Football Sports Section

PSUK National Veterans League 2004 / 2005 Season

Lancashire Constabulary 3       Strathclyde 1

Lancashire Constabulary took the Police Sport UK veterans football title for the fifth time in six years with a 3-1 victory over holders Strathclyde. Striker Ian Dawson was the red rose county's hero with a hat-trick in the game played at Port Vale.

The 35-year-old PC, based at Lancashire's Hutton headquarters opened his account on 23 minutes and added a second on the half hour.

From there Strathclyde began to control the game for long periods but Dawson struck again with a fine third just two minutes after the break to put the game beyond the Scottish team. Strathclyde did pull a goal back on 59 minutes but despite some intense pressure they could not beat Andy Cooper in Lancashire's goal again.

Although Dawson took the plaudits, and the man of the match award, the Lancashire defence of Gary Salisbury, Keith Lee, Mark Woolston and former Burnley and Bolton player Derek Scott, were outstanding.

Team manager Sgt Dave Charlton, 49, said: "After missing out last year it was great to win the competition again. Strathclyde played some excellent football but Ian took his chances superbly and we defended extremely well.''