7-A-SIDEUNDER 9s:KIRKHAM A 0 YMCA A 1KIRKHAM B 0 YMCA B 2YMCA came away from Kirkham with all six points after these two hard-earned victories last Saturday. In the A game the home side put YMCA under considerable pressure but it was YMCA who broke the deadlock before the interval with a breakaway goal by Cameron R. YMCA were much more in control of the game in the second half but couldn't add to their score. YMCA ‘keeper James F was in fine form with James H also outstanding at the back. The B game was another closely fought tussle but YMCA reached half time 1-0 ahead through Josh C. Kirkham came close to equalising several times but found YMCA ‘keeper Sam G in unbeatable form. YMCA’s victory was sealed in the 2nd half with a goal from Rhys M to complete an excellent team display. UNDER 10s:YMCA A 1 KIRKHAM A 0YMCA B 1 KIRKHAM B 0YMCA started brightly in the A game playing some attractive football, most of which coming through Carl K who was excellent in centre midfield. Chances were created with Jordan W, Brad G and Carl K who had a shot striking the crossbar. The second half again started with YMCA pressing and they were rewarded when the outstanding James R carried the ball the length of the pitch beating 4 men before pulling the ball back for Carl K who fired home. Kirkham’s only real goal-bound effort was well saved by Ryan Mc. Oscar T, Cameron S and Conah B also shone. In the B contest, Kirkham took the game to YMCA in the first half creating numerous chances but keeper Alex M made some excellent saves. It was YMCA who took the lead just against the run of play before the break when Jack C broke away and slotted the ball home from the edge of the box. YMCA found their rhythm in the second half and comfortably held on to the lead whilst also creating chances through Shane D, Johnny A and Ryan W who hit the post. Matthew S was notable. 11-A-SIDEUNDER 11s:YMCA 3 ST ANNES FC 0This was an entertaining local derby at Seafield Rd last Sunday with YMCA emerging worthy winners in the end. They edged the 1st half and reached the interval 1-0 ahead with a strike by Kieran S. The game had started in bright sunshine but the 2nd half commenced in a heavy downpour but both teams kept going admirably despite the unpleasant conditions. YMCA’s victory was sealed when two further strikes by the outstanding Kieran S completed an excellent hat trick but to their credit, the visitors battled right to the very end. Also notable for YMCA were Daniel L, Calvin R and Giles H. UNDER 12s:SQUIRES GATE 0 YMCA 8This was a impressive performance by YMCA who, despite numerous first half chances, went into the break only 1-0 ahead following a well-taken Oliver D strike. The visitors dominated the second half with Oliver D doubling his tally with a close range header and Ryan A increasing the lead with shortly after.
Substitute Andrew W got on the scoresheet with a good strike before Ryan A bagged his second. The industrious Fraser M also weighed in with a well-taken brace of goals with Harrison K also netting with an excellent effort. Liam R, William N and Corey C all had fine games for YMCA. UNDER 14s:ST ANNES FC 3 YMCA 3 YMCA survived a 4th minute penalty miss by St Annes before going into a 2–0 lead through Joe K and Alex G. St Annes pulled a goal back in a tough but entertaining first half which ended with YMCA 2-1 in front. Early in the second half St Annes equalised with a long range effort which ended with the ball creeping inside the post. Some excellent football by both sides produced chances at each end before YMCA regained the lead 5 minutes from the end with a fine goal by debutant Jason W only to be pegged back by a last gasp St Annes equaliser. Kyle T, Oscar R and Josh V all worked tirelessly throughout. UNDER 15s:KIRKHAM 3 YMCA 2 (Lancs FA Cup 2nd round)YMCA displayed great character throughout this game before going out of the County Cup Coronation Rd last Sunday. Even without their keeper and two outfield players - all missing through injuries - YMCA started very brightly. They went ahead in the 5th minute with James G finishing off a great move with an exquisite left-foot drive from 15yds. However, Kirkham’s long-ball game with the stiff breeze behind them paid dividends as they levelled and then went ahead to take a 2-1 lead into the break. Ten minutes after the restart though, and against the run of play, YMCA got back on level terms when Taz M broke away down the left and neatly side footed the ball home. YMCA were under siege for the remainder of the game with Kirkham taking full advantage of their superior physical strength. YMCA’s rearguard showed highly commendable resolution which kept the home side at bay but with 8 minutes remaining Kirkham netted what proved to be the winning goal with an unstoppable free kick from the edge of the area. Taz M, Nathan A and Harry F were all notable in a gutsy YMCA display. UNDER 17s:YMCA JUNIORS 0 SOUTH SHORE 3 South Shore's long ball game paid dividends at a blustery Seafield Road as their smash and grab raid earned them all 3 points. Shore went ahead during a first half during which Jack M hit the post for YMCA. After the break YMCA continued to play good football and carved out numerous chances but found the shore keeper in good form. As YMCA pushed forward more for the equaliser Shore hit two further late goals to complete YMCA’S misery. UNDER 17s:THORNTON SEN 2 YMCA SEN 2YMCA did well to come away from Thornton with a point after an entertaining and hard fought contest last Sunday. They took the lead with an excellently headed goal by Luke A but Thornton deservedly levelled to make it 1-1 at the break. After the restart the home side had the edge but YMCA managed to regain the lead with a strike from Rick S but again Thornton notched a deserved equaliser and it finished with a point apiece for both teams at the end. Joe O and Mattie W both put in impressive performances for YMCA. -------The views expressed on this page are those of the contributor and the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the BBC. | 
