Lancashire Girls U16s 6

Merseyside Girls U16s 0

LANCASHIRE U16s School Girls kicked off their North West League campaign with a resounding 6-0 win over their Merseyside counterparts but it was a match tinged with sadness.

For a minute's silence was held before kick off in memory of Melissa Smith,15, who tragically died while playing for Cadley FC against Euxton Girls last month.

Sports-mad Melissa loved her football so Lancashire's quality performance was a fitting tribute.

East Lancashire was well represented with Hyndburn and Ribble Valley's Katie Maher in goal with the starting line-up also including Ellie Hilton from Chorley and Blackburn with Darwen quartet Katie Samuels, Olivia Wilson, Brenna McPartlan and Alicia Johnson.

The County girls, managed by Martin Ho, warmed up for their league opening with a comfortable 4-0 win at Worcestershire Girls U16s.

And they were soon in to their stride as three goals in the opening 20 minutes put them in charge.

Played at Wren Rovers FC, Blackburn's Samuels gave Lancashire a 13th minute lead quickly followed a second goal by Alice Adams of West Lancashire.

And it was 3-0 after 20 minutes Alicia Johnson scored the first of her two goals.

Victory was all but assured when South Ribble's Olivia Wilkes - daughter of Padiham manager Steve Wilkes - made it 4-0.

Lancashire took their foot off the gas in the second half but still managed to score two more, Adams netting her second just past the hour mark but Johnson completed the scoring 15 minutes from time.

Lancashire are back in action this evening in their Roses clash against Yorkshire.

Lancashire U16s Girls: Katie Maher (Hyndburn And Ribble Valley), Erin Staunton-Turner West Lancashire), Ellie Hilton (Chorley), Olivia Hooper (Blackpool), Katie Samuels (Blackburn With Darwen), Olivia Wilson (Blackburn With Darwen), Natasha Fenton (Blackpool) (Captain), Brenna Mcpartlan (Blackburn W)ith Darwen), Alice Adams (West Lancashire), Lucy Staunton-Turner West Lancashire (Vice Captain), Alicia Johnson (Blackburn With Darwen), Karis Harrison (Blackpool), Justine Elliott (Gk) (Chorley), Olivia Wilkes (South Ribble), Rebecca Smith (Preston), Megan Hester (Blackburn With Darwen).