Skelmersdale Youth Edge Litherland Athletic Greys In Thrilling 3-2 Win

Skelmersdale Youth hosted Litherland Athletic Greys at Victoria Park, Burscough Football Club, on the morning of 16 November 2025, with kick-off at 8:30am. In a pulsating 9-a-side league encounter lasting 60 minutes plus added time, Skelmersdale Youth emerged victorious by a narrow 3-2 margin.

The home side lined up in a 2-3-3 formation, deploying two central defenders, three midfielders across the right, centre and left, and a front three consisting of right forward, striker, and left forward. Joseph Edwards guarded the goal, with Joe Dunn and Luca Stockton anchoring the defence centrally. The midfield trio featured Dean Taylor on the right, Jacob Rimmer centrally, and Paulie O’Kane on the left, tasked with both defensive cover and creative support. Up front, Archie Bird operated on the right wing, Georgie Windsor led as the central striker, and Gary Taylor took up the left forward role, expected to provide width and goal threat. The substitutes named were Hayden Mathers, Olly Spencer, and Noah Wooding.

From the outset, Skelmersdale Youth showed attacking intent. Gary Taylor’s early attempt in the third minute went wide, quickly followed by Georgie Windsor also firing wide in the fourth. Archie Bird tested the opposition keeper with a shot saved in the fifth minute, signalling the home side’s pressure.

The breakthrough came in the seventh minute when Jacob Rimmer’s clever flick set up Georgie Windsor, who capitalised on a goalmouth scramble to slot home from close range with his right foot. Just three minutes later, Windsor doubled the lead with a composed solo effort, again finishing with his right foot, demonstrating his clinical edge.

Skelmersdale’s defensive resilience was evident at the ten-minute mark when Gary Taylor cleared a dangerous chance, preventing Litherland Athletic Greys from pulling one back. Moments later, Windsor completed his hat-trick in the 13th minute, finishing a well-worked team move after a short pass from Dean Taylor, again from close range.

Shortly after this third goal, tactical substitutions were made. Hayden Mathers replaced Paulie O’Kane, and Olly Spencer came on for Gary Taylor, both changes occurring in the 13th minute to freshen the side.

Litherland Athletic Greys responded in the 17th minute with a fluke goal from close range, reducing the deficit and injecting renewed urgency into the contest. However, Skelmersdale’s Dean Taylor conceded a penalty with a trip in the 21st minute, which the visitors converted with a right-footed spot-kick to level the scores.

The home side reacted swiftly with further tactical changes. Noah Wooding replaced Dean Taylor in the 22nd minute, and at the half-hour mark, Paulie O’Kane returned to the field, substituting Jacob Rimmer, while Gary Taylor came back on for Luca Stockton. These moves aimed to regain control as the first half concluded.

The second half saw Joseph Edwards make a crucial catch in the 35th minute, maintaining Skelmersdale’s composure at the back. Georgie Windsor continued to threaten, but his effort in the 37th minute was saved. Shortly after, Dean Taylor re-entered the fray for Paulie O’Kane in the 38th minute, and Noah Wooding’s attempt was also denied by the opposition keeper in the 39th minute.

As the match progressed, further tactical substitutions took place. Jacob Rimmer returned to replace Georgie Windsor in the 44th minute, while Luca Stockton came back on for Joe Dunn, signalling a reshuffle in defence and midfield.

Skelmersdale pushed for a winner, with Jacob Rimmer hitting the crossbar in the 52nd minute, narrowly missing a chance to restore the lead. Archie Bird’s timely tackle in the 55th minute prevented a clear opportunity for Litherland Athletic Greys, showcasing defensive discipline.

Ultimately, Skelmersdale Youth held on to their advantage, securing a hard-fought 3-2 victory. Joe Dunn, Hayden Mathers, and Olly Spencer were recognised as players of the match for their influential performances in defence and midfield, contributing significantly to the team’s success. The referee maintained control with a solid performance rated six out of ten, allowing the game to flow despite its intensity.

This result boosts Skelmersdale Youth’s league campaign as they demonstrated attacking prowess, tactical flexibility, and resilience against a determined Litherland Athletic Greys side at Victoria Park.