Burscough Through to West Lancashire Charity Cup Final After Emphatic Victory
The Community Ground played host to a fantastic day of football as the West Lancashire Charity Cup got underway, proudly sponsored by Gary Keane, with all proceeds going to Derian House Children’s Hospice.
Hosted at Burscough Football Club’s home ground, the tournament brings together four sides competing for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th place, while raising money for a charity that provides vital care and support to children, young people and their families during some of the most difficult times imaginable.
The opening fixture kicked off at 3pm, with Burscough Richmond FC taking on Euxton Villa. Richmond made a brilliant start to the game, racing into a 2-0 lead and putting Villa under real pressure early on. However, Euxton Villa showed great character and resilience, fighting their way back into the contest before eventually finishing the game as 4-2 winners.
Later in the day, the mighty Linnets kicked off at 6pm against Skelmersdale United, with Phil Stafford’s side eager to get minutes into the legs after an early start to pre-season.
The atmosphere inside the Community Ground was electric, with the Linnets faithful out in full voice for the first game of Burscough’s pre-season run. The sound of drums and air horns rang around the ground from the opening whistle, creating a brilliant matchday buzz and giving Phil Stafford’s side a real lift as they stepped back onto home soil in green and white.
From the first whistle, Burscough played with real intensity, energy and purpose. The tempo was high, the pressing was sharp, and the Linnets moved the ball with confidence as they immediately took control of the game.
It did not take long for Burscough to make the breakthrough. After just eight minutes, Caleb Jones opened the scoring with a calm and composed finish, slotting the ball past the Skelmersdale United goalkeeper to give the Linnets the perfect start.
From there, the goals came in a flurry. Burscough continued to dominate, with Elliot Taylor, James McCulloch and Alfie Brassington all getting on the scoresheet as the Linnets produced a ruthless first-half display. By half-time, Burscough had built a commanding 5-0 lead.
There was also a special moment for the club as Burscough welcomed back Danny Brady, a Linnets legend returning home after a spell in America. Pulling on the green and white shirt once again, Brady was greeted with open arms by the supporters, with plenty of excitement around the ground as he made his return to the Community Ground.
The Linnets continued their strong performance in the second half, adding further goals and seeing the game out professionally to secure an emphatic victory over Skelmersdale United.
Burscough’s goals came from Caleb Jones with two, Elliot Taylor with three, Alfie Brassington with two and James McCulloch with one.
The result sends Burscough through to the West Lancashire Charity Cup Final on Sunday 5th July, where they will face Euxton Villa at the Community Ground.
Before the final, Burscough Richmond FC will take on Skelmersdale United in the 3rd and 4th place play-off, with kick-off at 3pm.
The final will then follow at 3:30pm, as Burscough FC take on Euxton Villa for the West Lancashire Charity Cup.
Everyone is welcome to come down to the Community Ground and support what promises to be a brilliant afternoon of football, while helping raise money for an incredible cause. Derian House Children’s Hospice plays a hugely important role in supporting children and families, offering care, comfort and guidance when they need it most.
Every donation, ticket, purchase and show of support helps make a difference to families who rely on the hospice’s services. As a club and a community, we are proud to support such a fantastic charity.
Come down, get behind the teams, and help make the West Lancashire Charity Cup a brilliant occasion for football, family and charity.