AN UNDER-14s football team representing Lewisham and Greenwich became the first English side to reach the final of a prestigious international tournament in 23 years.

The youngsters, who comprised pupils from Haberdasher Aske's, Forest Hill School, Eltham Green, Bonus Pastor, St Thomas Moore and Crown Woods took part in the Gothia World Youth Cup in Sweden as the HAKA team.

With more than 35,000 players from 67 countries taking part in the event in different age groups, the route to the final was far from straightforward.

HAKA overcame FK Lillehammer (6-0), IF Hammerby (3-0) and Dalstorps IF (4-0) in the preliminary round to book a place in the play-offs, where they faced three opponents.

A penalty shootout success against Mexico in the last of the three set up a quarter-final clash against Angelholms FF1.

Dominic Samuels scored the only goal of the game in the second half to ensure only Copenhagan stood between HAKA becoming the first English side since one which included Alan Shearer in its ranks in 1985 from reaching the final.

James Anyiam gave HAKA an early advantage, but the Danes equalised on 35 minutes and the game went to another penalty shootout.

With HAKA leading 3-1, keeper Reice Charles-Cook emerged as the hero by saving the deciding penalty.

Dallas Texas stood between HAKA and the trophy and although they began the game strongly, the Lewisham and Greenwich boys found themselves trailing 1-0 at the break and eventually went down 3-0.

HAKA coach Robert Bromley said: "The boys were disappointed in not winning the ultimate prize, but through sheer determination, pride, passion and belief they are all winners."

For more information on HAKA, or to sponsor the boys, call Sandra Charles on 07956 229509.