B&DYFL match of the week: CN Sports v Blackpool Wren Rovers
It was another chilly day on Common Edge – but a heart-warming occasion – as CN Sports U9s took on Blackpool Wren Rovers U8s in our Blackpool and District Youth Football League match of the week.
The weather may have taken its toll on the day’s fixture list but these teams defied the elements to stage an entertaining match in the top tier of the U9s’ competition.
CN Sports manager Mike James told The Gazette: “I was surprised the pitch was in such good condition, so it was game on. We started slowly but came back into it.
“Huge respect to Wren Rovers, though, who are an excellent side playing a year up.”
Wrens boss Jamie Haydock said: “It was a brilliant game, end-to-end, and played in a really good spirit – as games against CN always are – and a good advert for grassroots football.
“We have a very good bunch, not only playing a year up but in the top division too. They won the Hogan Cup last year and, to give the boys a challenge, we felt it was a good idea to step up to seven-a-side.”
The move up from five-a-side this season has resulted in both squads adding two players over the summer, though both had a solid base to build on.
We’ve featured this CN Sports team each season since they joined the league two seasons ago and boss Mike is pleased with their progress.
He added: “It’s a totally different ball game – with longer games, bigger pitches and formations play a bigger part – but the lads have taken everything on board and transitioned well.
“No players have left us since we started, though new players have joined along the way, so there’s a really good team spirit.
“The season has been a bit up and down but I’m pleased with the lads and can’t fault them in a really tough division. There are a few standout teams but all 10 can beat each other on their day.”
Wren Rovers have also benefited from keeping their squad together over several years as Jamie explained: “Most of the players have been with us since they were four or five.
“They played in a summer league in Liverpool before joining the Blackpool Youth League, so they have learned to play really well as a team.”
The Wren Rovers’ player of the match trophies were shared between three players.
Joint-winners of the coaches’ award were defender Theo for his amazing footballing brain and Parker for his all-round excellence in the striker’s role.
The parents’ choice was the skilful Noah, who puts 100 per cent effort into every game.
Harry celebrated his birthday with CN Sports’ player of the match award, having got up and down the pitch and passed superbly in a left midfield role.