UNDER 13s:YMCA 3 KIRKHAM 1YMCA returned to winning ways with a hard working display at Seafield Rd last Sunday. They started brightly and calved out a few early chances but it was the visitors who opened the scoring in the 10th minute with the help of a YMCA defensive error. However, within 5 minutes YMCA were back on level terms when Lewis M blasted the ball through a ruck of players from 12yds following a corner. The remainder of the half was evenly contested and the game was well balanced at half time with the score at 1-1. After the restart though YMCA seemed to step up their game and began to have the upper hand with some neat football which eventually brought a deserved 2nd goal. Jamie A latched on to a loose ball and was a little fortunate to see his 20yd shot helped into the net by the visitors’ ‘keeper but it no more than YMCA deserved. They increased their lead just 5 minutes later when Matthew N burst through the middle and drove the ball with his left foot past the advancing ‘keeper and Matthew N could have increased YMCA’s lead further but was denied by a fine save by the Kirkham ‘keeper. Kirkham missed the chance of reducing the lead with a penalty award but YMCA ‘keeper Tom N pulled off a brilliant save. Danny F was outstanding in YMCA’s midfield and Mattie K worked tirelessly up front. Skipper James R also impressed throughout in a fine YMCA team performance. UNDER 15s:FOXHALL 3 YMCA 4YMCA just came out on top in this 7-goal thriller at Common Edge Rd last Sunday. They got off to a great start when a lively looking Harry F gave them a 2nd minute lead. Foxhall though levelled to make 1-1 at the break and it remained a very competitive contest in the 2nd half. YMCA regained the lead with a Taz M strike only for Foxhall to level again once again YMCA though went back in front when the energetic Taz M bagged his 2nd goal but the home side then levelled for the 3rd time. YMCA ‘keeper Dan S kept his team level with an excellent save and a draw looked on the cards but YMCA were then awarded a penalty when Mark C was brought down in the area. Taz M's spot kick was saved but he followed up to fire home the rebound and complete his hat trick and to snatch a dramatic victory for his team. Jon B, in an unfamiliar midfield role, and Chris B both had fine games in a gutsy YMCA team display. UNDER 17s:YMCA JUN 3 POULTON YOUTH 0The league's top two teams met for the second time this week at Seafield Road and it was the home team that ran out worthy winners. The main feature of the match was a first half hat trick from skipper Adam W. In the sixth minute a cross from Dan M found Adam W on the edge of the area, and his neat turn was followed by a clinical finish. Twelve minutes later a sweeping move involving Dan M, the returning Anthony S, and a fine run from Sam T, was finished from close range by Adam W. And the hat trick was completed in the 25th minute when Adam W headed home a pinpoint cross from strike partner Jordan D. The YMCA defence stood resolute in the second half with the outstanding Dalton S clearing off the line to deny Poulton. Jordan H and Jack M were also excellent in what was a superb team display. UNDER 12 GIRLS:THORNTON WANDERERS 1 YMCA 2YMCA took all three points in a hard fought game at local rivals Thornton Wanderers. The first half remained goalless despite both teams having a number of chances. In the second half though YMCA increased the pressure on the Thornton goal and strong running from Evie M set up Siobhan F but she was unlucky to see her effort hit the bar. Midway through the second half Thornton took the lead when a mix up in the YMCA defence presented a clear opportunity. YMCA equalised within three minutes when Siobhan F cut in from the right and slotted into the bottom corner. With four minutes remaining Siobhan F added her second and YMCA's winning goal with a stunning left foot drive into the bottom corner. ----The views expressed on this page are those of the contributor and the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the BBC. | 
