DACA coach Iain Wilkie said his side did the school proud despite slipping to a 2-0 defeat in the Lancaashire Schools Year Eight final.

The Darwen side were up against Southlands from Chorley who proved to be just to good on the day in the final held at Squres Gate, Blackpool.

Two first half goals proved to be good enough for Southlands to win the cup as they defended superbly after the break as DACA attempted to battle back in the the game.

Apart from DACA’s Sixth Form side - who were Lancashire champions last season - the Year Eight team were the first to reach a county showcase final.

“Obviously we are disappointed to lose the final but the lads did superbly to reach the final,” said Mr Wilkie. “They really did the school proud.”