BDYL math of the week: Layton Blues U16 v Foxhall

Foxhall striker Connor Finlayson was in fine form with four goals as depleted Layton were no match for their unbeaten visitors but showed commendable spirit to battle on.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Apr 2016, 14:21 BST
Updated 9th Apr 2016, 14:26 BST
Picture by Julian Brown 03/04/16 Youth football match of week at Squires Gate FC, Blackpool Layton Blues U16 v Foxhall Foxhall's Steven Hodgkinson scores!Picture by Julian Brown 03/04/16 Youth football match of week at Squires Gate FC, Blackpool Layton Blues U16 v Foxhall Foxhall's Steven Hodgkinson scores!
Picture by Julian Brown 03/04/16 Youth football match of week at Squires Gate FC, Blackpool Layton Blues U16 v Foxhall Foxhall's Steven Hodgkinson scores!

Finlayson hit his quartet in the first half of a match switched from Moor Park to Squires Gate FC and his side were six up at half-time against a side who started with only 10 players and then were further hit by illness.

Striker Finlayson, who has a scholarship with Fleetwood Town, showed why he is rated so highly with a clinical display of finishing in the first half. He then showed his versatility by putting in a stint at centre-half after the break.

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Steven Hodgkinson helped himself to two goals for Foxhall before the interval and it was to Layton’s great credit that they restricted their opponents to a single Ollie Muir goal in the second half.

Foxhall did make quite a few experimental changes in the second period as they maintained their two-year unbeaten run in the league and continue to press for another title.

Foxhall manager Colin Smith said: “We’d played them twice before this season and they have been closer games, but both sides made the best of it and the game was played in great spirit.

“There was only one foul committed in the whole game, which for under-16s is pretty rare.”

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Both managers praised Layton keeper Hayden Fleming for a string of excellent saves which prevented the scoreline looking even more one-sided.

Layton did have chances in the second half through Tyler Jones and Connor Phelps but couldn’t force a consolation goal for their efforts.

Layton assistant manager Steve Montague said: “It’s been a struggle all season because we lost some players and we’ve had to play a few games with 10. Credit to the lads for struggling on and showing such good spirit.”

Foxhall fight on at the other end of the table in their quest to retain their title.

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Manager Smith added: “It’s close at the top and is probably between us and YMCA.

“We have a busy period of Sunday and Thursday games, as well as the Hogan Cup semi-final against Thornton Cleveleys.

“So it’s a busy schedule but we’ll just do the best we can.”