LEIGH’S Catholic United U12s showed grit and determination to register a 2-1 victory over a brave Corringham Cosmos side at Roots Hall in the area’s sunny finals.

The victory in the Southend and District Junior League Roy Chaplin Memorial Cup came, according to manager Russell Hobbs, thanks to his team’s never-say-die attitude which has seen the side dubbed the Ten Man Army.

Hobbs said: “They did well at the weekend and thoroughly derserved to win. But they are a tough lot and show the right spirit.

“This season in the league there have been several times when, because of illness or injury, we’ve had to play with just ten men and we’ve always battled – even though sometimes it meant taking to the field with just ten men. People began to call us the Ten Man Army.

“They are basically all good competent footballers and that is the secret of our success.”

Catholic’s two goals were both from free kicks.

The first came from Chris Olivares with a stinging set piece goal from 25 yards.

And the second came from Man of the Match Tom Franks who slammed home a scorcher from 30 yards.

Despite both goals coming from set pieces the team does not spend a lot on set plays, preferring to hone their passing skills.

Hobbs – who manages alongside assistant manager Damien Stabielli – said: “I think that part of the reason for this team’s success is that we practise a lot of passing and passing sideways as well as just forwards.”

Catholic U14s boss Steve Morgan saw his lads beat Rayleigh Boys 2-0 and he sang the praises of coach Bill Garner who had helped hone the boys’ skill over the last few months. The lads won the Premier League and Cup this season and this summer will tour Kent.

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