IN the wondrous wake of York FA School’s Under-13 footballers’ historic FA cup triumph, North Yorkshire captured the North of England Under-18s crown – and at the expense of Roses rivals Lancashire.

The North Yorkshire ranks – drawn from right across the county up to Whitby, across to Scarborough and nearer to York at Harrogate, Easingwold and Boroughbridge – toppled the reigning national champions of the red rose county 1-0 at Neston FC’s ground, near Burnley.

Starting with a 4-5-1 formation, centre-forward Liam Beckett (Whitby Community College) had a hard job leading the line on such a big pitch in warm conditions.

But gradually the white rose visitors began to control the game, After the initial ten minutes, with James Gunn (Scarborough Sixth-Form) and Ross Breckon (Northallerton) strong in midfield.

The hosts boasted pacey wingers and a quality centre-forward, but Dillon Steele (St John Fishers, Harrogate) and Ali Holmes (Lady Lumley’s, Pickering) excelled.

North Yorkshire took the lead midway through the first half.

A free-kick from James de Cosemo (Stokesley) was whipped in dangerously for a Lancashire defender to steer the ball beyond his own goalkeeper for a half-time lead.

Despite North Yorkshire’s defensive resolve they were too deep and needed to condense the play.

But eight minutes after the re-start Lancashire were awarded a generous penalty.

However, goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray (Boroughbridge), who had been solid and flawless, produced a fine stop diving to his right to cling on to the spot-kick.

Manager Mike Mastrolonardo changed the shape to 4-4-2 to present more of a threat and try to increase the lead.

Beckett and Aron Abassi (St John Fishers) hit the crossbar when both should have done better.

But the visitors valiantly saw the game out to be crowned North of England champions for the first time ever, though this was North Yorkshire’s second final in four years.