What I witnessed epitomised everything that is good about youth football.

It was a cracking game that United won by the solitary goal.

But everyone — players, officials and spectators alike — thoroughly enjoyed the match.

When making the trophy presentation, the league's sponsor and local businessman, Peter Saywell, commented how he would now much rather watch games of this ilk, than some of the professional matches shown on television.

On the subject of Mr Saywell, he certainly deserves all the recognition that is due to him.

His sponsorship of the league is an investment in a large section of local youngsters, aged from seven to 16, which can only be good for the community.

League general secretary, Kathy Wilson, also deserves a large amount of credit.

She works tirelessly, and runs the league with extreme efficiency and, as a result, provides competitive football to more youngsters than ever before.

Harry Carpenter's classic commentary in 1974, "He (Ali) has won the title back at the age of 32", had a then 10-year-old thinking 32 was old.

I would imagine no-one back then, whatever age they were, would think that 34 years later the biggest title fight on the world stage that year would be between a 35 and a 43-year old?

But, does Saturday night's match-up in Las Vegas between Joe Calzaghe and Bernard Hopkins indicate the current state of top-class boxing, or that age is merely a number?

More feedback on that amazing 14-0 drubbing for Worthing at the hands of Southwick.

First of all, Sir Laurie Claydon got in touch to tell me the game actually took place on February 15, 1947.

And that the Rebels goalkeeper who "declined" to dive, on account of the hard pitch, was Charlie Hobden.

He was also the long-time wicketkeeper for Broadwater Cricket Club, and was eventually replaced behind the stumps by that legendary local all-rounder, Vince Taylor.

Steve Burtenshaw, a former Albion star, and one-time coach at 1970s double winners Arsenal, and later QPR manager, then kindly phoned to provide yet more details.

Steve was actually at the game, watching as a young lad, as two of his brothers were playing for the Wickers.

Centre forward, Charlie, bagged five goals, while centre-back, Bill, managed to chalk-up an unlikely hat-trick.

Steve recalls that the other scorers were Ron Candy, who also scored three, Jock Quinn, who nabbed a brace, and the rout was completed by a player with the surname of Terry.

I wonder what price local bookmaker, Alan Pook, would give on Southwick repeating the feat in the next 12 months?

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