Congratulations boys on a superb season. A top 3 finish in your first season in the incredibly strong Northwest youth alliance premier division. I know a lot of people inside and outside the club had their doubts if this young group could hold their own at this level. I had great trust and faith in the boys, and they have proved everybody wrong and more. The lads only missed out on a runners up place by a point. The boys still finish on a very impressive 42 points a point behind Fylde in 2nd. Clearly some breach of rule has taken place as Fylde have now jumped ahead of us into a runners up spot having been awarded 3 points in the game that they lost against Curzon Ashton who drop to 4th having been deducted 3 points.

We've played against some fantastic clubs and venue's. Also a great run in the FA Youth Cup is not forgotten getting to the 4th round beating big clubs on the way, Clitheroe, Marine, Hyde Utd. A narrow defeat by a strong AFC Fylde team prevented the boys meeting the Cat A clubs. Certainly a top achievement.

As always the boys bounced back when they met AFC Fylde again, this time knocking them out of the Lancs Cup. Further big scalps came along the Lancs Cup journey beating national league team Barrow. A fantastic semi final saw the boys overcome a very strong Padiham team to reach a third consecutive Lancs Cup Final.

The boys didn't stop there, amazingly securing a 3rd consecutive Lancs Cup title winning 1-0 against a hard working Elton Vale team. Winning the Lancs cup for the 3rd consecutive season is something that has never been done before, and I doubt it will be done again for a long time. Not happy with one cup final the boys again defeated AFC Fylde, and then Prescot Cables along the way to secure a 2nd cup final against runaway leaders Chester City in the NWYA Open Cup. Being one of only two other teams to take points off high flying Chester having taken a point from them 2 days earlier in the league, the cup final was one game to far losing 4-1 on the day. The score line wasn't a true reflection of a close game having taken the lead. At 2-1 as always the the boys never gave up despite a big blow losing Charlie to a bad injury, and some very tired legs the lads still pushed forward for an equaliser. It was inevitable that trying to get back into the game we could get caught on the break, which was the case conceding two late goals. If at least one of the penalty shouts goes the lads way in the 1st half it could of been a different game. That said a very strong and rested Chester City team deserved the win on the day. Things definately never went our way that day with further injuries, another ambulance journey for the 2nd time in a week, and crucial decisions didn't go our way but "that's football" as they say. I think the boys achievements is a testament to a great group of lads. It would also be fair to say that everybody played their part, and the squad was tested to the full throughout the season. 3 games in 6 days was a common occurrence during the end of April and May. Bad injuries to Denham and Charlie certainly cost us at an important time in the season. Also lengthy spells on the side lines due to injury through the season for Matt, Sarge, Scott, Mike M, George, Ryan S, and Lucas tested the squad to the full. It's fair to say the boys stood up and were counted in a difficult end to a remarkable season. On top of that we had great success with George, Dion, and Lewis G all representing Lancashire. Dion then picked up by Bury playing against Salford, and going on to sign an 18 month Scholarship. Matt R, Jamie, Harry, George, Lewis G, Alex and Denham all selected for our development team. Further success with both George and Alex going on to make their 1st team debuts. A fantastic season, which you all should be extremely proud of. We sometimes take things for granted but when we reflect and look back the boys should look at this season with extreme pride. A fantastic season with one of the smallest and youngest squads in the league. With a successful and very strong under 16s team coming through the future is extremely bright for the club.

I'd like to personally thank all the lads for their hard work and dedication this season. I feel privileged to work with such a great group of lads, the majority of which I've coached and worked alongside since a young age. A big thank you also goes to the club, parents, grandparents and friends for their great support as always. Thanks.

Brad