Leigh Genesis U13 Youth were hoping to follow last weeks U11 Atomic success in the Wigan KO cup at the home of Ashton Athletic.
Their rivals for the cup were Atherton Town. In a somewhat low tempo first half it was Atherton who caught the eye in the first quarter of the game and they took the lead on 25 minute after their centre midfield player ghosted in the box to divert a free kick into the corner of the net with a glancing header.
Genesis found it difficult to respond immediately but gradually began to cause a threat. With half time drawing near a great through ball found Hisham Jamil in the box and the defenders tackle was adjudged to be a foul. Hisham stepped up to convert the spot kick for 1-1 half time score. Atherton Town may have considered themselves unfortunate to go into the break level after playing well and creating more chances than Genesis.
The words from the Manager Rob Atherton and Coach Neil Henshall were that we have done ok but could do much better.
To their credit, Genesis stepped up their game markedly. Their defending was decisive and midfield created breaks for the eager wide men to exploit.
A second half hat trick from JoJo McBride, a brace and his hat trick from Hisham Jamil and solos from Jack Steele and Sam Beckett turned a close game to a comfortable victory for Genesis Youth.