Karen Potter Craven Minor Junior Football League

Match Report:- 'SOUTHPORT FC U18'
6 - 1 Garstang

SOUTHPORT Under 18s progressed to the final of the Syndicate Trust Youth Cup with a 6-1 victory over Garstang at the UCLan Sports Arena after goals from Ben Hatch, Cameron Dalgleish and braces from Will Meredith & Conal Gallagher.

It took just 3 minutes for the deadlock to be broken after Cameron Dalgleish raced onto a through ball and finished cleverly with a lob over the oncoming keeper. The game was not as straight forward as the scoreline may suggest as the Port youngsters came up against a very physical and committed Garstang side who continually pressed and harassed all over the pitch. Garstang almost levelled the game after 10 minutes with a free header from a corner, glanced just wide.

Despite this, Southport continued to enjoy the majority of possession inside their opponent's half without really creating a clear cut chance. Southport continued to find an opening and they were rewarded when they doubled their advantage after Ben Hatch superbly headed a cross from the
right, back across the goal and in off the foot of the post. Southport struggled to completely settle with some loose passing and needlessly giving away possession. This was to be their undoing as a ball played out from the back was intercepted and Garstang pulled one back. Southport continued to attack in search of another but couldn't break down a resolute Garstang defence. Half time 2-1.

Southport came out for the 2nd half much improved and showed a lot more patience in their attacking play, with Conal Gallagher causing the Garstang defence a lot of problems. It was Gallagher who scored Southport's third of the afternoon after converting Ben Hatch's low cross from the right hand side at the far post. It was Gallagher again who scored the 4th, and his 19th of the season, from the penalty spot this time after Adam McFarlane-Johnson was fouled in the box.

Southport began to look a threat with each attack and could have had more, Gallagher's cross from the left was met by substitute Paul Jewell, who's powerful header was denied by a fine save from the Garstang keeper. Garstang seemed to lose a lot of their energy and desire after the 4th goal and Will Meredith added to their misery with 2 goals in the space of 10 minutes to take his tally to 20 for the season. Full time 6-1.

Southport U18's continue their excellent form this season and progress to the final of the Syndicate Trust Youth Cup, to be played Wednesday 8th April at Bamber Bridge FC, 7:30pm kick off.

Man of the match: Ben Hatch. A superb midfield display, tireless running and determination topped off with an assist and a superb headed goal.

Starting XI (GK-4-3-3): Lavelle / Arnold, Hall (c), Mbolokele (Weston 55), Bonsu / Jones (Pugh 60), Hatch, Gallagher / Trayer-Blackhurst (Jewell 46)Dalgleish (Meredith 60), McFarlane Johnson (Haskell 60).

Results Week Ending 15 February 2015

Under 11 Premier
Southport FC Juniors 1-6 Trinity White
Maghull Youth 1-4 Formby JSC White

Under 11 Championship
Trinity Blue 0-1 Crosby Stuart
Hesketh Colts 1-4 Formby JSC Black
S&A Blue 7-1 Formby Athletic
Phoenix 1-4 Redgate Yellow

Under 12 Joseph Jackson Cup
Town Green 1-2 Formby JSC Rangers
Trinity Blue 4-2 Mitch Green

Under 12 Championship
S&A Amateurs 3-1 Southport FC Juniors
Mitch Red Warriors 1-2 S&B Yellow
Phoenix 0-9 S&B Red

Under 13
Birkdale R 6-1 Hesketh Colts

Under 14
Formby JSC 2-7 North Sefton
Birkdale Black 5-3 Hesketh Colts