A FOOTBALL team who have lost only one game in five years are continuing their remarkable run of success.

The Birchwood High soccer team, pictured right, have won through to the final 32 in the National Under 16s Cup after a close game with Stockport's Kingsway school in the first round.

They are now hoping to reach the final at Wolverhampon Wanderers' Molyneaux ground in April.

The winning side goes on to Italy to play a top Italian youth side.

Team coach Aiden Moloney said: "They're a terrific team and a great bunch of lads. They've played together all through school and only ever lost once in all that time so we're very hopeful for them in the cup."

The team qualified for their first round clash with Kingsway after winning the Cheshire Cup last season.

It was an exciting game with Birchwood firmly on top but frustrated in front of goal by some excellent last ditch defending.

The home eventually found a way through after 25 minutes when Goslin powered the ball home from a Cheetham cross.

Kingsway equalised within seconds of the restart for the second half and then threatened to steal the game as Birchwood took their foot of the pedal.

Ardrey finally won the game for Birchwood deep into extra time, again from a Cheetham cross.

Mr Moloney said: "It was a tough game but they got the result they deserved in the end."

Birchwood have another home game in the next round - this time against West Midlands side Park Hall School.

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