UNDER 11s:
FOXHALL 0 YMCA 5 This was another solid performance from YMCA at a blustery Fisher’s Field on last Sunday. Playing against the wind in the first half they defended well and managed to create unconverted chances for Jack Wood and Oliver Drury and the game remained goalless at the interval. YMCA though dominated the second half with Oliver Drury opening the scoring following up a Jack Burton free kick. Henry Hargreaves added a second with a sharp chance from close range. Substitute Jordan Bishop opened his account with a fine solo goal followed by a Tom Broderick strike. Bishop bagged his second close to full time with a clinical close range finish. The central defensive duo of Matthew Ridgway and Kiel Fieldhouse both had excellent games. UNDER 12s:
YMCA 4 FC RANGERS 4 YMCA had to dig deep to salvage a point in this entertaining game at sunny but windy Seafield Road on Sunday. The size and physical strength of the much improved Rangers’ posed problems for YMCA but they coped well in the circumstances and midfield duo Jack Hellon and James Rowbotham worked tirelessly throughout. YMCA took the lead when Matthew Nelson chipped a delightful effort over the advancing keeper after a good ball from Martin Neil. However Rangers came back into the game and with the wind behind them their set pieces caused havoc for the YMCA defence and they scored two goals in ten minutes to take a 2-1 lead. However Nelson scored a typical poachers goal after good work from Matthew Carlisle on the right to make it 2-2 at the break. In the second half YMCA again took the lead when Nelson completed his hat trick after hesitation from the Rangers’ ‘keeper but the visitors again scored twice to regain the lead with 10 minutes remaining. However YMCA dug deep and 2 minutes from the end the outstanding Joe Virco surged down the left hand side and pulled the ball back for James Rowbotham to hit a fine shot into the top corner for the equaliser. YMCA almost snatched victory in the last minute when Lewis Ashcroft squared the ball to Carlisle but his effort went narrowly wide. This was a hardworking YMCA performance against a very useful Rangers outfit with ‘keeper Joel Kilgallon and David Mitchell both notable. UNDER 13s:
YMCA 7 WYRE PREESALL 1 YMCA bounced back from their disappointing midweek defeat with this excellent win at Seafield Rd last Sunday. They got off to a great start with Rob Nunnen netting twice in the early stages of the game. Thomas Molloy then increased their lead before strikes by Jay Ferdinand and Ben Cudworth made it 5-0 at the interval. Soon after the restart Ferdinand notched his 2nd of the game to further increase YMCA’s lead. The plucky Wyre outfit then pulled a goal back to make it 6-1 but YMCA remained in control and a strike by the outstanding John Houston completed YMCA’s victory. Joe Kennedy, Chris Lambeth and Cudworth were all notable also. UNDER 14s:
STAINING 2 YMCA 8 The cold and blustery wind at Common Edge Rd last Sunday made conditions difficult but with the elements in their favour YMCA got off to a great start, James Gardiner bagging a hat trick in the opening 12 minutes with three clinical finishes. Staining then pulled a goal back with an excellent strike but within 2 minutes Jack Cronin netted from close range for YMCA. Taz Moxon then added a fifth goal with a well-hit drive to make it 5-1 at the break. Almost immediately after the restart Staining broke away to reduce the score again but following a scrappy period of play YMCA regained command with some attractive football. Callum Ross headed a 6th YMCA goal from Gardiner’s cross and the hard working Chris Barlow added to the score with a rasping header after good work by Max Bradshaw. In the closing minutes a 20yd drive by the impressive Gardiner was only partially saved and Eddie Jackson followed up to crash home the rebound. Jonathan Brown and Moxon were both notable. UNDER 17s:
YMCA JUNIORS 4 SPIRIT OF YOUTH 2 YMCA just about earned this win at a windy Seafield Rd last Sunday although Spirit will feel they were unlucky to come away with nothing. With the wind behind them YMCA took full advantage and Matty Hardman put them ahead after just 10 seconds. Goals from Simon Williams and Johnny Cundliffe increased their lead but the visitors reduced the score to make it 3-1 at half time. Soon after the restart Spirit came right back into the game by pulling another goal back and YMCA’s general play then became scrappy and they appeared to struggle in coping with the strong wind in their faces. They rode their luck somewhat with the visitors unlucky to see good efforts strike the crossbar. However, the pressure on YMCA was relieved when they notched a fourth goal with a brave header by Craig Davies to secure victory. UNDER 17s:
THORNTON JUN 0 YMCA 5 YMCA adapted well to the very heavy pitch at Moor Park last Sunday. Adam Parkinson put them ahead and their lead was doubled with a strike by Kieran McKenna. It became 3-0 at half time with Elliot Lavin finding the target and YMCA remained in control after the restart. Parkinson notched his 2nd goal of the game and victory was completed when Lavin claimed his 2nd of the game also towards the end. Adam Whelan was outstanding in the YMCA rearguard. UNDER 11 GIRLS: RADCLIFFE BOROUGH COLTS 0 YMCA 3 League leaders YMCA maintained their unbeaten record with a hard fought victory at Radcliffe. Siobhan Fryer gave them the lead in the 4th minute with an excellent shot over the Radcliffe ‘keeper. YMCA went further ahead when an Evie Manning shot was deflected into the Radcliffe goal to make it 2-0 at the break. They managed to preserve their 2-0 lead through some excellent defending from Tess Healey and Ruby Lawson then in the second half captain Millie Gallagher found the target to increase YMCA's lead. As the game progressed YMCA came under increasing pressure but some last ditch defending and a series of excellent saves from ‘keeper Becky Sullivan ensured a 3-0 victory. | 
