I BUMPED in to my former Ivy Hotel team-mate Mikkel Mahoney who was telling me that Great Harwood were interested in signing him up.

Now I know Mik is a fine goalkeeper but I got to thinking whether the jump from Blackburn Combination Division Three to North West Counties League Division One might be a bit too much.

But then I thought that in all the games we had played together he had never allowed me to score one of my famous own goals.

Once incident which does spring to mind was against Centurions last season when I slid in with a tackle but the ball looped up off my boot and seemingly up and over Mik in the goal.

But he spun in the air like a cat to paw the ball away.

Pity Paddy Mitchell couldn't do that against Pleasington Reserves last year!

Anyway if Great Harwood manager Denis Underwood wants any references then he can come straight to me!

It's widely regarded as the oldest amateur cup competition in the world but I wonder if a Blackburn team has ever won Burnley's famous Hospital Cup.

The competition started up in 1884 and firstly Burnley FC and lately Miners have dominated the cup -- of course they are both Burnley teams.

But this week, cup holders Miners were facing Blackburn team CD Bramall in the first semi final while Old Toll Bar will play Prairie United in the second semi final next week.

Find out how all four teams get on in next weeks Sport Extra and in the mean time I'll do a little bit of research.

Blackburn and Darwen Schoolboys Association is holding a sportsman's dinner to raise so much needed funds.

Guest speaker will be former Liverpool hard nut Tommy Smith while Mike Farrell will provide the laughs.

The event will be held at Blackburn Golf Club on April 19.

Anyone who would like a ticket should contact under 15s manager Paul Walsh on 01254 260424.

And anyone who wished to donate raffle prizes can do so by contacting Paul on the same number.

The nights have proved to be popular in the past so get your tickets soon so you're not disappointed.

A town team's appeal to help smarten up its act has seemed to work.

The Darwen Primary Schools team sent out an appeal to local businesses to come forward and help with the purchase of a smart new kit.

And it appears those appeals did not fall on deaf ears. And the good news it that enough money has been raised to kit out the team with new waterproof jackets as well.

Teams are required for an under 18s summer seven-a-side league which will take place at Witton Park.

The league will run from May to August and will be held every Friday night between 7-9pm. Players must be aged under 18 on August 31, 2002.

For further details contact Ismail Esat on 07802 912700.