RADFORD City veterans were last night crowned Northern Masters champions - as the over-35s proved they still have plenty of ability, despite the advancing years, thinning hair and expanding waistlines.

There was plenty of talent on show in the four team, over-35 tournament at the Newcastle Telewest Arena, also involving Newcastle, Sunderland and runners-up Middlesbrough.

The Bantams and Boro finished level on points after the group stage, leading to their final which the Yorkshiremen won 4-2, aided by the brilliance of ex-Sunderland and Middlesbrough player Peter Beagrie.

The agile winger had a bagful of tricks and was clearly too skilful for some of his opponents as he notched five goals, including two in the final.

Although billed as a friendly tournament, some weren't holding back in their challenges with Sunderland's Gary Bennett and John Kay among the most committed.

Although the stomachs have filled-out in the years since retirement, all the teams gave the supporters a night of entertainment, with the Sunderland-Newcastle tie the most exciting with eight goals and a fine display from Peter Beardsley. It was just a shame the little man waited until his last game of the competition to turn on the magic as, by his standards, he'd been slightly subdued.

The first game of the evening Bradford beat Sunderland 4-2 with John Byrne scoring twice for the Black Cats, his second effort voted as the goal of the tournament

Newcastle were then thumped 4-0 by Boro in a match which saw Bernie Slaven begin his goal account with a brace. The radio pundit eclipsed Century FM colleague Eric Gates - who failed to impress as he was targeted by Newcastle fans - as Slaven finished as the player of the tournament with six goals.

Boro and Sunderland shared six goals with Bennett's side losing 4-2, before Bradford and Newcastle entertained the crowd with a ten-goal thriller. Bradford edged the honours 6-4, but one of the highlights was a sublime piece of skill by Brian Kilcline.

He performed a delightful back-heel on the edge of the City area which bamboozled his opponents and probably his own teammates, not used to seeing such nifty footwork from the man nicknamed 'Killer' in his playing days.

Eventual finalists Bradford and Middlesbrough played out a tepid 2-2 draw before Newcastle sent home their supporters satisfied as they triumphed over their arch-rivals Sunderland with a 5-3 win.

A professional performance saw the Bantams take the trophy and a place in the national final in London as they beat Boro 4-2; another Slaven strike not enough to stop Bradford.