FOOTBALL-MAD youngsters from Hartlepool made an incredible comeback to win a North-East competition.

The team, who receive support from the Hartlepool Borough Council's Children's Services Department, competed in the annual Kelly Cup five-a-side tournament.

It was hosted by Gateshead Council as part of the Ignite Festival.

The Hartlepool side were beaten finalists last year.

However, this year they went one better by beating Sheriff Hill United, from Gateshead, 2-1 in the final.

The team were a goal down with only three minutes to go.

But two late strikes secured the trophy for the shocked and delighted side.

Team members included Ashley Sorby, Stephen Leighton, Steven Bruce, Michael Hanley, Paul Craigs and Andrew Turner.

Liam Gough, from Hartlepool Borough Council, said: "We were up against the team who beat us in the final last year and they are a strong side. The last few minutes were amazing.

"When we drew level, everyone thought it would go to a penalty shoot-out, but in the dying seconds we scored the winning goal.

"It was real Roy of the Rovers stuff."