DELIGHTED soccer-mad youngsters scored a new goal when they won their first football game of the season - and their first win in three years!

Players from Leyland Junior Football Club's Under-14s side beat Southern League rivals Lostock Hall 4-3 on Sunday (Sept 14).

And now thrilled manager Derek Smith faces an expensive visit to McDonald's because three years ago he promised to take his team to the restaurant as a treat for their first win.

Mr Smith said: "They were over-the-moon. They were beaming from ear to ear and some of them had a little tear in their eye.

"They've come close a couple of times before but bad decisions led to a lack of confidence. Lets hope this is a sign of things to come.

"I was ecstatic. I went home and had a lager then went to the pub for a couple more - after ringing the club secretary and telling him of course!"

And what about McDonald's?

Mr Smith said: "I promised them that after the first game and some of the players have not forgotten.

"So I'll be taking 18 of them for something to eat pretty soon. They deserve it."

Sunday's game was played at their home ground, Wellfield High School, Leyland, near Preston, and the scorers were Nick Tugwell, Stewart Langoen, Steve Caunce and Darren Bibby.

Scorer 13-year-old Darren, who got the winner just 28 seconds from time said: "I'm really happy. I always knew we'd win one day. When I scored I just ran round the pitch with everyone chasing me. Now I'm just looking forward to my McDonald's."

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