Bishop Auckland will look to upset the odds tomorrow when they travel to Liverpool in the semi-finals of the Under-15s English Schools Trophy.

Bishops' secretary Garry Purcell says some observers believe that Liverpool are just warming up for the final, but he is confident the boys from the North-East could prove the sceptics wrong.

A last minute goal from David Dowson sent the club through to the last four last month at the expense of West Midlands side Brierly Hill and Dudley.

Now Purcell sees no reason why the side cannot make it through to the two-legged final against either Portsmouth or Exeter and East Devon.

"We just want the same again," he said. "There has been a lot of talk about Liverpool being the favourites and how strong they are. But our lads have never lost a competitive game since we had them from Under-13s.

"We think we have a strong squad. Throughout the team, back to front, we are a strong team.

"The talk going round is that they (Liverpool) are already preparing for the final. They have had good results, to be fair, they have scored a lot of goals. In the last two rounds they have scored five and I think they have only conceded one or two in the competition so far.

"But we expect to win. The kids know nothing else. They don't know Liverpool, they have never played them, so they will just go out and hope they win.

"It's the FA Cup - say no more."

* There are still a few spare places on the supporters' coaches with tickets costing £10 a head. If you are interested call Garry Purcell on (0191) 3830090 today.