Year 11 progress in Lancashire Cup

Tuesday afternoon saw the Year 11 footballers travel to the seaside to play Rossall School near Fleetwood.  It was always going to be a tough game and the wind meant that the conditions were difficult to play in.

Making a slow start and under pressure the back 3 of James Jackson, James Carr and Reece Holden stood firm giving us a platform to work from.  The boys grew into the game and took the lead after 15 minutes with a Tom Garner strike which was deflected past the Rossall goalkeeper.  Shortly afterwards Rossall's dangerous striker won a free kick on the edge of the box and a low shot under the wall unsighted Alfie Whalley in goal to level the scores at half time.  The work rate of everyone was excellent and Lochlan Cairney and Lukas Clement had started to provide some width.   At half time Aiden Lister replaced the hardworking Myles Burge and we dominated the early part of the 2nd half but despite 3 good opportunities could not find the net.

As Rossall came back strongly it was them who found the next goal from a corner.  However, the team showed brilliant resilience and just 3 minutes later Joe Hopkinson was fouled in the box.  He stepped up to take the penalty himself, however the keeper saved it only to see Joe tap in the rebound to level the scores.  Joe Harding joined the game on the right hand side and almost made an instant impact with a fantastic run and cross which nearly produced a goal before Alfie made a couple of excellent saves to deny our opponents.

As the game looked to be heading for extra time Joe Hopkinson caused more problems and was fouled in the area again for a second penalty with only five minutes left.  He showed the courage to step up again and replicated his first goal with the keep saving the penalty but Joe tapping in the rebound.

The drive from midfield throughout the game continued through Tom Garner, Joe Boyle, Connor Denton and Luke Airdrie and we saw out the remaining minutes to come away with a deserved 3-2 win.

Superb performances throughout the team with everyone stepping up and contributing.  We are now into the Quarter Finals to face either Bishop Rawstorne or Alder Grange.

The picture shows (left to right) Man of the Match Connor Denton and goalscorers Joe Hopkinson and Tom Garner.