HORDES of football fans are set to hit Hyndburn's pubs and bars on Sunday to watch Accrington Stanley's opening game of the season live on Sky TV.

The Reds kick off their new season in the Conference with a mouth-watering clash against Aldershot on Sunday at 5pm.

Fans are expected to be heading off bright and early as they endure a gruelling five-hour journey to watch the game. But, many will be watching in local pubs and bars showing the match on giant screens.

The Observer spoke to several pub managers and licensees hoping for a full house on the day.

Steve Bentham, who runs the Crown pub, which is within a stones-throw from Stanley's Interlink Express Stadium in Whalley Road, said: "We're expecting the place to be packed out.

"It's a massive game and we are all really excited about the match. We've got a five-foot screen installed and we're going to put on some sandwiches for the lads at half time. Hopefully the atmosphere will be excellent."

Lisa Familio, leisure assistant manager at the Bees Knees pub in St James Street, Accrington, is from Keighley, but she said: "I'll still be cheering on the Reds. We've got a big screen TV so we will be showing the game. We expect there will be a good turnout."

Over at The Stanley, in Stanley Street, Accrington, new owner Phil Miller is aiming to show the match too. He said: "It's a bit ironic really that we have changed our name to The Stanley and we're showing Stanley's first game of the season here.

"It is a must for us to show football games because we are a football pub. I've spoken to Sky and we should have the screen up and running on Sunday.

"We showed the World Cup games at the Queens Hotel and the place was packed. If we get half as many people in on the day we will be happy."

Police will be carrying out patrols of Accrington town centre during the match but are not expecting any problems. Sgt Mark Porter said: "We will monitor the town centre but we don't think there will be any trouble.

"We don't want to swamp the streets with officers because people will think we are being heavy-handed. We hope people just go out and enjoy the game and behave sensibly."