A FOOTY-mad York teacher was playing a crunch match with his pals today - only hours before his wedding.

Middlesbrough fan Dave Brown, from Holgate, arranged the game to calm his nerves prior to tying the knot with his fiancee, Sarah Giles.

The couple, who met in North Wales, were having a late afternoon wedding at St Paul's Church, in Holgate, where they are regular worshippers and run a youth group.

"I've got quite a few hours to kill so I wanted something to keep me occupied," said Dave, who teaches at St Lawrence's Primary School, in York.

"There's nothing like scoring a goal to calm my nerves.

"I'm sure my friends won't injure me - I'm too quick for most of them anyway!"

Best man Dave Watkin, 32, a sports teacher, said he would be protecting his friend on the pitch.

"I'll be making sure Dave's competitive, animal instincts are kept under wraps to avoid any Gascoigne-like injuries," he said.

"It's nice that we can all enjoy some quality time with him before he ties the knot."

Spurs fan Sarah, 22, from Stamford Bridge, who teaches at Dringhouses Primary School, said: "I'm not that worried - his friends are responsible and I'm sure they will look after him.

"Knowing Dave's football ability, he won't even get a touch of the ball!"

Sarah admits that her fondness for Gary Lineker may have been one of the reasons she fell for Dave - though the resemblance between the two is only in the ear department!

She added: "The first footy match he took me to I really embarrassed him when I put on my lip balm in front of all these rough fans."

Sarah's dad, Pete, who is a Newcastle United supporter, said: "If Dave breaks his leg there are plenty of subs on the church pews!"

The couple, who have been together for five years, were holding their reception at the Merchant Adventurers' Hall, in Fossgate.

Updated: 10:06 Saturday, January 19, 2002