Michael Galliers terrific 43rd minute free kick saw Lancashire FA progress to the Semi Final stage of the FA County Youth Cup.
It didn’t take long for the game to spark into life, in a lively first half Lancashire produced the first opportunity of the game within the opening seconds. Nathan Martland pounced on Jordan Wilson’s flick to slide the ball beyond the advancing keeper, only to see the ball cleared to safety by the Suffolk defence.
Both sides played open attacking football in the first period with neither team being able to take a firm hold of the game. The best move of the half saw Suffolk come close to taking the lead, only for Lee Novak to produce a fine finger tip save to push Joe Clark’s effort onto the post.
Again, Nathan Martland came close to giving Lancashire the upper hand. A pinpoint cross from Adam Sumner on the left allowed Martland to get behind the Suffolk backline, but his effort was palmed away by Nick Pope in the Suffolk goal.
On the stroke of half time, it was indeed Martland who was needlessly fouled 25 yards out from the Suffolk goal. Michael Galliers stepped up to curl his effort over the wall and into the top corner giving Pope no chance.
After the break, it was Suffolk who began to dominate as they pressed forward for the equaliser. Lancashire’s defence of Lewis Savva, Jordan Holmes, Jack Duggan and Alex Kenyon were frequently tested, as Suffolk wasted a number of good opportunities. However, Lee Novak in the Lancashire goal was in fine form & equal to the task on the occasions he was called upon.
Lancashire’s second half chances were few and far between, with the only notable efforts from Fleetwood Town’s Adam Sumner and Furness Cavalier’s Jordan Dix.
In the end Suffolk ran out of time as Lancashire held on to secure their place in the last four of the competition.
Lancashire FA will now travel to Sheffield & Hallamshire FA this coming Saturday, 6th February. The tie will take place at Hillsborough, the home of Sheffield Wednesday FC, kick off 2.00pm
Team versus Suffolk FA:
1. Lee Novak (Ashton Athletic FC)
2. Lewis Savva (Southport FC)
3. Alex Kenyon (Myerscough College FDC)
4. Jack Duggan (Fleetwood Town FC)
5. Jordan Holmes (Fleetwood Town FC)
6. Jamie McKernan (Southport FC)
7. Michael Galliers (Croston Sports Club FC)
8. Jordan Dix (Furness Cavaliers FC)
9. Nathan Martland (Southport FC)
10. Jordan Wilson (Old Blackburnians Lammack FC)
11. Adam Sumner (Fleetwood Town)
12. Mark Chester (Charnock Richard FC)
14. Vincent Bailey (Southport FC)
15. Matty Baygot (Old Blackburnians Lammack FC)
16. Mark France (Fleetwood Town FC)
17. Donvan Chinemhute (Winstanley Warriors FC)