyce with great skill and judgement.

It is to be hoped that Kevin Nolan's goal will awaken those sleeping supporters who caused a little alarm at the start of the season by staying away from the Reebok.

The team needs all the support it can get as it seeks to retain Premiership status once more, starting this Saturday against Liverpool.