FANS young and old, and from all walks of life joined together in celebration.

Kevin Miles, aged 42, an electrician from Kearsley, said: "It's been great to have been a part of history today. The atmosphere has been fantastic and I hope to get to as many of the UEFA Cup games as I possibly can."

Nick Rutherby, aged 34, an accountant from Atherton, said: "We've been here for two days and it's been brilliant. The support has been second to none and it's fantastic that so many made the trip."

Justin Fellows, aged 37, a social care manager from Westhoughton, said: "How far we go will depend on injuries and who we draw next.

"We'll have to play better than we have done but it would be fantastic to get a bit further and draw one of the really big teams."

Andy Atkinson, aged 40, a United Utilities billing manager, from Standish, said: "It's been fantastic to have been here and to have seen our first ever game away in Europe.

"The club has come such a long way that you expect there will be many more to come, but tonight was bit close for my liking."

His nine-year-old son Tom, a pupil at St Wilfred's Primary School in Standish, said: "I think we can get through the group stages but I'm not sure after that. The atmosphere tonight was better that anything I have ever seen at the Reebok."

Margaret Miles, aged 43, a team leader at Great Universal, from Kearsley, said: "If we don't pick up too many injuries we can get a fair way. I'm hoping we'll get a good draw and show that we can compete with the best teams in Europe but it's just been great to get here."