Skelmersdale Youth And Quarry Green Raptors Thrilling 6-6 Draw At Victoria Park

Skelmersdale Youth hosted Quarry Green Raptors at Victoria Park, Burscough Football Club, on 26 October 2025, with kick-off at 11:00am in a pulsating 9-a-side league encounter that ended in a remarkable 6-6 draw after 60 minutes of action plus added time. The match was a rollercoaster of goals and tactical substitutions, showcasing attacking flair and defensive frailties from both sides.

Skelmersdale Youth lined up in a 2-3-3 formation, deploying Joseph Edwards in goal behind a central defensive pairing of Luca Stockton and Hudson Barnes. The midfield trio consisted of Jacob Rimmer on the right, Dean Taylor centrally, and Paulie O’Kane on the left, tasked with linking defence and attack while providing width and support. Up front, the three forwards were Gary Taylor on the left, Georgie Windsor leading the line as striker, and Archie Bird on the right, expected to spearhead the offensive efforts and create scoring opportunities. The substitutes available were Hayden Mathers, Joe Dunn, Olly Spencer, and Noah Wooding, all poised to influence the game as tactical changes unfolded.

The match burst into life early on with Quarry Green Raptors taking a shock lead in the 10th minute, scoring directly from a corner kick that caught Skelmersdale’s defence off guard. Just three minutes later, the visitors doubled their advantage thanks to a defensive mistake that allowed them to capitalise swiftly. In response, Skelmersdale made immediate tactical substitutions at the 13th minute, bringing on Hayden Mathers for Archie Bird and Joe Dunn for Luca Stockton in an attempt to stem the early tide.

Despite these changes, the visitors continued to press and extended their lead in the 22nd minute, further testing Skelmersdale’s resolve. However, the home side began to find their rhythm as Jacob Rimmer delivered a long pass to Georgie Windsor, who expertly finished from close range with his right foot in the 27th minute, signalling the start of a spirited comeback. The first half closed with Skelmersdale trailing but visibly more competitive.

At half-time, with the scoreline still in favour of Quarry Green Raptors, Skelmersdale made further tactical substitutions, reintroducing Archie Bird and Hayden Mathers in place of Dean Taylor, who was replaced twice in quick succession around the 30th minute mark. These changes aimed to inject fresh energy and attacking impetus. However, the visitors struck again immediately after the break, capitalising on another defensive error to score with a right-footed finish assisted by Dean Taylor, ironically a former Skelmersdale midfielder.

Skelmersdale responded emphatically as Georgie Windsor, again assisted by Jacob Rimmer, scored from close range with a neat right-footed finish in the 35th minute, showcasing excellent team interplay. Tactical substitutions continued with Olly Spencer replacing Gary Taylor, only for Luca Stockton to return to the field shortly after, swapping places with Spencer in a rapid tactical shuffle.

The home side’s revival gathered pace as Jacob Rimmer found the net in the 39th minute following a short pass from Windsor, continuing the pattern of close-range, well-worked goals. Just three minutes later, Windsor himself scored once more from a short pass by Rimmer, completing a fine individual and team display. Tactical changes saw Hudson Barnes and Paulie O’Kane reintroduced in place of Joe Dunn and Jacob Rimmer respectively at the 43rd minute, signalling a shift back towards defensive solidity and midfield balance.

The momentum swung fully in Skelmersdale’s favour when Noah Wooding volleyed home a spectacular right-footed strike from outside the box in the 49th minute, assisted by Archie Bird’s precise cross. This goal was a highlight of the match, demonstrating Wooding’s technical ability and timing. Shortly after, Dean Taylor returned to the pitch for Hayden Mathers, and Gary Taylor replaced Olly Spencer, maintaining the tactical fluidity of the home side.

Archie Bird then added to the tally in the 53rd minute with a close-range right-footed finish, continuing the team’s string of well-crafted goals. Yet, the visitors were not finished; a fluke goal from outside the box in the 56th minute brought Quarry Green Raptors back into the contest, followed by a long-range strike in the 60th minute that levelled the scoreline at 6-6, leaving the match finely poised until the final whistle.

Throughout the match, Georgie Windsor was a standout performer, netting multiple goals and consistently linking play with Jacob Rimmer, who also contributed significantly with assists and a goal. Noah Wooding’s spectacular volley was another key moment, highlighting his impact after coming off the bench. The referee’s performance was competent, maintaining control in a frenetic and open game.

In a match brimming with goals, tactical substitutions, and end-to-end action, Skelmersdale Youth and Quarry Green Raptors shared the spoils in a thrilling 6-6 draw that will be remembered for its attacking verve and dramatic swings in momentum.