By Lewis Gee

Under-18’s Head Coach Matthew Blinkhorn was pleased with the character his side showed as the came from behind to beat Burnley on penalties in their Lancashire Fa Professional Youth Cup semi-final.

Pool went into the break a goal down, but a James Butterworth goal following excellent pressing from Shay Mannix saw the game end level after 90 minutes.

Charlie Brier saved Burnley’s opening penalty and Pool scored all five to give the Seasiders a 5-3 penalty shoot-out win.

Blinkhorn was pleased with his side’s work rate in the game.

“I thought it was a very competitive game,” he said.

“The first half was more of a footballing game and the second half we were a little bit more direct, but we caused them problems in doing that.

“The lads had a lot of energy, endeavour, a lot desire and showed a lot of character to claw ourselves back into the game.

“Then we won the game with five brilliant penalties to be fair, so credit to the lads and hopefully we can go on to the final and win the final.”

Rhys Madu scored the winning penalty, having just come back from a long injury layoff after having a bilateral fasciotomy due to having chronic exceptional compartment syndrome, and Blinkhorn was delighted for him to have his moment.

“I’m pleased,” he said.

“He said to me after the game ‘do you remember my penalty against Port Vale a couple of years ago’ when he passed it down the middle and the ‘keeper saved it.

“I think he’s repaid that.

“But Rhys has been out for a long time so it’s a really nice moment for him and the rest of the players and his family, so I’m made up for him.”

Blinkhorn was also keen to note the contributions of both Theo Upton and Shay Mannix in the game.

“I thought Theo Upton was outstanding in the game,” he said.

“He linked play really well, made good decisions on the ball, competed really well.

“He had Ky-Mani (Leliendal) in there today because Spencer (Knight) was unfortunately ill and missed the game, so he helped him in that position as well.

“He was a good leader today.

“I thought Shay Mannix led the line really well, had lots of energy in the game, landed on second balls, ran in behind.

“He created the goal for James (Butterworth) and for James to get another goal will do his confidence the world of good so I’m made up for him as well.”