Lytham St.Annes YMCA U7s - Raptors

FLYFL Lancashire Coulton Cup Finals

YMCA U7s Raptors V Bamber Bridge U7s Girls

After a long cup run for both sides the day finally arrived and as the Raptors arrived at Highbury Road Stadium, the nervous atmosphere was palpable amongst players and supporters.

With the warm up completed the team entered the stadium and the girls excitement was electric. In the changing rooms the last team talks were had and the players gathered themselves. The match day officials led them out of the players tunnel onto the pitch to rapturous applause from our travelling fans adorned in a sea of orange!

Starting team: Annabelle, Millie, Elsie, Emilia and Hope (Capt)
Subs Freya R, Thea, Freya H and Violet
Sadly Maisie was poorly and watched from the stands in support.

1st half

Game on!

Both teams start strong vying for possession with quick chances at both ends testing the keepers. Annabelle is sure gloved and keeps out an early shot on target. They kept us under the cosh with a great break but Millie streaks across to put in an excellent tackle denying a shot on goal.

YMCA immediately take it back up with Hope, Emilia and Elsie surging forward and win a corner. Ball into the box, Bamber Bridge throwing defenders at us, the ball falls to Emilia who passes it across the goal to Elsie who turns and smashes it into the net with her right foot- GOAL!!!

The keeper had no chance! The stands erupt with Orange domination and Pom Poms a shaking, the atmosphere’s amazing.

YMCA are straight back at them creating another shot on goal with some superb midfield strength from Emilia and Hope breaking on the wing. The girls have started to relax and loosen up, playing some great football.
BB break down the right but Hope cuts the ball out, takes control deep in our half and with some amazing skill breaks through the midfield with a great solo run to the right of the goal and shoots, defeating goalie and defender and finds the back of the net- GOAL!

With the pressure on BB, the raptors throw everything at any chance BB try to create. Emilia and Millie dominating at every turn! Emilia is everywhere regaining possession for us- it was like there was two of her on the pitch today!
Freya R comes on and Elsie takes a break. BB surge with a few attempts on goal. Annabelle equal to it all until BB pounce on a goal kick in front of goal and shoot a great goal - Annabelle unable to get a glove to it.

Freya and Millie working well together in defence keep BB at bay from getting anymore clean shots, always seeming to find themselves in the right position during play to disrupt. Millie then makes way for Thea.
BB clear their lines and Hope takes the kick in finding Emilia in the box who stands strong, gathers, turns and shoots!!! GOAL!!!! A well deserved goal for Emilia.

Freya Emilia and Hope continue the pressure up front keeping possession in our opponents half with Thea being able to push right up to defend deep in our opponents half.

Half time- oranges and water.

Some changes made with Freya R proving her utility status moves to the right wing, Elsie on the left, Emilia centre with Millie rejoining in defence and Annabelle in goal.

Second half kicks off and BB immediately pounce taking possession and with a great solo run shoot from distance which somehow finds it way past Annabelle’s effort at the post. In fairness it was a spectacular shot from BB no6!

It becomes a tense battle as BB recharge and battle hard, Freya having to drop back and again joining Millie to keep them out with some strong challenges. Freya is given a rest and Hope is back on. BB eventually seem to run out of steam and the Raptors are dominant pe***ng them back in their half with a great spell of pressure forcing a number of corners and BB scrambling but doing enough to keep it at 3-2. It was a tense part of the game!

Freya H comes in for Elsie and immediately gets involved with some great tackling and passing from our youngest player! From a BB corner YMCA defence are strong and Emilia breaks. Despite interference from their defence she wins the battle and slams home her shot in the top left corner! GOAL!!!! And Emilia’s second.

The raptors take control of the game now keeping BB at bay and Emilia powered through the defence with a quick one two with Freya H which sees her clear….GOAL!!!! Emilia seals her hat-trick in fine form!

Violet makes her entrance into the game and straightaway gets involved tracking and running with her dad shouting his support from the stands above the noise of the crowd!
Sadly the BB goalkeeper takes a knock on her right arm and has to come off through injury! She played awesome for BB .

Hope has a great run but her shot is forced wide. We continue to dominate and the pressure sees the replacement keeper for BB handle the ball just outside the box giving YMCA a free kick in front of goal. BB’s wall looks strong as they all get in. Full of confidence - up steps Emilia. She takes her time- Hope and Violet taking up position for rebounds - she steps up, shoots and drills the ball into the top corner! The crowd goes wild!! GOAL! And 4 for Emilia!

BB come straight back at us forcing an incredible reactive save from Annabelle who has been a spectator for a long period in the second half but she was up to the challenge and keeps the ball out of her net.

Freya R back on in her 3rd position of the day in defence - and despite BB’s last ditch attempts she tracks and tackles amazingly keeping any runs on goal stopped and cleared.

The ref blows the final whistle and YMCA win!!!!
Celebrations commence with all the girls shaking hands and managers and coaches sharing the respect these two teams have for each other.

The girls run to the stands to celebrate an amazing win with their loved ones who have come to support them.

Photos and celebrations start in earnest showing what an amazing team and support we have at YMCA for such an incredible group of girls.

The officials line us up for their winners medals. Officials officiating name Hope, our captain for the day, player of the match!!

Well done Hope!

Managers special mention- Emilia-4 stunning goals today!

Our fans, a blaze of orange and happy faces, watch as the girls step up to take their winners medals and finally, after a long hard season and cup run, the FLYFL Coulton Cup!

Well done girls- you’ve been amazing this season and both manager and coach couldn’t be prouder to have been with you as you reap such well deserved success!

Thanks to our opponents today- Bamber Bridge commiserations and I hope your goalie recovers quickly. Despite the score you gave us a great game as always.

Thanks to our amazing support today who were as loud as they were visible!

Thanks as always to our team sponsors Phil’s Bakery! We are forever grateful to you.

Well now the season closes for us and what a season it was……

Until next season from your FLYFL Coulton Cup Champions 2025/26 -YMCA Raptors! 🧡🖤🧡

Come along and support our girls!!!! They’ve worked incredibly hard to get here.

Today marked the final competitive match for the YMCA Raptors before their upcoming cup final in a few weeks. Prior to this, they faced CN Sports in the season’s last league game. The starting lineup included I Hope in the centre, Thea on the left, Emilia on the right, Millie in defence, and Annabelle in goal, with substitutes Violet and Freya Hall.

The match commenced with the Raptors immediately launching an attack, seizing the ball from the opposition. Within 30 seconds, Hope scored the Raptors’ first goal. The front three displayed excellent coordination, with precise passing and solid tackling, quickly extending the lead to two nil with another goal by Hope. The Raptors maintained their dominance, allowing CN Sports little opportunity to recover. Shortly thereafter, Hope secured a hat-trick with her third goal. In defence, Millie intercepted CN Sports’ advances, while Annabelle made several crucial saves, although it wasn’t entirely one-sided. A series of well-executed passes from the back, involving Millie, Amelia, and Hope, culminated in Thea scoring a powerful fourth goal. Freya Hall substituted for Thea, taking the left wing position, and immediately made an impact with her tight control and strength, both defensively and offensively.

Amelia then scored after a determined effort from the defence, placing the ball in the corner of the net. CN Sports capitalised on their Power Play, and with a change in weather, they applied significant pressure on the Raptors. Millie was omnipresent, and Annabelle demonstrated her prowess as the number one goalkeeper. Despite sustained pressure, the Raptors broke free, allowing Hope to score her fourth goal. CN Sports continued their relentless assault but were thwarted by Annabelle and a resolute Millie. Effective passing from the defence led to Emilia scoring her second goal, prompting CN Sports to introduce an additional player. This strategic move paid off as they scored a remarkable goal from a tight angle, bypassing Annabelle at the far post.

At halftime, changes were made: Hope was substituted for Thea, who returned with Freya Hall, while Emilia and Millie remained in their positions, and Annabelle continued in goal. CN Sports struck first in the second half with a well-placed shot through a crowded area, securing their second goal. The Raptors persevered against the adverse weather and additional players, with Emilia scoring her third goal to achieve a hat-trick.

Tired legs were managed with substitutions, bringing Hope back on for Emilia and Violet for Millie. This adjustment provided some stability, with Violet battling the cold, her determination evident as she worked effectively with Hope. For the first time in a while, the Raptors reached the opposition’s box, and Hope capitalised, scoring her fifth goal. Emilia replaced Thea, who had worked tirelessly and deserved a rest. Violet moved to the midfield, with Hope and Emilia on the wings. Inspired managerial decisions led to Emilia scoring her fourth goal shortly after.

Millie returned to defence, partnering with Freya Hall, who had been solid alongside Annabelle in preventing further goals from CN Sports, who continued to create opportunities. Emilia soon scored her fifth goal. Millie then switched with Emilia to take up an attacking position, linking up well with a now-frozen Violet, who remained active and challenging CN’s control. Eventually, Millie found Hope, who scored her seventh goal of the match. Not to be outdone, Millie seized the opportunity as Hope’s shot was saved, rebounded off the post, and with composure and speed, she gained control and scored with a powerful shot into the bottom corner.

The final whistle blew, and the seven exhausted players held their heads high. With an outstanding team performance, the Raptors secured their final league victory. Annabelle was voted as the parents’ player of the match, and Millie was chosen as the coaches’ player. The team now looks forward to the cup final.

Our thanks go to our sponsors, Phil’s Bakery.

See link below.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Ky7Cd3WzV/?mibextid=wwXIfr

YMCA Raptors v Myerscough Reds U7 girls

Away match this week back playing our friends at Myerscough.

Starting line up with Emilia in goals, Millie, Elsie Hope and Freya R. Thea volunteering for starting off the bench.

With the sun making an appearance the girls were slow to start with Myerscough showing good intent and an opening goal. Emilia in the unusual position of goalie soon rolled up her sleeves and made some great saves. The possession swung to YMCA making excellent forward movement and seeing the ball being passed across the pitch and creating a number of opportunities with Hope opening the score for is levelling the match.
Our girls really got stuck in, Myerscough did too and the game gave opportunities at both ends but the keepers both played outstanding but YMCA have Millie at the back…and if the get past her then the earned a shot on goal for us! Her tackling and meeting head on whoever runs at her a fearless abandon is so good to watch!
YMCA made a change with Freya R going in goal and Emilia set free. Emilia wasted no time in scoring for us. Hope scored next with a lovely goal after some strong tackling midfield leaving to run at goal.
Second half
Thea now on the pitch showed her strength in the wing with some great crosses. Hope and Thea linked up very nicely drawing in the defence leaving Elsie almost unmarked on the left. A smart play over to her and she controlled well and slotted a great goal into the net.
Myerscough came straight back at us scoring with a great shot from the edge of the box.
The game was really end to end and both keepers making numerous saves. Thea scored the goal off the match from the sideline but rules being as they are…it was disallowed. She saw to that a few minutes later when the ball dropped her on the right side of the box…with plenty of encouragement from mum and dad.. smashed it home!
Elsie took a turn in goals and Freya stepped into defence to allow Millie a run up front. Again no matter the chances today all the girls stepped up and controlled the game.
Myerscough made us fight to the final whistle but not after Hope and Emilia both added to their tally for the day!

With Stu and Rob at a loss to pick anyone from the group this week such was the effort from all the girls a player of the match was chosen…and coaches player went to Hope and parents player went to Emilia for two thoroughly gritty performances !

Thanks as always to our supporters and to our team sponsors - Phil’s bakery.

YMCA Raptors V Springfield U7s Girls

After the Easter break it’s was back to it with a trip to Springfield’s.

The girls were raring to go, mostly, with Freya Hall leading us out as this weeks Captain.

YMCA started strongly in the first half finding their rhythm quickly with Hope opening up with a goal.
Springfield put us under constant pressure forcing some great tackling and saves at the back from Annabelle and Elsie. When we broke the pressure with positive forward play that was quick and supported with Hope adding a further goal. Maisie, despite not much game time recently, ran strong with ball and tackled well but time in the pitch showed her gain confidence which was great to see.

10 minutes in Freya Reid and Millie came on off the bench with Freya H and Maisie giving way. Freya R dropping in to defence and Millie playing on the right wing. Both got stuck in with Freya letting nothing past gaining confidence in that sometimes isolated position and Millie quickly developing pace down the wing and creating opportunities. Hope broke clear-and with some silky foot skills with the ball beat the defenders surging in on her and provided the finishing shot home again. Freya R ran in from the back passing beautifully through to Hope in the box who finished it with a lovely rising shot that beat the Springfields keeper.
Hope continued to threaten and with the Springfield defence coming in on her on the left she threaded the ball into the box to the waiting feet of Millie, with some great control bright the ball on to her right foot and slammed the ball into the back of the net! A great finish!

Second half saw Springfield bring on the power play which we initially contained with How adding a further two goals. The challenge of the extra player played out for Springfield who played well and pushed us at the back scoring 3 despite the hard work in defence.

Overall a great game back and thanks to Springfield girls who never gave up!

Thanks as always to the travelling supporters and Phil’s Bakery our team sponsors.

This weeks parents player of the match was Hope and coaches player awarded to Freya R.

YMCA Raptors v Morecambe Ladies U7s Girls

Today’s Captain -Millie

In fine English tradition the weather was awful today, then got worse in the second half.

Despite the weather, both sides made a fantastic game of it today and competed with lots of passion.

The first half saw the Raptors with the lion’s share of possession but despite very mixed bag of shots at goal the girls just couldn’t find the back of the Morecambe net. The girls challenged well and lots of pressure but the final touch evaded them. Annabelle in goals and Millie in defence kept a half time clean sheet. Thea, Freya and Elsie connecting and supporting each other fanatically! The best chance of the first half went to Thea but the shot from outside the box just had too much spin on the ball and the shot went wide. All three forwards had shots but the Morecambe keeper made save after save and kept them in the game.

Second half saw the cold horizontal rain join us and with the raptors playing into the wind the challenge was met head on. Changes saw Thea step into the goals and Annabelle moved out in defence. Millie moved up front to join Freya and Elsie. Violet joined the game in the second half coming off the bench, much to Coach Rob’s relief as he’d run himself into the ground keeping her warmed up!

Initially the run of play was with Morecambe and a good run up the right wing saw them expose us at the back and they scored a gift of a goal.
This seemed to jolt us back into action and the Raptors dominated again. Passing was progressive and movement into the box, like a coaches dream, saw a number of chances created. Annabelle and Thea combining well to keep out more early attempts.
Freya Reid opened up the tally after Morecambe cleared with a long ball picked up by Annabelle at the back who replied with a strong pass through the middle to Freya. Freya controlled the ball, turned and surged into the box, with a defender and keeper still to beat, she struck the ball well slotting it into the right corner!
Freya’s second goal came with Millie collecting the ball deep in our half and turned on the pace taking the ball wide onto the right wing with Freya in support running into the box. Millie times her pass brilliantly finding Freya who turned and struck the ball in to the opposite corner beating the keeper!
After a goal celebration, which we can only describe as ‘improving’, the Raptors came straight back surging forward putting Morecambe under pressure at the back. Freya kicked forwards and Morecambe tried to clear the ball out of the box but it fell to Elsie coming in off the left wing to pounce and strike the ball with her first touch smashing the ball into the bottom left corner!
The final whistle blew and all players showed their relief to be able to finally escape the horrendous cold rain! Cold hands were shook and the girls came off beaming and rightly so as it was a game to behold! A very well matched game with some great passing and movement.

Coaches and parents all agreed that all the girls worked so well and played their parts as team that both awards went to the entire team!

Thanks again to our amazing parents supporting us and our sponsors Phil’s Bakery for making it all possible.

Thanks also to Morecambe for making the journey to us and giving us a great game today!

YMCA Raptors v Bamber Bridge U7 girls

Today was an away league match that was a rehearsal of the Coulton Cup final.

YMCA played well but ultimately succumbed to a strong Bamber bridge side that were full of purpose.

Starting line up was Thea in goals. Freya in defence, with Elsie, Annabelle and Violet leading the charge up front. Hope and Millie taking their turn in the bench.

The first half saw Bamber bridge start really strong and YMCA using power play to even the play. YMCA tried really hard with some good efforts but BB were dominant. Due to a temporary eye injury to Elsie, Hope and Millie joined the fray!

Second half changes evened up the game with both Hope and Freya finding the back of the net with well worked forward pressure.

The girls came off happy and that’s all that counts!

Well done to Bamber bridge…. We’ll be back!

Parents awarded their player of the match to Elsie and manners player of the match award went to Thea.

As always than you to the travelling support and our sponsors.

Today saw the YMCA Raptors playing Myerscough Juniors FDC in the FLYFL Girls Coulton Cup U7s semi finals.
The starting lineup Annabelle (goalkeeper), Millie (centre back), Freya Read (left wing) Hope (centre), Emilia (right wing) and leading the girls this week as Captain.
Kickoff saw the Raptors playing into strong wind and rain but undeterred they chased Myerscough down. The ball coming to Emilia who drove forward shot and scored. Hope next after some quick play down the left with Emilia whose final pass set up Hope who composed herself and scored. It wasn’t all the Raptors own way Millie was working hard covering ground putting the tackles in. If it got past Millie Annabelle was in top form making some incredible saves.
The next Annabelle passed from goal to Freya Read she turned and ran with it down the wing forcing it through to Hope through to Emilia in the box who shot and scored.
Thea came on early in the game, taking over from Millie who received a knock. Thea was quickly into the match having to defend with some good strong clearances, paving the way for Emilia to score again.
Myerscough were dogged not giving up putting everything into it before half time. Thea and Annabelle did their best to keep them at bay, but a good shot saw Myerscough hit the back of the net.
Half time break saw some changes, with Violet and Freya Hall coming on. Violet and Freya brought renewed energy with strong tackles, blocking and marking. Chances were created for the Raptors seeing Emilia score two more. Myerscough upped the pace and brought on changes, they were relentless, scoring two great goals in quick succession leaving Annabelle no chance.

The Raptors rallied round as a team all the girls working hard together. Hope coming back on quickly netted before some good teamwork saw Emilia score again, a few minutes later the ref blew the final whistle. … the YMCA Raptors had made it to the final, smiles all round.

Emilia was picked as the parents star of the game and the coaches award went to Annabelle who’s bravery in the goals kept us in it.
Stu and myself are very proud of the girls who are the only team in the competition that received no By’s, and played every minute of every game to reach the final.
Well done the Raptors 👏🏻👏🏻