Match of the week: Rovers and Panthers illustrate that practice pays dividends on the pitch
Blackpool Wren Rovers Blacks and Poulton Town Panthers both put aspects of the game they have worked on in training into practice to produce an all-action match of the week on Saturday.
The Gazette featured the Blacks as a five-a-side team last season and it was great to catch up with boss Rick Downie after the team moved into the Under-9s section of Blackpool and District Youth Football League this year.
He said: “This was a very entertaining, end-to-end game. After struggling a little in the first half, the boys came out a different team for the second, with great passing, maximum effort, good use of the wings and very solid defending."
The Panthers enjoyed their first match of the week experience and team boss Karl Simkin said: “It was a really good game for us and the boys played really well. We've worked a lot on overloads and it was good to see that really put into practice.
“We've been doing really well since moving into the third division (of six) and we're really pleased with the way the squad is developing.”
Rick and the Blacks have been together since Under-6s level and he added: “It's been an up and down season since we were last featured in the Gazette. We've had some really good games and some difficult ones too.
“We have a new keeper this season in Lucas and a new outfield player, Casey, who is playing a year up.”
The Panthers are also in their third B&DYFL season and it's the second for boss Karl, who said: “I do some open age coaching but this is my first junior team and I love it.
“We want to keep on progressing for the rest of the season and it would be great to have a cup run. We start in the Hogan Plate this weekend against Thornton.”
Hunter was the coaches' player of the match for the Panthers, leading the line superbly.
Beau took the parents' award after playing with bags of energy, also looking up to pick out his passes well.
Coaches' player of the match on the Blacks side was Freddie, who controlled the midfield and protected possession in a fine all-round display. James was the parents' choice, giving his all in several positions and his wing play was particularly impressive.