RIMINGTON FC Under 21s will be looking to finish their inaugural season with a silver lining.

Having narrowly missed out on the league title – despite losing just one match – Rimington play in the West Riding Under 21 Floodlit League Cup final later this month.

The team, managed by Adam Hutchinson and Gary Kay, have had a season to be proud of. In what many thought would be a season of consolidation at best or a struggle at worst, the team has come on in leaps and bounds despite playing ‘home’ match at University Academy in Keighley.

Worries they would struggle to attract players proved incorrect as more than 30 turned up for pre-season before the squad was whittled down to a 19-man strong squad - including Scott Byrom (Clitheroe FC) and Chris Bailey (Formerly Clitheroe FC).

“With all players living in the Ribble Valley area, there was an immediate close-knit ‘family’ atmosphere among the squad,” said manager Hutchinson. “And for that reason, it has led to hugely successful first season for us. Now we want to go on and win the cup.”

In 10 league games against the likes of Harrogate FC and Guiseley FC, Rimington averaged 4.5 goals per game and won nine out of the 10 matches.

Their only defeat came against eventual league champions Albion Sports. Rimington finished second in the Western Division in the league with a total of 27 points just one behind the champions.

Harrogate Town were third a further two points behind.

But it wasn’t just about all-out attacking as Rimington also managed seven clean sheets with a back line comprising Clitheroe Royal Grammar School students as well as Rimington senior team players.

Captain Chris Bailey has led by example and has been Rimington’s top scorer this season. He will lead his team into the cup final against Beeston St Anthony’s FC at West Riding FA headquarters in Leeds on Wednesday, April 30 (ko 7pm).

It promises to be a tough test for Rimington as Beeston won the Eastern Division by seven points, winning all but one of their 12 games.

Rimington, who are sponsored by ANP Milton Services, booked their place in the final after beating Hunslet FC 1-0, thanks to a Dave Robinson header.