SAM Newman has proved himself to be chip off the old block.The ten-year-old has just bettered his grandfather's goalscoring feats - and the 69-year-old could not be more delighted.

SAM Newman has proved himself to be chip off the old block.

The ten-year-old has just bettered his grandfather's goalscoring feats - and the 69-year-old could not be more delighted.

Les Brisk notched up 44 goals in the 1961/62 season playing for Ipswich Co-op in the now defunct Ipswich Wednesday League.

Last September he set his grandson a challenge to beat his record.

“And I am delighted to say that he has,” said Les, from Laud Mews, Ipswich.

Playing for Felixstowe and Walton United Under-11's Sam needed to score a hat-trick against Rendlesham in the final league match to equal his proud granddad's total.

And he managed to go two better when he hit the back of the net five times - and ended the campaign with 46 goals.

“I didn't expect Sam to score as many goals, but I am thrilled,” said Les. “I watch him play and enjoy every moment.

“He is the apple of my eye and a talented lad. He rose to the challenge.”

Sam lives in Windrush Road and attends Broke Hall School with Arsenal star Thierry Henry his favourite player.

His granddad was a milkman when he played for the Co-op football team and he described himself as an outside left.

Les went on to work as a postman for 40 years and played Saturday football for Heath Row, helping the Ipswich-based club move up the Ipswich and District League (now the Metaltec SIL) and into senior football.

“I was selected for Ipswich Schoolboys and we reached the quarter-finals of the ESFA shield and played at Portman Road,” added Les, whose playing days ended when he was 35.

“You cannot beat playing, but the next best thing for me is watching Sam.

“When I watch him I think 'I used to do that'.

“I did not have any sons so it is nice to know that Sam is carrying on the family tradition.”

Sam is the son of Les' daughter Angela, while his other daughter Debra Pryke has one son, Ben, five.

“He is not showing any interest in football yet, but there is time,” said Les.

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