IT was a dream result for Wanderers fans writes Alison Barton at the Reebok

After the Whites beat Manchester United 2-1 at Old Trafford last season, the fans thought it would be a long time before they would celebrate a similar triumph.

But last night they did just that.

And fans gathered at the Reebok Stadium to see it all on a big screen.

Fewer than 3,000 fans were able to get hold of tickets for the match at Old Trafford -- but around 5,000 headed to the Reebok Stadium, where the game was broadcast live on a big screen -- the first "beam back" in the history of the fixture.

The game began in a sombre mood, as players and spectators at both Old Trafford and the Reebok Stadium observed a one-minute silence to remember those who died during the September 11 atrocities in New York last year.

But when the game kicked off the atmosphere was electric throughout the whole match with spectators holding their breath at every pass, kick and shot.

Fans lined the West Stand of the Reebok in the hope that they would be leaving the ground with something to celebrate.

And with the sound from the game booming live from speakers around the stadium, fans felt as though they were actually at the game and chanted along with those at Old Trafford.

As Pedersen took a shot at goal during the first half, the crowd were on their feet and cheering him on. But it was when Kevin Nolan knocked the ball past United goal keeper Fabien Barthez with just over 10 minutes to go, the stadium erupted. Seeing the goal live on the big screen made fans feel part of the action as they joined in the celebrations.

Whites fan, Phil Taylor, aged 40, of Harpers Lane, Smithills, said: "They've definitely come up trumps again! They played solidly throughout the match and stepped up their game, which is what they need to do all season to beat these bigger clubs.

"It's been great to see the game on the big screen like this, especially as Wanderers won!"

As the referee sounded the final whistle, spectators jumped from their seats, hugging each other just as those at Old Trafford were doing on the screen.

David Watson, aged 32, of Broadwalk, Westhoughton, said: "It's been great to be able to see the game on the screen at the Reebok. I knew they could do it again."