YORK & District Schoolboys Under-11s have been crowned champions of the north east of England after winning the North East regional tournament of the Premier League District Cup.

They emerged from the group stages unbeaten against Washington, Leeds, Chester-le-Street and Darlington, before coming from behind to beat East Northumberland in the final.

The side have now qualified for the Premier League District cup finals which take place in June at Liverpool Academy.

York’s opening fixture ended in a 0-0 draw with Washington, but the positive performance boosted them going into the game against Leeds that was won 1-0 by Leo Berriman's wonderful left-footed strike.

Chester-le-Street proved stubborn opponents, resisting York's continual attacks until the last minute, when Alex Widdup calmly slotted home Arthur Jefferson-Hallet’s right-wing cross.

Early on against Darlington, keeper Jack Yates had to produce some outstanding work to deny the forwards who had breached the defence, but from there, York grew into the game.

With five minutes remaining, captain Charlie Thompson expertly curled in a free kick from the edge of the area into the top right corner of the goal and York held on to see out the game.

Both York and East Northumberland understandably went into the final with confidence, and it was the latter who took the lead with a powerful long-range strike.

Undeterred, York got a quick equaliser through James Rennocks, who cut in from the left to smash the ball across the keeper into the top right corner.

They kept up the pressure in the East Northumberland half, but couldn’t find the final ball.

In the final two minutes, York were awarded a corner – Luke Woodhead volleyed Thompson’s delivery towards goal, it ricocheted around the box and Widdup was eventually able to poke home.

Ronnie Kelly scored two and teed up Frazer Clarke for a third to see a dominant York & District Schoolboys U12s beat Warmsworth Lions 3-1 in a home friendly.

The hosts started the game strongly, pressuring the Doncaster side’s defence.

After going close several times, York were awarded a penalty as Kelly was tripped in the area - he picked himself up, and thumped home the spot kick.

The second period opened with York camped in the opposition’s half and Warmsworth limited to the occasional break.

Kelly guided a header into the net from Paul Iggulden's long-distance free kick, and Clarke then added a third, dispatching a fantastic strike from the edge of the area into a bottom corner.

Walmsworth scored with a last-minute free kick which left keeper Henry Jackson no chance.

Adam Clarkson was man of the match.

We are asking local businesses if they would like to sponsor a U11 York & District player for the 2018-19 season. The cost is £50. The money would purchase much needed new equipment, pay pitch fees, pay for referees and help subsidise coach travel. Sponsors would be publicised on our website. If interested, contact: secretary@yorkschoolfootball.org