Derek Penfold might be fast approaching bus pass age - but that's not stopping him leading the frontline for Worthing club Warren Sports.

The 58-year-old is one of the oldest players in Sussex and even the great Sir Stanley Matthew had given up by that age.

Derek came on as a sub for the club in their Premier Division goalless draw with Northbrook and almost struck a late winner had it not been for a great save from the opposing keeper.

Normally older heads drop back into defence as they age and end up playing sweeper. But it is in fact his son Ali who plays behind the defence.

"I just love to play the game," said Derek. "I signed up to play this season in case of emergencies. Rather than sometimes see us play with ten players, I thought they may as well put me on. At least it's another body out there."

But the old master still knows the art of leading a frontline, which he did for many years until first hanging up his boots at the age of 40.

He explained: "It's all about finding spaces. Good strikers get themselves into the right places at the right time. If you put me one on one with a defender, I've got no chance. But if I find space then I can score.

"I should've scored against Northbrook. I would've put it away 20 years ago and it was one that ought to have been converted by me now. But at least I was in good company.

"There were some lads a lot younger than me who missed better chances."

Derek keeps fit by running the line every weekend for the team and although he endures much leg-pulling about his advancing years it is all in good nature.

"The Worthing League has many friendly people involved with it and that's why I'm keen to stick around," he added.

His son admitted: "He puts some youngsters to shame. I think he was determined to play this season."

When being compared to the legendary Matthews, Derek admits: "I might be older than him, but can never boast his skills."

Will he play on to 60? That is the burning question!

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