THE conditions would have caused a Premier League match to be called off, but it was game on in a Northumberland market town yesterday as residents observed an age-old tradition.

Alnwick’s Shrove Tuesday football match took place once again in the shadows of the town’s imposing castle, as it has done come rain or shine since 1762.

The rival parishes of St Michael’s and St Paul’s battled it out on the town’s Pastures, with St Michael’s coming out on top by two goals to nil, or rather hales, as they are known in this unique version of the game.

Both were scored by Lee Pattinson, 31, of St James’ Court.

Lee used the strikers’ instinct he has honed playing for Craster Rovers to notch a backward header, and grabbed his second with a back-heel.

This was not the first time he had tasted Shrovetide glory, having scored in the Millennium match.

He said: “I have played every year since I was a bairn.

“It brings in a lot of visitors, it is good for tradition, and it is nice the young ones participating.

“It is always a bonus when you score.”

Another accolade Lee has previously claimed is winning the post-match battle for the ball.

This is kicked into the River Aln, which hardy players dive into and tussle for the right to carry it across the freezing river.

The honour yesterday went to Steven Temple, 40, of Lindisfarne Road, who was playing for St Paul’s and is assistant manager at the town’s Willowburn Sports and Leisure Centre.

Steven has won the battle for the ball approximately a dozen times over the years. “It is one of the coldest,” he shivered.

Event chairman Tommy Pickard claimed the sodden conditions underfoot yesterday would have led to the abandonment of any top flight game.

He added: “They should bring some of the Premier League players to watch the tackles that go in on this pitch.”