Youth football match of the week: South Shore U16 v BJFF

The match was more competitive than the scoreline would suggest.

Indeed, the outstanding Purdon’s opening goal was all that separated the sides at half-time.

However, the home side struggled to create clear-cut chances against a solid BJFF rearguard, though Shore’s Brandan Sissons did test the defence .

Two goals in quick succession during the first 10 minutes of the second half helped to put the visitors in control.

It was uphill after that for South Shore and BJ were able to add two more goals in what was ultimately a comfortable victory.

Purdon’s goals were typically predatory striker’s finishes and he had good chances to add a couple more on the day. Also on target for the victors were Matty West and Alex Gibbons.

BJFF manager John Fidler was particularly delighted with his side’s display as this was their first game for three weeks.

He said: “We are doing well but there are a couple of outstanding teams in this league in Clifton Rangers and AFC Fylde.

“We play AFC on Thursday, so that will be a big game.

“It’s the last season for this team and it is disappointing there are only seven teams in the league.

“But we’ll keep going and make the best of it because some of these lads have been with us since they were six years old.”

Darren Sissons stood in for South Shore manager Frank Gourlay and wasn’t too downhearted.

He said: “The season’s going pretty well because half the team is new and they are a good sent of lads.

“We had chances, though they were more half-chances than clear-cut ones, but we still have everything to play for.”