BORO's U18s have been crowned champions of the Barclays U18 League Northern Division after the only team that had a mathematical chance of catching them lost this afternoon.





Manchester United had to win all their remaining games and Boro lose their last one for the Red Devils to have a chance of pipping Craig Liddle's side to the title, but they lost 1-0 away to Wolves.





Lead Coach Liddle says Boro's youngsters have been a credit to the club this season and to win the league is a huge achievement.





"I think throughout the season the lads have been a credit to the club and themselves," he says.





"They're a focused group and the way they have conducted themselves on the pitch has been great.





"When you think of the investment made by Manchester City, Man Utd, Liverpool, Everton and Blackburn, we can be really proud of our achievements. We're grateful for the investment we have here, but we're talking about finishing in front of Premier League clubs here with all the resources they have."





Liddle adds: "Obviously at this level it's about developing them as players and the long-term aim is to get them in the first team.





"But at this moment in time, to win the league is a fantastic achievement for them."





Boro qualified for the next stage of the season over two weeks ago, but winning the league not only brings prestige, it brings an advantage when it comes to the next phase as they will play four at home and three away.





Boro, with the teams who finish second third and fourth in their league - currently Everton, Man Utd and Man City - will be joined by the top four from the southern section - currently Chelsea, Villa, Spurs and West Brom - in an eight team group, the winner of which will play in Europe next season.





"This next stage will not faze our group at all," said Liddle. "If anything it will make them even better.





"This is a great achievement and it is down to a lot of people who have put in a lot of hard work."



