TWO sporting celebrities helped Maltby Main enjoy an increase in support at the weekend.

Popular heavyweight boxer Dave Allen and former Premier League footballer Brian Deane paid a visit to Muglet Lane for their match with Selby Town.

The crowd of 317 was nearly four times bigger than for the match against Armthorpe Welfare in midweek.

"It was good to have Dave and Brian around and to see the ground busier. We want to thank everyone who came along,” said a Maltby spokesman.

Special guests Dave Allen (right) and Brian Deane (left) with fans at Maltby Main FC

placeholder image — Special guests Dave Allen (right) and Brian Deane (left) with fans at Maltby Main FC

“It’s a shame we couldn’t produce a win but the day showed that there is the potential for more support for our club.”

Mid-table Main ultimately went down 3-1 to a determined Selby side, their fourth straight defeat in the NCEL Division One.

After only five minutes Town’s Archie Micklewaite found himself unmarked to fire home from close range.

Selby dictated the play in the early stages but seemed unable to cope with Mohammed Ibrahim, who was lively and full of running for the home side.

Tussle: Maltby Main do battle against Selby Town. Pictures by Rebecca Sills

On 12 minutes Lleyton Brown's free-kick doubled Selby’s lead and Harry Clapham saw an effort go wide of the far post.

Main tried to get back into the game and were unlucky when Liam Hardy’s effort hit the underside of the bar before being scrambled away.

Their efforts were finally rewarded on 42 minutes when Curtis Morrison pulled a goal back direct from a corner.

Dave Allen took time out from his boxing commitments, which include co-promotion of a show at Doncaster Dome on March 27, to attend the fixture, while Brian Deane is well known to Muglet Lane regulars from his time with Sheffield United and Leeds.

Maltby Main clear their lines against Selby Town. Pictures by Rebecca Sills

''I am a friend of the Maltby chairman (Lee Boot), and I am here to show him and the club my support,” said Brian, whose sentiments were shared by the “White Rhino”.

The second half saw Main start off well and their Man of the Match Ibrahim continued to cause the visitors trouble.

While neither side created many more chances, Maximillian Bauer had the final say for Selby 12 minutes from time when his close-range effort settled the contest.

Maltby host Club Thorne Colliery tonight and go to Worsborough Bridge Athletic on Saturday (3pm) and entertain Route One Rovers next Tuesday.