Sporting Memories

10:49am Thursday 13th March 2008

20 years ago FORMER Turton High pupil Garry Flitcoft gave a glimpse of what was to become an accomplished footballing career with a starring role in England's Under-15s 2-0 win over Brazil at Wembley.

The Bolton-born midfielder, who retired in 2006 after playing close to 400 games in the Premiership and Football League, was among the country's top talents as he marched out in front of nearly 55,000 at Wembley.

He teed-up the first goal for Steve Mulrain, who went on to play for Leeds United, before Lee Clark, who eventually played over 200 games for Newcastle United, scored the second from the penalty spot.

Wanderers' commercial manager Alf Davies quit the club to join Leeds as chief executive, working at Headingley within the rugby, cricket and catering division.

Phil Parkinson made his debut for Bury in their 3-0 victory over Brentford.

The 20-year-old, signed for £13,000 from Southampton, went on to be a major signing for the Shakers and now manages Charlton Athletic.

Horwich RMI were hoping to tempt Phil Power back from a spell in Maltese football.

The legendary non league striker, who now coaches at FC United, had been playing with Silema Wanderers.

In rugby league, Wigan kept on course for the double with a 34-4 triumph over Salford in the Silk Cut Challenge Cup semi-final at Burnden Park.

30 years ago Wanderers' squad got in a few rounds of golf at the Belfry after beating Mansfield Town to keep their promotion plans on course.

Ian Greaves and his squad went straight to their hideaway after Frank Worthington's strike settled the tie.

And a boastful Bolton boss predicted: "We are putting ourselves in a position where it will be very difficult for teams to shift us from the top."

Little Leyton Orient made their way into the draw for the semi-finals of the FA Cup with a goalless draw against Middlesbrough, making a £47,000 profit from their cup run.

Meanwhile top internationals Bruce Rioch (Derby), Stuart Pearson (Manchester United) and Gerry Francis (QPR) faced an uncertain future after failing to secure moves on transfer deadline day.

All three players had been transfer-listed, only to fail to find another club before March 16.

40 years ago Gordon Leather holed-in-one at the 18th hole of Regent Park's Winter League final.

New Zealand bowler Gary Bartlett offered to quit cricket after being accused of throwing' in the Kiwis Test defeat against India.

Hard-up Brentford offered to sell their Griffin Park home to QPR for £250,000.

The fourth division club were strapped for cash, and said they would share a ground with Southern League Hillingdon, eight miles away.

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