A team of talented young footballers have been branded the new invincibles after going unbeaten all season.

Huncoat United Under 8s, who play in the Accrington and District Junior Football League, won 22 games and drew just one.

Manager Stuart Holt said their success can be put down to their competitive spirit.

Praising the team for their hard work throughout the season, he said: “It was our first season last season and we only lost one game then. So we’ve done one better this time.

“We drew the first game against Padiham Saints Under 8s and they were a bit down so they’ve won every game since then.

“They have done really well. We don’t set out to win every game because it’s a non competitive league and there’s no league table, it’s more about competing than winning. But to be honest they’ve all got a really competitive spirit that seems to drive them.”

The team of 12 train and play at Accrington Academy and the Blackburn Soccer Dome in six and seven a-side games giving everyone a chance to join in.

They will now have a well-earned rest before training begins for a number of summer tournaments.

The lads will be up against 28 teams from across Lancashire in the Bispham Juniors Football Tournament in August.

The post-league celebrations were postponed due to the weekend snow but the youngsters will celebrate at the presentation day in April.

Stuart said: “The majority of them have been together since they were five years old and they are all friends at school too so it’s a good team.

“There have been a few really close games this season – it’s been quite exciting. We were up against Rishton United Blue and managed to get a last minute goal to win 9-8.

“Then, during the last game of the season we were against Rishton again and we told them it was an important game. We were getting beaten 6-5 and they scored two goals in the last two minutes. It was really exciting.”

The team is currently looking for a shirt sponsor for its new kit. Any local business wanting to sponsor can call Stuart on 07729 372384.