Staff footballers victorious in match against students at home of Bolton Wanderers

Staff took on students in hard-fought football match at the University of Bolton stadium.

Players from the University’s first and second teams competed against professional and academic staff and it was the staff who came out on top, winning 5-1.

The match had to be hastily arranged after uncertainty over the date because of Wanderers making the League One Play-off finals.

Organiser Tom Halligan, who is duty officer at Bolton One Sports Centre and Anderton Centre Outreach Liaison for the University of Bolton, also scored a hat-trick and was named staff man of the match.

He said afterwards: “It is the first time we have ever won this event! I’m absolutely over the moon and I couldn’t be prouder of everyone who took part.

“All the work put into the game is nothing compared to seeing all of you kitted up and on that pitch with big smiles on your faces.

University Careers and Employability Adviser Paul Sheppard acted as the staff team manager and Tom said: “ I would  like to say a massive thank you to Paul for doing a great job.

“Now it’s time to start prepping for next year, we have a title to defend!”