31/05/2026
The U12 Blues took to the field today at Burscough FC for the John Disley Cup 🏆 Final against Southport Hesketh. With glorious sunshine overhead and an excellent playing surface underfoot, the stage was perfectly set for a great game of football.
The boys arrived early to take in the atmosphere and occasion, and it was clear from the outset that they were ready for the challenge ahead. In the changing rooms before kick-off, we spoke about carrying on where we left off against Crosby Athletic a few weeks ago, when the lads produced one of their best performances of the season, full of energy, communication, positivity, and quality football.
From the first whistle, the Blues looked settled and confident. The passing and movement were superb, and as the game progressed, the chances started to come. Despite controlling possession and creating opportunities, the opening goal remained elusive. Hesketh showed their threat on the counterattack a couple of times, but the Blues continued to dominate the ball and apply pressure.
The breakthrough finally arrived around the 20-minute mark when Luke Smith finished off a lovely team move to give the Blues a deserved 1-0 lead. It was no more than the lads deserved after an excellent first-half display, and that’s how the score remained going into the break.
At half-time, we spoke about keeping our shape and making sensible decisions. A 1-0 lead can be a dangerous scoreline, and we didn’t want to leave ourselves exposed by pushing too many players forward. The message was to stay patient, keep playing football, and remain focused.
The lads executed that plan brilliantly.
Although Hesketh continued to battle and create opportunities of their own, the football from the Blues was outstanding. Another flowing move resulted in Jacob Bowen calmly slotting home to give us the two-goal cushion we had been looking for.
To Hesketh’s credit, they never stopped fighting. When they won a free-kick on the edge of the box, it looked like they might pull a goal back, but Michael Wain produced a fantastic save to turn a powerful effort around the post and preserve the Blues’ advantage.
The lads remained focused and continued to play some excellent football. Their determination was rewarded again when Jasper House capped off a superb performance with a composed finish to make it 3-0.
Hesketh continued to push and managed to pull a goal back after a brief lapse in concentration from the Blues. At 3-1, there was a sense that the next goal could be important, but the lads responded brilliantly, staying calm and disciplined as Hesketh searched for a way back into the game.
As spaces began to open up, Thomas Murphy put the game beyond doubt with a well-taken fourth goal to seal a fantastic 4-1 victory and secure the John Disley Cup for the Blues.
Man of the Match went to Jasper House for an outstanding performance full of energy, focus, and quality. He worked tirelessly throughout, got himself on the scoresheet, and led by example from start to finish.
Big thanks to our new kit sponsors Iview Opticians and TW flooring 🙌🏻. The boys looked 🔥today!
A huge well done to every single player. This trophy is no more than the lads deserve. To think where this team started at the beginning of the season compared to where they are now is incredible. The progress, resilience, teamwork, and belief they have shown throughout the year have been outstanding.
The players, coaches, and parents should all be incredibly proud. A cup final victory is a fantastic way to finish the season and a reward for all the hard work that has gone into making this team what it is today.
John Disley Cup Winners 2025/26. 💙🏆⚽
Onwards, Blues! 🔵⚽️🔵⚽️
