FJSC Under 13 Whites

17/10/2026

Hightown Junior Football League
Formby Whites U13 2-2 S&A Blues U13

Formby Whites were forced to settle for a share of the spoils after an entertaining 2-2 draw with S&A Blues at Buckley Hill on Saturday morning, with a late equaliser denying the hosts all three points.

Goals from Sonny Callister and Huey Stevenson had turned the contest in Formby’s favour after the visitors struck early, but an S&A equaliser in the 57th minute ensured the points were shared.

After last weekend’s atrocious conditions against Netherton Athletic, when driving rain and howling winds made football almost impossible at times, Saturday morning offered a welcome change.

A crisp autumn morning greeted both teams, with glorious sunshine bathing Buckley Hill and providing almost perfect conditions for football. Gone were the swirling winds and sheets of rain, replaced by blue skies and a playing surface far more conducive to passing football.

Unfortunately, while the weather was ideal, the scheduling was anything but.

In a decision that did little to serve the interests of grassroots football, the match was shortened by five minutes in each half to accommodate the Everton fixture against Chelsea.

It was a disappointing decision and one that represented a real disservice to both the league and the young players involved. At an age where development, enjoyment and valuable minutes on the pitch should be the priority, sacrificing ten minutes of football to accommodate a Premier League fixture was difficult to justify.

Nevertheless, both teams got on with the task at hand, and it was S&A who made the brighter start.

The visitors took the lead in the eighth minute, leaving Formby with work to do against an opposition determined to make life difficult for the Whites.

Formby, however, have demonstrated plenty of resilience already this season, and once again they refused to allow an early setback to dictate the outcome.

With Mason Stringer producing an impressive display in the middle of the park, the Whites gradually worked their way back into proceedings. Stringer showed excellent composure in possession, controlling the midfield with some lovely touches and intelligent use of the ball. His ability to find space, retain possession and bring teammates into play helped Formby establish a foothold in the contest.

Alongside him, Zac McHugh and Josh Halpin worked hard to keep Formby moving forward, with the Whites beginning to enjoy more possession as the game progressed.

Kayden Watters, Hugo Thomas and Jaiden Crosby had their hands full defensively but continued to compete, while Callum Mannix, Zachary Cooper and Huey Stevenson offered attacking options as Formby searched for a way back into the game.

The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 32nd minute when Sonny Callister found the net to bring Formby level at 1-1.

It was a welcome reward for the Whites’ persistence and ensured that S&A’s early advantage had been cancelled out.

With the contest finely balanced, both sides continued to battle for control, but Formby were beginning to find their rhythm.

Stringer continued to impress in midfield, showing maturity beyond his years with some excellent touches and clever distribution. His composure helped Formby maintain possession and provided a valuable link between defence and attack.

Their persistence was rewarded again in the 42nd minute when Huey Stevenson struck to put the Whites 2-1 ahead.

Having been named Man of the Match following his two-goal performance against Netherton Athletic the previous weekend, Stevenson was once again among the goals, continuing his excellent recent form.

It was another important contribution from a player growing in confidence and becoming an increasingly influential attacking presence for the Whites.

With Formby now in front, the task was to protect their advantage and see out the remaining minutes.

S&A, however, were not prepared to surrender the points without a fight.

The visitors continued to press for an equaliser, and their persistence eventually paid off in the 57th minute when they found the net for a second time to level the contest at 2-2.

It was a frustrating blow for Formby, who had worked hard to turn an early deficit into a winning position.

The late equaliser also underlined the disappointment surrounding the shortened playing time. With ten minutes removed from the scheduled contest, both teams had less opportunity to influence the outcome, and the young players were denied valuable football in otherwise excellent conditions.

Ultimately, the final whistle brought an end to a closely contested encounter in which both sides had enjoyed periods of success.

For Formby, there will naturally be disappointment at surrendering a lead so late in the game, but there were positives to take from another determined performance.

Having fallen behind inside the opening ten minutes, the Whites showed character to recover, with Callister and Stevenson providing the goals that looked set to secure another victory.

There was also plenty of effort throughout the squad, with every player contributing to a competitive morning’s football against a determined S&A side.

Stringer’s performance in midfield was another major positive, with his intelligent movement, excellent first touch and calmness on the ball standing out in a closely contested encounter.

After the goal-filled excitement of recent weeks, this was a different challenge for Formby, one that required patience, resilience and the ability to respond to setbacks.

While the three points ultimately slipped away, the lads can take encouragement from their response to going behind and the determination shown to turn the contest around.

And on a glorious autumn morning when the conditions could hardly have been better, the only real disappointment was that the players weren’t afforded the full amount of football they deserved.

Full-time: Formby Whites 2-2 S&A Blues

Formby Whites Team:
Guest
Mannix
McHugh
Watters
Stevenson
Thomas
Cooper
Callister
Halpin
Stringer
Crosby

Formby Scorers:
Sonny Callister (32’)
Huey Stevenson (42’)

S&A Blues Goals: 8’, 57’.

17/10/2026

It’s matchday once again for the Formby Junior Sports Club U13 Whites as the lads return to Hightown Junior Football League action this morning.

The Whites take on S & A Blues U13 at Buckley Hill, looking to build on last weekend’s impressive 8-2 victory over Netherton Athletic and continue their strong run of form.

Match Details:

Opposition: S & A Blues U13
Date: Saturday, 17th October
Kick-off: 10:15am
Venue: Buckley Hill Lane, Bootle

Today’s Formby Whites squad:

Mannix
McHugh
Watters
Stevenson
Thomas
Cooper
Callister
Halpin
Coss
Crosby
Stringer

Best of luck to all the lads and coaches Tom and Ethan as they look to put in another strong performance and keep their momentum going.

As always, all support is greatly appreciated!

11/10/2026

It’s another matchday for the Formby Junior Sports Club U13 Whites as the lads return to West Lancashire Junior Football League action this morning.

Fresh from yesterday’s impressive 8-2 victory over Netherton Athletic in atrocious weather conditions, the Whites will be hoping to carry that momentum into today’s encounter against Northfield Blacks.

Match Details:

Opposition: Northfield Blacks
Date: Sunday, 11th October
Kick-off: 11:00am
Venue: JMO Sports Park

Today’s Formby Whites squad:

Kaspa Bailey (GK)
Kayden Watters
Huey Stevenson
Zac McHugh
Joshua Halpin
Finnbar Coss
Callum Mannix
Sonny Callister
Lucas Glennon
Paddy O’Callaghan
Brody Davidson

Best of luck to all the lads and coaches Tom and Ethan as they look to round off another busy weekend of football with a strong performance and continue their unbeaten run in the West Lancashire Junior Football League.

As always, all support is greatly appreciated!

11/10/2026

Hightown Junior Football League
Formby Whites U13 8-2 Netherton Athletic

Formby Whites produced another emphatic attacking display to overcome Netherton Athletic 8-2 at Buckley Hill on Saturday morning, battling through atrocious weather conditions to continue their impressive start to the season.

With strong winds sweeping across the pitch and sheets of driving rain making life miserable for players and spectators alike, this was a morning when simply keeping the ball under control was an achievement in itself.

But while the weather threatened to turn the contest into something of a lottery, Formby had other ideas, producing eight goals through five different scorers in a performance full of determination, attacking quality and an admirable willingness to play football despite the elements.

Callum Mannix, Zach Cooper and Huey Stevenson each helped themselves to two goals, while Finnbar Coss and Zac McHugh also found the net in a convincing victory for the Whites.

And Formby wasted absolutely no time in making their intentions clear.

With barely a minute on the clock, Callum Mannix fired the Whites into the lead, giving the home side the perfect start despite the horrendous conditions.

Just two minutes later, Huey Stevenson doubled the advantage, finding the net in the third minute to leave Netherton facing an uphill battle almost before the contest had properly begun.

However, the visitors were handed a route back into the game in the ninth minute when the referee awarded what appeared to be a highly dubious penalty. Netherton made no mistake from the spot, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and giving themselves renewed hope.

Formby were undeterred.

Stevenson restored the two-goal cushion in the 12th minute with his second of the morning, continuing an outstanding individual performance that would ultimately earn him the Man of the Match award.

Five minutes later, Zachary Cooper got in on the act, striking in the 17th minute to make it 4-1 as Formby’s attacking players continued to cause havoc for the Netherton defence.

The Whites were now firmly in control, despite the fierce wind making judging the flight of the ball particularly difficult and the relentless rain ensuring that every pass, touch and challenge required extra concentration.

Finnbar Coss added a fifth in the 25th minute, a deserved reward for another industrious display from a player whose energy, determination and work rate have made him such an influential figure in the Formby side.

Mannix then grabbed his second in the 33rd minute, completing a remarkable opening half in which the Whites had scored six times despite conditions that were hardly conducive to free-flowing football.

At 6-1, Formby appeared to have the contest firmly under control, but the second half would bring a different set of challenges.

In the 37th minute, Netherton grabbed their second goal of the morning, with the score coming at almost the same time as a worrying injury to Formby goalkeeper Guesty.

Having already battled bravely against both the opposition and the elements, Guesty was forced to leave the field, with Josh Halpin stepping up to take over between the posts.

It was an unfortunate setback for Formby and particularly disappointing for Guesty, who had been doing his bit to keep the Whites in control.

Halpin deserves enormous credit for taking on the responsibility at short notice. Goalkeeping in such atrocious conditions is difficult enough for a specialist, never mind an outfield player suddenly called upon to stand between the posts.

With the wind swirling and the rain continuing to lash down, every ball into the penalty area carried an element of danger, but Halpin and the players in front of him worked hard to ensure Netherton could not build on their second goal.

To their credit, the visitors continued to compete, but Formby’s attacking quality ultimately proved too much.

Cooper struck again in the 51st minute to make it 7-2, completing his brace and putting the result beyond any lingering doubt.

There was still time for Zac McHugh to add his name to the scoresheet, finding the net in the 67th minute to complete the scoring and round off another hugely productive morning for the Whites.

McHugh’s goal continued his excellent goalscoring form, following his four-goal performance against Titans the previous weekend.

But the standout performer on a morning of impressive individual contributions was Huey Stevenson, who capped an outstanding display with two early goals and was deservedly named Man of the Match.

Stevenson’s performance epitomised everything that was good about Formby on the day. While the wind howled and the rain continued to fall, he remained fully committed to the task, showing excellent determination and making his presence felt throughout the contest.

His two goals in the opening 12 minutes set the tone for Formby’s attacking dominance, and his Man of the Match recognition was thoroughly deserved.

There were plenty of other positives for the coaching staff, not least the way the lads responded to the injury to Guesty and the disruption it caused.

The Whites continued to work tirelessly for one another, adapting to the conditions and maintaining their attacking threat even as the weather made playing football increasingly difficult.

Perhaps the most pleasing aspect was the attitude shown by the entire squad. On a morning when it would have been easy to blame the conditions, the lads simply got on with the job, demonstrating the sort of determination and togetherness that has become a hallmark of their performances this season.

For coaches Tom Scully and Ethan McShane, there will undoubtedly be more comfortable mornings on the touchline, but few victories will have required such a willingness to battle against both the opposition and the elements.

For Formby, it was another eight goals, another victory and another encouraging display from a group of young players continuing to grow in confidence with every game.

The final whistle was probably welcomed as much by the soaking spectators as it was by the players, but the Whites could head for the warmth of the changing rooms satisfied with another job well done.

Full-time: Formby Whites 8-2 Netherton Athletic

Formby Scorers:

Callum Mannix (1’, 33’)
Huey Stevenson (3’, 12’)
Zachary Cooper (17’, 51’)
Finnbar Coss (25’)
Zac McHugh (67’)

Netherton Athletic Goals: 9’ (pen), 37’.

Man of the Match: Huey Stevenson.

09/10/2026

09/10/2026

It's another early start for the Formby Junior Sports Club U13 Whites tomorrow morning as the lads return to Hightown Junior Football League action.

Fresh from a fantastic weekend that saw the Whites record victories over Titans FC and LAJFC, the lads will be looking to continue their impressive form when they take on Netherton Athletic at Buckley Hill.

Match Details:

Opposition: Netherton Athletic
Date: Saturday, 10th October
Kick-off: 9:00am
Venue:** Buckley Hill Lane

Tomorrow's Formby Whites squad:

Guest
McHugh
Thomas
Stevenson
Halpin
Watters
Cooper
Callister
Coss
Crosby
O'Callaghan
Mannix

Best of luck to all the lads and coaches Tom and Ethan as they look to keep their momentum going and put in another strong performance.

As always, all support is greatly appreciated!

04/10/2026

West Lancashire Junior Football League
LAJFC 0-2 Formby Whites
Glennon, Kaspa Bailey and Diego Funes-Cervera to the West Lancashire Junior Football League season with a battling 2-0 victory over a physical and determined LAJFC side at White Moss Road on Sunday afternoon.

Goals from Paddy O'Callaghan and Josh Halpin secured another three points for Tom Scully's side, but the scoreline only told part of the story in a contest that demanded resilience, bravery and no shortage of quality from a Formby team forced to overcome adversity along the way.

Fresh from Saturday's emphatic 10-2 victory over Titans in the Hightown League, the Whites faced a very different challenge against a well-organised and robust LAJFC outfit who were determined to make life difficult for the visitors.

And things were made considerably more complicated when Reuben Hunt was forced off injured early in the opening half, leaving Formby down to just eight players for approximately ten minutes.

Against a side offering plenty of physicality and attacking threat, it was a serious test of character. But rather than retreat into their shell, Formby stood firm, defended intelligently and continued to compete for every ball until Callum Mannix arrived to restore their numbers.

Hunt would eventually return to the action, producing an excellent display of determined defending and playing a key role in a backline that refused to buckle under pressure.

As the game settled, Formby began to dictate proceedings, with Diego Funes-Cervera and Callum Mannix particularly impressive down the left and right flanks.

Both repeatedly won their individual duels, using their pace, strength and intelligent movement to stretch the LAJFC defence and provide a constant attacking outlet.

Behind them, Reuben Hunt, Josh Halpin, Zac McHugh, Finnbar Coss and Lucas Glennon were instrumental in moving the ball forward, finding their teammates with clever passes and helping Formby transition quickly from defence into attack.

Goalkeeper Kaspa Bailey was equally important to that approach. His precise distribution from the hand regularly picked out players in advanced positions, turning defensive situations into attacking opportunities and allowing the Whites to maintain pressure.

But it was in the middle of the park where Formby really established their authority, with Finnbar Coss and Paddy O'Callaghan proving to be the engine room of the team. The pair were outstanding throughout, covering every blade of grass, breaking up opposition attacks, winning important challenges and driving Formby forward at every opportunity.

Their energy, determination and willingness to do the hard work allowed those around them to flourish. Whether dropping deep to collect possession, battling for second balls or supporting attacks, Coss and O'Callaghan were seemingly everywhere. They also ensured that Watters, Hunt and Glennon always had an outlet when building from the back, allowing Formby to retain possession and work their way through the opposition.

It was a hugely influential partnership, providing the platform from which Formby controlled large periods of the contest.

Despite Formby's growing control, LAJFC remained dangerous and continued to pose questions of the visiting defence, with neither side prepared to give an inch.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 40th minute, and it was no more than Formby's play deserved.

Finnbar Coss, who had been a tireless presence throughout, was battling for possession on the edge of the LAJFC penalty area when he was fouled. In the process, the ball broke fortuitously into the path of the ever-alert O'Callaghan.

It may not have been an assist Coss intended, but Paddy certainly wasn't complaining.

Reacting instinctively, O'Callaghan threw out a leg and managed to work the ball beyond the outstretched goalkeeper, watching as it crept in off the keeper's right-hand post.

It was a scrappy but wonderfully opportunistic finish, and a fitting reward for a player whose relentless movement and work rate alongside Coss in midfield had caused problems all afternoon.

More importantly, it gave Formby a deserved lead in a contest they had increasingly begun to control.

While Formby's attacking players were beginning to flourish, there was another outstanding performance unfolding at the opposite end of the pitch.

Kaspa Bailey once again demonstrated why he has become such an important figure in this Formby side.

Facing opposition with whom there was some previous history, the young goalkeeper showed tremendous courage and composure, refusing to allow the occasion or the physical nature of the contest to affect his performance.

He was brave when coming for the ball, commanded his penalty area with authority and produced several excellent saves when called upon.

One stop in particular was nothing short of exceptional, drawing comparisons with Alisson Becker's remarkable performance for Liverpool against Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie in Paris in March 2025.

Much like the Brazilian that night, Bailey seemed determined that nothing was going to get past him, producing a superb save when the situation appeared to favour the attacker.

It was the sort of goalkeeping that wins matches, and his confidence and bravery provided enormous reassurance to the players in front of him.

If Formby's opening goal had been a reward for persistence, their second in the 53rd minute was a wonderful example of the quality this team possesses.

The move began deep inside Formby's own half, with Lucas Glennon taking possession at the back and confidently carrying the ball out of defence.

Advancing to a position approximately 15 yards inside his own half, Glennon spotted Mannix making a run forward and produced a superb defence-splitting pass that cut through the LAJFC midfield and backline.

Mannix collected the ball on the edge of the penalty area with the goalkeeper rushing out to close him down.

Rather than attempt to force a shot, he showed tremendous awareness and composure, unselfishly squaring the ball across the area to Halpin, who had timed his run perfectly and found himself in acres of space.

With the goalkeeper stranded, Halpin calmly side-footed into the empty net to double Formby's advantage.

It was an outstanding team goal, from Glennon's vision and ex*****on to Mannix's intelligence and Halpin's movement and clinical finish.

At 2-0, Formby might have expected a comfortable conclusion, but LAJFC had other ideas.

The home side continued to battle, using their physical presence to put pressure on the visitors, who were forced to defend with determination as the contest entered its closing stages.

Watters, Hunt and Glennon were outstanding in their defensive duties, refusing to be intimidated by a strong and robust opposition, while Coss and O'Callaghan continued to lead by example in midfield. The pair were relentless in their pursuit of possession, working tirelessly to close down space, win challenges and keep Formby on the front foot.

McHugh and Halpin also put in the hard yards to protect the lead, while Funes-Cervera and Mannix remained valuable outlets on either flank, ensuring Formby could relieve pressure and carry a threat whenever possession was regained.

And whenever LAJFC did manage to find a way through, Bailey was there to provide the final line of resistance.

The scheduled 60 minutes came and went, with the referee allowing play to continue until the 65th minute before finally bringing proceedings to a close.

It was a welcome final whistle after a fiercely contested encounter, and one that confirmed another deserved victory for the Whites.

Such was the quality of the team performance that the Man of the Match honours were shared between three players, Lucas Glennon, Kaspa Bailey and Diego Funes-Cervera, each of whom made an outstanding contribution to the victory.

Glennon was immense at the back, combining resolute defending with composure on the ball and an excellent range of passing. His defence-splitting ball that helped create Formby's second goal was one of the highlights of the afternoon.

Bailey was equally deserving of recognition, producing another commanding display between the posts. His bravery, handling, distribution and several outstanding saves were crucial to securing the clean sheet, particularly against opposition who posed a considerable physical challenge.

Funes-Cervera was a constant menace down the flank, repeatedly winning his individual battles, driving at defenders and providing an attacking outlet throughout. His energy, determination and willingness to take players on helped Formby dictate the tempo and stretch the LAJFC defence.

Three very different contributions, but all equally important in a victory built on teamwork, character and quality.

There have been more emphatic victories for Formby this season, not least Saturday's ten-goal demolition of Titans, but this was arguably the type of performance that tells the coaching staff even more about the character of their young squad.

Forced to play with eight players for a significant spell, up against a physical and determined opponent and having to withstand periods of pressure, Formby showed maturity, discipline and an impressive willingness to work for one another.

Every player made a contribution, from Bailey's bravery and authority in goal to the defensive resilience of Glennon, Watters and Hunt, the tireless work of McHugh and Halpin, and the attacking threat provided by Funes-Cervera and Mannix.

At the heart of it all were Coss and O'Callaghan, whose tireless work as Formby's midfield engine room set the tone for the entire performance. Their partnership combined determination, intelligence and an endless supply of energy, providing the link between defence and attack and ensuring the Whites were able to impose themselves on a difficult contest.

There was quality in both goals, but perhaps even greater satisfaction in the clean sheet and the collective effort required to secure it.

Most importantly, the result ensures that Formby Whites remain unbeaten in the West Lancashire Junior Football League, with another three points secured and further evidence of a side growing in confidence, character and understanding with every passing week.

Two games, twelve goals scored and just two conceded across the weekend. A thoroughly productive couple of days for the Whites.

Full-time: LAJFC 0-2 Formby Whites

Formby Whites Team:

Bailey (GK)
Glennon
Hunt
Watters
Halpin
Coss
McHugh
O'Callaghan
Funes-Cervera
Mannix

Goals: Paddy O'Callaghan (40'), Josh Halpin (53').

Assists: Finnbar Coss (40', inadvertent), Callum Mannix (53').

Such was the quality of the team performance that the Man of the Match honours were shared between three players, Lucas Glennon, Kaspa Bailey and Diego Funes-Cervera, each of whom made an outstanding contribution to the victory.

Glennon was immense at the back, combining resolute defending with composure on the ball and an excellent range of passing. His defence-splitting ball that helped create Formby's second goal was one of the highlights of the afternoon.

Bailey was equally deserving of recognition, producing another commanding display between the posts. His bravery, handling, distribution and several outstanding saves were crucial to securing the clean sheet, particularly against opposition who posed a considerable physical challenge.

Funes-Cervera was a constant menace down the flank, repeatedly winning his individual battles, driving at defenders and providing an attacking outlet throughout. His energy, determination and willingness to take players on helped Formby dictate the tempo and stretch the LAJFC defence.

Three very different contributions, but all equally important in a victory built on teamwork, character and quality.

Men of the Match: Lucas Glennon, Kaspa Bailey and Diego Funes-Cervera.

04/10/2026

It's matchday once again for the Formby Junior Sports Club U13 Whites as the lads return to West Lancashire Junior Football League action this afternoon.

Fresh from yesterday's emphatic 10-2 victory over Titans FC in the Hightown League, the Whites will be hoping to carry that momentum into today's encounter against LAJFC Greys.

Kick-off is at 12:00pm at White Moss Road, WN8 8BL.

Today's Formby Whites squad:

Bailey (GK)
Glennon
Hunt
Watters
Halpin
Coss
Davidson
McHugh
O'Callaghan
Funes-Cervera
Mannix

Best of luck to all the lads and coaches Tom and Ethan as they look to round off another busy weekend of football with a strong performance.

A big thank you to all our sponsors for their continued support.

03/10/2026

Formby Whites Hit Double Figures as Second-Half Blitz Sinks Titans

Hightown Junior Football League
Formby Whites U13 10-2 Titans FC

It was a classic game of two halves at Buckley Hill on Saturday morning as Formby Whites U13 eventually ran out convincing 10-2 winners over Titans FC, producing a devastating second-half display that saw them score seven goals after a frustrating opening period.

With manager Tom Scully once again putting his blossoming career at Prescot Cables ahead of his managerial responsibilities, the trusted partnership of Ethan McShane and Carl McHugh was handed the reins on the Formby touchline. And while the pair may have had a few choice words at the interval, their half-time team talk certainly appeared to do the trick.

Despite the emphatic final scoreline, the opening half was anything but straightforward for the Whites.

Zac McHugh gave Formby the perfect start, finding the net after just three minutes, but Titans proved stubborn opponents and refused to let the hosts have things all their own way.

A combination of resolute defending, some excellent goalkeeping and a catalogue of wasted opportunities prevented Formby from turning their early dominance into a more commanding lead.

At the other end, Guesty was called into action on several occasions and proved more than equal to the task, producing some important saves to keep the Whites in control when Titans threatened.

And despite Formby’s dominance, it was Titans who struck next, grabbing an equaliser in the 26th minute completely against the run of play. It was a frustrating setback for the Whites, who had created more than enough opportunities to have put the contest beyond doubt.

However, Formby responded positively, with Cooper restoring their advantage in the 29th minute before McHugh grabbed his second four minutes later.

Despite enjoying plenty of possession and opportunities, the Whites went into the break leading just 3-1, a scoreline that hardly reflected the chances they had created.

Whatever was said at half-time, it worked.

The second period was an entirely different affair as Formby emerged with renewed purpose, sharper movement and a determination to put into practice the work being drilled into them during their Wednesday night training sessions.

The passing became quicker, the movement more intelligent and, crucially, the finishing more clinical.

O’Callaghan got the second-half scoring underway in the 40th minute, capping another industrious display with a deserved goal, before Cooper grabbed his second of the morning five minutes later.

Yet, just as Formby appeared to be taking complete control, Titans struck again in the 46th minute. Much like their first goal, it came firmly against the run of play, providing a reminder that even the most dominant sides cannot afford to switch off defensively.

That brief setback did little to disrupt Formby’s momentum.

The Whites were now playing some excellent football, moving the ball confidently and stretching a Titans defence that was finding itself increasingly overwhelmed.

Behind the attacking fireworks, Watters, Thomas, Halpin and Coss provided the foundations for Formby’s dominance. All four worked tirelessly, showing excellent commitment in their defensive duties while helping the Whites build attacks from the back.

Funes-Cervera was another constant threat, using his movement and energy to cause problems and create opportunities for those around him. His willingness to work for the team epitomised a Formby performance that grew stronger as the game progressed.

McHugh completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 52nd minute, before Mannix added his name to the scoresheet six minutes later following another spell of sustained Formby pressure.

Callister, whose energy, work rate and involvement throughout the game had been instrumental in keeping Formby on the front foot, got his reward with a goal in the 61st minute.

Two minutes later, McHugh struck again to take his personal tally to four, putting the finishing touches on an outstanding individual display.

There was still time for Watters to get in on the act, finding the net in the 66th minute to complete Formby’s scoring and round off a thoroughly impressive morning’s work.

To their credit, Titans continued to battle, but there was little they could do to halt a Formby side now playing with confidence and freedom.

Indeed, but for some outstanding saves from the Titans goalkeeper, the final scoreline could have been considerably more emphatic. Formby continued to carve out chances until the closing stages, with the visitors’ goalkeeper deserving enormous credit for keeping the score down.

McHugh Takes the Honours

The standout performer was Zac McHugh, who was deservedly named Man of the Match after a superb four-goal display that included a confidently dispatched penalty.

But this was far from a one-man show.

Every player contributed to a victory built on persistence, teamwork and an impressive collective work rate. From Guesty’s assured goalkeeping and the defensive determination of Thomas, Halpin and Coss to the tireless contributions of Funes-Cervera and the goalscoring exploits of Cooper, O’Callaghan, Mannix, Callister and Watters, there was plenty for the coaching staff to be pleased about.

For McShane and McHugh, it was another successful afternoon in temporary charge, with the Whites producing some of their most impressive attacking football of the season after the interval.

Whether Scully will find a place back on the touchline following another commanding performance under the caretaker management team remains to be seen.

For now, the statistics speak for themselves. Ten goals, three points and a second-half display that demonstrated exactly what these young players are capable of when their hard work on the training ground comes together on matchday.

Full-time: Formby Whites 10-2 Titans FC

Formby scorers: Zac McHugh (3’, 33’, 52’ pen, 63’), Cooper (29’, 45’), O’Callaghan (40’), Mannix (58’), Callister (61’), Watters (66’).

Titans scorers: 26’, 46’.

Man of the Match: Zac McHugh (4 goals).