MORE than 2,000 people cheered on the players at a football match to commemorate a piece of soccer history yesterday.

Former Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Sunderland players took part in a re-enactment of the first match played by Middlesbrough at the town's Albert Park.

The match, a replay of a game against Tees Rangers in 1877, was the highlight of fun day organised to celebrate the continuing restoration of the Victorian park.

Restoration work is costing £3.3m and has been made possible with funding from the National Lottery.

Other attractions at the fun day included street theatre companies performing daring acts such as walking on a bed of nails. There was also a Punch and Judy show.

Middlesbrough Football Club mascot Roary the Lion made an appearance and Langbaurgh Steel Band entertained the crowds.

Members of Saltburn Victorian Society helped recreate 19th Century life.

There was also an exhibition of football skills, a parade of historic Boro shirts and music from opera singer Suzannah Clarke.

"It's been a great day for Middlesbrough Football Club but also a brilliant day for Albert Park," said a Middlesbrough FC spokesman.

"It's given everybody a chance to see the park back to its former glory. It was amazing to see so much interest in the match."

Former Middlesbrough footballers who took part included Mark Proctor, Terry Cochrane, Colin Ross, Nicky Mohan and Stan Cummins, who also played for Sunderland.

Former Sunderland players included Brian and Paul Atkinson and 1973 FA Cup winner Micky Horswill, who comes from Annfield Plain, near Stanley, County Durham.

Former Newcastle United defender John Anderson also took part.

Former World Cup referee George Courtney, who comes from Spennymoor, County Durham, officiated.