AFC Clarets make it through to county cup final

The club, which was formed in 2015 and plays in the East Lancs League, will take on Lytham Juniors in the competition’s showpiece at the Lancashire FA County Ground in Leyland in May.

They were held to a 2-2 draw in Radcliffe in the semi-final, but held their nerve to prevail 4-3 in the shoot-out.

Their journey began with a 3-1 win over Blackburn Eagles Red JFC in the first round and they followed that up with an 8-1 home win against Crooklands Casuals Orange.

The Clarets put six goals past Storeys of Lancaster Youth to progress to the fourth round where they beat Cadley White 5-2.

At that point they were rewarded with a quarter-final tie away at Lancaster City Youth and went on to win 3-1 to reach the final four.

Joseph Wilkinson got the visitors off to the perfect start in the biggest game in the club’s short history after combining with George Connolly.

Wilkinson kept his composure to slot home his and AFC Clarets’ second soon after having latched on to Liam Hopkinson’s through ball.

The hosts pulled a goal back after the break and it didn’t take long for Radcliffe to get themselves back on level terms.

Both sides then scored their first three attempts from the spot, but the home side failed to find the net from their next two.

AFC Clarets will compete for silverware on Sunday, May 10th, after taking part in a national tournament in Holland.