English Schools' Football Association

Wednesday 30 November 2011, Squires Gate Football Club

On a windy night on the West Coast, Lancashire crashed out of the English Schools’ FA Under 16 Inter County Trophy in a Round Two game which could have gone either way. With the wind in their favour, Lancashire started the game well but failed to convert early chances. Merseyside had a great chance after 12 minutes following a defence-splitting through ball but Danny McGloughlin failed to test the keeper. After 21 minutes an incredible miss by a Lancashire forward kept the game goalless. On the half hour Merseyside then took the lead when a cross from the right was allowed to find Danny McGloughlin on the left side of the penalty area and he converted with ease. Following a great save after 32 minutes by the Merseyside keeper Sam Ramsbottom, who was on top form all night, Lancashire were awarded a corner from which full back Joe Noblet headed in the equaliser. Lancashire still had the time to miss another excellent chance when a through ball dissected the Merseyside defence only for the Lancashire forward to fail to hit the target.

Two great saves from the Merseyside keeper kept his side in the game during the opening period of the second half before Merseyside themselves had a great chance to take the lead after 49 minutes. Then, on 53 minutes, disaster for Lancashire when Danny McGloughlin, was allowed to run through unchecked to the Lancashire goal to put his side 2-1 ahead. The real turning point of the game came after 67 minutes when a tremendous shot by a Lancashire player crashed against the cross bar and the follow up shot brought another tremendous save by the Merseyside keeper. An equalising goal at this time would almost certainly have given Lancashire the confidence to press home their advantage for a winning goal. Despite creating further chances, the equalising goal never came and Merseyside, by virtue of taking two chances, some stout defending and an excellent goalkeeping display, proceeded into Round 3 of the ESFA Trophy. Lancashire, by only scoring one goal after creating countless chances, are left to concentrate on finishing in the top two of the Northern Counties' Championship West League in order to qualify for the semi-final of that competition.