Diamonds under-11s girls showed why they are so highly rated, as they shone against Roach Dynamos.
Birthday girl Erin sparkled upfront alongside strike partner Maria, as they both joined high energy Violette on the scoresheet.
Coach Mark said: "The girls were dominant in the first half and really should’ve been out of sight by the break. The opposition came out with a renewed hunger in the second half and just looked a little physically stronger than us and we lost our composure.
"To the girls credit though they kept going to the end, and got their rewards to send everyone home ecstatic. This game really showed the character in the team and will hold the girls in good stead moving forward and will give them the belief to keep going and give everything to the very end.
"Parents' player of the game was Violette, with another high energy performance topped off with a goal. My player of the game was Mia. It was yet another standout performance from her, showing calmness on the ball playing out from defence.
"Craig's players of the game were Erin and Maria - goals win games and the desire and will to get us over the line never wavered."
Diamonds were chuffed to have Mr Nelson from sponsors Prestwich Family Martial Arts Centre there to witness a cracking game and the team thanked him for his support.
Raptors under-12s boys enjoyed a fantastic 5-0 win over Partington and Carrington. Goals were scored by Daniel (2) and player of the game George with a hattrick.
Coach Paul said: "We started strongly, winning the ball high up the pitch and creating pressure. We scored a slightly scrappy goal from pressure on the defender causing a loose ball back to the keeper.
"After that the opposition managed a spell of possession but we were soon back at them causing problems for their defence and netting twice more before half time. Second half was a really strong team performance with chances aplenty and if not for the keeper and the woodwork, we could have had more. Their keeper made some outstanding saves to keep out numerous efforts but we still added another two by full time."
Wolves under-10s boys were unlucky against Ras FC in the MYSL Christmas Cup. Coach Ben said: "Inevitably with the early kick-offs, we started slowly. After a few changes we brought it back and dominated much of the second half.
"The second period saw a vast improvement, but while chasing the equaliser, we were always vulnerable to the counter attack. We are still well placed to qualify for the knockout stages though."
Dragons under-11s boys enjoyed what coach Hilary said was a "great day" in their encounter with Maccabi Warriors.
One of the parents summed it up: "It was amazing - the communication between the boys on and off the ball and the movement was brilliant. The sprints down the wings looking up for the pass were class. Keep it up lads, well done."
Coach Alex described Cheetahs girls under-12s' 4-3 loss at Haslingden as "a strange day at the office".
She said: "We struggled with the 3G surface and it was hard to see pitch markings, but also the girls just didn’t seem to be with it in the first half. The opposition were on it from the off and we invited 10 minutes of constant pressure.
"We got it together for a brief spell hitting the cross bar twice and the post before a crazy seven minutes of football found us three down. Some reminders and encouragement from the coaches helped us to finally get a break. Isla collected the ball and played it out to Sylvie, who made a spiralling run and slotted it away just before half time.
"We started the second half much livelier, looking for space, making runs, feeding balls in behind and not giving up the chase, but we found ourselves 1-4 down with 15 minutes to go.
"Cheetahs did not drop their heads though - they dug deep and took it up a notch and started playing like they can. And a couple of minutes later Flora found some space on the right, skipped over the opposition's tackles with a blinding run down the wing and crossed the ball to Sylvie to get us back in the game.
"It was then end-to-end, with amazing support from both sets of parents, and following a spell of crosses, shots and corners Sylvie let go with a shot just on the edge of the area to get the hattrick and make it 3-4.
"Unfortunately it was all just a little too late. The fight they showed made me smile and all the coaches were very proud. Sylvie and Flora were our players of the game - chosen by coaches and the opposition."
Titans under-15s boys had a superb result, beating top of the table and previously unbeaten Radcliffe Juniors Warriors 6-4.
The lads battled back from 1-4 down, with coach Nathan raving: "It was a great team performance - we dug deep to comeback. We showed great courage and determination to turn the game around in the second half.
"We gave player of the match to the whole team, as we couldn't pick out an outstanding player, they were all that good. I am so proud of the boys and up the league table we go, with three wins on the bounce."
Hurricanes under-eights girls had a tough encounter against Heywood St James, as they get used to life playing against the BBDFL's higher ability teams.
Coach Justin said: "We matched the opposition for much of the game, and never stopped battling, but Heywood represent the quality of team that we can expect from the top league in BBDFL, and there maybe some more difficult games ahead.
"However we’ve come a long way in a short time, and games like this will be hugely beneficial for our future development. Special mention to our referee Stewart (Betsy’s Dad) who kept the game flowing and managed to keep all the girls under control (no mean feat).
"Siana the Cat had another excellent game in goal that showcased not only her agility and reflexes but also here bravery. Betsy had to cope with the most physical opposition we have faced yet but to her credit she never shirked the challenge and still made some great interceptions
"Marnie was fabulous, more than matching the oppositions physicality but also demonstrating her skill and her excellent passing. She scored our goal. Violet never stopped running at them and was desperately unlucky not to score.
"Lyla was another player who was more than equal to the physical challenge that the opposition posed, making tackle after tackle and coming close to scoring as well. Rene defied a spot of illness to put in an all action display, making key contributions in defence and midfield as she never stopped battling.
"Alma made a welcome return to the side and slotted seamlessly back into defence where she made some important challenges. Matilda also returned to the side and responded to the tough challenge of the opposition with her energetic, probing attacking.
"Player of the match though was Olivia, who showed just how far she has come, as she routinely tackled girls twice her size but still made some great passes and nearly scored too. A brilliant performance.
"It is our first higher league match next week, which promises to be another tough game. But the girls will keep fighting, keep learning and keep enjoying it - which is what it is all about."
Panthers under-nines boys had a really good contest against UK Sports, with James bagging an impressive brace. Coach Ste said: "Even though we didn’t play our best football we were in the game until the end. It was a good, competitive encounter and we’ll go again next week. Ethan was amazing for the Panthers and a well deserved player of the match."
According to coach Tom, Vikings under-11s boys were involved in a brilliant, close, competitive game against Cheetham Hill Greens.
Tom said: "We took out time to get to the battle - we were lethargic, lacked creativity and urgency in the first half.
"Second half we were a different team. We scored three top quality goals through Seb, Fionn and Eoin.
"All the team showed up in the second half but player of the match was Rocco who was on point from the first whistle, winning all his battles against their brilliant winger.
"Rocco was very calm and measured on the ball, helped the team get up the pitch and played some fantastic long diagonal passes. He also broke their play up and got us onto the front foot on many occasions."
Birthday girl Erin sparkled upfront alongside strike partner Maria, as they both joined high energy Violette on the scoresheet.
Coach Mark said: "The girls were dominant in the first half and really should’ve been out of sight by the break. The opposition came out with a renewed hunger in the second half and just looked a little physically stronger than us and we lost our composure.
"To the girls credit though they kept going to the end, and got their rewards to send everyone home ecstatic. This game really showed the character in the team and will hold the girls in good stead moving forward and will give them the belief to keep going and give everything to the very end.
"Parents' player of the game was Violette, with another high energy performance topped off with a goal. My player of the game was Mia. It was yet another standout performance from her, showing calmness on the ball playing out from defence.
"Craig's players of the game were Erin and Maria - goals win games and the desire and will to get us over the line never wavered."
Diamonds were chuffed to have Mr Nelson from sponsors Prestwich Family Martial Arts Centre there to witness a cracking game and the team thanked him for his support.
Raptors under-12s boys enjoyed a fantastic 5-0 win over Partington and Carrington. Goals were scored by Daniel (2) and player of the game George with a hattrick.
Coach Paul said: "We started strongly, winning the ball high up the pitch and creating pressure. We scored a slightly scrappy goal from pressure on the defender causing a loose ball back to the keeper.
"After that the opposition managed a spell of possession but we were soon back at them causing problems for their defence and netting twice more before half time. Second half was a really strong team performance with chances aplenty and if not for the keeper and the woodwork, we could have had more. Their keeper made some outstanding saves to keep out numerous efforts but we still added another two by full time."
Wolves under-10s boys were unlucky against Ras FC in the MYSL Christmas Cup. Coach Ben said: "Inevitably with the early kick-offs, we started slowly. After a few changes we brought it back and dominated much of the second half.
"The second period saw a vast improvement, but while chasing the equaliser, we were always vulnerable to the counter attack. We are still well placed to qualify for the knockout stages though."
Dragons under-11s boys enjoyed what coach Hilary said was a "great day" in their encounter with Maccabi Warriors.
One of the parents summed it up: "It was amazing - the communication between the boys on and off the ball and the movement was brilliant. The sprints down the wings looking up for the pass were class. Keep it up lads, well done."
Coach Alex described Cheetahs girls under-12s' 4-3 loss at Haslingden as "a strange day at the office".
She said: "We struggled with the 3G surface and it was hard to see pitch markings, but also the girls just didn’t seem to be with it in the first half. The opposition were on it from the off and we invited 10 minutes of constant pressure.
"We got it together for a brief spell hitting the cross bar twice and the post before a crazy seven minutes of football found us three down. Some reminders and encouragement from the coaches helped us to finally get a break. Isla collected the ball and played it out to Sylvie, who made a spiralling run and slotted it away just before half time.
"We started the second half much livelier, looking for space, making runs, feeding balls in behind and not giving up the chase, but we found ourselves 1-4 down with 15 minutes to go.
"Cheetahs did not drop their heads though - they dug deep and took it up a notch and started playing like they can. And a couple of minutes later Flora found some space on the right, skipped over the opposition's tackles with a blinding run down the wing and crossed the ball to Sylvie to get us back in the game.
"It was then end-to-end, with amazing support from both sets of parents, and following a spell of crosses, shots and corners Sylvie let go with a shot just on the edge of the area to get the hattrick and make it 3-4.
"Unfortunately it was all just a little too late. The fight they showed made me smile and all the coaches were very proud. Sylvie and Flora were our players of the game - chosen by coaches and the opposition."
Titans under-15s boys had a superb result, beating top of the table and previously unbeaten Radcliffe Juniors Warriors 6-4.
The lads battled back from 1-4 down, with coach Nathan raving: "It was a great team performance - we dug deep to comeback. We showed great courage and determination to turn the game around in the second half.
"We gave player of the match to the whole team, as we couldn't pick out an outstanding player, they were all that good. I am so proud of the boys and up the league table we go, with three wins on the bounce."
Hurricanes under-eights girls had a tough encounter against Heywood St James, as they get used to life playing against the BBDFL's higher ability teams.
Coach Justin said: "We matched the opposition for much of the game, and never stopped battling, but Heywood represent the quality of team that we can expect from the top league in BBDFL, and there maybe some more difficult games ahead.
"However we’ve come a long way in a short time, and games like this will be hugely beneficial for our future development. Special mention to our referee Stewart (Betsy’s Dad) who kept the game flowing and managed to keep all the girls under control (no mean feat).
"Siana the Cat had another excellent game in goal that showcased not only her agility and reflexes but also here bravery. Betsy had to cope with the most physical opposition we have faced yet but to her credit she never shirked the challenge and still made some great interceptions
"Marnie was fabulous, more than matching the oppositions physicality but also demonstrating her skill and her excellent passing. She scored our goal. Violet never stopped running at them and was desperately unlucky not to score.
"Lyla was another player who was more than equal to the physical challenge that the opposition posed, making tackle after tackle and coming close to scoring as well. Rene defied a spot of illness to put in an all action display, making key contributions in defence and midfield as she never stopped battling.
"Alma made a welcome return to the side and slotted seamlessly back into defence where she made some important challenges. Matilda also returned to the side and responded to the tough challenge of the opposition with her energetic, probing attacking.
"Player of the match though was Olivia, who showed just how far she has come, as she routinely tackled girls twice her size but still made some great passes and nearly scored too. A brilliant performance.
"It is our first higher league match next week, which promises to be another tough game. But the girls will keep fighting, keep learning and keep enjoying it - which is what it is all about."
Panthers under-nines boys had a really good contest against UK Sports, with James bagging an impressive brace. Coach Ste said: "Even though we didn’t play our best football we were in the game until the end. It was a good, competitive encounter and we’ll go again next week. Ethan was amazing for the Panthers and a well deserved player of the match."
According to coach Tom, Vikings under-11s boys were involved in a brilliant, close, competitive game against Cheetham Hill Greens.
Tom said: "We took out time to get to the battle - we were lethargic, lacked creativity and urgency in the first half.
"Second half we were a different team. We scored three top quality goals through Seb, Fionn and Eoin.
"All the team showed up in the second half but player of the match was Rocco who was on point from the first whistle, winning all his battles against their brilliant winger.
"Rocco was very calm and measured on the ball, helped the team get up the pitch and played some fantastic long diagonal passes. He also broke their play up and got us onto the front foot on many occasions."
