DAVID Lynch's enthusiasm for football is infectious and that love of the game has certainly rubbed off on treble-chasing Crown Paints.

The Darwen club, formed by his aunty and uncle and full of his mates, face Southport and Ainsdale Amateurs in tomorrow's LFA Sunday Trophy final at the County Ground, Leyland.

And former professional Lynch, who runs the team with close friend Michael Boardman, would like nothing more than seeing his side crowned champions for the good of Darwen and the Blackburn Sunday League.

The 23-year-old, who spent 10 years on the books at Burnley, plays for promotion-chasing FC Halifax who are currently fifth in National League North.

So he could be forgiven for having his thoughts elsewhere as The Shayman go in to the most crucial part of their campaign.

But that is not the case and Lynch is fully focussed of helping Crown Paints write their name in to the record books.

"I came up through the ranks with Crown Paints or Akzo Juniors as they were first called and so have a lot of the players," said Lynch. "They are all my mates and a great bunch of lads.

"After we reached the final, I said it was my greatest achievement in football which some people thought was a bit odd considering I have played at a decent level.

"But that is what it meant to me so winning he final would be brilliant, not only for us but for the town and also the league which is probably not as strong as it was a few seasons ago."

The club, formerly Akzo Juniors, was formed by Neil and Sandra Pilkington whose sons, Anthony and Danny, currently play for Cardiff City and Stalybridge Celtic respectively. But it was Lynch and Boardman who set up the senior side in memory of Boardman's younger brother Matt who tragically died at a young age.

"We did it for Matt," said Lynch. "It was something Michael felt strongly about so we got the lads together and it went from there. To start with, we were a bit of a laughing stock but we have stuck together and we have become a real force."

He added: "Sandra and Neil, who are my aunty and uncle, deserve a lot of credit for not only setting up the club but for keeping it going. So if we win it, it is as much for them as anyone else.

So much so that Crown Paints are in the hunt for the Blackburn Sunday League Division One title and still in the Blue and White Rosebowl.

The team includs the likes of Nelson's Jay Hart and Colne's Conor Gaul and Carl Turner, Luke McKenna and Callum Banks who all play for AFC Darwen.

"They are a talented bunch," said Lynch. "A lot of them play semi pro football but it is a good blend. The most important thing is that they are all mates. That is what matters most."

Crown Paints have had to work hard to reach the final - three of their six matches settled on penalty shoot-outs - but showed their class in the semi finals with a 4-2 win over Hunters.

"We rode our luck a bit but you create your luck and we never stopped believing," he added. "I am confident we can complete the job tomorrow night."

Lynch, who used to train alongside Jay Rodriguez during his decade at Turf Moor, epitomises everything good about Crown Paints as they attempt to win the 'holy grail' of Sunday league football.

"I live and breath football and could talk about it all day," said Lynch. "I wear my heart on my sleeve which sometimes gets me in to a bit of trouble, especially with my girlfriend - she's not too keen on my being involved with football all weekend!"

Lynch is loving life working under Halifax boss Billy Heath and admits he is greedy when it comes to chosing between his two footballing loves.

"Crown Paints or Halifax? I'm picking both because I'm a winner!" said Lynch.

And come Wednesday evening,everyone associated with Crown Paints will hope that Lynch is a winner too.