John Pollard, who covered Barnet FC home and away for years, celebrated his 70th birthday with a surprise party at Apthorp Lodge, Brunwick Park, on Tuesday.

Former Barnet manager Billy Meadows and ex-players Ricky George and Les Eason, plus Tony Sandell, the Finchlery FC centre half if the 1965 FA Amateur Cup semi-final against Hendon at Highbury were among the sporting guests.

Dennis Signy, who was John's editor at the Times group for 17 years, and Fred Harris, his sports editor, were among the journalistic guests. John worked for 40 years on the local newspaper scene in Barnet and served both the Times (twice) and the Barnet Press.

John Motson, who started his career on the Barnet Press and also formed the Roving Reporters football side 43 years ago with colleagues Roger Jones and Jonathan Lang - still going strong! - was also there. John played in some of the original games and scored one goal.

"A 40 yards thunderbolt", he recalled. Nobody else remembered it that way, but no-one was arguing on his anniversary.

Dennis Signy, accompaned by John's wife Ann, welcomed the guests and said that he passed on the best wishes of all at Underhill who knew John befofe he retired five years ago, and the birthday boy was presented with a TV set by his former Press colleagues and with a Chelsea scarf and mug by John Motson and also some old programmes.

"A day I'll never forget", was John's response.