THEY'VE followed their team all season long through rain and shine - but Bank Holiday Monday was a new experience for fans of Bury-based football team FC United of Manchester.

More than 500 supporters turned up at Bury Cricket Club to cheer on their team in a match of a different sort - cricket.

Eleven players lined up in a 20 overs-a-side match against an enthusiastic BCC side.

In the end, it was the cricket club that came out on top by the narrow margin of 20 runs in a highly competitive match.

But, in truth, both teams were the winners, as they raised about £1,000 to be shared between BCC and FC United's development fund.

FC boss Karl Marginson said: "It was a really enjoyable occasion with a lot of banter and a great day out for everyone who turned up.

"Luckily, the bad weather kept off and we were able to have a good game," he said.

"Our players took it seriously when they knew they had a chance of winning, but they enjoyed the fun side of it too.

"We would like to thank everyone at BCC for inviting us and making such a great day possible."

FC United, who play their home games at Gigg Lane, this season gained promotion for the third successive year and from August will play in the Unibond League Premier Division.