CLITHEROE’S Moorland School are champions of England again.

The Ribble Valley School celebrated national glory after lifting the Playstation Under-14s Small Schools’ Cup at Reading’s Madejski Stadium.

Their emphatic success, scoring five goals without reply against London’s Ibstock Place School, came just days after being crowned Lancashire champions.

“I’m so chuffed for the boys, it is an unbelievable achievement to win two cups in the same week,” said Moorland School’s Director of football Charlie Jackson.

“We reached the English Schools Football Association final (Small Schools’ Cup) a couple of years ago, but lost on that occasion, so this was really something to savour for Moorland, winning it for the first time.

“We are only a tiny school, but for the team to turn in such an impressive and mature performance is testament to all their hard work.”

Mr Jackson had twice previously led Moorland to national crowns in the Independent Schools Football Association Cup.

But it was one-way traffic at the Madejski Stadium, though, as Moorland cruised to victory in front of an enthusiastic crowd who had gathered at the home of the Championship club.

Man of the match Jacob Holgate led the Moorland charge with Liam Fannon, Badre Abbou and Jay Baisley also on the goal trail.

It means that the Moorland Football Academy can celebrate a sparkling double in 2018 to add to their impressive silverware haul.

The Lancashire Cup final, (Under-14) however, proved a far sterner challenge for the 2017 holders before Moorland could hold the trophy aloft again.

The final, against Bishop Rawstorne from Croston and staged at the Lancashire Football Association HQ at Leyland, saw the sides locked together 1-1 at the end of normal time.

Adam Wharton had fired Moorland in front before half time – but Bishop Rawstorne levelled it late on to force a gripping final into extra time and then penalties.

However, it was Moorland who held their nerve during the spot kick drama and Alfie Walker made sure, striking the winning penalty.

Moorland have forged a reputation for nurturing young talent, with former Manchester United striker John Cofie joining Burnley from the Clitheroe School, before the tall Ghanian’s switch to Old Trafford.

Joe Grayson, the son of ex-Preston North End boss Simon, is a Moorland old boy and he looks to have a big future ahead of him at Blackburn Rovers where is rated very highly by the Ewood Park coaching staff.

But it is Jackson’s coaching methods that continue to attract nationwide attention.

Jackson unearthed Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay when the talented youngster attended a coaching school in Preston as a five-year-old.

McTominay is now a regular choice in Jose Mourinho’s side and made his international debut for Scotland this year.