Report

Layton Blues 1 - 3 Cadley FC
Despite the defeat we could ask no more from the boys. Prior to the game we congratulated the boys on their progress not just this season but in the last 2 1/2 years. As a result of all their hard work, today we became the first Layton Juniors team to ever compete in a Lancs Cup semi final.
At this stage of the competition we knew we were in for a very tough match. We stressed the importance of hard work and communication on the pitch. We asked the lads to put everything into the game and to have no regrets after the match, to make sure they went for every header and challenge for every tackle. As usual they did not let us down.
Before I get onto the match I would like thank Cadleys team, officials and fans who were a credit to their club. The match was played in a fantastic manner despite its importance and was excellently refereed by Anthony Zak (with his assistants Cameron and Andrei).

The Match
The pitch at Stanley Park Arena is a big as any we are likely to play on. Our aim therefore was to try and get the ball wide as soon as possible and use our pace on the flanks. Cadley started well and put us on the back foot. Defensively we had to be strong and Luke T and Andrew had to be at their best. Against a well organised team we started slowly but after ten minutes we started to get into the game. Nathan put Jaydan through and the Cadley keeper made a fine save. Both teams traded efforts and the match was fairly even. Cadley then had a break down the right and when the cross came in a clearance cannoned back to the feet of a forward who finished clinically. 0-1.
At this stage we had to re-arrange as Luke T came off injured. Jenson went onto the right and George into centre half. This meant Jack Webster could push forward. Before we could really settle down we went 2 behind when another cross from the right was headed home by a defender for an OG. 0-2.
This spurred us on and we had a good spell upto half time. Jenson put a couple of good crosses in and Lewis shot from long range. In midfield Kieron was having a fine game, spreading play whenevr possible. Unfortunately we couldn't score before the break. H-t 0-2.

During the break we again emphasised the importance of moving the ball quickly. Our chances in the first half came when we passed at pace and spread it wide. So if we could try and do this more we were sure chances would come.
We started the 2nd half as we finished the first. As a team we were strong throughout. JT and Alan were superb at the back. Connor came on and along with Kieron and Lewis battled well in midfield. George was powerful as ever. Luke B and Jack Wrigley came on and  slotted in at full backs. Further up field Jaydan and Jack Webster chased everything. Liam was commanding in nets and made several good saves.
Ten minutes into the second half a speculative shot from Lewis somehow found the net and it was game on. 1-2. We continued to push forward and looked like we might equalise but were now leaving ourselves open to the break. Jenson was unlucky when the ref failed to play advantage when he was about to shoot. At the other end Liam raced out of his box in an attempt to clear but caught the attacker instead. Form the resulting free kick Cadley scored their crucila 3rd goal. 1-3.
Despite our efforts we could find no way back. We battled to the end but with no joy and Cadley claimed a 3-1 victory.

Once again we cannot praise the lads highly enough. Despite playing a fine Cadley team we matched them in most departments which can only be a good sign for the future. Matches like this can only stand us in good stead for tough challenges to come. We are learning form every game and we can see the improvements week after week.
It just leaves us to wish Cadley all the best in the final and most of all thank all the parents and fans that came to cheer us on, I'm sure it must have been a record attendance for Layton Juniors. It is just a shame we fell a little short on the day. I can assure you this is through no lack of effort on the boys part.
Despite the result well done lads!!!