ENGLAND'S formidable strike partnership of Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen is making waves during Euro 2004 but the road to Portugal actually started in Northwich in 1976.
As the second youngest player to have scored in the history of the European finals, Wayne Rooney is being heralded as one of the England team's brightest hopes for victory.
But 28 years ago, Rooney's uncle Billy Morrey was making his own impact as a winger for Northwich Victoria during the team's most successful season.
Morrey played 23 times for Vics and scored four goals during the memorable 1976/1977 season, but it is for the last match of the Northern Premier League season against Scarborough that he is best remembered.
Dave Thomas, general manager of Northwich Vics, said: "It was a really important match for us because it would have been the first time we'd won a league.
"The final result was 1-1 and Billy Morrey scored the goal but unfortunately we lost out to Boston United on goal difference. It's the furthest the club has reached to date."
He added: "He played alongside star players Kenny Jones and Frank Corrigan during what was undoubtedly the most successful season in the club's history."
And the England connection extends to the 1980/1981 season when Terry Owen, father of England striker Michael, played on the wing for the Northwich team.
Dave said: "Terry scored two goals over the course of 15 matches and also played alongside Kenny Jones as well as Dave Ryan and Colin Williams.
Terry actually returned to Northwich four years ago when Michael came and did a photo shoot at the ground for Umbro."
Dave said the Vics connection with the current national team was fantastic and hoped the England squad wouldn't be cruelly denied victory in Portugal as the Northwich club was more than 25 years ago.
