WANDERERS were left kicking their heels as referee Keith Cooper, later to become FIFA's director of communication, called off the derby game against Stockport County at Edgeley Park 90 minutes before kick-off because of heavy rain.

The decision was not appreciated by the fans, who let Mr Cooper know in no uncertain terms what they thought of the postponement, as the news came after many of them had set off on the journey to the game.

Stockport had earlier in the day been assuring concerned fans that there was no threat to the game but heavy downpours around tea-time left large pools on the pitch.

However, the Bolton players didn't get a night off, manager Bruce Rioch whisked them back to Burnden Park for a hurridly arranged training session.