ST LEONARD’S Langho ‘A’ moved a small step closer to Wembley after they were crowned Ribble Valley champions.

The super Saints will now face Hyndburn winners, St Mary’s Oswaldtwistle, in the New Year in the Kids Cup competition - with the winners edging closer to a day out at the home of England.

St Leonard’s will also represent the borough in the Lancashire Schools Danone Cup Finals after their success at a competition held at Ribblesdale High School.

A total of 14 teams took part in the event who were split in to four groups with the top team progressing to the knockout stages.

Barrow topped Group A after winning two and drawing one of their games in a group that also included Edisford A, St Marys Langho and St Leonard’s Langho ‘B’.

They set up a semi final showdown with Group B winners St Michael & St Johns ‘A’ who topped their table at the expense of Oakhill, St Michael & St Johns ‘A’, Mellor and Edisford ‘B’ in the tightest of groups that went down to the last game.

Group C saw Pendle progress after finishing above St Michael & St Johns ‘B’ and Clitheroe St James While Group D saw St Leonard’s Langho ‘A’ get the better of both Gisburn and St Mary’s Osbaldeston.

In the first semi final, St Michael & St John’s ‘A’ were up against Barrow with the Saints progressing to the final following an entertaining encounter. In the second semi final, Pendle took on St Leonard’s Langho ‘A’ and again it was a game where both sides played some eye-catching football before St Leonard’s ran out winners.

Prior to the final, Barrow and Pendle competed for the 3rd/4th place play-off game with Barrow taking home the ‘bronze’ medals.

In the final, St Leonard’s Langho took control from the start and decisively scored two early goals. And despite a brave fightback, St Michael & St John’s could not find a goal to get back in final and St Leonards Langho where eventually crowned champions.

Gareth Martindale, School Games Organiser, said: “Congratulations to St Leonard’s Langho who will now play St Mary’s Oswaldtwistle during half time of Accrington Stanley’s match against Notts County in the New Year.

“Well done to everyone involved in the competition and a massive thank you to Ribblesdale High School for hosting the competition and the Accrington Stanley community trust for supporting the event and providing the referees.”