Thirteen was a lucky number for Guiseley Academy when they took on men’s open age side Pool AFC in the Wharfedale FA Challenge Cup, writes Rachel O’Connor.

Dave Currie’s young charges made their Head Coach proud when they rattled in 13 goals without reply to defeat the West Yorkshire League side.

There were hat-tricks for Lucas Alexander and substitute Tom Goodall as well as a brace apiece for Dan Fotherby and Zac Rushworth.

It was a baptism of fire for Pool’s 16 year-old debutant ‘keeper Alfie Edwards who showed a lot of courage and pulled off some good saves.

He first conceded in the sixth minute when Bailey Thompson opened the floodgates. A second quickly followed from Alexander in the 11th minute but some profligacy in front of goal meant that Guiseley did not score again until the 40th minute when Fotherby netted his first. Alexander made it 4-0 at the break.

The teams had hardly settled in the second-half when Guiseley extended their lead to 6-0 with Rushworth’s first goal and a header from Alexander.

Rushworth netted his second in the 65th minute before being replaced by Carroll who added goals in the 69th, 73rd and 88th minutes. Alexander was also replaced by Will Farrar.

In the closing stages with Pool’s players and the referee tiring due to the pace of Guiseley’s play goals were added by Marvellous Ataga and Wil Temple before Goodall wrapped things up.

So a very comfortable win which takes this squad of ostensibly players aged 16 and 17 into the semi-finals.

There they will visit Hirsforth St Margaret’s thirds who play in the Yorkshire Amateur League. This game will be on 21st February.