AN incredible campaign that has produced three trophy wins is drawing to a close for Cuddington and Sandiway under 17s Clarets football team.

They secured the Mid Cheshire Youth Football League Under 17s Division One title with two games to spare.

And that added to winning the League Cup as well as the District Cup at under 18s level.

The Clarets, who are based at Norley Road Playing Fields, entered the County Cup as well and only got knocked out by losing on penalties.

"It’s been a remarkable season and at times we were down to only 11 fit players due to injuries and somehow managed to not lose a game," said coach Neil Hargreaves.

This all came in the first full season since Covid-19 forced the cancellation of the previous two and the rallying around has been a full team effort.

Manager Mike Tully added: “I’m delighted to be associated with these parents, coaches and players.

"The players have worked really hard in difficult conditions, post Covid.

"However their attitude, resilience and enthusiasm has never been in doubt and they deserve all the praise they receive.”

Coaches and manager, from left, Martyn Burrows, Mike Tully, Neil Hargreaves

Coaches and manager, from left, Martyn Burrows, Mike Tully, Neil Hargreaves

Cuddington defeated Middlewich Town 2-1 at Middlewich Town to secure the League Cup.

The Clarets came from 3-1 behind to draw 3-3 with Winsford Colts in the District Cup Final before going on to win 6-4 after a penalty shoot-out.

That fighting spirit was shown throughout the season and even in the build-up as Hargreaves further explained.

"The team suffered three broken bones in pre-season training and started the season with real pressure on the reduced number of fit players," said the coach.

"On several occasions we’ve had a bare 11 players but managed to keep the results going through hard work and great team spirit.

"The lads have been flexible and real team players. They’ve all played in different positions to get through the many challenges."

All at the club are proud, too, that three of the team's players – Isaac Shaw, Sam Slack and Zach Williams – got to represent the Cheshire FA under 18s side this year, playing a year up from their age group.

The plan now is for the team to regroup for a final tilt at youth football as under 18s next season.

"The lads hope to continue into their final season of youth football," said Hargreaves.

"Several of them have been together in this team since they were five years old. It would be some achievement to finish their journey next season."

Squad: Arron Biddle, Fin Billington, Ellis Burrows, Jack Calloway, Ben Crane, Dylan Darlington, George Edwards, Alex Hargreaves, Dec Ingham, Regan Johnson, Calum Mills, Harry Savage, Isaac Shaw, Sam Slack, Harry Smith, Josh Tully, Zach Williams, Henry Young.