FOOTBALL-crazy youngster Liam Maden enjoyed the thrill of his life when he led his Arsenal heroes onto the pitch at Brunton Park for their third-round FA Cup match against Carlisle Utd, reports Rachel Kitchen.

Gunners mascot for the day Liam was accompanied to Carlisle by proud parents Tony and Heather, his uncle and his grandfather.

The Milnthorpe Primary School pupil's dream day began with a visit to Arsenal's changing room to meet the kit manager and be photographed with his favourite players' shirts.

"Then the team arrived - from there onwards it was just heaven for him," said Liam's father, Mr Maden.

Captain Lee Dixon made a beeline for Liam, nine - who plays for Milnthorpe and District Junior FC under 10s - and introduced him to the players, including his special hero, Swedish mid-fielder Freddie Ljungberg.

After being given an autographed shirt and football - and the shirt of Thierry Henry, who did not play - Liam met the Carlisle squad in their changing room.

It was then time to lead Arsenal through the tunnel and onto the pitch, before a sell-out crowd of almost 15,000 fans.

"Liam said that was the best part of the day, walking down the tunnel, coming out and all the fans cheering," said Mr Maden, who captured the moment on camcorder.

"It was a thrill for me watching him come out, and Heather was close to tears.

We were allowed to stand at the tunnel entrance, and we were there when he came out."

At the goalmouth, Liam took three shots at reserve 'keeper Alex Manninger, scoring one - people back home had offered him £1 for every goal.

Back in the centre circle, Liam met the captains and officials, and exchanged pennants with Carlisle's mascot.

The crowd gave both mascots a huge cheer as they left the pitch to watch the match, which Arsenal won 1-0.

Liam did not think the match was "anything special," but he was pleased with the result, and described the day as "brilliant" - one he would never forget.

Back at school, Liam was the centre of attention among teachers and class-mates, and his newsagent has promised to give him the bill advertising last week's Gazette story as a souvenir, to add to his Arsenal-themed bedroom.