TWO football fans are keeping the supporters of an amateur team on the ball -- by producing a 60-page programme for home games.

Neil Roberts and Nick Timperley are the editors of The Riv's Review, which is packed with news, views, facts and figures on Rivington AFC, who play in the Premier Division of the Lancashire Amateur League. Although programmes have long been established in the professional game, they are virtually unheard of at this level.

But The Riv's Review has gone from strength to strength since it was launched two years ago and has even featured one-off contributions from Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce, Kevin Keegan, Jimmy Hill, and UEFA President Lennart Johansson.

Neil, aged 39, said: "No-one else at this level does it. It's a very good way of raising much-needed funds."

In 1999, Neil was asked by his work colleague at Railtrack, John Gibbons, the chairman of Rivington AFC, to produce a one off special for the team.

That proved so successful -- coming eighth in a national competition -- Neil and 37-year-old Nick, who are both from Crewe and support Crewe as well as Rivington AFC, decided to make it a more permanent fixture.

The Railtrack connection continues as they are now the main sponsors and allow the team to use their printing facilities for free, which ultimately makes the whole venture feasible. Many local businesses also sponsor the programme.

The team are celebrating their 70th birthday this year and are one of the oldest in the league. There are plans for a 100 page bumper issue to commemorate this which should be available for the final home game.

Anyone who wants to buy a copy of The Riv's Review can purchase or order one for 50p at any home game at British Aerospace, in Lostock.