ST JOSEPH’S have been crowned the football kings of Pendle and will now represent the borough in the county finals of the Under 11s Danone Cup.

While the super Saints could not beat the weather - the tournament was forced indoors due to the conditions - they certainly had the beating of their rivals.

For the champions finished with a 100 per cent record and did not concede a single goal on their way to beating Park 1-0 in a closely fought final.

A total of eight schools from across the borough took part in the annual competition which was moved at the last minute to Pendle Vale College sports hall.

Teams were split in to two groups with the winners of each progressing straight to the final.

St Joseph’s top League One with maximum points after winning all three games.

They kicked off with a 2-0 win against St Thomas then beat Holy Souls by the same scoreline. And they rounded off the league with a 1-0 win over Barrowford.

Park also progressed to the final unbeaten although they were held to a 1-1 draw by Gisburn Road in their opening League Two fixture.

But a 1-0 win over Earby and a 2-0 victory against Laneshawbridge booked their place in the final.

The final, as expected, turned out to be one of the closest of the day with St Joseph’s narrowly beating Park to be crowned Pendle champions.

Neil Stewart, Pendle School Games Organiser, said: “Due to weather this had to take place indoors but the players responded well and played great football to produce a fantastic tournament.

“They displayed real determination and team work with excellent sportsmanship and respect.”