A JUNIOR football team could have their chances of glory dashed if they don't find a goalkeeper.

Having heroically reached the semi-finals of the Russell Foster Cup without a regular No 1, Riverside Under-10s face Hilda Park later this month still searching for a shot-stopper.

The Chester-le-Street-based side have battled against all the odds, with several players taking turns in goal to reach the last four of the competition.

Club secretary Jill Parker said: "We have been without a goalkeeper since the first week of the season. He decided he didn't want to play in goal anymore and wanted to play outfield.

"But we didn't have a place for him in the side so he left.

"It has been hard but we're through to the semi-finals of the cup. We have tried to get a goalkeeper and asked people if they know anyone but without any luck, so if anyone is interested we would like them to contact us."

After receiving a bye in round one, Seaham Magic White were thumped 3-0 in the second round, Hilda Park Scorpions were beaten 6-2 after extra time, before they squeezed through by a single goal against Birtley Hilda Park in the quarter finals. Should they progress to the final at Hilda Park's expense they will play the winners of the Barnes Max versus Easington Kestrels' clash.

Jill revealed the youngsters were initially all reluctant to take a turn between the sticks, but once one volunteered, they all followed suit.

Elliott Salicki, Ross Holland, Chris Parker, Matthew Addison, Danny Ryan, Mark Bell and Martin Wood have all taken turns.

"The only two not to have played in goal are Ross Hughes and Luke Scorer because they are really too small."