Two footballing titans clashed in a heated derby on Sunday. No, not in North London; this was The Bird in Hand derby at Hall Place.

Oakfield Phoenix went up against Crayford Eagles in their first ever match-up in the London Kent and Suburban Division One.

The derby would not even have been possible, though, were it not for the The Bird in Hand pub in Dartford.

Owner Adam Joy sponsors both sides, and without his support neither would exist. To mark their first competitive clash, the players presented Adam with a banner thanking him for the funding he provides, which has now taken pride of place above the fireplace in his pub.

Phoenix skipper Adam Petty was more than happy to offer the token of gratitude and was keen for the landlord to receive the recognition he deserves.

“The guy is an absolute hero,” he said.

“He sponsors two teams, he puts food on for us all on match day, he runs darts teams and pool teams and hosts a lot of charity events for Macmillan and Help for Heroes.

"He does charity golf days and cycles, hosts quizzes, ale festivals and live music for local bands. He and his pub are a true help to the community.

“I’ve been running the team for the last six years and it’s a great way to de-stress and also have a bit of competition that you don’t get in day to day life. We wouldn’t be able to play without his support.”

Sunday’s match was a heated affair, with both sides battling for crucial points before the hectic festive fixture pile-up. The teams had to share the spoils come the final whistle, with the scoreline at 1-1.

The result leaves the Eagles in second place, five points adrift of league leaders Dartford Social. Oakfield Phoenix are fourth.

Players don’t have long to wait until the rematch; the two sides face each other again in the first round of the Josh & Sylvie Challenge Cup on November 29.