Southport Hesketh book trophy final place after 7 goal thriller

29th April 2024

Southport Hesketh beat Penwortham St Teresas (U17) 5-2 to reach the Syndicate Trust Youth Trophy Final where they will meet Atherton Laburnham Rovers at Bamber Bridge FC on Wednesday 8 May at 7.30pm.

There was a sensational start to the tie with referee Mark Hughes awarding two penalties in the first five minutes. Joe Clayton stepped up to put St Teresas ahead after just 2 minutes, but the Southport Hesketh pen was brilliantly saved 3 minutes later. St Teresas went further ahead on 33 minutes when Joe Clayton added his and their second.

The Southport fight back started two minutes later when Louis Kearns netted on 35 minutes and Eric Thompson’s goal on 45 minutes sent the teams in 2-2 at half time.

The second half saw Southport Hesketh take control and they added further goals from Ben McCall (56 mins), Nile Fitzgerald (72) and Layton Galley (84 mins) to make the final score 5-2.

These two well organised teams made every effort to play attractive football and entertain their supporters and all credit to their managers Kieran Hopkins (Penwortham St Teresas) and Dean Rimmer (Southport Hesketh). The match officials were on top form also, Referee Mark Hughes and his Assistants Charlie Carlisle & Owain Lucas.

Finally, a word of thanks to Neil Morgan and the back room team at Cadley FC for their help and co-operation in staging this semi-final at their excellent facilities at Conway Drive.