FIFTY football-loving schoolchildren travelled to watch English Premier League champions Manchester City.

More than 120 Dunbar Grammar School pupils had registered their interest in travelling to the Etihad Stadium to watch international stars including Erling Haaland, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva strut their stuff.

The youngsters were joined by six members of staff, including physical education teacher Kenny Beaton, from the school.

Mr Beaton felt that the trip to see Pep Guardiola’s side take on Wolverhampton Wanderers had been a great success.

He said: “Despite the early start on a cold and dark morning, the students were excited for what lay ahead, with the first football chants beginning at 7.05am.

“The group arrived at the Etihad Stadium shortly after noon, where students were able to walk around the ground to soak up the pre-match build-up, visit the club shop and see the sculptures of Manchester City legends Vincent Kompany, David Silva and Sergio Aguero.

“These sculptures were designed by Scottish sculptor Andy Scott, who also designed the DunBear and the Kelpies.”

The Citizens won 3-0 thanks to 22-year-old Haaland’s fourth hat-trick of his debut season in English football.

Mr Beaton was hopeful another trip could be organised and said: “The students were treated to a fantastic match filled with goals, VAR decisions and high-quality play.

“The students also got to see some world-class stars in action such as Riyad Mahrez, Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish as well as a hat-trick from City talisman Erling Haaland.

“After the game, it was back on the bus to Dunbar, where even more students were joining in on the football chants and songs on the way home.

“The trip was organised by myself, through the sports tours company PE5 Sports Tours.

“The trip was only made possible by support from the school office staff and the teachers who volunteered their time on the day (Mr MacDonald, Miss Williamson, Mrs Stewart, Mrs Smith and Mr Corfield).

“The school ensured the trip was as inclusive and as accessible as possible for all students to attend.

“Over 120 students registered their interest, with a draw having to take place to select the lucky 50.

“It is hoped another trip will take place in the near future.”