IT wasn't quite the white hot heat of an Arsenal vs Spurs clash at Highbury but when Bishop's Stortford met Harlow Town at Woodside Park last week their respective managers relived that intense derby atmosphere.

This time Martin Hayes and Ian Allinson met as foes but in the late 1980s they were allies at Arsenal chasing the biggest prizes in the English game.

Hayes made over 100 appearances for the Gunners between 1985 and 90, picking up a Littlewoods Cup winners medal in 1987 and a League Championship medal in 1988-89.

Allinson pulled on the red and white shirt 96 times between 1983 and 87. He missed out on that 87 final (when Arsenal beat Liverpool 2-1) despite scoring the equaliser and setting up the winner in the semi-final against Tottenham.

The Hawks boss said: 'I had supported Arsenal all my life so it was a dream move for me and I have some fantastic memories.

'That 87 semi-final was the highlight. Obviously I was gutted to miss out on the final but as a manager now I understand that you have to make decisions about players that are difficult.'

Both Hayes and Allinson list Pat Jennings, Viv Anderson and Charlie Nicholas as some of the Highbury legends they played alongside.

The two were often in competition for one place, as Allinson recalls: 'Martin was more of a right winger at the time, he was a very strong player and he came in and broke into the team in my position.'

Hayes added: 'Ian was a good old-fashioned winger, he got wide and could cross with either foot.'

Both served under George Graham, picking up some valuable tips.

Hayes said: 'You can't not learn anything from someone like George, particularly in terms of his discipline and organisation.'

Despite being drawn into a relegation tussle in the Ryman League division one this season, the two men remain friends and often swap notes on opposing teams.

Allinson said: 'Of course it's a lower level than Arsenal but the fans at Harlow still have great passion. I love it here and if we can stay up then we can build on that next season.'

Hayes added: 'I hope Stortford are on the verge of big things. We have had to start afresh but we can soon be competing again with the bigger clubs.'