TAVISTOCK was buzzing with excitement last Thursday as an army of football supporters clad in red and white shirts descended on the town.

The distinctive shirts belonged to first division giants Sheffield United who took on Tavistock in a pre-season friendly at Langsford Park.

An excited crowd of more than 1,000 eager fans, including 350 Sheffield supporters, made for an uplifting atmosphere.

A lively first half saw the Blades take a 1-0 lead, and they bolstered this with three goals in the second half.

Robin Fenner, chairman of Tavistock Football Club, said he was delighted with the turnout for the match.

?It was the biggest crowd we?ve had since the 1950s, and the only time we?ve ever played a team above the third division,? he said. ?It was a terrific occasion for everyone.?

Mr Fenner said the Sheffield players and management had been impressed with every aspect of their visit to Tavistock.

?Neil Warnock said that in his years of pre-season matches, he had never come across such a high standard of hospitality, facilities and playing surface,? he said.

?That was a very nice thing for him to say, and we were absolutely delighted.?

Before kick-off, United, who narrowly missed out on promotion to the premiership last season, presented Tavistock with an autographed club pennant.

And the winner of a shirt signed by all Neil Warnock?s players in a post-match raffle donated his prize to the Tavistock club.

Mr Fenner said both momentoes will adorn the wall of the clubhouse.

The Sheffield players were presented with various gifts, including books about Tavistock.

?It was a super occasion,? said Mr Fenner. ?I believe football is all about fraternity, not rivalry.

?I had the honour of meeting Sheffield?s chairman Derek Dooley, who many years ago was on the verge of playing for England, when unfortunately he lost a leg in an accident.?

Mr Fenner said the match had been a success which had benefited the town as well as the club.

?It was a very good night for Tavistock Football Club, and a very good day for Tavistock,? he said.

?The red and white shirts could be seen all day up and down the town, and I know quite a few of the Sheffield fans stayed in Tavistock for the game.?