Young Pikes players become radio stars (From Gazette & Herald)

Young Pikes players become radio stars

PICKERING Town under-13s are set for a season in the spotlight after manager Laurie Thackray won a BBC Radio York competition which will see his side given coverage alongside the region's professional clubs.

The team's name was pulled out of a hat after Laurie had correctly identified five football songs in a competition run by the station's breakfast show.

As a result, the team's fortunes will be featured regularly this season on the show's sports bulletins. Laurie has already been interviewed before, during half-time and after one of his side's opening games. The team was also featured on the radio, having just received a new kit from their sponsor, The Shed, run by Laurie's brother, Simon.

Laurie, who said his team was thrilled by the coverage, said: "I never expected to win the competition. It's just a bit of fun really, but it raises the profile of the club and hopefully it will encourage the lads to work hard and train hard. Already, I've had people from far and wide saying they heard us on the radio."

His team, who won promotion last season, have already started the new campaign well, beating Brooklyn 3-0, Dunnington 3-2 and Hamilton Panthers 4-1.

Updated: 11:49 Wednesday, October 15, 2003