IT WAS one of the greatest games of football ever played -- and one 19-year-old Nat Lofthouse fan was there to see it.

Sapper Eric Turner of the Royal Engineers was a member of the British occupation forces stationed in Austria after the Second World War.

Along with a gang of army pals, he managed to find his way into the Russian sector to watch the famous match at the Prater Stadium.

Today the 69-year-old, who now lives in Australia, told the Bolton Evening News about his own recollections of the Lion of Vienna.

He said: "Early in May 1952 we learned that Austria were to play England but there was no chance of us seeing it as the ground was in an area occupied by the Russians.

"A week before the game we were told they would let some British troops into the stadium."

Eric, who has two grandchildren and lives near Sydney, remembers every move of the legendary Lofthouse.

"The Austrians seemed to be targeting Nat but he got one goal and then knocked in another just before the final whistle.

"We all invaded the pitch. I slipped on the grass and was stamped on so I couldn't get close enough to any of the players, but it didn't matter -- England had won."

Eric, who is from Birkenhead, celebrated with his pals throughout the night. When they got back to base they discovered the English newspapers had given Nat his now-famous nickname.

"Nat had played a blinder, despite some close and dubious marking. We all felt he thoroughly deserved the title.

"The memory of Nat Lofthouse's courage and his contribution to morale has stayed with me all my life."