JUST be careful when you get to meet your heroes, it can sometimes be a real eye-opener.

And so it proved for the Burnley FC supporters side as they were turned over 9-2 by the Vintage Clarets.

Veteran striker Andy Payton was on target as the ex first-teamers gave the fans outfit a footballing lesson at Nelson FC yesterday.

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But it was all in a good cause, as part of a fundraiser for the Gary Parkinson Trust and Kidneys for Life.

One organiser, Pete Davis, said at half-time: “It is like chasing shadows. I’ve got David Eyres running rings around me at 51!”

An auction and raffle was held later at Nelson Cricket Club and local firms lent their backing, including Clifford Smith and Buchanan Solicitors, who were shirt sponsors.

Veronica Simpson, from Burnley’s ex-players association, had arranged for Mr Parkinson, wife Debbie and family to attend at ‘Little Wembley’ for the fixture.

Mr Parkinson scored the play-off final winner against Stockport which saw Burnley promoted to the First Division in 1994 but he suffered a severe stroke in September 2010, leading to a diagnosis of locked-in syndrome.

Mrs Parkinson said: “There are still fundraisers happening every week and our son Luke is still keeping the website ticking over.”

Little Harlee-Jae Procter, from Bacup, who has a rare chromosome condition, was the guest of honour, as the charity champion sought to spread the word about her bucket list.