After a weather-wrecked previous weekend saw more games off than on, our teams enjoyed getting back into action.
Panthers under-nines boys ended the year on a high, with coach Ste describing them as ‘dominant’ in their encounter against Shawside.
Ste said: “The lads were full of confidence before the game and this showed in their performance from the start. Within the first five minutes they were stringing passes together and cutting through the Shawside defence.
“The second half gave us a chance to rotate a few players around but even with Shawside stepping it up the Panthers were still able to dominate the game.
“The accurate passing and clinical finishing during the first half were great but there were also some strong performances in defence to keep control. Goals came from James (2), Oliver (2), Ethan and Hudson.”
Raptors under-12s boys keeper Cameron got a touch of the Beckhams, as he scored from his own half in the side’s unlucky 2-4 defeat against Hattersley Vipers.
Coach Paul said: “The lads started well and battled hard, with George converting a chance to give us the lead. Vipers hit back and were soon ahead, but our heads stayed up.
“Then Cameron came off his line to clear the ball and a belter of a kick saw it bounce over the opposition keeper’s head to level the game. But Vipers once again took the lead and then extended it in the second half as we just couldn’t find the net again.”
Phantoms under-15s boys went down 1-2 against Bridge in a great game of football.
Coach Mark said: “We were unfortunate to not manage to break Bridge’s unbeaten run at the top of the league. It just wasn’t meant to be.
“The defence was solid with Matheusz also pulling off some great saves, but Bridge managed to take the lead. We were level at half time through a great strike from Riley after a brilliant ball from Lucas down the left.
“The second half saw us attacking more, but mid-game Bridge broke through the middle and scored an easy goal. They then got a penalty but Matheusz made a brilliant out-stretched save to deny them.
“We finished with waves of attacks, but just couldn’t put the ball in the net again. After three weeks of postponements and a sickness going through the team, they played really well. Both Finns had great games, but player of the game was shared between Matheusz and Reece who were solid all match.”
Jaguars under-nines boys played out an entertaining game against Uppermill.
Coach Tim said: “We were dominant in the first half but then missed more chances than I could count. It all worked out OK though.
“The pick of the goals came when Oscar went on a run and passed to Ned, who controlled the ball before slotting it through the keeper’s legs. It was really entertaining and we are on a good little run.”
Diamonds under-11s girls were back to their dazzling best against North Walkden, with their front two stealing the show.
Coach Mark said: “Some of the attacking play was a joy to watch, with our aggressive 2-4-2 system paying dividends. Strikers Erin and Maria bagged hat-tricks and were a constant threat.
“It wasn’t the busiest day for our back line and keeper, but they kept their concentration and dealt with everything when required. Craig and I were really impressed with our pressing after working on it in training for the last two weeks.
“Layla was the parents’ and Kris’ player of the game with the perfect wingback performance. The front two shared mine and Craig’s players of the game - they are like the Cole and Yorke of under-11s girls football.”
Phoenix under-10s girls never let their heads drop despite going out of the cup against the top division side AFC Bolton.
Capping another steady performance Orlaith (pictured) scored the Phoenix goal after a cracking pass from Mia. They could have had more during an impressive 10-minute spell that saw Lois and Noe probing forward and the team playing some nice football.
Keeper Isabella once again earned plaudits with some superb saves and Mia was player of the game for her non-stop endeavour and tackling.
Coach Rob said: "The girls didn't let their heads drop and kept battling all game. They should be very proud of themselves."
Vikings under-11s boys came out with all guns blazing and put in a dazzling display against Woodbank Wolves. Goals were scored by Fionn, Luke, Aidan, Seb and Eoin.
Coach Tom said: “The boys did what they do best - they dug deep winning all their 50/50s and playing some beautiful one and two touch football.
“Our strikers held the ball up brilliantly, passing it out to our wingers, who put some great crosses into the box leading to some fantastic goals.
“We had five different scorers, which shows it was a proper team performance. Player of the game was Aidan for his hold up play, his passing and willingness to put the opponents under pressure.”
Cheetahs under-12s girls got back to winning ways with a 5-4 victory over Winton Wanderers Lionesses.
Coach Alexandra said: “Despite some simple football we managed to give ourselves a nervy finish. We scored three in quick succession, from Orlaith, followed by two for Lola. We then conceded from a daft moment.
“Just before half time Sylvie made it four for us and keeper Isla made some incredible saves early into the second period. We missed a couple of opportunities and were punished as Winton got a goal back.
“With only eight minutes left Sylvie slotted home after excellent link up play with Summer and we thought the game was done. But sloppiness in the last five minutes saw us concede two, leading to some very anxious parents and coaches praying for the final whistle.
“It was an excellent game with great attitudes from both sides. Isla and Orlaith took the player of the game trophies for their determination and commitment.”
Hurricanes under-eights girls had one of their best performances of the season against AFC Bolton.
Coach Justin said: “It is a sign of the huge progress we have made that we managed to keep it so close against one of the best teams in the league.
“It was only Florence’s second appearance in net but you wouldn’t have known it as she made a couple of really good saves and was confident throughout. Betsy had an excellent game in defence, stopping the opposition attacks throughout and playing some excellent defence splitting passes.
“Marnie was magnificent in midfield and defence, making several surging runs and never giving the opposition an inch. Violet scored another two goals and could have had more as she constantly threatened the opposition with non-stop running.
“Lyla put in another storming display, making many vital interceptions as well as being at the heart of all our attacks. Siana the cat was in net for the second half and was her usual acrobatic self, but her performance out of net in the first half was also excellent.
“Alma stuck to her task in defence and midfield, defending enthusiastically but also making some quality passes too. Matilda was full of running in attack and was unlucky not to score, and showed her battling qualities.
“One of the standouts though was Rene, with the improvements she has made in her tackling, passing and running with the ball an example to rest of the team.
“This was genuinely one of our best performances of the season, as we more than matched a team that only a few months ago were convincingly better than us. Because of this we decided to award the whole team the player of the match award as we genuinely couldn’t choose between them.
“This again shows the progress we have made and gives us more confidence for the future. It’s been a great year for the girls, and it’s been a pleasure coaching them all. Big shout out to the parents as well who have been such a great help to us.”
Panthers under-nines boys ended the year on a high, with coach Ste describing them as ‘dominant’ in their encounter against Shawside.
Ste said: “The lads were full of confidence before the game and this showed in their performance from the start. Within the first five minutes they were stringing passes together and cutting through the Shawside defence.
“The second half gave us a chance to rotate a few players around but even with Shawside stepping it up the Panthers were still able to dominate the game.
“The accurate passing and clinical finishing during the first half were great but there were also some strong performances in defence to keep control. Goals came from James (2), Oliver (2), Ethan and Hudson.”
Raptors under-12s boys keeper Cameron got a touch of the Beckhams, as he scored from his own half in the side’s unlucky 2-4 defeat against Hattersley Vipers.
Coach Paul said: “The lads started well and battled hard, with George converting a chance to give us the lead. Vipers hit back and were soon ahead, but our heads stayed up.
“Then Cameron came off his line to clear the ball and a belter of a kick saw it bounce over the opposition keeper’s head to level the game. But Vipers once again took the lead and then extended it in the second half as we just couldn’t find the net again.”
Phantoms under-15s boys went down 1-2 against Bridge in a great game of football.
Coach Mark said: “We were unfortunate to not manage to break Bridge’s unbeaten run at the top of the league. It just wasn’t meant to be.
“The defence was solid with Matheusz also pulling off some great saves, but Bridge managed to take the lead. We were level at half time through a great strike from Riley after a brilliant ball from Lucas down the left.
“The second half saw us attacking more, but mid-game Bridge broke through the middle and scored an easy goal. They then got a penalty but Matheusz made a brilliant out-stretched save to deny them.
“We finished with waves of attacks, but just couldn’t put the ball in the net again. After three weeks of postponements and a sickness going through the team, they played really well. Both Finns had great games, but player of the game was shared between Matheusz and Reece who were solid all match.”
Jaguars under-nines boys played out an entertaining game against Uppermill.
Coach Tim said: “We were dominant in the first half but then missed more chances than I could count. It all worked out OK though.
“The pick of the goals came when Oscar went on a run and passed to Ned, who controlled the ball before slotting it through the keeper’s legs. It was really entertaining and we are on a good little run.”
Diamonds under-11s girls were back to their dazzling best against North Walkden, with their front two stealing the show.
Coach Mark said: “Some of the attacking play was a joy to watch, with our aggressive 2-4-2 system paying dividends. Strikers Erin and Maria bagged hat-tricks and were a constant threat.
“It wasn’t the busiest day for our back line and keeper, but they kept their concentration and dealt with everything when required. Craig and I were really impressed with our pressing after working on it in training for the last two weeks.
“Layla was the parents’ and Kris’ player of the game with the perfect wingback performance. The front two shared mine and Craig’s players of the game - they are like the Cole and Yorke of under-11s girls football.”
Phoenix under-10s girls never let their heads drop despite going out of the cup against the top division side AFC Bolton.
Capping another steady performance Orlaith (pictured) scored the Phoenix goal after a cracking pass from Mia. They could have had more during an impressive 10-minute spell that saw Lois and Noe probing forward and the team playing some nice football.
Keeper Isabella once again earned plaudits with some superb saves and Mia was player of the game for her non-stop endeavour and tackling.
Coach Rob said: "The girls didn't let their heads drop and kept battling all game. They should be very proud of themselves."
Vikings under-11s boys came out with all guns blazing and put in a dazzling display against Woodbank Wolves. Goals were scored by Fionn, Luke, Aidan, Seb and Eoin.
Coach Tom said: “The boys did what they do best - they dug deep winning all their 50/50s and playing some beautiful one and two touch football.
“Our strikers held the ball up brilliantly, passing it out to our wingers, who put some great crosses into the box leading to some fantastic goals.
“We had five different scorers, which shows it was a proper team performance. Player of the game was Aidan for his hold up play, his passing and willingness to put the opponents under pressure.”
Cheetahs under-12s girls got back to winning ways with a 5-4 victory over Winton Wanderers Lionesses.
Coach Alexandra said: “Despite some simple football we managed to give ourselves a nervy finish. We scored three in quick succession, from Orlaith, followed by two for Lola. We then conceded from a daft moment.
“Just before half time Sylvie made it four for us and keeper Isla made some incredible saves early into the second period. We missed a couple of opportunities and were punished as Winton got a goal back.
“With only eight minutes left Sylvie slotted home after excellent link up play with Summer and we thought the game was done. But sloppiness in the last five minutes saw us concede two, leading to some very anxious parents and coaches praying for the final whistle.
“It was an excellent game with great attitudes from both sides. Isla and Orlaith took the player of the game trophies for their determination and commitment.”
Hurricanes under-eights girls had one of their best performances of the season against AFC Bolton.
Coach Justin said: “It is a sign of the huge progress we have made that we managed to keep it so close against one of the best teams in the league.
“It was only Florence’s second appearance in net but you wouldn’t have known it as she made a couple of really good saves and was confident throughout. Betsy had an excellent game in defence, stopping the opposition attacks throughout and playing some excellent defence splitting passes.
“Marnie was magnificent in midfield and defence, making several surging runs and never giving the opposition an inch. Violet scored another two goals and could have had more as she constantly threatened the opposition with non-stop running.
“Lyla put in another storming display, making many vital interceptions as well as being at the heart of all our attacks. Siana the cat was in net for the second half and was her usual acrobatic self, but her performance out of net in the first half was also excellent.
“Alma stuck to her task in defence and midfield, defending enthusiastically but also making some quality passes too. Matilda was full of running in attack and was unlucky not to score, and showed her battling qualities.
“One of the standouts though was Rene, with the improvements she has made in her tackling, passing and running with the ball an example to rest of the team.
“This was genuinely one of our best performances of the season, as we more than matched a team that only a few months ago were convincingly better than us. Because of this we decided to award the whole team the player of the match award as we genuinely couldn’t choose between them.
“This again shows the progress we have made and gives us more confidence for the future. It’s been a great year for the girls, and it’s been a pleasure coaching them all. Big shout out to the parents as well who have been such a great help to us.”
