AFC Blackpool's U17s claim battling victory

AFC Blackpool’s U17s were 1-0 winners against Lancaster City in their first home game in the very competitive North West Youth Alliance.

The AFC players had gone into the game, looking to carry on from their 5-0 away win against Wythenshawe Amateurs.

The game started with Lancaster showing signs that they were a very decent footballing side as they did not give the AFC players time to settle.

Much of the first half was a very tough midfield battle with AFC limiting Lancaster to a few speculative attempts.

They also created a few good chances for themselves which went begging as the first half ended goalless.

Both sides made a change at half-time and the game carried on in the same vein as the opening period.

It was going to take something special to break either of the very well-drilled defences and that arrived in the 70th minute.

AFC striker Charlie Simmons won a 50-50 tackle on the halfway line before driving forward and finding Ryan Perkes on the edge of the area.

Perkes then took a touch and, with a fantastic finish, slammed the ball home from around 12 yards out.

The goal seemed to spur on Lancaster and they had a few chances to equalise as they pushed the AFC defence hard.

However, AFC stood firm with keeper Kian Dodgson making a smart save towards the end of the game to keep their clean sheet intact.