Thousands flock to Priory Celtic's annual extravaganza at Hall Park

GOALMOUTH SCRAMBLE -- a battle for the ball in front of goal as the action hots up during Priory Celtics annual tournament.

No fewer than 172 teams and 1,300 players, spread across six age-groups, from all over the East Midlands descended on the park for a two-day tournament regarded as one of the best of its kind.

After months of preparation, the day kicked off as early as 6 am when the Priory managers and volunteers assembled to make sure everything was ready for the arrival of the teams.

The weather was perfect as the games started at 9.30 am, and the squad of Young Elizabethan League referees made sure the event ran smoothly, alongside Danny Staley on the microphone.

The weekend was again a terrific success. More than 4,000 people watched the excellent football, played in a fine spirit by all the teams, which included 16 of Priory’s own.

A spokesman for the club said: “We would like to sincerely thank all our fantastic volunteers, who made the tournament run seamlessly, desite the torrential downpour at 5 pm on the Saturday. Roll on next year!”

The roll of honour reads:

UNDER-7S -- main winners Cotgrave Blue, runners-up West Bridgford Red. Plate winners Clifton All Whites, runners-up Priory Celtic Green.

UNDER-8S -- main winners AFC Vernon Blue, runners-up Priory Celtic White. Plate winners Rolls-Royce Leisure (Saturday), runners-up Toton Tornadoes.

UNDER-9S -- main winners Burton Joyce Green, runners-up Pelican. Plate winners Wollaton Hall Green, runners-up Stapleford Town.

UNDER-10S -- main winners Moorgreen Colts, runners-up Sherwood Colliery. Plate winners Riverside Rockets, runners-up Sandiacre Town.

UNDER-11S -- main winners Spondon Rovers, runners-up Teversal Red. Plate winners Shipley Park Rangers, runners-up Attenborough.

UBNDER-12S -- main winners Moorgreen Colts, runners-up Priory Celtic Green. Plate winners Dunkirk, runners-up Burton Joyce Green.