With the match taking place in early June it meant it had been a few weeks since their last game but the team had worked hard in training to keep fit and continue the excellent development they’d shown since the start of the season. The run up to the final was a tale of a fractured wrist, a broken toe and a broken hand but the team arrived relaxed and in great spirits, taking time to watch the U12s Blacks win their final in the game before (well done lads!)

Warm up done it was time to walk out and get the game started for what was certain to be a tough match against a Southport & Ainsdale team who’d pushed hard for the league title, losing only one game all season.

Settling well and making the most of the large pitch and perfect surface Redgate soon got their passing game going and created the better chances in the first half, with the S & A keeper making a couple of smart saves to keep the score at 0-0.

Half time gave coaches Stephen Johnson and Rob Shalliker the chance to make a couple of tactical changes to allow the team to retain the ball better in central midfield and give them the platform to break forward. The team put this into great effect with some neat interplay and stretching the play and although S & A came back strongly in the second half, the Redgate lads stood firm restricting their opponents to long shots. Inspired by this, the Redgate forwards pressed and harried the S & A back line and got their reward after chasing what looked like a lost cause to create an opportunity to score what turned out to be the winning goal from around 8 yards.

With 10 minutes left and the game being stretched as both teams tired, Redgate switched to a Jose Mourihno-esque formation to see out the game but still managed to create a couple of chances on the break. After what seemed like an eternity of added time (it wasn’t in reality!) the final whistle meant the celebrations could begin!

With half the team being new at the start of the season, and some difficult results in the first half of the season, the team really showed just what can be achieved with hard work and commitment….and with parents who looked beyond results and trusted the coaches – it really does make a difference.

Thanks to the league for their great organisation on the day, Burscough FC and of course the 4 match officials who let the game flow wherever possible.