DRINKERS were crying in their beer in a Chorley pub on Sunday afternoon.

They had flocked to the Duke of York, Bolton Street, to watch the Charity Shield match between Manchester United and Liverpool -- attracted by the promotion of lager 1p a pint until the first goal was scored.

But in the very first minute of the eagerly-awaited clash, Roy Keane stuck out a leg, felled Danny Murphy in the box and up stepped Gary McAllister to slot the spot kick past Fabien Barthez -- 1-0 to Liverpool!

The game was up -- for the thirsty bargain booze hunters. Or so they thought.

For kind-hearted landlord, Gary Hart, probably fearing for his life, changed the rules and played half an hour's extra time.

"I thought they were going to turn the place upside down," joked owner Gary, aged 24, who runs the pub with his girlfriend Emma Powell, aged 20.

"I gave them an extra half hour's grace, though. They were laughing their heads off."

United fan Gary missed the goal, as he ran out of pound coins and had dashed to nearby Morrison's for more. Despite the early shock, drinkers still went through a full barrel of Carlsberg -- 36 pints -- in that extra half hour.

But Gary really does like to make life difficult for himself.

Born and bred in Wigan, he supports arch rugby rivals St Helens because his family come from Thatto Heath!

The pub promotion was staged to help celebrate The Duke of York's refurbishment a few months ago.

"We had a really good day and everyone enjoyed themselves," said Gary.