THEY have beaten the best so bring on the rest.

It was certainly time for celebrations in Bolton this weekend when the mighty Wanderers shook Old Trafford to its foundations with an historic victory over Manchester United.

Everyone wanted to pat the Whites on the back for their triumph over the Premiership big boys and celebrate an away record that is second to none.

Leading the praise for Bolton was Archbishop of Canterbury Dr George Carey who was in Horwich yesterday.

"It is great news for Bolton and the team must be congratulated for a fantastic effort," keen football fan Dr Carey told the BEN. "I think they are proving themselves as a force to be reckoned with and they will have silenced their critics with this great win."

He added: "I was thrilled when I heard the news and as an Arsenal fan, Bolton have certainly done us a favour with this win."

Wanderers chairman Phil Gartside put the derby win on a par with the Play-off Final victory over Preston last May, adding: "Cardiff was great but this is the one the fans always want to win.

"There were times I thought we weren't going to do it. I got on my feet when Per Frandsen went down in the box but you don't get penalties at Old Trafford.

"Veron's goal was great but they had not created a chance from open play so I always thought we had a chance.

"Then Kevin Nolan has his first shot since Leicester and scores! We played so well in the second half that I thought if we didn't score then, we never would. Then Ricketts put that one in ... and got us the result we deserved."

Mayor of Bolton Cllr Kevan Helsby was there for the team's last victory over the Reds in 1979 but civic duties meant he could not be at Old Trafford on Saturday.

"But I've watched the match three times on video since," he said. "It was a great win and well-deserved. I am so pleased for the team and everyone involved with it.

"I am particularly pleased for Sam Allardyce. It was his birthday last week and what better present could he have hoped for?

"They have proved their away form against the likes of Leeds, Arsenal and now United and they have beaten the best team in the land.

"The team spirit is fantastic and let's hope they can go from strength to strength."

Eileen Rigby, secretary of the Bolton Wanderers Official Supporters Association was among thousands to lift the roof off Old Trafford when Ricketts scored and the final whistle blew.

And she had praise for the Red Army who were magnanimous in defeat.

"The United fans were very quiet and we made a lot of noise," she said. "To be honest I was being realistic and not expecting a win and when Bolton equalised I would have been more than happy with that.

"But when they second one went in we just went crazy."

She added: "We were kept in the ground while the home fans made their way out but when we left there were still United fans around. But there was none of the nastiness that you get at other grounds. The fans applauded us as we got onto the coach. They may be quiet but they were a credit to the club."

Leader of Bolton Council, Bob Howarth, watched the game at Old Trafford and said: "To be honest I didn't think Bolton would win, but it was a great game and the team made the most of every opportunity.

"It was an unbelievable atmosphere and credit should go to the team, manager and coach for not being overawed and playing so well."