City Former Players and St Helens Town conjured an eleven-goal thriller at the Regional Athletics Centre before the visitors went home with the Bert Trautmann Trophy yesterday.

Bert's first club came up with a late winner to pip Peter Barnes' side 6-5 in an entertaining game to mark the 60th anniversary of the legendary goalkeeper's move to Maine Road.

Trautmann, the German former prisoner of war who became one of City's best-loved figures, remains honorary president of St Helens at 86 and still travels over from his home near Valencia.

There was plenty of fun for the crowd on a glorious autumn afternoon, with City goalkeeper Andy Dibble enjoying a spell at centre-forward and midfielder Andy May weighing in with two goals.

Long-serving club secretary Bernard Halford, who kicked off in his 50th year in football, said: "It was a smashing game played in good spirit and with some nice football touches - you could see the quality is there still!"

Kenny Clements, Frank Carrodus, Neil Pointon and kit manager Les Chapman also turned out for City, who led 5-4 until St Helens produced their fightback and a last-gasp decider.

Proceeds from the game will go to the Trautmann Foundation, which undertakes projects based on the values of courage and sportsmanship involving schools in England and Germany.

The trophy was presented by Steve Fleet, Bert's long-time understudy and later youth team coach.

Fred Eyre, who also played for both City and St Helens, said: "Bert's demeanour both on and off the field earned him tremendous respect and adulation around the world."