BIRCHWOOD Junior Football Club's under 15s soccer side gave a touring American team a lesson in skill after recovering from a 10th minute shock.

The Warrington Solvay Junior Soccer League outfit were beating Belmont Hill, of Boston New York, 2-0 after only 10 minutes when the American manager pulled off a surprise move in the style of American grid iron football.

Birchwood manager Paul Bell said: "They took six players off and put six substitutes on but that's apparently how they play the game over in the States. The referee looked over to me to see what I wanted to do about it but we just got on with the game."

The Belmont Hill side from Boston, New York, had the size and strength to trouble Birchwood's boys but their higher level in skill paved the way for a 6-1 victory at Birchwood High School.

A presentation and refreshments were enjoyed in Birchwood Tennis and Leisure Complex after the game.

Bell said: "It was a good pre-season workout for us and although the result flattered us a little, the team did well."