Skelmersdale Youth Fall To JN Sports Rangers At Victoria Park

On the morning of 9 November 2025, Skelmersdale Youth hosted JN Sports Rangers in a 9-a-side league fixture at Victoria Park, Burscough Football Club, kicking off promptly at 8:30am. The match concluded with a 5-2 victory for the visitors, JN Sports Rangers, who outclassed the home side over the 60 minutes of play.

Skelmersdale Youth lined up in a 2-3-3 formation, deploying Joseph Edwards in goal, with Joe Dunn and Luca Stockton as the central defensive pairing. The midfield trio consisted of Paulie O’Kane on the right, Jacob Rimmer centrally, and Noah Wooding on the left. Up front, Archie Bird operated on the right wing, Georgie Windsor led as striker, and Gary Taylor featured on the left forward position. This setup was designed to balance defensive solidity with attacking width and midfield control. Dean Taylor was named among the substitutes.

The game started with Skelmersdale Youth showing intent, Georgie Windsor’s early attempt in the fifth minute went wide, followed by Jacob Rimmer’s high shot two minutes later. Windsor tested the opposition keeper again in the tenth minute, but his effort was comfortably saved. However, the visitors struck first in the 11th minute with a fluke goal that caught the home defence off guard, setting the tone for the match.

Shortly after, tactical changes began as Dean Taylor replaced Paulie O’Kane in the 13th minute, aiming to shore up the midfield. A controversial moment followed when Georgie Windsor was flagged offside in the 15th minute, a decision that replays suggested was incorrect. Despite this, JN Sports Rangers capitalised on a defensive error to double their lead from close range in the 17th minute.

Jacob Rimmer attempted to stem the tide with a tackle at 18 minutes, though it failed to prevent a chance. Interestingly, another substitution was recorded at the same time, with Noah Wooding coming on for Paulie O’Kane, indicating a possible error in the records or a quick tactical reshuffle. Defensively, Luca Stockton headed away a threatening ball in the 22nd minute, and Archie Bird’s timely tackle a minute later prevented further danger.

Skelmersdale’s attacking efforts continued but were largely thwarted. Windsor’s shot was saved again in the 27th minute, and Bird’s wide attempt at 30 minutes went begging. The first half concluded with JN Sports Rangers firmly in control.

The second half saw JN Sports Rangers extend their advantage immediately, scoring another close-range goal in the 32nd minute following a defensive lapse. Skelmersdale Youth responded with a tactical substitution in the 36th minute, bringing Noah Wooding on for Georgie Windsor to inject fresh energy.

The visitors continued to dominate, adding a goal from a well-worked team move outside the box in the 42nd minute, followed by a close-range solo effort three minutes later, pushing the scoreline to 5-0.

Skelmersdale Youth finally found the net in the 50th minute when Paulie O’Kane unleashed a stunning right-footed strike from outside the box, a genuine screamer that gave the home fans something to cheer. Tactical adjustments continued as Georgie Windsor returned to the pitch in place of Luca Stockton at 51 minutes, signalling a shift in attacking intent.

Just two minutes later, Gary Taylor scored another spectacular goal, also from outside the box, expertly assisted by Archie Bird’s precise cross. This goal brought the score to 5-2 and sparked a brief resurgence.

Archie Bird was active defensively as well, making interceptions at 54 and 55 minutes, though these did not prevent further chances for the visitors. Another tactical substitution saw Luca Stockton replace Joe Dunn in defence at 54 minutes, perhaps to add experience and composure at the back.

Despite their efforts, Skelmersdale Youth were unable to claw back further goals, and JN Sports Rangers held firm to secure a comprehensive victory. Luca Stockton and Archie Bird were standout performers for Skelmersdale, showing resilience and commitment throughout the contest.

The referee’s performance was rated as average, with some contentious decisions, notably the offside call against Windsor, which could have altered the momentum early on. Ultimately, JN Sports Rangers’ clinical finishing and capitalisation on defensive errors proved decisive in this early morning encounter at Victoria Park.