This match was played in foul conditions and Euxton did not get off to a great start. Things were not helped by delayed access to changing facilities leaving less time to warm up on a cold and wet night.

Leyland started much the stronger and used the advantage of a marked slope on the pitch well. They played a lot in the Euxton half and were strong in midfield. As a result the Euxton defence were under pressure and across the team we were not winning the 50 / 50 balls. However the defence did work the off side trap well and Matthew pulled off 3 fantastic saves to keep Leyland to just a 1 - 0  lead at half time.

The half time team talk was about picking the boys up as they had played their worst 30 minutes of 11 a side football so far. The positive was despite being pegged back for most of the half , we had still created chances on the break and with luck might even have come in level. We also knew that we had the advantage of the slope. However we had to start showing more determination in the second half.

The boys responded very well and right from kick off the midfield started to win tackles and drive us forward. After 5 minutes Josh finished a move well to put us back on level terms. Leyland were playing a risky offside trap and after a number of escapes they paid the price when Connor timed his run well , beat the trap and scored - a true strikers goal.

He then added a second and our third and we were in a position to close the game down . Dominic was used tactically to mark a prominent player for Leyland , who were still pressing hard - however our organisation meant that Matthew hardly had a save to make in the second half.

This was truly a game of two halves. Two good sides played good football in poor conditions with lots of enthusiasm and skill. Despite starting poorly Euxton came stronger as the game progressed and ran out deserved winners in the end.

Man of the Match :  Dominic