While pubs pulled in the punters watching the game on giant television screens, many of Bolton's shops were empty of customers.

Chris Leadbetter, assistant manager of Ciro Citterio menswear store on Deansagate, said: "It's a combination of things, what with Mother's Day and the Bolton game.

"I have hardly seen anyone about the town. Even if people are not going to Wembley they will be stopping at home to watch the game. This must be one of the worst Sundays I can remember I just hope things pick up as the day goes on."

Only the odd group of shoppers were to be spotted in Bolton's main shopping thoroughfare just hours before the kick-off. Many of those were hurrying home to watch the game and shop assistants admitted past big games had hit their business.

Claire Anderton, senior saleswoman at Etams on Victoria Square, said: "It was like this the last time they had a really big game. It was quiet before and during the game but things got busier after it had finished."

But while many traders were counting the cost of the FA Cup semi, Bolton's publicans were expecting to attract extra Sunday afternoon drinkers who would watch the game with their mates.

Joanne Geldhardt, manager of Yates Wine Lodge on Bradshawgate, even put on a free half-time buffet for soccer fans. A new screen has just been fixed in the pub which was used to televise the Bolton and Villa game.

And drinking pals and Trotters' fans Martin Waring, Mark Kirkman and Neil Kirkpatrick arrived at the Cottons pub with plenty of time to spare to reserve a decent viewing spot.

Neil added: "We've not gone to the semis because we're saving ourselves for the final in May."

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