Southport and Ainsdale Amateurs FC

The U13 Blues were back in Summer League action today as they took on Forefield Rangers. We knew this would be a close contest, having faced a variation of this side in the Hightown League, so the lads were expecting a tough game.

The Blues started brightly and quickly settled into their passing game. We enjoyed the majority of possession and created the better chances during the opening stages, but couldn’t quite make our dominance count until Raymond finished off a lovely move to give the Blues a deserved 1-0 lead.

Unfortunately, we weren’t winning enough of the midfield battles and were second best to too many loose balls and second phases of play. That allowed Forefield back into the game, and after we were forced into a rushed decision in possession, they capitalised to level the scores despite the Blues controlling much of the play.

Forefield then came close to taking the lead, but George produced a superb save to keep the scores level as we headed into half-time.

The message at the break was clear. We spoke about competing harder for those 50/50 balls and second bounces, and challenged the lads to give absolutely everything for the team during the second half.

Despite enjoying most of the possession after the restart, we again lost a key battle in midfield, which left Forefield through one-on-one with the goalkeeper, and they made no mistake to take a 2-1 lead.

With around 10 minutes remaining, we reminded the lads to stay calm, trust their football and keep believing. To their credit, they responded brilliantly.

A few tactical changes gave us fresh energy, and the momentum swung firmly back in our favour.

Raymond was at the heart of it once again, driving powerfully through the middle before going around the keeper and shifting the ball onto his left foot to calmly finish to bring the Blues back level at 2-2.

Sensing there was still more to come, the lads kept pushing. They could smell the winner.

With only minutes remaining, Andreos, who had been unlucky not to score earlier in the game, was played through on goal. Showing great composure, he smashed his finish past the goalkeeper to give the Blues a deserved 3-2 lead.

The lads stayed composed during the closing moments, managing the game well to see out another excellent victory.

Man of the Match went to Raymond, who was outstanding from start to finish. His energy, determination, willingness to battle for every ball and his two excellent finishes made him a deserved winner, although every player played their part in a fantastic team performance.

Another superb win for the Blues, who showed great character once again by coming from behind to take all three points.

Onwards, Blues! 🔵⚽🔵⚽️

The U13 Blues were back in Summer League action on Saturday as they took on JJ Atletico. Having played them last year and come away on the wrong end of the result despite dominating large spells of the game, the lads were determined to turn their recent form into a well-earned victory.

The Blues started brilliantly, moving the ball with confidence and playing some superb passing football. It wasn't long before the pressure paid off, with a lovely move down the right wing ending in Rory producing a superb finish into the top corner to give the Blues a thoroughly deserved 1-0 lead.

The lads settled into the game well and continued to create opportunities, but despite a number of good chances, we couldn't find the second goal our play deserved.

Unfortunately, just before half-time, JJ Atletico found an equaliser to send the sides in level at 1-1.

At the break, the message was simple: keep doing what you're doing. We were playing some excellent football, but we spoke about tightening up our positional play to stop leaving the small gaps that Atletico had managed to exploit despite seeing very little of the ball.

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first. The Blues dominated possession, controlled the tempo and created chance after chance, but the finishing touch just wouldn't come.

The lads were also unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty when Andreos was clearly brought down in the box, but with no decision given, we had to dust ourselves down and carry on.

Football can be cruel at times, and despite controlling much of the game, we were caught on the counter-attack, and Atletico took the lead.

Following the drinks break, we spoke about increasing the intensity, moving the ball quicker and putting more pressure on the opposition. A slight tactical tweak gave us fresh energy, and once again the Blues took control of the game.

Their persistence finally paid off with only a few minutes remaining when Raymond drove forward and finished off a lovely move to deservedly level the scores at 2-2.

That's how the game finished.

Whilst it was frustrating not to come away with all three points, there were so many positives to take. The quality of our passing, our movement and the way we controlled large periods of the game were outstanding. The only thing missing was being a little more clinical in front of goal, and that's something we'll continue to work on in training.

Most pleasing of all was the character the lads showed. They never stopped believing, kept playing football the right way and thoroughly deserved something from the game. Sometimes football doesn't reward you with the result your performance deserves, but that's all part of learning and developing as a team.

Man of the Match went to Andreos, whose work rate and determination were outstanding from the first whistle to the last. His relentless running caused problems all afternoon; he was unlucky not to win a penalty, and despite not getting the decisions or goal his performance deserved, he never let his head drop and kept driving the team forward until the final whistle.

Well done, Blues. We'll go again next week!

Onwards, Blues! 🔵⚽️🔵⚽️

The U13 Blues were back in Summer League action today as we took on Aintree Villa. The lads have been on fire over the last few months and were determined to put last week’s disappointing draw firmly behind them. From the first whistle, they started brilliantly, with some superb passing, movement, and energy all over the pitch.

It didn’t take long for the Blues to get the breakthrough. Luke Smith produced a fantastic volley to open the scoring and give the lads the perfect start.

The game settled down for a spell, but the Blues remained in complete control throughout. Around midway through the first half, Raymond Doolan doubled our advantage with a well-taken finish, and we went into the break with a deserved 2-0 lead.

The message at half-time was to keep playing the football that had served us so well, and the lads did exactly that.

Nathan Blanchard extended the lead early in the second half with a superb finish into the top corner from the left wing. The Blues continued to dominate, and the goals kept flowing as Jasper House made it 4-0 before Luke Smith grabbed his second of the afternoon.

A brief lapse in concentration at the back allowed Aintree Villa to pull one back, but there was never any danger of the lads letting the game slip. Luke completed his hat-trick shortly afterwards to round off an outstanding 6-1 victory for the Blues.

The result was never really in doubt. Every single player contributed to a fantastic team performance, with the passing, movement, and work rate all at an excellent level.

Luke Smith deservedly took home the Man of the Match award for his superb hat-trick and all-round display, but in truth, every single player could have been in the running today. It was one of those performances where the whole team deserved enormous credit.

Another excellent display, another three points, and plenty more positives to take into the next game.

Well done, lads!

Onwards, Blues! 🔵⚽️🔵⚽️

The U13 Blues Sunday team played Crosby Athletic on Monday evening for an end of season friendly. Having been moments away from beating them a few weeks ago before conceding a last-minute equaliser, the lads were determined to put that right this time around.

The team has been in excellent form recently, and they made the perfect start. The Blues came flying out of the blocks, catching Crosby off guard with their high tempo and intensity. Their bright opening was rewarded when Matthew Barton met the ball sweetly with a superb left-foot volley to give the Blues a deserved 1-0 lead.

After the early goal, the game settled into a competitive contest with both sides playing some good football. Chances came at both ends, but both defences stood firm, and it remained 1-0 heading into the second half.

The Blues continued to work hard and play with confidence, and their efforts were rewarded when Thomas Murphy doubled the lead with a well-taken finish to make it 2-0.

Crosby responded well and created a few opportunities of their own, but the lads defended resolutely while continuing to create chances themselves. It was an entertaining and evenly contested game between two good sides.

With only a few minutes remaining, Crosby pulled a goal back to set up a nervy finish, but the Blues stayed composed and saw the game out well to secure a deserved 2-1 victory.

The progress this team has made over the course of the season has been incredible. Every single player has developed, and perhaps most pleasing of all, they now play for each other. The teamwork, effort, and togetherness on display were outstanding, so this week there is no individual Man of the Match. The award goes to the entire team for a fantastic collective performance.

We go again next Monday for one final friendly against Redgate before bringing an excellent season to a close and enjoying a well-earned summer break.

Well done, lads. Another performance to be proud of.

Onwards, Blue’s! ⚽️🔵⚽️🔵

The U13 Blues were back in Summer League action on Saturday as we took on Maghull Greens. Having played them before, we knew it would be a competitive game, but with the form the lads have been in recently, we were confident of putting in another strong performance.

From the first whistle, the Blues dominated possession and controlled the game. We created chance after chance, but somehow couldn't find a way past the Maghull goalkeeper, who was in inspired form. He seemed to find a way of using every part of his body to keep the ball out, denying what on most days would have been certain goals.

Despite our dominance, we found ourselves 1-0 down in the most unfortunate circumstances when a long goal kick caught the wind and looped over our goalkeeper. It was a frustrating setback, but it didn't affect the lads' mentality.

The Blues continued to play some excellent football, moving the ball well and creating more opportunities. Eventually, the pressure told when Jasper House battled his way into space before finishing well to deservedly bring us level before half-time.

The message at the break was simple: keep doing what you're doing.

The lads took that on board and continued to dominate the second half. Jasper was rewarded for another tireless display by grabbing his second goal of the afternoon, once again showing great determination to put the Blues 2-1 ahead.

In truth, it was a game we controlled for long periods and one where we looked the better side. However, at just 2-1, there was always the danger of a late twist.

With less than a minute remaining, we rushed a set-piece instead of managing the game. We surrendered possession, and Maghull took a speculative effort from distance which, once again, looped over our goalkeeper to make it 2-2 with virtually the last kick of the game.

It was a gutting way to finish after such a dominant performance, and the lads were understandably disappointed. They had played Maghull off the park for large spells and deserved more from the game.

That said, football is full of lessons. This was one about being more clinical in front of goal and managing the game properly right until the final whistle. Sometimes performances don't get the result they deserve, but there were far more positives than negatives to take from the afternoon.

A draw is certainly better than a defeat, and we'll dust ourselves down and go again next week against Aintree Villa.

Man of the match went to Jasper House for his goals and battling performance. Matthew Barton ran him close with another strong performance at the back.

Well done, lads. Keep playing football the right way, and the results will continue to come.

Onwards, Blues! ⚽️🔵⚽️🔵

S&A Blues kicked off their WLJFL Summer League campaign today against Cherrybrook Porto at Ormskirk High, and what a fast-paced game it turned out to be.

From the first whistle, both teams played at a high tempo, with Cherrybrook pressing quickly and making life difficult whenever we had possession. The boys responded brilliantly, keeping their shape well and playing some excellent football. Chances came thick and fast, with balls pinging off posts, flying over crossbars, and both goalkeepers being kept busy.

A special mention to Reggie, who was missing today with a broken arm but still turned up to cheer on his teammates 🫡 We also welcomed Ethan for his S&A Blues debut, and he settled into the group straight away, playing his part in a strong team performance 💪🏻

Goals today came from Arthur and Joseph, but just as important were the assists and build-up play that created them ✊🏼 The boys showed brilliant teamwork, collective play and a real willingness to work for each other.

Man of the Match was a difficult decision, with several boys putting themselves in contention, but Arthur picked up the award 👏🏻 Joseph was also presented with Parents Player of the Month trophy 👏🏻

We’re heading into next week’s game with plenty of positive vibes.

Onwards and upwards, Blues ❤️⚽️💙

The U12 Blues are now officially the U13 Blues, as we started our Summer League campaign on preparation for the new season.

The Summer League provides the perfect opportunity to try new things, challenge the lads in different ways, and continue their development, and that’s exactly what we set out to do. Having played in the competition last year, we knew it would be a well-run tournament, and once again the organisation was excellent.

The Blues travelled to Walton Hall to take on Sefton Rangers, and from the first whistle it was clear the lads were up for the challenge.

We started brightly, moving the ball quickly and playing some lovely football. The passing and movement were excellent, and for large periods Sefton simply couldn’t get near us.

The breakthrough came through Luke Smith, who finished well to give the Blues a deserved lead. However, despite controlling the game, we found ourselves pegged back at 1-1 when Sefton scored with a quality finish against the run of play.

The lads didn’t let that affect them and quickly regained control. Matthew Barton restored the lead with a nice header from a corner before Raymond Doolan added a third with a well-taken finish to give the Blues a commanding and thoroughly deserved 3-1 lead going into half-time.

At the break, we spoke about maintaining the high tempo, keeping the passing rhythm flowing, and continuing to trust the football. We also challenged the lads to be patient in possession rather than settling for speculative efforts from distance.

To their credit, they listened and produced an outstanding second-half performance.

The football was superb, and the goals flowed as a result. Daniel Murphy and Andreos Mingas both grabbed braces, while Thomas Murphy also got on the scoresheet as the Blues powered their way to an impressive 8-1 victory.

Man of the match went to Daniel Murphy who played with energy and purpose, getting two well-deserved goals. One a lovely side foot finish from a powerful cross. Well done, Dan!

To be honest, all of the lads were excellent from start to finish. Their passing, movement, and control of the game were outstanding, and it was fantastic to see them put into practice so many of the things we’ve been working on in training.

A brilliant start to the Summer League campaign and a performance we will look to build on in the weeks ahead.

Onwards, Blues! ⚽🔵⚽️🔵

The U12 Blues took to the field today at Burscough FC for the John Disley Cup 🏆 Final against Southport Hesketh. With glorious sunshine overhead and an excellent playing surface underfoot, the stage was perfectly set for a great game of football.

The boys arrived early to take in the atmosphere and occasion, and it was clear from the outset that they were ready for the challenge ahead. In the changing rooms before kick-off, we spoke about carrying on where we left off against Crosby Athletic a few weeks ago, when the lads produced one of their best performances of the season, full of energy, communication, positivity, and quality football.

From the first whistle, the Blues looked settled and confident. The passing and movement were superb, and as the game progressed, the chances started to come. Despite controlling possession and creating opportunities, the opening goal remained elusive. Hesketh showed their threat on the counterattack a couple of times, but the Blues continued to dominate the ball and apply pressure.

The breakthrough finally arrived around the 20-minute mark when Luke Smith finished off a lovely team move to give the Blues a deserved 1-0 lead. It was no more than the lads deserved after an excellent first-half display, and that’s how the score remained going into the break.

At half-time, we spoke about keeping our shape and making sensible decisions. A 1-0 lead can be a dangerous scoreline, and we didn’t want to leave ourselves exposed by pushing too many players forward. The message was to stay patient, keep playing football, and remain focused.

The lads executed that plan brilliantly.

Although Hesketh continued to battle and create opportunities of their own, the football from the Blues was outstanding. Another flowing move resulted in Jacob Bowen calmly slotting home to give us the two-goal cushion we had been looking for.

To Hesketh’s credit, they never stopped fighting. When they won a free-kick on the edge of the box, it looked like they might pull a goal back, but Michael Wain produced a fantastic save to turn a powerful effort around the post and preserve the Blues’ advantage.

The lads remained focused and continued to play some excellent football. Their determination was rewarded again when Jasper House capped off a superb performance with a composed finish to make it 3-0.

Hesketh continued to push and managed to pull a goal back after a brief lapse in concentration from the Blues. At 3-1, there was a sense that the next goal could be important, but the lads responded brilliantly, staying calm and disciplined as Hesketh searched for a way back into the game.

As spaces began to open up, Thomas Murphy put the game beyond doubt with a well-taken fourth goal to seal a fantastic 4-1 victory and secure the John Disley Cup for the Blues.

Man of the Match went to Jasper House for an outstanding performance full of energy, focus, and quality. He worked tirelessly throughout, got himself on the scoresheet, and led by example from start to finish.

Big thanks to our new kit sponsors Iview Opticians and TW flooring 🙌🏻. The boys looked 🔥today!

A huge well done to every single player. This trophy is no more than the lads deserve. To think where this team started at the beginning of the season compared to where they are now is incredible. The progress, resilience, teamwork, and belief they have shown throughout the year have been outstanding.

The players, coaches, and parents should all be incredibly proud. A cup final victory is a fantastic way to finish the season and a reward for all the hard work that has gone into making this team what it is today.

John Disley Cup Winners 2025/26. 💙🏆⚽

Onwards, Blues! 🔵⚽️🔵⚽️

Today the lads for S&A under 16’s Reds lined up for the last time against Burscough FC in the Hightown cup final.

The journey has seen them start as a team together three years prior, where they were subjected to defeats of 19-1.

These results made the team what it is today, a bunch of lads who work hard for each other, a team that bonded over the moments that really test the mind.

Each and everyone turned up, week in week out at training and to the games, progress was tangible, with results improving week on week.

As their coach, it has been an absolute pleasure watching them all grow as individuals and as a team, while being backed by an outstanding set of parents. As everyone bought into the high standards that were set, making sure that each and every player respected each other, the opposition and themselves. After all, some things are bigger than football, having a bunch of lads who are always good people first and foremost is far more important than the results.

The lads grew in stature and confidence. The results started to change, they had become competitive.

This season the results reflected the hard work, finishing top of the spring league and today resulting in the appearance in the final.

The lads carried their determination into the game, starting extremely quickly with goal in under 5 mins. The speed, determination and tenacity from all was evident. 4 more goals followed. Burscough scored with two long range goals, without any other opportunities to trouble the S&A goal.

S&A dominated with class and composure. What a way to finish the season and to end the team on a high. Final score 5-2 to S&A!

Well Done lads!