The Colls Under 18s confirmed progression in the North West Youth Alliance Open Cup with a 4-3 victory over a strong AFC Fylde outfit on Sunday, with Liam Sheppard adding four goals to his black and white tally.
The Young Stripes defied the odds to take a 3-0 lead into the interval with Sheppard recording a 25-minute hattrick, the pick of the bunch coming through a volleyed effort from a tight angle, a goal comparable to the best from a Marco Van Basten or Robin Van Persie showreel, with credit due to a fine long-ball assist from stopper Finn Jones.
The second half was a groundhog day affair, fresh off the back of Saturday’s 4-3 senior team win in Widnes, as Nathan Delfouneso’s Fylde showed their quality to fight back with three late goals following Sheppard’s fourth, however composure in midfield from Bobby Fenlon, Alfie Rogers and Archie O’Neill helped ensure the Black and Whites held on to secure progression.
In loan action on Saturday, Ben Layton and Archie O’Neill played 90 minutes apiece as Elton Vale lost 4-2 at home to Moorside Rangers, whilst Harvey Nicholson was an unused substitute for Padiham, alongside coach Kieran Sherlock, who was dismissed following two bookings for the Storks.
The Black and Whites return to North West Youth Alliance action next Sunday (2pm), with a trip to Winstanley Warriors in a key clash between second and third in the First Division table. With the match set to be played locally at Winstanley’s Little Lane first-team ground in Wigan, your support as the Young Stripes fight to cement their footing in the league title race will be much appreciated.
The Colls Under 17 Colts weren’t in action this weekend, and next face FC Strikerz Wolves on Saturday morning. The Colts currently sit in 10th in the Bolton & Bury District league, with potential to climb the table with a significant number of games in hand.
