Bright start for St Annes Yellows as Blackpool and District Youth League returns to action

The wind is often a factor at Blackpool Road North and the hosts made the most of the elements to take a grip on the contest with three goals late in the first half.

Tireless Hiley was named the Yellows’ man of the match for his workrate and two goals, including a stunning chip from more than 30 yards.

Dan Cook added the third to leave Poulton with a mountain to climb after they had competed strongly for much of the first period.

The visitors couldn’t make the most of the elements in their favour after the restart and had to settle for an Oliver Hulme goal midway through the second period.

They had chances of a second which would have set up an exciting finale but the Yellow were worthy winners, despite the best efforts of Poulton’s outstanding right-back Ted Balshaw.

Yellows manager Steve Robinson told the Gazette: “It great to be back and good to see our players winning their individual duels. It was a good game in a very strong wind and we made more of the wind than they did.

“It had been a long time. When the players came back for training they were all taller and the faces had aged. They almost came back looking like men.”

Poulton boss Steve Malone added: “We’ve had a friendly but it was six months since the last competitive game. We didn’t have a sniff of goal against the wind in the first half but we were much better in the second.”

In the same competition, Adam-James Murphy, Joel Walker and Tyler Morton scored for Layton Clarets in their 3-0 win over Foxhall Hoops. FC Rangers were 7-0 home winners over Wyre Juniors and Poulton FC started with a 3-1 win over St Annes Diamonds.

The league was delighted to get under way on Saturday, having feared it would be 2021 before grassroots football returned. Thanks and praise are due to all the volunteers whose dedication ensured the season could kick-off safely.

The Under-7s started their football journey with a festival kindly hosted by Thornton Cleveleys FC.

There was lots entertaining football played by the excited players, who were all a credit to their clubs.

The other U7 teams who played in development league matches will hold their festival this weekend.

The greatly expanded Under-8 section also began development league matches. The skills on show testified to how hard players had practised at home in lockdown.

The Under-9s are now playing seven-a-side matches. The success of the online training sessions conducted by managers could be seen as players displayed their skills after a minimal pre-season.