The Collieries youth section continued their preparations for their end-of-season top four clash against Chester with a controlled 4-0 friendly victory against Cherrybrook.
The Young Stripes took an early lead following a well-taken corner from Ben Layton, which was cleared by the ‘Brook goalkeeper under great duress from Campbell Readey-Williams to the feet of Alfie Lee. The attacking-midfielder’s powerful effort was blocked, landing perfectly for Liam Sheppard to open his account from eight-yards out.
The forward continued his prolific campaign just moments later, impressively firing home on the turn from outside of the box, after Ben Layton forced a loss in possession from the Cherries.
Sheppard was unfortunate not to follow up with a third in quick succession, blocking a clearance from the goalkeeper only for the rebound to be halted enroute to the goal by a well-placed defender.
The Black & White defence held firm all afternoon against a threatening Cherries front line, with potentially dangerous opposition reduced to not managing a shot on target all game.
Following further threatening efforts from Lucas Braganca and Oli Monday, Liam Sheppard completed his hat-trick in the second half, rising high to head home a great cross from Maniu Mohammed. The goal secured the tenacious forward’s seventh hattrick for the club, and was his 57th goal in 41 games for the youth section.
Alfie Lee soon capped off a fine performance of his own and rounded off the scoring from outside of the box, creating space with a deft touch before powerfully drilling home.
The date for the Colls remaining North West Youth Alliance league game at Chester remains yet to be confirmed, with the previously scheduled trip next Sunday being postponed due to the Young Seals cup progression.
Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/robclarke97/albums/72177720316364312/
