WALKDEN High School's Year 8 football team proved themselves true champions with a remarkable trophy haul.

The under-13s side took town, county and national titles in an memorable, all-conquering week.

They kicked off by winning the Salford Schools' Cup final, before lifting the English Schools' Cup and then triumphing in the Greater Manchester Schools' County Cup final.

There was little sign of the hat-trick happening, however, as they went 2-0 behind in the second half against All Hallows in the Salford Schools' Cup final.

But a stunning fightback saw them become town champions with goals from Ben Topping, Ben Charlesworth and Lewis Walsh to win the game 3-2.

Five days later the school's Under-U13s B team travelled to Derby County's Pride Park ground to face Kingsdale from London in the English Schools' Cup Final.

Again, victory looked doubtful when, in the dying minutes and with a tight, defence-dominated game finely balanced at 0-0, the London boys had a great chance to win it.

But, again, Walkden were not to be denied as man-of-the-match Jack Hebden saved his side with a vital goalline clearance.

The game went to penalties and Walkden had an immediate upper hand when Kingsdale missed their first spot kick.

Sam Edge, Oliver Byrne, Louis Quinn and Ben Anderton all kept their cool to give Walkden a 4-3 advantage with one penalty remaining from which substitute goalkeeper Oliver Cope produced a brilliant save to clinch a first ESFA national title for Walkden and spark mass celebrations.

All Hallows were once again the opponents when Walkden went for the hat-trick of titles in the Greater Manchester Schools' County Cup final at Altrincham GS for Boys.

In another tight encounter, Walsh scored an early goal before Walkden mounted a superb rearguard action.

In a tense finish goalkeeper Josh Richards produced a superb fingertip save to secure the victory and the trophy hat-trick.