Youth awarded league title - UPDATED

FC United’s Under-18s team have been awarded the North West Youth Alliance League title after a points deduction for table-toppers Marine FC U18s.

Following a meeting at Liverpool FA on Tuesday 29th May, the Merseyside club were deducted 15 points for breaches of rules, which resulted in the League title being awarded to FC United and Marine demoted to third place behind second placed Altrincham.

A statement on Marine’s website reads:

’Marine Football Club can confirm that the youth team have been deducted 15 points in relation to breaches of discipline following disciplinary hearings that have taken place at the Liverpool County FA.

Six points have been deducted for fielding an ineligible player on two occasions and a further six points have therefore been forfeited for the points gained in those two games.

A further three point deduction has been made for the breach being on two occasions.’

The decision handed the title to FC United who have now won the NWYA Championship three times in the last four years and become the first club to retain the title since the competition was established in 1999.

The league title completes a trophy-treble of League Championship, League Open Cup and Manchester County Cup. Congratulations to manager Dave Brown, all the squad and the staff working behind the scenes supporting the youth team.

Dave paid special tribute to his players: "It seems a bit odd to be honest, to win the title in this way but I am of the firm belief that the players fully deserve it.

"We set the pace early on but had a poor run of form towards the end of the season coinciding with injuries to key players that saw us lose momentum at a critical time."

Dave took over part way through the season and was quick to pay tribute to his predecessor Chuks Akuneto. He said: "Chuks and the players deserve the biggest credit for this title win. Chuks put this team together, I just came along and helped them pick up the silverware.

"Chuks laid the foundations for the way we play and the lads played some wonderful football, I am proud to have worked with them."

Dave also took time to thank his back room team: "A lot of people have contributed to this success. We have been able to build on the success of previous years because we have had some great support.

"I would like to thank Ray Vaughan who has sponsored our youth team for the last few years and I feel very fortunate to have had some great support every week at training and at matches. From our team secretary Gareth Moore, to our Richard and Swampy, plus goalkeeper coach Robin Smith and last but not least Daz Lyons and Lindsey too."

And where were Dave and his back room staff this evening when they heard the news?....at Manchester College, putting the next batch of youngsters through their paces and running trials for next season’s squad. If you want to stay ahead of the rest you don’t rest.