Ladybridge Pumas are the current holders of the U12’s LFA trophy and knew that Wyresdale were well up for this fixture as they have enjoyed an unbeaten start to their campaign in the A section of the competitive Bolton & Bury League. I arrived late unfortunately and missed the first 15 minutes of the match. The score was 1-1 as I took my position on the touchline and I’m reliably informed that Wyresdale took an early lead from a corner and Ladybridge equalised through Cole shortly after this from open play.
The conditions underfoot for both teams were quite challenging as the pitch had been recently cut and the damp surface made free flowing football difficult. The first half was evenly fought out with Wyresdale always a threat from set pieces delivered with pace and precision from one of our former players Jack. Ladybridge also mounted a couple of pacy attacks down both flanks through Cole and Dion trying to pick out Taylor up front. Despite good efforts from both teams there were no further goals and the score remained 1-1 at half time.
Ladybridge came out after the break with real purpose and although I wasn’t taking any notes of when and how we scored our goals Cole added another couple of goals to his total that included a clinical penalty to complete his hat-trick. Taylor also bagged 3 goals for his hat-trick to complete a thoroughly deserved 6-1 away victory for the team.
Wyresdale are a very well organised and effective team that never gave up and troubled us throughout the game, although the final score doesn’t really reflect this. We wish them and their supporters all the best for the rest of their season in the BBJFL.
I know that all the Ladybridge supporters on the touchline were thrilled to witness our team perform so well, especially in the 2nd half. Each and every Ladybridge player came off the pitch looking tired, having put a “good shift in” which is all we and the coaches look for - win, lose or draw!
The lads can now look forward to a Quarter Final away fixture against Bare Rangers from Lancaster on December 4th.
Please accept my apologies for the rather sparse report as I have only just been persuaded to take up the pitch-side reporting role again after a long break.
I promise to be better prepared for our next match, a league fixture at home against Prestwich Town.
