Blackpool and District Youth League match of the week: AFC Blackpool U16 6 Staining U16 2

AFC earned their place with a 6-2 victory over Staining at Stanley Park.

While not at their best, Blackpool’s never looked back after Lee Casey’s early penalty and they built a 4-1 lead by half-time.

Danny Carr led the way with two, while Ryland Casey fully deserved his goal and was labelled “a phenomenal talent” by his manager.

Elliott Summerfield netted a header at the back post and an own goal completed AFC’s half-dozen.

The lack of substitutes on one of the warmest days of the year so far added to Staining’s problems, and all they had to show for their first-half efforts was George Powlesland’s looping effort.

But Staining were far more competitive in the second half, when manager Guy Siddall felt they were the better side at times.

They hit the woodwork and added a second goal when Seth Laycock fired home on the rebound from 20 yards.

But they couldn’t prevent an 11th straight win for Blackpool, who will also be crowned league champions if they take five points from their remaining three games.

A delighted Baird said: “Some of these lads haven’t played in a cup final and never will again, so it’s a brilliant way for this team to finish.

“I’m very proud of them and I just hope they all carry on in the game.

“The lads are really enjoying their football and it will be a great day out in Fleetwood.”

Staining can also reflect on a satisfying season as boss Siddall explained: “We’ve had our ups and downs, and lost games we should have won, but we’ll finish near the top of the league and they are a good bunch of lads who are improving.”

Striker Lee Casey took the man of the match award for Blackpool, while tireless midfielder Mark Webster took the Staining accolade.