Our teams were back in action this weekend after Christmas and the weather combined to leave many with limited football of late...
Jaguars boys under-nines had a positive day against Stockport Villa, with any fears of rustiness extinguished early doors.
Coach Tim said: "The boys started on the front foot with goals from Ned, Riley and Muhammed, who scored with a great turn and drive from the edge of the box. The second half was excellent as we dominated all over the pitch, with further goals coming from Flynn, James and a Ronaldo-esque free-kick from Ned.
"It was the boys' first match since before Christmas and I expected rustiness, but they worked really hard as a team and played some quality football."
Wolves boys under-10s started their year on a high in their performance against Shawside San Lorenzo.
Coach Ben said: "It was a real test for us as we had come out second best in games against them before. Harrison gave us the lead within 15 seconds and despite Shawside pegging us back we eventually broke free with other goals scored by Teddy, Harry and Max E. It was a performance that will replenish some much needed confidence."
Diamonds under-11s girls won their cup match against Winton Griffins convincingly, in what coach Mark said was a 'powerhouse performance'.
He said: "Due to the scoreline being one-sided against a lower division opposition, we gave the girls a chance to play in different positions and they showed that their game intelligence is well ahead of their years as some played in four different roles.
"For 10 and 11 year olds to cope with those positional challenges shows what a great bunch we have. We have to focus on our offensive strengths when scoring so heavily, but it is also important to recognise the mental strength it takes for our keeper and defence to stay focused and not concede soft goals on the counter."
Parents' player of the game was Violette. Coach Kris' player of the game was Layla and Mark's player of the game was Erin.
Meanwhile at St Mary's Park (SMP), Grace (pictured above) was player of the game for Phoenix girls under-10s in their encounter with FC Britannia, as she made some top tackles and brought the ball out of defence intelligently.
Non-stop Noe kept running at the opponents all game and combined well with the ever-busy Lois in midfield, but it just wasn't the girls' day up front as they came up against a very well marshalled back line.
Defenders Mia and Anabell made some very good last ditch challenges to keep Marauders in the game, but overall the girls were a bit rusty, which is unsurprising due to so many games being called off due to the weather lately.
Also on SMP, Cheetahs girls under-12s enjoyed a 4-1 win over Haslingden Asteroids.
Coach Alexandra said: "From the first whistle the determination showed, with Belle going in net to stand in for unavailable Isla, and her communication with the back three throughout was fantastic.
"The players stuck to their roles, dropping in to cover when needed and pressing as a team and there were very few chances conceded.
"Aoife up front timed all her runs to perfection and got some good balls from midfield, which were rewarded with two goals in the first half. The first was from a ball played in behind by Sylvie and the other from a direct pass from Lola.
"In the second half we had lots of chances. Orlaith picked up a ball played through from Katy in defence and skipped past the keeper to slot in the third. Aoife then secured her hat-trick to make it 4-0.
"Asteroids got one back from a superb corner that went straight into the net - aka an Olympico as we have seen many scored on the TV of late.
"Coaches agreed this was the best team performance we have seen from the Cheetahs. Aoife took home player of the game number one for her hat-trick and superb runs and AJ picked up the second for her defensive work."
Hurricanes under-eights girls braved some brutal winter conditions in Bolton with a top showing against Astley Bridge Koalas.
Coach Justin said: "It was a really good game in the circumstances and a great performance by the girls.
“Florence made another appearance in net and gave a really solid performance as her comfort between the sticks grows with every game.
“Marnie was magnificent - passing, tackling and scoring a hat-trick including a great long range strike. A really complete performance.
“Violet finally found a way of stopping scoring - the bitter cold of Bolton - though she still tried her best to overcome it.
“Lyla scored another couple of goals, and her all round play was superb as she stormed from one box to the other all game
“Matilda never stopped trying, battling and running at the opposition as she battled the conditions to set up our attacks.
“Betsy’s defending was again a joy to behold as she made numerous tackles, but then went into midfield and showed off her excellent passing.
“Rene was another who really suffered with the cold, but still managed to battle away when she was on the pitch.
“Player of the match this week was Alma, for putting a tough shift in defence without complaint before going in net for the final quarter and doing brilliantly there.
“We had some very cold girls and some frozen tears but we still managed to witness some great football. Well done to the young referee as well, and also to the opposition. It’s a great set up at Astley Bridge, and the team and coaches were a credit to the club.”
Tornados under-eights boys did well in their game, considering the lack of football they have been able to play since before Christmas.
Coach Stu said: "We were happy with our tackling throughout and have some good positives to build on."
Goals were scored by player of the game Finley (2), Seb and Charlie.
Jaguars boys under-nines had a positive day against Stockport Villa, with any fears of rustiness extinguished early doors.
Coach Tim said: "The boys started on the front foot with goals from Ned, Riley and Muhammed, who scored with a great turn and drive from the edge of the box. The second half was excellent as we dominated all over the pitch, with further goals coming from Flynn, James and a Ronaldo-esque free-kick from Ned.
"It was the boys' first match since before Christmas and I expected rustiness, but they worked really hard as a team and played some quality football."
Wolves boys under-10s started their year on a high in their performance against Shawside San Lorenzo.
Coach Ben said: "It was a real test for us as we had come out second best in games against them before. Harrison gave us the lead within 15 seconds and despite Shawside pegging us back we eventually broke free with other goals scored by Teddy, Harry and Max E. It was a performance that will replenish some much needed confidence."
Diamonds under-11s girls won their cup match against Winton Griffins convincingly, in what coach Mark said was a 'powerhouse performance'.
He said: "Due to the scoreline being one-sided against a lower division opposition, we gave the girls a chance to play in different positions and they showed that their game intelligence is well ahead of their years as some played in four different roles.
"For 10 and 11 year olds to cope with those positional challenges shows what a great bunch we have. We have to focus on our offensive strengths when scoring so heavily, but it is also important to recognise the mental strength it takes for our keeper and defence to stay focused and not concede soft goals on the counter."
Parents' player of the game was Violette. Coach Kris' player of the game was Layla and Mark's player of the game was Erin.
Meanwhile at St Mary's Park (SMP), Grace (pictured above) was player of the game for Phoenix girls under-10s in their encounter with FC Britannia, as she made some top tackles and brought the ball out of defence intelligently.
Non-stop Noe kept running at the opponents all game and combined well with the ever-busy Lois in midfield, but it just wasn't the girls' day up front as they came up against a very well marshalled back line.
Defenders Mia and Anabell made some very good last ditch challenges to keep Marauders in the game, but overall the girls were a bit rusty, which is unsurprising due to so many games being called off due to the weather lately.
Also on SMP, Cheetahs girls under-12s enjoyed a 4-1 win over Haslingden Asteroids.
Coach Alexandra said: "From the first whistle the determination showed, with Belle going in net to stand in for unavailable Isla, and her communication with the back three throughout was fantastic.
"The players stuck to their roles, dropping in to cover when needed and pressing as a team and there were very few chances conceded.
"Aoife up front timed all her runs to perfection and got some good balls from midfield, which were rewarded with two goals in the first half. The first was from a ball played in behind by Sylvie and the other from a direct pass from Lola.
"In the second half we had lots of chances. Orlaith picked up a ball played through from Katy in defence and skipped past the keeper to slot in the third. Aoife then secured her hat-trick to make it 4-0.
"Asteroids got one back from a superb corner that went straight into the net - aka an Olympico as we have seen many scored on the TV of late.
"Coaches agreed this was the best team performance we have seen from the Cheetahs. Aoife took home player of the game number one for her hat-trick and superb runs and AJ picked up the second for her defensive work."
Hurricanes under-eights girls braved some brutal winter conditions in Bolton with a top showing against Astley Bridge Koalas.
Coach Justin said: "It was a really good game in the circumstances and a great performance by the girls.
“Florence made another appearance in net and gave a really solid performance as her comfort between the sticks grows with every game.
“Marnie was magnificent - passing, tackling and scoring a hat-trick including a great long range strike. A really complete performance.
“Violet finally found a way of stopping scoring - the bitter cold of Bolton - though she still tried her best to overcome it.
“Lyla scored another couple of goals, and her all round play was superb as she stormed from one box to the other all game
“Matilda never stopped trying, battling and running at the opposition as she battled the conditions to set up our attacks.
“Betsy’s defending was again a joy to behold as she made numerous tackles, but then went into midfield and showed off her excellent passing.
“Rene was another who really suffered with the cold, but still managed to battle away when she was on the pitch.
“Player of the match this week was Alma, for putting a tough shift in defence without complaint before going in net for the final quarter and doing brilliantly there.
“We had some very cold girls and some frozen tears but we still managed to witness some great football. Well done to the young referee as well, and also to the opposition. It’s a great set up at Astley Bridge, and the team and coaches were a credit to the club.”
Tornados under-eights boys did well in their game, considering the lack of football they have been able to play since before Christmas.
Coach Stu said: "We were happy with our tackling throughout and have some good positives to build on."
Goals were scored by player of the game Finley (2), Seb and Charlie.
