By Julie Armstrong

Last updated 08:17, Friday, 05 September 2008

Arthur Hodgkison will be cheering for both sides at a Youth League match in Carlisle tomorrow – he has a grandson on each team.

Ref Sam Atkinson with his brothers Jim, left and Benn on opposing teams

Normally he has to choose which of the brothers he will watch, but this weekend Jim and Benn Atkinson will be clashing in directly opposing positions on the pitch.

And, in a bizarre twist, the game will be refereed by their other brother Sam, who will not hesitate to blow the whistle if the competition gets a little too personal.

Mum Ruth said: “It’s quite a special day for their grandad to see all three of them play together.

“He goes everywhere to watch them – he even went to France twice to see Sam and Jim play.”

Striker Jim will be trying to knock the goals in for Northbank, while Benn, playing in defence for Newlaithes, will be doing his utmost to stop him getting through.

Jim, 13, can play only a limited number of games in the league as he is on trial for Queen of the South.

Benn, 12, joked: “It will be the game of the season. We won’t be playing against each other again because when I’m with Manchester United and he’s with Leeds, I’ll be in the Premiership and he’ll be in the Conference.”

Jim has the edge of having played in the older team for a year already but Benn says he will be trying extra hard.

Ruth said their rivalry is not contained to the pitch and is hoping for a draw to keep the peace at home.

“One minute they can be best friends and the next they’re fighting.

“A draw would be ideal to keep everyone happy. If not there’ll be a little bit of sulking but a couple of hours later it’ll be all right.”

Sam, 15, who prefers being referee, says if anything he is stricter on his brothers. “I pick up every little niggle between them,” he said.

Benn said: “He’s booked me once but it’s okay. He pushes us a little further than normal, to see how far he can go.”

All brothers are pupils at the Richard Rose Central Academy. And the soccer bug has not just infected the men in the family. Their nine-year-old sister Emily started kicking a ball aged five and has been playing for one of the Newlaithes sides since last season.

Her team are playing a side from Manchester in Penrith tomorrow and will be watched by gran Norah.