CN Sports Tangerines and FC Rangers put on a show in final Blackpool Youth League match of the week for 2020

The pitches at Common Edge were playable and this match was moved there.

It was only the second weekend back after lockdown and the league now takes its Christmas break, but both teams were determined to make the most of their opportunity to play in this stop-start season.

CN Sports first entered the league last season, based at South Shore Cricket Club, and operate three teams in this age group, with Reds and Blues as well as Tangerines.

Manager Chris Nay told The Gazette: “It was a really good, fair game against FC Rangers. Both teams attacked and defended well and we try to play the right way, passing out from the back.

“The Reds and the Blues played each other over the weekend, so all our teams got a game. It’s just brilliant to be outside playing in a year like this. We also have funding for a girls’ team, so it’s growing nicely.”

Rangers boss Karl Bambrook was also delighted this development league match could go ahead. He said: “It was a really good, end-to-end game, with plenty of effort from both sides.

“It was frustrating at times as a manager, but that’s kids’ football and as long as they enjoy it, I enjoy it.

“Most of the team have been together for around three years. Some of them had to play with older children at first but we joined the league as under-sevens last year and had a really good season.”

And both managers are pleased that they are still going strong at the end of this most challenging year.

Nay added: “Of course it’s been tricky with the lockdowns. We did skills sessions by Zoom in the first lockdown, then had a phased return. It then came as a bit of a shock to have another month off, and typically the weather was all right in November.

“We’ve been welcomed back by rain in December but the children enjoy it and are so committed, as are the coaches and the parents. We’ll try to do some training over Christmas and look forward to January.

Bambrook said: “It’s been a tough year and it has taken its toll, but the players always come out smiling no matter what and give 100 per cent.

“In the latest lockdown we set up challenges for the players and got the parents to send videos to keep them involved too. We managed to get a training session in before the first game back and we have a friendly before we break off for three weeks.”

Oscar attacked well for CN Sports and was their man of the match, playing in multiple positions during the game, while goalkeeper Karson was the Rangers choice for controlling his area well and making some fantastic saves.

Despite the weather, those B&DYFL teams who managed to play over the weekend enjoyed their football and fun, and look forward to the league restarting on January 9.

The league would like to wish all players, managers, referees and spectators a very merry Christmas. Stay safe.