CRANE driver Paul Walker could be about to see his football career 'lift off'.
Paul, of Heckmondwike, turned out in a charity game in Liversedge last Sunday – and earned himself a trial at League Two club Darlington.
Paul, who plays for non-league Garforth Town, turned out as a stand-in for the ex-professionals in The Press Yorkshire Legends Challenge at Batley's Mount Pleasant ground last September and returned to play again for Legends in the Liversedge AFC centenary game at Quaker Lane.
It was a game that the Legends finished up winning 2-1 as Chris Freestone, who scored on his Premiership debut for Middlesbrough, struck twice in the first half.
Among the other ex-pros taking part were ex-Huddersfield Town men Simon Trevitt and Liam Robinson, Peter Beagrie (Middlesbrough, Everton, Manchester City and Bradford City), Paul Atkinson (Watford and Oldham), Roger Eli (Leeds United, Wolves, Burnley), Wayne Jacobs (Sheffield Wednesday, Hull City, Bradford City) and Neil Maddison, ex-Southampton and Middlesbrough.
Maddison, now on the coaching staff at Darlington, was impressed by Paul’s performance.
After the game Maddison spoke with Paul and invited him to play in some of his club’s pre-season fixtures – an offer Paul jumped at.
“I know one or two bigger non-league clubs have been showing an interest but this is an opportunity I’d never thought likely,” said Paul.
The out-going Liversedge management team of Sean Regan and Billy Miller also appeared for the Legends along with The Press's  sports correspondent Mike Popplewell, who set up Freestone’s first goal with a cross from the left.
Former Leeds United stars Brian Deane and Neil Aspin were late withdrawals through injury.
The event raised more than £1,000, with two thirds of that going to the British Liver Trust and the remainder to the football club.