UNDER 10s:YMCA A 6 POULTON TOWN A 0YMCA B 3 POULTON TOWN B 1YMCA started slowly in the A game and allowed the visitors a couple chances before finding their rhythm. YMCA began to dominate which was rewarded with Jack C braking down the left before pulling the ball back for Conah B to fire home. Jack C then scored himself to give YMCA a 2-0 lead at the break following three excellent saves in succession by the visiting ’keeper. Kennedy increased the lead after the restart and Jack C then capped a man of the match performance with two excellent strikes to complete his hat trick. Dylan S rounded off the scoring with a well taken solo effort. Oscar T was a rock in YMCA’s defence with Robert M and Matt S also notable. YMCA had the B game wrapped up by half time taking a 3-0 lead. They went ahead with a well-taken goal by Cameron S then Shane D scored two fine goals, one a half volley from the edge of the box, the other a great solo goal just before the interval. YMCA didn’t perform to their full potential in second half and allowed Poulton time on the ball which was duly punished by the visitors reducing the score but YMCA comfortably held on for their victory. James R, Jordan M, Johnny A and Ryan W were also notable for YMCA. UNDER 11s:YMCA 5 KIRKHAM 0In-form YMCA chalked up their 7th straight victory of the season at a sunny Seafield Rd last Sunday. They took an early lead when Andrew C scrambled the ball home at the far post following a corner. They continued to have the upper hand for the remainder of the 1st half but their plucky opponents displayed great determination in trying to prevent the home side from increasing their advantage. However, YMCA did make it 2-0 at half time with a strike by Keiran S, his 25th goal of the season. Although the visitors continued to display great commitment in the 2nd half they really had no answer to YMCA’s excellent passing and teamwork. It became 4-0 with goals from Jamie M and Linus W before Andrew C notched his 2nd of the game in the closing stages to complete an impressive YMCA team performance. UNDER 12s:SOUTH SHORE 4 YMCA 3 - Lancs FA Cup 3rd RoundYMCA had the best of the first half with some excellent passing and penetrating runs from Fraser M, Jack W and Harrison K. Corry C and Liam R dominated in midfield and ensured that the home side were continually under pressure. It was Jack W’s cross to Andrew W which put YMCA ahead. Fraser M and William N had good efforts saved by the Shore goalkeeper and the visitors deserved to be further ahead at half-time than just 1-0. In the second half though it was Shore who looked the stronger side and they quickly equalised. They then scored three more goals in quick succession to seal the tie although battling YMCA did pull two goals back with strikes by Harrison K and Liam R. However, this late rally came too late to secure a draw and extra time. Keil F was outstanding in defence with Corry C giving a tireless performance in midfield. UNDER 16s:YMCA 2 WOODBANK CELTIC 3 - Lancs FA Cup 3rd RoundDespite a solid all-round team performance YMCA crashed out of the County Cup at the 3rd round stage against the current Manchester County Cup champions. YMCA controlled the first half creating a number of chances. Sam T and then Jordan D were both denied by the woodwork but despite YMCA’s dominance it was the visitors who took the lead with their first shot on target 5 minutes before the interval to turn round 1-0 ahead. Soon after the restart the visitors doubled their lead but a spirited YMCA refused to give up and Sam T pulled one back with a clever finish. As YMCA pushed men forward in search of an equaliser Woodbank broke away to score a decisive third goal and a late YMCA goal by Matty R was merely a consolation for the home side. Jordan H and Dan M were both notable but full credit goes to all the players for their effort despite this disappointing result. UNDER 17s:SOUTH SHORE SEN 3 YMCA SEN 1YMCA will feel themselves a little unlucky not to take anything from this hard fought encounter last Sunday at Common Edge Rd. In an even 1st half Shore took the lead but YMCA fought back well and a Luke A strike enabled them to level the scores at 1-1 by half time. YMCA had a slight edge after the restart but three good efforts all hit Shore’s woodwork and two other shots were cleared off the goal-line by home defenders. Shore rode their luck then snatched two late goals to clinch victory. Mark K and Joe O both impressed in a gutsy YMCA team display. UNDER 12 GIRLS:YMCA 4 LAMMACK 3YMCA secured a significant victory over close rivals Lammack at Mythop Rd last Sunday. YMCA took the lead when midway through the first half when Evie M raced clear of the defence, and managed to slide the ball past the advancing goalkeeper. Girl of the Match Evie M then added her second goal when after latching on to a free kick played into the area she turned and shot through a group of defenders. YMCA added a third just before half time when Ruby Lawson drove in an excellent goal from the edge of the area. In the second half though Lammack mounted a strong comeback and within twenty minutes of the re-start they had pulled back to 3-2, but YMCA added a fourth goal on the counter attack through Annie C. With the final whistle approaching Lammack scored a third to set up a nervous finish but YMCA held out for a hard-earned victory. ----The views expressed on this page are those of the contributor and the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the BBC. | 
