Supporting Sheffield United’s pre-season tour of Malta, a Blades celebrity team featured in the Sun Fun Six-A-Side Football Tournament last Wednesday. The squad featured Blades United’s Republic of Ireland youth international Travis Binnion, three members of the Sheffield band Craine and ex-Maltese international goalkeeper Saviour Darmanin.

They played against teams from The Grand Hotel Excelsior, Fortina Spa Resort and Maritim Antonine Hotel in a league format.

Floriana, the Maltese Premier League side, opened its all-weather pitches to host the competition.

The Blades team won all three games to lift the trophy that will now be heading back to Bramall Lane. Blades icon Brian Deane was on-hand to hand over the trophy and present Craine drummer Pete Dawson with the player of the tournament award.

Dawson ended up the Blades leading scorer and his double strike in the final game sealed the tournament victory for United.

Craine had performed at a ‘Malta Music week’ concert the night before at the main square of Bugibba.

Over 1,000 people, including a large assembly of Blades fans, cheered on Craine, who were the event’s headline act. Chris Roberts, lead guitarist for Craine, said: “The reaction of the crowd in Bugibba was amazing. To have played in a concert last night, then representing the Blades in a football tournament has been an unreal experience. It got us all fired up having Brian Deane watching on the side line.”

United’s pre-season preparations on the island are building towards today’s game against Maltese Premier League club Floriana. Kick-off is 7.30pm local time and will be hosted at the ground of Hibernians FC. All Maltese football fans are invited to attend. Tickets will be available at the ground for e6.