Youth football match of the week: Foxhall Hoops Under-13s v Kirkham Reds Under-13s
Having beaten the Hoops 2-1 in Kirkham, another close encounter was anticipated, but the visitors were in unstoppable form.
The Reds were three goals to the good after 12 minutes, adding two more before half-time and a further three after the break.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAgain this was a late switch from our intended match of the week due to a postponement, so thanks to both clubs for stepping in at the last moment – and in Foxhall’s case for the second time in three Sundays.
But whereas the AllStars cameras had brought them good luck in their win over Lytham Blues a fortnight earlier, that wasn’t the case last weekend.
As the Hoops struggled to gain any sort of foothold in the game or to trouble a solid Reds defence, the visitors made a lightning-quick start.
The opener was scored on seven minutes and the second followed three minutes later, quickly followed by the third.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe other scorers were Matthew Nixon, defender Brandon Perez-Berna, Reece Johnson with a superb solo strike on his debut and Alfie Renshaw with a penalty.
The outstanding Johnson’s strike was the pick of the bunch as he took the defence on before curling his shot into the bottom corner.
Like most sides, Kirkham didn’t manage to adapt to the demands of 11-side football overnight, though they are certainly finding their feet now and this was their third successive win.
Manager Craig Renshaw explained: “We had to play the top teams early on but we’ve had games against teams in the lower half of the table lately and are doing well.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThat said, this weekend’s opponents are leaders Layton Juniors for the third time this season.
However, Kirkham have managed to draw one of the previous two and Renshaw added: “It’s a massive game but we’re playing them at the right time and I’m hopeful we’ll finish the season strongly.”
His Foxhall counterpart Wayne Ruddy is hopeful last Sunday’s disappointment will prove no more than a blip.
He said: “We know we can play and we’ll go again on Sunday. Hopefully we can put this behind us and get back on track.”