BOLTON Wanderers fans got to test their mettle against the fastest marksman in town -- hot-shot striker Michael Ricketts.

The Reebok hitman regularly finds the net with shots averaging 73mph.

But how did Bolton's fans shape up against the best in the business?

Budding strikers were given five chances to clock up their fastest strike in a special "Whites Super Shot" goal complete with speed gun at the Reebok.

People of all ages flocked to bust the inflatable net -- but quickly discovered how hard it was to match the speeds of rocket Ricketts.

According to club officials, Per Frandsen and Kevin Nolan also join Ricketts on the Reebok's fastest hit-list. But even they do not reach the speeds achieved by Chelsea's Dutch striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. On the pitch, he has reached the 90mph mark.

Junior Whites co-ordinator John Ashley said: "Most of the players have had a go. Goalkeeping coach Fred Barber reached speeds of up to 70 mph but all the players know Ricketts beats that, although Per Frandsen is pretty quick as well."

"They average around 70 mph but this is really for the kids. We had about 150 down yesterday and quite a lot of adults. It is excellent fun and good to try to match the players.

"Kevin Nolan had a go at beating Fred Barber and walked off limping, even though he got 69-70mph!"

Prizes were offered for the fastest shot from a standing start in a range of age groups -- under 11s, under 16s and adults.

On Monday, nine-year-old James Killeen of Westhoughton, topped the field in the under 11s category with 32mph and Nathen Burnett, aged 11, of Harwood topped the under 16s with 41mph.

Mr Ashley added: "One adult clocked 65mph but didn't leave his name or address. We have had around 100 youngsters and adults over the two days and it has been a real success." The event was sponsored by Coca-Cola and Sportsmatch

The 73mph goal by Michael Ricketts in Bolton's opening game against Leicester at Filbert Street was the third fastest clocked so far this season.