HYNDBURN and Ribble Valley Schools Under 15s pulled off one of the shock results in the English Schools Cup after beating the mighty Manchester and District at Clitheroe on Saturday morning.

Against a team considered one of the strongest in the country, Hyndburn & Ribble Valley showed tremendous character in a wonderful advert for district schools football.

Hyndburn started much the brighter and took an early two goal lead through Jack Cook and Max Harrison before Manchester hit back to level and then take a 3-2 lead in to half time.

That lead was stretched to 4-2 soon after the restart and Manchester appeared to be heading for a comfortable victory.

But Hyndburn re-organised their line-up and, showing admirable spirit, began to force their way back into the game playing fast passing football. Hyndburn made the score 4-3 when James Taylor got a touch to a superb Paddy O'Brien free kick.

And with just two minutes remaining, full back Greg Croasdale calmly slotted home the equaliser after a goalmouth scramble taking the game into extra-time.

Hyndburn were now in full control and took the lead through a wonderful Max Harrison chip over the keeper but just as they appeared to be heading for a famous win, Manchester equalised in the last minute of extra-time to take the tie to a penalty shoot-out.

But Hyndburn weren't to be denied and showing tremendous confidence, they slotted away all five penalties with keeper Connor Ripley saving Manchesters' opening effort and scoring the decisive 5th penalty to secure an amazing victory and a place in the next round.

Joint team manager Phil Taylor said: "This was a wonderful performance from all the squad with each player being a credit to their schools and themselves to produce a win that will reverberate throughout English Schools football."