Starring role for Motty's young pretenders

William and Mark were featured live on Grandstand

By Simon Austin BBC Sport Online, Cardiff

The BBC's commentary box seemed to offer a vision of the future on FA Cup final day.

The familiar figures of John Motson and Trevor Brooking were there relaying the action to a television audience of millions.

And just a few yards away were miniature versions of the BBC's frontline commentary team.

Wearing sheepskin coats and hunched over their microphones, they frantically described the action unfolding in front of them.

Motty's advice really helped and I had a great time

Prize winner Mark Harris

Mark Harris, 15, and William Dalton,12, were joint winners of the 'Mini Mike' competition run by BBC Sport in conjunction with The Sun newspaper, with the aim of finding the next Motty.

And as their prize, they got to commentate on Saturday's FA Cup final live on BBC Interactive TV.

 Read more and listen to winning broadcasts

William, who comes from Oxted in Surrey and is a Charlton Athletic fan, said: "It was an absolutely fantastic experience and the atmosphere at the game was unbelievable.

"I was a bit nervous to start with, but once the match started I got into it and really enjoyed the experience."

Mark said: "Motty came up to us at the start of the game and told us to relax and do what we had done to win the competition.

"That advice really helped and I had a great time. I definitely want to become a commentator now."

Mothers' pride

As part of the prize, the boys got to take their mothers with them to the game at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

Mark's mum Jane said: "It hasn't seemed to phase the boys at all - they've just taken everything in their stride."

Mark and William worked together and took turns at commentating and summarising during the 90-minute final.

The Mini Mike competition was open to broadcasters aged eight to 16.

Participants had to phone in commentary on a goal of their choice from this season's FA Cup.

Thousands entered, but Mark and William were chosen as winners by the judges, John Motson and the Match of the Day editor.