Thomas Bartlett’s young side will be looking to replicate the senior side’s heroics, as they face a huge semi-final clash against Leyland Albion FC tomorrow morning.

Having defeated Astley & Buckshaw, Hurst Green and Poulton on the way to the semi-final. Only Leyland Albion stand in Clitheroe’s way of reaching a historic first Youth Trophy final.

After Clitheroe booked their place in the Challenge Trophy final on Tuesday night, it is now down to the youth team to continue the momentum started by Simon Garner’s men.

The Youth side go into the game in great form, having won their last eight games on the bounce, the Blues go into the game favourites. However Leyland Albion need to be respected on their merit, having defeated high fliers Coppull United 5-2 in the last round.

Looking at the bigger picture, the Youth side have exceeded all expectations this season. Having a real chance of winning the league and being in the final four of a cup, Bartlett’s men have also seen Tom Jackson and Ryan Cattermole figure prominently in the first time since the turn of the year.

The aforementioned Cattermole has played a part in the first teams last three matches, including scoring his first ever senior goal, during today’s 2-2 draw away at Kendal Town.

In league form, the Youth side are one of the division’s top scorers with 36 goals in just 7 games. The young Blues have consistently put teams to the sword this season. Scoring 9,7,6,2 and 6 in their last five games.

a slow start to the season that saw the Blues concede six away at Ramsbottom United, Bartlett’s men have kept five clean sheets since September and conceded just six in their last eight games.

Keeper Josh Pomfret is regarded as one of the side’s key men and has been tipped for big things by the clubs backroom staff.

The sides ‘in-form’ man is forward Eddy Drake. After his second hat-trick of the season a fortnight ago against Hurst Green, Drake now averages a goal a game. Having scored 13 in 13 appearances. In cup competitions, the 18 year old has really come a live too, scoring 5 times in 7 Trophy fixtures.

Our opponents Leyland Albion FC sit top of their respective Youth Division Blue league. Having defeated Tarleton Corinthians YFC and Coppull United on the road to the semi-finals, the Preston based side will be looking to continue their momentum, during an already impressive league season.

Leyland Albion had a slow start to the season. Losing two and draw one of their first three games. Since then however, things have changed drastically. Spurred on by the goals of Jack Lumsden and James Bennett, Albion have won twelve of their last fourteen games in league and cup competitions.

Like Clitheroe, Albion are also their division’s top scorers too. Netting an incredible 67 times in 13 matches. Including beating Coppull United and Leyland BTR by five and six goals, before thrashing Tarleton Corinthians YFC 7-3 in their last league game last weekend.

A possible good omen for the Blues could be Leyland’s rustiness and weak defensive record. Since the 7th December 2014, Leyland Albion have played just three times, compared to Clitheroe’s five. The men from PR25 have also not kept a clean sheet in their last five games, conceding eight in the process.

Albion’s strike force of James Bennett (11 goals) Liam Fielding (10 goals) and Jack Lumsden (17 goals) see them as three of the counties lead marksmen. The trio’s 39 goals, means over 50% of the side’s goals have come from this potent partnership.

Leyland Albion have never played at UCLAN, but will be looking to continue impressive ‘away form’ that has seen them win six times on the road this year. A run that has seen them beat Charnock Richard 13-1 and Leyland BTR 13-0.

The winners of the Syndicate Trust Youth Semi-Final will face either Bolton Lads & Girls Club or Charnock Richard in the prestigious final next month.