Football fans live their dreams at Windsor Park

Neil Dillon from Luganville Road, Moira and Stephen Baird from Hillview Gardens, Lambeg followed in the footsteps of George Best, Jonny Evans and David Healy when they ran out at the famous ground, courtesy of Northern Ireland Team Sponsor, Vauxhall.

The pair won a National competition run by Vauxhall that gave a group of Northern Ireland fans the chance to play on the hallowed turf.

The two teams were managed by former Northern Ireland legends Gerry Taggart and Gerry Armstrong and captained by Cool FM’s DJ Connor Phillips and Pete Snodden.

Neil said; “We didn’t quite have a full house to run out to but the atmosphere was still unbelievable. With a passionate green and white army crowd you can only imagine what the players must be feeling when they come down that tunnel.

Stephen added: “Playing at Windsor Park managed by two legends of the game has made it a day I will never forget.”

Gerry Taggart said: “We have had a brilliant day here at Windsor Park.

“It is a superb initiative by Vauxhall to offer real Northern Ireland fans the opportunity to experience what it is like playing at this magnificent stadium – the first time you run out of that tunnel is something that lives with you for a very long time.”

Vauxhall Marketing Director Peter Hope said; “Football is all about fans and we wanted to come up with a truly unique opportunity.

“Being able to follow in the footsteps of their heroes and play a game at Windsor Park has proved to be a wonderful experience and a fantastic day out for all involved.”