Stanley star in Kids Cup

Over 160 Year 5 and 6 boys and girls from 21 schools took part at Stanley Park, all hoping to take the crown and go on to represent Blackpool FC in the League One north region finals.

Over 130 goals were scored in the group stages, after which eight teams progressed to the quarter-finals: Stanley, Westcliff, Anchorsholme, St Teresa’s, Baines Endowed, Layton, Moor Park and St Nicholas’.

Layton saw off St Teresa’s on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw in the first quarter-final.

Last season’s winners Anchorsholme beat Baines Endowed 2-0, while Stanley and Moor Park sealed 3-0 victories over St Nicholas’ and Westcliff respectively.

In the semi-finals, Moor Park were too strong for Layton, clinching a comprehensive 5-0 victory.

One goal was enough for Stanley to defeat holders Anchorsholme in the other semi.

Something had to give in the final as Moor Park, the top scorers in the tournament, went head-to-head with a Stanley side who hadn’t conceded a single goal.

Stanley took an early two-goal lead but Moor Park pulled one on the stroke of half-time.

In a tense second half, Moor Park pressed for an equaliser and Stanley hit a post, though neither team could add to their tally and Stanley emerged 2-1 winners.

Stanley will now represent Blackpool FC in the regional final at Crewe Alexandra next month.

Roseacre Primary teacher Mr Adderley said: “A huge thank you to the organisers. The kids had such a great time. It was really well organised and the timings were spot on, which meant we got back to school on time.”