Match of the week: Poulton Under-13s 0 YMCA Under-13s 5
Leaders make light of heavy conditions
THE YMCA teams are no strangers to winning league titles – but the current under-13s are yet to savour Dominos Pizza Blackpool & District Youth League glory.
That could all change this season, with the domino division leaders sitting pretty after winning eight of their first nine games.
Yet Sunday’s 5-0 victory over Poulton at Cottam Hall was more closely contested than the scoreline suggests.
In perishing cold conditions and on a very heavy pitch, both sides did their utmost to stage an entertaining spectacle and the final score did not do justice to Poulton’s efforts.
However, YMCA were deservedly rewarded for their clinical finishing, rock-solid defending and bright start.
Two early goals by right-sided midfielder Ryan Riley left the home side with a mountain to climb.
His first after 10 minutes was a stunning strike from the edge of the area, Riley’s shot dipping over the keeper and finding the top corner of the net.
His second soon afterwards was less spectacular but just as important – a tap-in as the ball bounced around the penalty box.
However, Poulton’s heads refused to drop and they set about their uphill struggle with great determination, enjoying a good spell of pressure.
However, YMCA defended resolutely and both managers agreed that their third goal on the stroke of half-time effectively ended Poulton’s brave comeback bid. Robbie Hunter did well down the left and crossed for Ryan Allan to scored with a firm header.
The second half was keenly-fought but Poulton were vulnerable on the break as they chased the game.
YMCA took advantage with two further goals, versatile midfielder Zenda Stemp scoring the fourth on his debut.
He beat his man on the left of the penalty area and fired a shot into the far corner of the net.
Jack Wood rounded off the scoring after a good move down the right.
Poulton continued to create chances but found YMCA’s central defensive duo of Oliver Drury and Keil Fieldhouse in fine form. And whenever the home side did find their way through on goal, they came up against keeper Alex Cameron in unbeatable mood.
The home centre-backs were also among their outstanding performers, with captain Sam Fielding and Michael Beardsmore impressive.
Matt Stowell went closest for Poulton and had a penalty shout waved away, while Richard Booth impressed on the right and nearly opened Poulton’s account as well. Goalscorer Allan was also a tireless worker up front for YMCA.
Beaten only once all-season – 2-0 in a tight derby against Lytham – YMCA’s bandwagon is rolling along in top gear, with a Lancashire FA Cup quarter-final to look forward to as well.
Manager Keil Fieldhouse is taking nothing for granted: “We have started well and we have some crunch games coming up,” he said, “but if we carry on as we are we will be there or thereabouts.”
Poulton manager Tim Fielding wasn’t too downhearted but said: “We are still third in the table, though we are disappointed with the scoreline because we certainly weren’t hammered.
“If we carry on playing like this we will pick up points and a top-three finish will be realistic.”
THE MANAGERS’ MATCH VERDICT
TIM FIELDING (Poulton)
DESPITE what the scoreline would suggest, it was a relatively even game for large parts although YMCA did deserve to win. I thought we were on top for much of the first half and a penalty claim which was turned down could have made a difference. Their third goal was the turning point.
KEIL FIELDHOUSE (YMCA)
IT was a difficult game on a very sticky pitch, especially for a team like us who like to keep the ball on the ground and pass it around. But credit to both teams on their performances. It was a case of us taking our chances and defending well.
THE MEN OF THE MATCH
ALEX LOUDON (Poulton)
The midfielder has switched successfully from wider positions to central duties. Alex got up and down the pitch throughout, tackled well and used the ball intelligently. He kept it simple and effective, but also showed his bag of tricks when the time was right.
OLIVER DRURY (YMCA)
The YMCA centre-halves were both in outstanding form and there was little to separate Oliver from team-mate Keil Fieldhouse. They were rock solid, letting very little through and frustrating Poulton.
SHARP SHOOTER: The impressive Richard Booth gets a shot in for Poulton
POULTON (from left): Back row: Elliott Vinden, Adam Warren, Michael Beardmore, Sam Fielding (capt), Andrew Sullivan, Richard Booth, James Burgess, Luke Williams and Martin Hunns; front row, Alex Loudon, Corey Harrison, Matt Stowell, Rhys Fletcher, Andy Barlow and Jack Morrison
YMCA (from left): Back row, Keil Fieldhouse, Oliver Drury, Ryan Allan, Alex Cameron, Sam McCloy, Robbie Hunter and William Whitehead; front row, Corey Coates, Jack Wood, Liam Warburton (capt), Paul Deeley, Ryan Riley and Zenda Stemp
STANDING TALL: Poulton captain Sam Fielding dominant in defence
ON THE CHARGE: Poulton’s Alex Loudon
YMCA’s Robbie Hunter
NO PAIN, NO GAIN: Ryan Allan’s goal should have made up for this painful blow
TIGHT TUSSLE: Poulton’s Luke Williams tries to find space
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