Our sparkling Diamonds under-11s girls left their coaches buzzing with their performance against Winton Bees.

Coach Mark said: "There was no score in the first half due to a combination of the girls working out the run of a very bobbly, heavy pitch, some exceptional defending from the opposition, and bad luck.

"At half-time we told the girls to be patient and composed and to up the aggression a touch. The girls took the instructions on to a tee and looked far stronger on the ball and full of desire to get the job done.

"Our opener was about simple, clever football. Layla, who's non-stop pressure won possession in the opponent's half, then, head up, she switched the ball to the other side where centre forward Erin had made another selfless, intelligent run. She took two defenders with her and cooly laid the ball across for Eva to slot home.

"The opposition kept going, but Elsa, Lexi, Mia and keeper Darci had the look of girls who weren't going to give up a clean sheet. They were aggressive in the tackle and composed on the ball. Jeanette, in her first season of organised football, worked tirelessly on the right. The midfield really start to own the centre of the pitch.

"The next goal came, like the first, from one of Erin’s drifts out wide and a lay off to Frankie who finished with her weaker left foot. It was was well deserved for the way she’s been performing.

"Maria was running through the opposition for fun by now with her strength and guile, and scored with a lovely finish. It was really pleasing to see the girls take control of the game in the second period.

"My player of the game was Elsa, who was a rock at the back and good on the ball and looked like she really enjoyed herself out there. Craig's was Erin, for her two assists and another match full of intelligent runs and pulling defenders out of position to open up space. The opposition gave their player of the match award to Maria, who put in another powerhouse performance as an attacking midfielder topped with a lovely finish. The parents plumped for Eva, with another goal and a really confident performance."

Vikings under-11s boys beat  Littleborough Reds 4-2 in the cup with goals coming from Eoin, Aidan (2) and Max.

Coach Tom said: "From the first whistle to the end, starting from the back up to the top of the team, each and every one of the boys were on their game.

"There was brilliant decision-making and distribution from Shaun, and amazing defending and determination to win every tackle from the boys.

"There was total control and energy in the midfield, then willingness and strength to press. The decision making and calmness when through on goal from the lads upfront and on the wings was great.

"We couldn't have asked for anything more. It was a joy to watch. 

"A big shout out to Max for getting his first goal for the team. He always gives 100 per cent in every game, and this was well deserved. Hopefully, more to come."

Oliver and Aidan were players of the match. 

Tom added: "Oliver had a brilliant first half, playing the boys through on goal on many occasions, with defence splitting passes. 

"Aidan scored two brilliantly taken goals, his persistence is definitely starting to pay off. He didn't give up last week and again on Saturday, and he got his just rewards. 

"The timing of his runs is incredible, and when through on goal, you always know the goals will come."

There were a lot of positives for Panthers under-nines boys in their match, with coaching Ste saying: "We have started to really work hard when under pressure. William and Hudson battling in midfield really helps our defence.

"We didn't concede from any corners on Saturday - they have been our downfall this season and something we have worked on in training, so it is great to see it has paid off.

"For 10 minutes in the second half all our attacking players were passing as a team, creating chances, and that led to our goals. Rocco was outstanding - pressing their attacker and winning everything. David was player of the match with some amazing diving, strong saves."

Raptors under-12s boys slipped to defeat against Stalybridge Celtic. Coach Paul said: "There was a great first half performance from both teams with chances at either end. The goalkeepers kept the score level.

"In the second half Celtic took the lead and the following 10 minutes were a bit fraught and a questionable goal, that we feel should have been chalked off for handball, gave them a 2-0 lead.

"We managed to regain our heads and started to create chances again. Their keeper made another two stops from Daniel, before finally being beaten. If we had another couple of minutes we may have been able to secure a draw, but the whistle went."

Our Hurricanes under-eights girls had a keenly fought contest against Astley Bridge Wombats, with the highlight being a wonderful solo effort from Marnie.

Coach Justin said: "With the cold, wintry conditions it was tough at times to get our football going but the girls’ commitment was never in doubt - and it was a real pleasure seeing how they have each other’s back and have become a real team.

"It was a bit of a change for Alma who deputised in net for us, but she was absolutely excellent. Marnie was stupendous in defence and midfield, throwing herself into the physical challenges and scoring a great goal late on.

"Violet didn’t score this week but she was a constant threat, pressing the opposition defence and running at them all game long. Betsy put in another stalwart performance at the back together with some really excellent and perceptive passes.

"Olivia really got stuck into the physical battle this week and showed her guile with some silky skills as well. Emily is improving with every game as she gets more experience, and is starting to impose herself on the games.

"We needed Lyla to be at her relentless best and she didn’t disappoint, tackling and running at the opposition for the full game. Rene was our captain this week and lead by example with some typically excellent tackling and passing.

"Player of the match though was Matilda for putting in a really good shift of attacking, pressing and tackling to show her teammates the way."

Jaguars under-nines boys had Ned, Riley and James scoring good goals in their match against Strike.

Coach Tim said: "The boys started really well and took the lead with a great goal from Ned, before the lead was extended when Riley curled one beyond the keeper and the Jaguars were looking good. Later on James went on a great run and smashed the ball past the keeper for another.

"Sandro played great in goal - it's been brilliant having him as a regular keeper, with a top deputy in Amir. It is great to see them lads enjoying their football which, win or lose, is what it's all about."

Phoenix under-10s girls played some of their best ever football in their game at AFC Bolton.

The Marauders' goal was scored by Non-stop Noe (pictured above), who beat a player and slotted into the bottom corner following a deflected shot from Summer, who was player of the game for battling all match and making constantly threatening runs.

Coach Brendan said: "There was superb effort from each and every one of the girls. They showed real spirit, especially as we had three less players in our squad than a very good AFC Bolton team.

"Some of the football the girls played was a joy to see, as they always had their heads up, looking for the pass and with players moving into space. Even though sometimes the execution wasn't perfect they were praised massively for trying to play the right way."

Cheetahs under-12s girls had some bad luck in a tough defeat at Ramsbottom, as the girls put in a gritty performance against a very good team. 

Coach Alex said: "Isla did so well in goal to keep us in the game and was given one of our player of the match awards. 

"Our defence was well supported by midfield and Pearl also won a player of the game award for her constant determination. We managed to get the ball out to wide positions several times but were closed down very quickly and struggled to mount a full on attack and their keeper was not challenged as much as we’d like. 
 
"Our girls battled to the end but just couldn’t find the net. A real shame but I’m very proud of how they handled things."