UNDER 9s:
LYTHAM JUN A 1 YMCA A 0
LYTHAM JUN B 1 YMCA B 4
YMCA, missing several players due to half term holidays, performed very commendably to earn a share of the points against their local rivals last Saturday. The A game was very evenly contested but Lytham snatched victory with an excellent goal in the first half. Reece M and Fred S both had fine games for the visitor with Amy S also notable. In the B game YMCA always had the edge and two goals from Ryan H set them on the way to victory and even though Lytham reduced the arrears YMCA scored twice more to record a fine win. After an own goal had increased YMCA’s lead, Ryan W capped an outstanding performance with YMCA’s fourth goal. Keiran H was also notable.
UNDER 11s:
FLEETWOOD TOWN 2 YMCA 3
YMCA came home from Fleetwood last Sunday with a fine victory after a contest which was keenly contested throughout. YMCA took a 10th minute lead with a brilliant solo goal by Jack R but Town were always well in the game and levelled in the closing minutes of the half to make it 1-1 at the break. The game continued to swing from end-to-end after the restart but YMCA regained the lead when Shane D netted from close range following a goalmouth scramble. Victory was virtually sealed when Jordan W hit a third goal for YMCA, although Town did create a tense finish by reducing the score again with 2 minutes remaining. In this excellent YMCA victory Jonny A and Brad G both impressed throughout.
UNDER 12s:
YMCA 2 HINDLEY BOYS 0
YMCA progressed through to the 4th round of the County Cup at Seafield Rd last Sunday but they had to work hard for this victory against a well-organised Wigan based outfit. Hindley started well and caused YMCA’s defence some early problems. However, it was YMCA who opened the scoring in the 15th minute from a superbly struck 30yd free kick by Linus W who sent the ball into the top corner of the net. Hindley saw two efforts hit YMCA’s woodwork and a Sean K header from a Linus W cross thudded against the visitors’ crossbar but it remained 1-0 at half time. It continued to be an evenly balanced contest after the restart but YMCA sealed the tie with a superb goal midway through the half. A excellent Calvin R pass split the Hindley defence apart and Jamie M gathered the ball before his low cross from the bye line was bundled into the net by Linus W for his second of the game. Outstanding for YMCA was ‘keeper Liam M who was called upon to make two excellent saves with Tyler D and Sean K both impressive throughout also.
UNDER 13s:
YMCA 8 BJFF 4
The achieved a comfortable win on Sunday thanks to a superb individual performance from Sam M who scored eight goals against a plucky BJFF side. YMCA trailed twice in the first half before dominating proceedings and leading 4-2 at half time thanks to a Sam M hat trick and a strike from Corey C. Sam M added another five goals in the second half as the home side secured all three points. Ryan R and Robbie H both had fine performances for YMCA.
UNDER 15s:
KIRKHAM 2 YMCA 2
Honours finished even in this top of the table clash last at Kirkham last Sunday. YMCA went a goal down in the 10th minute when they failed to cut out a long ball over the top. YMCA fell further behind from an unfortunate own goal, and were denied a penalty appeal when Alex G was clearly pulled back in the area.
However, numerous fine saves by Jack C, and top performances from a strong defence, prevented further deficit. Despite soon being down to 10 men in the second half, YMCA took the game to Kirkham when Sam S smashed a 40yd shot in to the roof of the net. Tom M scored a well deserved equaliser, at close range, following good work by Daniel J. Although Man of the match Ben W was at the centre of YMCA’s excellent display this was a tremendous all round team effort.
Lancs FA Cup 3rd Round:
UNDER 16s:
CADLEY BOYS 9 YMCA 3
YMCA’s interest in the Lancs FA’s Youth Cup came to an abrupt end at Preston last Sunday. They found themselves 2-0 inside the first 5 minutes and there was no way back from that start. The very strong Cadley outfit continued to dominate the game and they added two more goals before YMCA pulled one back through James G to make it 4-1 at half time. YMCA started the 2nd half well and reduced the score further with James G again on target. However, the home side then resumed their first half dominance and added a further five goals with Taz M notching a 3rd consolation goal for YMCA in the closing minutes.
LEP Youth Cup:
UNDER 18s:
YMCA 1 EUXTON VILLA 1 (AET) - Euxton won on Penalties
YMCA were knocked out of the LEP Youth Cup by Division 3 side Euxton who signalled their intentions from the outset, working hard to close down YMCA and stop their passing football. Despite having little time on the ball, YMCA still created chances as Ruddle hit the post with a header, and the same player had a couple more first half strikes on goal. However as the first half drew to an end Euxton broke through the YMCA defence and scored to give them a 1-0 lead at the break. The second half was a battling affair as YMCA went in search of an equaliser, and their opponents continued to thwart them. With only two minutes remaining on the clock Dan H surged into the Euxton penalty area and was upended by the defender resulting in a YMCA penalty which skipper Matty R duly dispatched to send the game into extra time. Chances came for both teams in the 30 minutes of extra time but the stalemate remained and penalties decided the match, unfortunately for YMCA, in favour of their opponents. An entertaining cup match and YMCA's efforts cannot be faulted.
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