THOUSANDS of ticketless Wanderers fans will watch this Sunday's crunch relegation match in Bolton pubs.

Disappointed supporters who couldn't manage to get their hands on one of the 1,500 tickets issued will settle for second-best - watching the game with a pint in their hand.

And confident pub owners and managers are preparing for a bumper afternoon's takings at the bar, regardless of the result.

Russell Marsh, who owns Churchills pub in Manchester Road, said: "The match will be screened on our eight foot screen and there's sure to be a great atmosphere.

"We always have a good crowd in for important England and Bolton games and this couldn't be bigger. We'll do well with sales whether they win or lose."

And Lindsay Bibby, trainee manager at the Mill House Inn, which is in the shadow of the Reebok Stadium, is sure there will be a packed pub.

She added: "We usually do a good trade on home matches and we will be screening the game so we expect fans will come and watch. Sales should be up by as much as half."

Streamers and banners will bedeck the Lostock Arms pub in Lostock Junction Lane on match day. Manager David Shaw says both staff and regulars are gearing up to watch Bolton's battle with Chelsea for Premiership survival.

"We will have two big screens in place and five other televisions so everyone will be able to watch it," he said.

"I'm sure everywhere else will be the same in the town and pubs which televise the match are going to be packed out."

And Wanderers fans should be on the look-out for a BEN news team who will be on hand to savour the atmosphere in one of the many Bolton's hostelries which are televising the big game.

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