Monday 13 October 2014 10:42, UK
Former England goalkeeper Dave Beasant almost made a dramatic return to action at the age of 55 after being picked as a substitute for Stevenage in their Sky Bet League Two game at Carlisle.
Beasant, who saved a John Aldridge penalty in Wimbledon's famous 1988 FA Cup final win over Liverpool, was selected by Stevenage manager Graham Westley to provide cover for Chris Day.
The club's goalkeeping coach would have become the oldest player to ever appear in the Football League had he come on, beating a record set by Neil McBain who appeared as a 51-year-old for New Brighton against Hartlepool in 1947.
He was not used, however, in Stevenage's 3-0 defeat at Brunton Park.
Beasant, who also includes Chelsea, Southampton and Nottingham Forest among his former clubs, has not played a senior match since appearing for Brighton against Grimsby in May 2003.
Westley said: "He's been absolutely brilliant on the training ground. He's fit and in good shape and at 55 the whole squad feel that as back-up he is someone they can trust and an option on the bench.
"Had he been used I have no doubt he would have done exceptionally well."
