THOUSANDS of people are expected to attend a Victorian-style football match to celebrate Middlesbrough's first football match in 1877.

A packed funday will culminate in a re-enactment of the club's first recorded game against Tees Wanderers, with former Boro stars taking on a team of former Newcastle United and Sunderland players.

Ex-World Cup referee George Courtney will take charge of the game, which will feature former Boro players such as John Hendrie, Bernie Slaven, Mark Proctor and Terry Cochrane.

It is being held during the ongoing restoration of the town's Albert Park, which hosted the club's first games, in the 19th Century.

Other attractions include street theatre performers such as fire-eaters, clowns, jugglers, and attractions which include fairground rides.

Boro mascot Roary the Lion, a Punch and Judy show, Crow's fair, face-painting, a children's craft fair, Saltburn Victorian Society and Langbaurgh Steel Band will also be there.

In the build-up to the game, on the main events field, there will also be a football skills exhibition, a parade of former Boro shirts, and music from opera singer Suzannah Clark.

The funday will take place on Sunday, from noon to 5pm.