LUTON Town's Peter Thomson will be looking to settle an old score tomorrow.

The strapping 24 year old striker, raised on the Hillock estate, Whitefield, was shown the door by the Shakers at the end of the 1996/97 campaign and he'll be keen to prove the Gigg Lane men just what a mistake that was.

Since that fateful day four years ago Thomson, who was plucked from Manchester League obscurity with Stand Athletic and spent 18 months at Gigg, quickly knuckled down and established himself as one of the hottest properties in non-league soccer.

After departing the Shakers he moved to Chorley, where, on his own admission it took him some time to settle into the cut and thrust of the UniBond League.

However, a £1,000 transfer took him to Giant Axe, home of Lancaster City who were managed by another former Shaker Alan Tinsley.

And that was where Thomson really began to fulfil his potential.

He quickly established himself at the leading UniBond League marksman with 24 goals in half a season.

A move to the Nationwide League almost materialised after the Dolly Blues were drawn at Northampton Town in the FA Cup.

Thomson fired Lancaster into a first half lead but tragically restored parity with an own goal ten minutes after half time.

A minute later the Cobblers scored again the clinch the tie but then Town boss Ian Atkins had seen enough to invite him to Sixfields for a week's trial.

After further impressing Northampton offered a five figure sum for Thomson but that bid was trumped by Vauxhall Conference side Southport who offered £15,000 for him.

But unbeknown to the Whitefield lad Dutch first division side NAC Breda had been keeping tabs on him and when they showed an interest there was only one place he was going to go.

A £25,000 fee took him to The Netherlands in January 1999 but unfortunately a broken leg after five games kept him out of action and he faced a long spell on the sidelines before he returned to full fitness.

After an unsuccessful trial with Preston North End in the summer Ricky Hill, newly installed as Luton's manager, took him to Kenilworth Road for £100,000 tempting the tall and powerfully built striker with a three-year-contract.

And Thomson is keen to repay that faith with a few goals for the Hatters. Shakers fans will wish him well but hope he starts after tomorrow!