Match Reports

YMCA

YMCA FC

UNDER 10s:

YMCA A 1 POULTON TOWN A 0 (Abandoned after 15 mins – Heavy rain)

Steady rain was falling at the kick off to this game at Seafield Rd last Sunday. Carl K gave YMCA the lead but then the rain became very heavy and in the 15th min and the referee, after consultation with both managers, brought proceedings to a halt and abandoned the game.

UNDER 11s:

YMCA 3 SQUIRES GATE 1

Visitors Gate, lying at the bottom of the table, produced a very gutsy and spirited display throughout at Seafield Rd last Sunday and made league leaders YMCA work hard for their victory. YMCA calved out numerous chances in the 1st half and took the lead through Keiran S. After the Gate ‘keeper had made several fine saves the visitors then notched a shock equaliser and it was 1-1 at the break. YMCA remained well in control after the restart and they regained the lead with Keiran again on target. They were thwarted on numerous occasions by the outstanding visitors’ ‘keeper before a Ben C strike sealed victory for YMCA for whom Andy C, Johnny M and Dan L all impressed.

UNDER 12s:

SPIRIT OF YOUTH 3 YMCA 1

YMCA put together some good passing moves in the first half with a determinedly display against the wind at Common Edge Rd last Sunday. Andrew W always threatened down the wing and Corry C had an excellent shot which just drifted over the bar. It was Spirit though who went ahead following a break and a good finish. Shortly afterwards a penalty was awarded against YMCA for handball and this was slotted home. Just before half-time, Fraser M broke through and pulled a goal back to make it 2-1 at the break. In the second half, YMCA looked threatening with Ryan A narrowly off target with couple of chances whilst at the other end William N pulled off a brilliant save to keep YMCA in the game before Spirit sealed victory with a 3rd goal. Liam R gave a gutsy display in midfield with Keil F outstanding in the centre of the YMCA defence.

UNDER 13s:

YMCA 0 BJFF 4 - Hogan Cup 1st Round

YMCA went out of the Hogan Cup at the first hurdle with a disappointing display at Seafield Rd last Sunday. Slack marking gifted the visitors with a 5th minute lead and with the stiff breeze behind them BJ were on top for the remainder of the half and they deservedly added a 2nd goal 5 minutes before half time. However, despite having the elements in their favour in the 2nd half YMCA failed to take advantage. Their general play was scrappy, squandering possession far too easily, and they rarely threatened a solid looking BJ rearguard. The visitors increased their lead midway through the 2nd half and after two glaring misses they added a 4th goal in the closing minutes. In a lack-lustre YMCA performance James R and Danny F worked hard throughout.

UNDER 14s:

SOUTH SHORE 3 YMCA 0 - Hogan Cup 1st Round

YMCA’s interest in the Hogan Cup was short-lived as they fell at the first hurdle to a strong South Shore side at Common Edge Road last Sunday. Shore opened the scoring after 9 minutes when a long ball eluded the YMCA defence. An under strength YMCA were always struggling against a strong wind and tough opponents. Goal scoring opportunities were few and far between, but a battling Jason W did go close just before half time.

The second half saw YMCA slip further behind when poor marking left the goalkeeper helpless and a strong and the skilful South Shore outfit eventually added a 3rd goal to run out comfortable winners. Joe K and Jonathan H battled well in defence with Alex G always busy throughout.

UNDER 15s:

FLEETWOOD GYM 2 YMCA 8

YMCA overcame very difficult conditions at Broadwaters last Sunday to run out easy winners. They got off to a great start by scoring after just 8 seconds, Chris B’s long ball setting up James G to open the scoring. Gym equalised but YMCA regained the lead soon afterwards when from a corner a Nathan A header was latched on to by Joe VB who headed home from close range. Two goals by the busy Taz M then put YMCA in the driving seat and although Gym reduced the score further, strikes by Adam Z and Mark C gave YMCA a 6-2 lead at half time. YMCA remained in control after the restart but deteriorating pitch conditions made it difficult for them to produced their 1st half fluency but Taz M capped a fine display by adding two more goals to bring his match-tally to four. Chris B worked tirelessly throughout.

UNDER 17s:

CLIFTON JUN 1 YMCA JUN 3 - Hogan Cup 1st Round

Despite difficult pitch conditions at Stanley Park, these two teams served up an entertaining tie. YMCA adapted quicker and after controlling the 1st half they were rewarded with 2 goals in as many minutes. Firstly on 28 minutes, Morgan L latched on to a through ball from Jordan D, before coolly rounding the keeper and finishing from a tight angle. Jordan D then placed a free kick beyond the home keeper, who was perhaps a little unlucky with the poor bounce. After the restart YMCA continued to play good football, with both full backs, Dan H and Adam W, linking well with the wide players, Jamie G and Alex B. However Clifton pulled a goal back in the 52nd minute to ensure a tense finish to the match. However, Jordan D sealed victory with 8 mins remaining with a smart finish from the edge of the area after some neat interplay with the excellent Dalton S. Matty R was again outstanding in the heart of midfield.

UNDER 17s:

YMCA SEN 2 THORNTON SEN 1 - Hogan Cup 1st Round

YMCA had to work hard to progress through to the next stage of the Hogan Cup at Seafield Rd last Sunday. They faced the very cold stiff breeze in the 1st half and visitors took advantage by dictating play and snatching a goal to give them a 1-0 lead at the break. However, it was YMCA who had the edge after the restart and were soon back on level terms with a strike by Mattie W. They remained on top for the remainder of the game but extra time looked on the cards before YMCA grabbed a winning goal 6 minutes from time, Luke A just beating the advancing ‘ keeper to a through ball and poking the ball into the empty net. In a good all-round YMCA team display James S and Chris B were both outstanding.

UNDER 12 GIRLS: 

YMCA 0 BROMLEY CROSS 0

With the Bromley Cross pitch being unfit this game was switched to Seafield Rd last Sunday and YMCA dropped their first points of the season in a hard fought game. During the first half both teams created a number of chances but were unable to convert any into goals. In the second half YMCA dominated for long periods with both Siobhan F and Evie M both going close. However, Bromley Cross held out for a well-deserved point.

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