FOOTIE fan Michael Wilcock is counting his blessings today for escaping a ban on going to matches after trying to watch an Ipswich Town game drunk.Wilcock, 19, appeared before magistrates in Ipswich where he admitted drunkenly attempting to enter the Portman Road ground for the Town v Morecambe match on January 4.

FOOTIE fan Michael Wilcock is counting his blessings today for escaping a ban on going to matches after trying to watch an Ipswich Town game drunk.

Wilcock, 19, appeared before magistrates in Ipswich where he admitted drunkenly attempting to enter the Portman Road ground for the Town v Morecambe match on January 4.

Police spotted Morecambe season ticket holder Wilcock, of Cheltenham Road, Greaves, Lancashire, attempting to get into the Portman Road ground. "He was unsteady on his feet, had glazed eyes and his breath smelt of intoxicating liquor," said prosecutor Rosalind Clark.

Officers told Wilcock to get a coffee and sober up but he continued to try to get through the turn-style to see the match.

Magistrates heard Wilcock, who was supported by his father in court, had a previous conviction for failing to provide a breath specimen for analysis.

Hugh Rowland, mitigating, said: "He is one of quite a small team of dedicated but loyal band of Morecambe supporters.

"He came down to see his side play and yes, he had too much to drink." Mr Rowland said Wilcock was not being aggressive or unpleasant but was "too far gone to get into the ground."

Bench chairman John Horton said the offence is serious but told him: "The penalty would be a £120 fine and not a banning order."

He added: "Drink is a problem, don't let it run away with you otherwise it could be more serious."

Wilcock was also ordered to pay £55 costs.