Langho Under 16s 3 Charnock Richard U16s 1

MAX Cane scored a stunning hat-trick as Langho Juniors Under 16s deservedly beat holders Charnock Richard to win the Lancashire Cup in a thrilling final at the County Ground.

In a match high on effort with no shortage of eye-catching football, it was a mix of sheer grit and determination - and the cool head of Cane - that guided Langho to a memorable victory.

The game started at a frantic pace, with both sides looking to take an early advantage and it was the East Lancs Alliance side who made the breakthrough after just six minutes thanks to a superbly struck free kick from Cane.

The Langho midfielder outfoxed the Charnock Richard wall, drilling the ball low and hard inside the keeper’s right-hand post, as they jumped as one anticipating a cross in to the area.

Langho continued to push forward looking for a second goal before the interval but Charnock Richard were proving to be dangerous on the break, working the ball cleverly to their dangerous strikeforce.

And seven minutes before half time, the holders were on level terms when the Charnock striker took full advantage of a slip in the Langho defence.

The pace had been relentless throughout and both teams were applauded off at at half-time to worthy applause.

Striker Josh Tetley, who had been injured in the closing stages of the first half, returned to the action after the break with the battle for midfield supremacy increasingly proving to be the area where the match would be won and lost.

And 11 minutes into the second period, Langho regained the lead.

Following some excellent football involving Simon Wharton, Calum Boardman and Ryan Duffy, the ball fell to Cane, and from the edge of the box, the midfielder let loose with an unstoppable shot in to the roof of the net.

Charnock Richard refused to give up and they had a great chance to draw level from the penalty spot but Will Wrathall produced a wonderful finger-tip save to preserve Langho’s lead.

Despite the setback, the holders continued to apply the pressure and it took some resolute defending by James Billington, Ryan Duffy and James Scorah - marshalled by the outstanding captain Ethan Charlesworth - to ensure the door remainder firmly shut.

The midfield quartet of Cane, Wharton, Elliot Watson and the tireless Ben Hartley continued to win the midfield battle and this was beginning to turn the tide in Langho’s favour. The Blackburn side used the roll-on, roll-off subs format wisely, Owen Gould replacing the hard-working Boardman who in turn rejoined the fray in place of Elliot Watson and it proved to be a pivotal moment.

For the refreshed Boardman was heavily involved in the decisive third goal; a slick move that included Alex Chambers and Tetley who released Cane who surged in to the area and despite extreme pressure from the central defender, he remained composed and side-footed the ball over the advancing keeper to send the East Lancs side into raptures.

It was goal worthy of winning any final and hat-trick hero Cane was deservedly awarded the match ball at the end of a thrilling final.

Langho Juniors: Will Wrathall, Ryan Duffy, Ethan Charlesworth (c), James Billington, James Scorah, Max Caine, SImon Wharton, ELliot Watson, Ben Hartley, Calum Boardman, Josh Tetley, Owen Gould, Alex Chambers, James Nightingale, Niall Wright.