IT all started so well for Beech FC. After winning the Blackburn with Darwen Council Recreational Play Services summer seven-a-side league this under 11s side fancied their chances with the big boys.

With a winners trophy already to their name they entered the McDonalds Accrington Boys League with a fair degree of optimism.

I suppose in hindsight they should have realised that the RPS League was aimed at teams who did not play football on a regular basis.

For what followed was to turned them in to something of minor celebrities for playing the worst football in East Lancashire -- and that's official.

The brave boys lost all 16 league fixtures, conceded more than 200 goals and admitted feeling pretty chuffed after 'only' losing 7-0.

"We weren't that good," manager Colin Hargreaves put it mildly. "And to be honest I was about as good a coach as the lads were as footballers.

"But I wouldn't change them for the world."

Their disastrous season wasn't all bad though. After being named McDonalds worse football team, Beech got to lead Blackburn Rovers out at Ewood Park during their promotion winning season last term.

Colin added: "Some of the teams we play against are winning season after season but I bet there can't be many who can say they led Rovers out at Ewood."

Another part of their prize was to have a football training session with Blackburn Rovers in Community coaching staff.

"That turned out to be pretty useful. We had a few game situations and took part in some soccer skills exercises."

The club have decided not to enter a league this season -- but that doesn't mean they are about to fold.

In fact, Beech FC now has more than 20 boys on their books and, after taking a season out, they are preparing to bounce back -- win or lose.

Colin said: "The best thing about these lads is that they didn't really care if they were getting hammered every week.

"They'd turn up for every game and their commitment was faultless.

"They could have a laugh and a joke about the situation and would sit in the changing room wondering how many they were going to get beat by.

"But as long as they are enjoying themselves that is the main thing."

He added: "We know now that we entered a league where teams had been playing together for years and years. We had just got together and really we didn't know how to pass the ball, control it or score for that matter!"

But while they may have been the league's whipping boys to Colin Hargreaves his lads are world beaters!

The club is always looking to add new players and is looking for teams to play in friendly fixtures during Beech FC's season out of the firing line. For details contact Colin Hargreaves on 01254 693022 and he promised his lads will go easy on you!