Blackpool Youth League match of the week: Lytham Junior Windmills v CN Sports Devils

Home side Lytham Junior Windmills formed midway through last season, while visitors CN Sports Devils are new to the league this month.

The Devils are an under-sevens team whose progress has been so impressive they are playing a year up. Entered at the third tier of the under-eights competition, they have quickly found their feet.

Joint-manager Les Abbott told The Gazette: "CN Sports asked for parents to step forward to manage a new team and I volunteered with Tom Watson, an ex-Lancaster City player.

"I played too and had coached in schools but not at this age group. We trained them from November right through the summer and their level was too good for under-sevens."

The Windmills have been progressing fast too, winning the Hogan Trophy at their first attempt last year.

Their manager is Brian Smith, who previously took charge of a Lytham Junior Maroons side who also played a year up.

But while the Devils were playing – and winning – summer tournaments, the Windmills took a break ahead of their second Youth League season.

Brian said: "We didn't play in the pre-season tournaments. We are more of a development team and it's more about enjoying football than playing as many games as we can.

"It was a good game against CN, though we've been moved up two divisions from the fifth to the third for this first phase of the season and it is a challenge for the players.

"We had players on waiting lists and others in teams that didn’t really suit them, so the club asked me to take a new team last year. We finished the season strongly and it's a good bunch, who just need time."

The CN players are getting plenty of enjoyment too as Les explained: "Tom and I are really enjoying it and so are the players. We played friendlies against tier two teams and did well in those too."

Alfie B was Lytham's player of the match for his skill, tenacity and tireless play, with special mentions for goalkeeper Harry S and defender Hugo, who were both excellent.

CN player of the match Rogan performed really well and did everything asked of him.