Norton and Stockton Ancients overcame Sunderland Fulwell Juniors as well as bitterly cold weather and to take home the Durham FA Under-12s Youth Cup, writes CRAIG STODDART.

There were no goals in the game, taking it into a penalty shoot-out. But the first five spot-kicks failed to produce a winner so sudden death followed. Norton held their nerve to win the nail-biting tie 4-3.

The game was played at Wearside League Ryhope CW in front over a hundred proud friends and relatives, who must have all been disappointed to see the game go into extra time and then penalties in such cold conditions.

Winning manager Colin Simcox explained: "It was so cold I was having to rub the players' legs before extra-time."

He believed the energy-sapping full-size pitch was influential in that. After guiding his team to the trophy win, played under floodlights at Ryhope CW's ground, Colin said: "When we first turned up I couldn't believe the size of the pitch. They're only little lads and it was just too big for them."