Skelmersdale Youth Suffer Heavy Defeat To 7 ELITE ACADEMY At Victoria Park

Skelmersdale Youth hosted 7 ELITE ACADEMY in a league home match at Victoria Park, Burscough Football Club, on 19 October 2025 with kick-off at 10:30am. The 60-minute nine-a-side encounter ended in a 4-1 defeat for Skelmersdale Youth. Despite a late consolation goal, the home side were outclassed by their opponents throughout the contest.

Skelmersdale Youth lined up in a 3-3-2 formation, deploying three defenders, three midfielders, and two forwards. Joseph Edwards took his place between the sticks as goalkeeper. The defensive trio consisted of Joe Dunn at right defender, Luca Stockton centrally, and Hudson Barnes on the left. The midfield was anchored by Dean Taylor in the centre, flanked by Hayden Mathers on the right and Noah Wooding on the left. Up front, Jacob Rimmer operated as right forward with Georgie Windsor on the left. This setup was designed to balance defensive solidity with attacking support, expecting the wide midfielders to provide width and the forwards to spearhead the attack.

The substitutes available for Skelmersdale Youth were Archie Bird, Olly Spencer, Paulie O’Kane, and Gary Taylor.

The match began with 7 ELITE ACADEMY asserting early dominance, opening the scoring in the 10th minute. This early goal set the tone and forced Skelmersdale Youth into swift tactical changes. Just three minutes later, at the 13th minute mark, two substitutions were made simultaneously: Archie Bird replaced Jacob Rimmer, and Olly Spencer came on for Hudson Barnes, both changes made for tactical reasons as the home side sought to regain control.

Despite these adjustments, the visitors doubled their lead in the 20th minute. Skelmersdale Youth responded with further tactical substitutions; Paulie O’Kane replaced Hayden Mathers, and Gary Taylor came on for Noah Wooding, both at the 19th and 20th minutes respectively. These changes aimed to inject fresh energy and stability into midfield and defence.

The first half concluded at 30 minutes, with 7 ELITE ACADEMY firmly in control. Immediately after the break, Hudson Barnes returned to the pitch, replacing Luca Stockton at the 31st minute, signalling a reshuffle in defence. A minute later, Jacob Rimmer was reintroduced for Dean Taylor, indicating a shift in midfield and forward dynamics.

The visitors extended their advantage further in the 38th minute, adding a third goal. Skelmersdale Youth made another tactical substitution at the 40th minute, with Dean Taylor coming back on for Luca Stockton, reflecting ongoing attempts to find the right balance.

7 ELITE ACADEMY continued to press and scored their fourth goal in the 45th minute, effectively putting the game beyond doubt. Skelmersdale Youth made one more tactical substitution at the 50th minute, bringing Noah Wooding back on for Paulie O’Kane.

Despite the uphill battle, Skelmersdale Youth managed to pull a goal back in the 52nd minute. Georgie Windsor struck with his right foot from inside the box, providing a moment of hope and reward for the home side’s persistence.

The referee, Alex, officiated the match with a solid performance, maintaining control throughout the fast-paced 60-minute contest.

Ultimately, 7 ELITE ACADEMY’s clinical finishing and early dominance secured a convincing 4-1 victory at Victoria Park, leaving Skelmersdale Youth to reflect on a challenging day against a superior side.