SPECIAL NIGHT FOR VICTOR

The former Spurs and Manchester United striker is renowned on the world stage, but in local terms they don’t come much bigger than Victor Hunter.

The 74-year-old, who won two full caps for his country, has devoted his life to football both as a player and a coach.

And on Friday night the great and the good of the Northern Irish football scene came out in force to pay tribute to him in a special testimonial game.

‘McFaul’s Marvels’ managed by Iam McFaul and featuring Sheringham, Steve Lomas, and Barry Hunter to name a few, took on ‘Liam’s Legends’, managed by Liam Beckett and assisted by Jackie Fullerton.

In the end the ‘Legends’ ran out 3-2 winners thanks to second half goals from Chris Morgan (2) and Ricky Wade.

Teddy Sheringham had put the Marvels in front in the first half with a super long range strike.

But a late penalty miss by the England man after Willie McConaghie had reduced the deficit to one goal meant it was the Legends who were celebrating.

The crowd were entertained on and off the pitch as BBC Radio Ulster’s Alan Simpson indulged in a bit of banter with Fullerton and co.

In the end the score line didn’t really matter, but there were some memorable performances none more so than from former Coleraine defender John Devine who was named Man of the Match by Linfield boss David Jeffrey.

Victor would like to thank the organisers, Sally Murray, Tommy Doherty and Liam Beckett, Coleraine FC groundsman John McLaughlin and everyone who helped make his night so special.