A SOCCER-loving bishop has been given a knockout blow from cheering his team to a FA Cup derby victory - because of a Sunday morning kick-off.

The Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, the Rt Rev John Packer, was hoping to see his beloved Sheffield United chalk up their second victory of the season against Leeds United in their sixth round tie at Bramall Lane.

But when the Football Association and police moved the clash to an 11.30 kick off on Sunday, March 9, to avoid potential crowd trouble, it was the ultimate cup dismissal for the bishop, whose home is in Ripon.

Along with his son, Richard, the bishop has been supporting the Blades ever since he was vicar of the Manor parish in the heart of the steel city.

Richard Packer, now 24 and living in Glossop, was a nine-year-old when he and his father used to walk from their city centre home to Bramall Lane.

The bishop, who mingles with the crowd without advertising his lofty church credentials, will be preaching at St Michael's Church in Headingley, Leeds, on the morning of the match. He has a long-standing engagement to conduct a confirmation service.

He will be deep in enemy territory as the big clash gets under way.

"Of course, we have already beaten Leeds once this season in the Worthington Cup and it could well happen again. But it will be very hard for us. I think Leeds are now playing better than they were when we met them before. So Leeds must start as favourites.

"But they must not take Sheffield United for granted," he added.

The bishop would have been able to get a ticket for the big cup tie. He and his son are both members of a scheme which ensures priority tickets for regular attenders.

"I'm afraid 11.30 kick-offs on Sundays are not a good time for a bishop to be attending football matches," he concluded.