Soccer News – Blackpool Challenge Cup

Hi all,

Just a quick update on our trip to Blackpool.

Yesterday was a big day for both teams.

Our U-13s were competing in the Challenge Cup. The day began with a semi-final against Red Star BK from Denmark. Ashton comprehensively outplayed their European opponents to record a facile 6-0 win with goals from Jordan Delurey (3), Jake Buttimer, Brendan Jalill and Ethan Nixon.

The final would see Ashton pitted against Morecambe Hawks. It was a very close encounter. Morecambe took the lead, but Leonard Sheehan got a late equaliser to send the game to penalties. There was to be heartbreak at the end as our last penalty crashed off the underside of the crossbar and somehow stayed out.

Our U-14s started the day needing to win our final group game to qualify for the Challenge Cup final. The opposition was VV Always Forwards from the Netherlands. In a very tense encounter Ashton prevailed, thanks to the only goal of the game from Jordan Delurey.

The final was against AFC Blayney from Monaghan. While Ashton had the bulk of the play and chances, a combination of bad luck and an outstanding performance by the opposition keeper saw Ashton held scoreless, and AFC Blayney converted a late free kick to steal the title.

Regards,

Ian Cunningham