A COUPLE who enjoyed their honeymoon at Old Trafford are eagerly awaiting the big derby match.

Joe and Joyce Powell, of Montserrat Road, Johnson Fold, have been dedicated Wanderers fans since they were youngsters.

They got married on March 23, 1957, and instead of going away on honeymoon they treated themselves to tickets for Bolton Wanderers' clash against Manchester United which was held two days later at Old Trafford.

Joe, aged 65, recalls the match was especially exciting as it was one of the first times floodlights had been used at the ground, which meant the game could start later in the evening.

The United supporters were left disappointed after the Trotters won 2-0.

Joe and Joyce, who is also aged 65, have never forgotten the match as the following year seven of Sir Matt Busby's "babes" who had played against Bolton were killed in the Munich air disaster.

Father-of-seven Joe, who was brought up near Burnden Park, said: "It was a really exciting match and we will never forget it because everyone was so shocked when Bolton won and it was sad that so many of the United players died only the following year.

"We still go to watch Bolton as often as possible and have been really pleased with the way they have been playing this season.

"We brought all the children up to be Wanderers fans, but two of our daughters have started supporting Blackburn as well because they live there, but we have forgiven them!"