YORK Schools' Under-15 squad ended their fantastic season in real style on Saturday by lifting the Yorkshire Cup by beating rivals Barnsley 4-1 at Pocklington.

For many years York have failed at this most senior of age groups to compete with bigger local rivals like Leeds and Sheffield but not this season.

The city's U15s have not lost a league game all season on their way to the Yorkshire League title and they grabbed Saturday's chance to become double winners with both hands.

A determined Barnsley team settled the quicker and forced the early pressure, taking the lead with a header on the half-hour.

At that stage York were clearly nervous and it looked as though the trophy could be on its way to South Yorkshire.

York were restricted to two first-half chances, both falling to Nick Thompson, but neither were converted leaving Barnsley with a deserved advantage at the interval.

York coach Brendan Qualter made a crucial change by bringing on striker Mike Brown and switching Tom Corner to a right midfield role.

The change had an immediate impact as York went up a gear forcing early corners to put Barnsley on the back foot.

With ten minutes of the second period gone, York equalised when Ian Blackburn slipped a perfectly weighted pass to Nick Thompson who slotted in calmly under the body of the advancing Barnsley goalkeeper.

York goalie Chris Barrat then pulled off a great save from a long-range Barnsley strike to keep the scores level. But despite the occasional Barnsley raid, York were getting on top and after a period of telling corners Ryan Qualter, for the second time this season, scored directly from a flag-kick on the right as his delivery deceived the Barnsley 'keeper with pace and bend.

York looked a different team after gaining the lead and on 65 minutes striker Ian Blackburn finished a magical run by slotting in with his left-foot.

While York's attacks were mounting, the defence of Brett Bulmer, Ryan O'Reilly, Adam Scorefield and Dean Lisles were keeping the back door firmly shut with solid individual displays.

The final whistle was getting near when York were awarded a free-kick 35 yards out and Scorefield stepped up and hit a thundering shot into the top corner of the Barnsley net.

The final whistle was greeted with jubilant York player celebrations and captain Lee Fisher lifted the cup but it was a real squad effort with great contributions from all concerned throughout a remarkable league and cup winning season.