TALK about a case of mistaken identity. Newton Abbot team manager Keith MacLean is a busy man in the couple of hours before kick-off as finalises preparations for a match.

There was a lot going on at Rackerhayes last Saturday as Newton were getting ready for their National League Three South West debut appearance against Chinnor.

With kick-off getting nearer, MacLean was ticking off the players as he arrived and realised one was missing.

While trying to sort out who had not arrived, MacLean was approached by a lady he assumed to be with the visitors.

"A woman came up to me and said 'where would you like me' or words to that effect, and I just presumed she was the Chinnor physio," said MacLean.

"I was in the process of directing her to the away dressing room, when she told me she was the local MP, Anne Marie Morris.

"It was a bit embarrassing that I didn't recognise her, but she was a good sport and took it well."

Ms Morris attended the game as a guest of Newton official Pete Ramsey, who got to know her through his work in education.

"I told her a bit about our club, the teams we run and the service we provide for the youngsters in Newton Abbot and invited her to join us for our vice-presidents' lunch before the game," said ex-player and referee Ramsey.

"She enjoyed lunch, stayed with her partner to watch the game and won a box of chocolates in the half-time draw.

"From the club's point of view it is nice to get the chance to show the local MP around. She must have been impressed as she signed up as a vice-president."

Ms Morris said the visit had been an eye opener as she hadn't realised what the club did.

"I was impressed with the quality of the team - it was an excellent game to watch - and with what the club does in the community," said Ms Morris.

"I didn't realise that they run 14 teams and do so much for the youngsters of Newton Abbot by offering them a sporting pursuit.

"The club makes a huge contribution to the community and stands for what sport should be."