THREE-MENDOUS Dunnington have completed a hat-trick of York Schools' Primary Football League titles.

Tom Anderson - a year four pupil playing his first ever Dunnington game - settled a penalty shoot-out by converting the winning kick in a tense play-off victory over Tang Hall to clinch this year's championship.

And the successful conversion means Dunnington (pictured above celebrating their success) have now finished top of the table in each of the three years since they joined the league.

The play-off triumph was also achieved despite half of the side being unavailable because of a school trip and the team falling 2-0 behind after just five minutes.

But Dunnington fought back with goals from Tom Wilson and Anderson.

Captain Greg Ashcroft and Anderson then netted from the spot to clinch a 2-1 shoot-out win, with Joe Martin, playing in goal for the first time this season, pulling off some amazing saves.

The victory means Dunnington have only lost once in each of the three seasons they have played in the Primary Schools' League, which is contested by year five and six pupils in seven-a-side teams.

Dunnington also finished runners-up in the Primary Cup this season and manager and year six teacher Phil Martinez hailed his team's achievements, saying: "It was like we had about 15 players on the pitch in the play-off match.

"The children gave their all and then a little bit more. The school is proud of them."

However, Dunnington's hopes of ending the overall champions of the York area ended in disappointment.

New Earswick were crowned the primary school champion of champions after an unbeaten performance among the cream of the crop.

The winners of the seven city leagues gathered at New Earswick to see who was the best of the best and the hosts came out on top.

New Earswick and Poppleton Ousebank drew 0-0 in their opening game. Poppleton looked on course for victory until a surprise 1-0 defeat to Woodthorpe in their fifth game. A win over Ralph Butterfield in their final game would have still granted them victory but they were held to a draw, leaving New Earswick with the knowledge that a final game win over Knavesmire would secure the title.

A stunning strike in the first minute helped them settle in and they went on to run in a further three in a 4-0 victory to put their name on the shield.

Updated: 11:38 Wednesday, May 11, 2005