Wigton Moor 2 Burley U-17s 4

INJURIES, sickness and holidays meant that Burley Under-17s travelled to Wigton with just 11 men as Hill, Reynaud and King were all absent. The pitch was wet with the odd pool of water around and the visitors were asked to kick-off up the slope and against the breeze.

Sant was soon in action making a good save from a strong shot and when a ball was played through Campbell made a vital interception to clear upfield. Burley were settling down and trying to play good football but the home side were always a threat with their quick raids. Sant was coming out well, with good shouts, to collect any overhit passes.

Burley gained their first corner when a good ball from Wheeler to Carroll forced a Wigton defender to put the ball over the line. Campbell was a dominant figure in the visitor's defence and Burley enjoyed some possession but without ever posing a threat.

Wigton took the lead when a good through ball found a striker and he chipped Sant to score. The home side scored again after a throw-in from the right wasn't cleared properly, there was a shot and it ricocheted off a defender past Sant. The half closed with the home side well on top.

Burley started the second-half strongly and were presented with two chances when Carroll's corners were not cleared properly. Layfield headed over in the first case and Holmes shot over in the second. The visitors were having plenty of possession but still did not test the 'keeper. A good ball from Campbell then found Carroll and he put in a strong shot which the 'keeper put behind for a corner. Over it came, causing problems again and Goodison fastened onto a loose ball to beat the 'keeper with a low shot.

Campbell was joining the attack from centre-back and any Wigton breaks were dealt with by Holmes, Taylor, Goulden and Middlesbrough. Goodison always threatened for the visitors and fellow striker Carroll should have hit the target when put through by Griffiths but he shot past the near post.

The visitors were becoming more and more dangerous and Goodison was a real handfull in the middle. Burley equalised when a superb diagonal ball from Griffiths was picked up by Carroll and he ran through to score with a low shot. Wigton were still in it but Holmes marshalled his defence well.

Burley threatened again and when Wheeler played a good ball to Goodison he beat the 'keeper with a lob to put the visitors in front. They increased their lead when a good ball down the left from Campbell was collected by Goodison who took the ball on and crossed. Layfield then came from nowhere to score with a first-time volley. An excellent goal. Burley had given a great display, against the odds, to gladden the hearts of their faithful supporters.

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