A young boy's dad has heaped praise on Lincoln Moorlands Railway for giving his son a fantastic day.

Richard Schofield, who has been following the KoolSport NCEL Premier Division squad's fortunes for a number of years, approached manager Darren Dye about letting 7-year-old Matthew be a mascot.

And, it happened at their match at Shirebrook Town a couple of weeks ago.

And Richard says he was bowled over with the way the club helped him out: "Despite being under a lot of pressure with recent poor league form and a busy schedule, the manager went out of his way to arrange this for Mat, even organising a kit for the little lad.

"We were invited to join the team bus on the day and the whole club made Matthew and I welcome, giving him the star treatment.

"He was allowed to change with the players and be present for the team talk and, when he led the team out, the captain Nick Robinson made sure he was out in front and the most important player on that pitch.


"The players went out of their way to praise his skills and tricks he showed on the pitch and then the captain took him to the centre circle to shake the match officials' hands and be present for the toss of the coin.

"Moorlands gained a well deserved 1-0 victory which just topped an already fantastic day the club had arranged for Matthew.

"I must point out, they did not once ask for anything from me for doing this for Mat. It was a pleasure to them."

Matthew will also be mascot for Saturday's Premier Division game at home to Selby Town.