THERE were no expensive outfits when these Bolton players took to the field in 1947-48.

Mr Mervyn Porter from Stanrose Close, Egerton, tells me that funds were low at Cable Street Methodists in those days.

"Mums and aunties had to make the shirts out of old blackout materials that had been used as curtains during World War Two," Mervyn told me.

The shorts were bought by the Mission for about 2s 6d (12 new pence) a pair.

Mervyn added: "Although it was a relatively cheap kit we were accepted as being very smart.

"We played Vincent's XI for our first game and won 4-1 or 4-2.

"But we then went on to lose every game after that."

These boys played as Porter's XI because Mervyn's dad Percy - who was on the B&F Carter's darts team picture I published recently - was in charge of the team's efforts in the Bolton Boys Federation.

Pictured left to right, back row, are: Brian Crook, Clifford Bostock, Percy Porter, Albert Crook and David Thomas.

Middle row: Stan Holt, Kenny McNally, Alan Porter, Ray Morris, Jim Kellet and Jack Dalton.

Front row: Mervyn Porter, Ian Platt, Alan Hankinson, Gordon Bates and Frank Glyn.