Eagles under-14s boys are celebrating after winning the North Bury JFL Division Three Cup.
The lads won 5-2 in the final at Prestwich Heys with goals coming from Joel (2), Lathan, Jon, and officials' player of the match Alex.
Well done to all the team and coaching staff.
Our Diamonds under-11s girls also tasted cup success as they won their quarter final against Haslingden Blizzards in a tense penalty shoot out.
Coach Mark said: "A morning of the highest drama in the Rossendale hills saw the Diamonds progress to the higher cup semi final going through on penalties to face Wigan Athletic in a repeat of last year's semi. I doubt those in attendance will witness four better goals in a 2-2 ever again.
"We looked lethargic in the opening 10 minutes and went behind to a top bins strike from nowhere, which no keeper would’ve got to. But Diamonds grew into the half and the coaches' confidence grew too. Erin’s probing runs were soon rewarded. Essi, exceptional on the ball all morning, played a lovely through-ball, Erin was on it in a flash but I thought the angle was too tight. However Erin did was she does best and smashed it across the goalie into the left hand side of the net.
"As we reached the half time break I thought we’d kick on and take control in the second period, but Haslingden had the most of the ball in the second half. The defensive unit of Lexi, Frankie, Jeanette and Mia were all at it and limited them to a couple of shots and then blocked them.
"Then midway through the half the opposition were awarded a free kick right on the left touchline in the middle of our half. We set our wall but the ball was hit with velocity and dip and landed top bins on the right. It was superb technique and execution and another unstoppable goal.
"So, it was kitchen sink time - with the clock running down we threw everything at them as Violette and Layla worked the flanks tirelessly and I thought we might make something happen with width. With just five miniutes to go powerhouse Maria did a trade mark driving run from midfield and as the pitch opened up she pulled the trigger and let a rocket go that somehow opposition keeper Florence palmed wide.
"With two minutes left on clock Diamonds won a corner and Maria put it into the mix. Eva came across the defender and met it on the volley and sent it into the far left corner, as the fans went wild. It was the last meaningful action and so with it 2-2 at full time we were onto penalties.
"The previous week we showed great character with a last minute winner and again this time it was on show in spades - every girl put their hand up and was prepared to take penalty.
"First up Erin, the girl with ice in her veins, and it was never in doubt, 1-0.
"Keeper Darci, who was on point all game saved Haslingdens first, so it was still 1-0.
"Second up the unfazed Maria, with another text book penalty for 2-0 Diamonds.
"Haslingden's second rebounded off the crossbar, so we had daylight at 2-0.
"Up stepped Violette, who’s having the season of all seasons, only to be denied by their keeper. So it was still 2-0.
"The opposition player then struck to Darci’s right to make it 2-1.
"Eva was up next. And after a deep breath, bang, it went in for 3-1.
"Darci was making herself big on the line, but she could do nothing with the next, so it was 3-2.
"Frankie, in the form of her life, was up next but deserted by Lady Luck her shot grazed the crossbar, so it remained 3-2.
"Then cometh the hour cometh the girl. Player of the game Darci was cool as a cucumber as she dived down fast to her right and pulled off the match winning save, so it all over, and Diamonds won 3-2 on pens.
"I’d like to say how proud we are of the girls and in particular the respect and dignity they showed in victory. They are a class set of girls who are showing the greatest character when it’s needed most."
Hurricanes under-eights girls had a close encounter with Astley Bridge Wombats.
Coach Justin said: “ Siana put in another calm and authoritative display in net to give us a solid base to build from. Betsy put in a fine defensive display and was able to show off her passing ability with some excellent through-balls.
“Alma showed off her versatility to play in both midfield and defence and fulfilled those roles with ease. Matilda continued with her good form in attack, pressing the opposition high and making some perceptive passes.
“Lyla drove at the opposition all day, throwing herself into challenges and showing delightful skills at times. Olivia was desperately close to scoring, and never stopped attacking in a really committed display.
“Emily also could have scored and made some great passes as she attacked relentlessly from the wings. Player of the match was Violet, for a typically hardworking performance that included some great passing and scoring both of our goals - making it 43 for the season.”
The lads won 5-2 in the final at Prestwich Heys with goals coming from Joel (2), Lathan, Jon, and officials' player of the match Alex.
Well done to all the team and coaching staff.
Our Diamonds under-11s girls also tasted cup success as they won their quarter final against Haslingden Blizzards in a tense penalty shoot out.
Coach Mark said: "A morning of the highest drama in the Rossendale hills saw the Diamonds progress to the higher cup semi final going through on penalties to face Wigan Athletic in a repeat of last year's semi. I doubt those in attendance will witness four better goals in a 2-2 ever again.
"We looked lethargic in the opening 10 minutes and went behind to a top bins strike from nowhere, which no keeper would’ve got to. But Diamonds grew into the half and the coaches' confidence grew too. Erin’s probing runs were soon rewarded. Essi, exceptional on the ball all morning, played a lovely through-ball, Erin was on it in a flash but I thought the angle was too tight. However Erin did was she does best and smashed it across the goalie into the left hand side of the net.
"As we reached the half time break I thought we’d kick on and take control in the second period, but Haslingden had the most of the ball in the second half. The defensive unit of Lexi, Frankie, Jeanette and Mia were all at it and limited them to a couple of shots and then blocked them.
"Then midway through the half the opposition were awarded a free kick right on the left touchline in the middle of our half. We set our wall but the ball was hit with velocity and dip and landed top bins on the right. It was superb technique and execution and another unstoppable goal.
"So, it was kitchen sink time - with the clock running down we threw everything at them as Violette and Layla worked the flanks tirelessly and I thought we might make something happen with width. With just five miniutes to go powerhouse Maria did a trade mark driving run from midfield and as the pitch opened up she pulled the trigger and let a rocket go that somehow opposition keeper Florence palmed wide.
"With two minutes left on clock Diamonds won a corner and Maria put it into the mix. Eva came across the defender and met it on the volley and sent it into the far left corner, as the fans went wild. It was the last meaningful action and so with it 2-2 at full time we were onto penalties.
"The previous week we showed great character with a last minute winner and again this time it was on show in spades - every girl put their hand up and was prepared to take penalty.
"First up Erin, the girl with ice in her veins, and it was never in doubt, 1-0.
"Keeper Darci, who was on point all game saved Haslingdens first, so it was still 1-0.
"Second up the unfazed Maria, with another text book penalty for 2-0 Diamonds.
"Haslingden's second rebounded off the crossbar, so we had daylight at 2-0.
"Up stepped Violette, who’s having the season of all seasons, only to be denied by their keeper. So it was still 2-0.
"The opposition player then struck to Darci’s right to make it 2-1.
"Eva was up next. And after a deep breath, bang, it went in for 3-1.
"Darci was making herself big on the line, but she could do nothing with the next, so it was 3-2.
"Frankie, in the form of her life, was up next but deserted by Lady Luck her shot grazed the crossbar, so it remained 3-2.
"Then cometh the hour cometh the girl. Player of the game Darci was cool as a cucumber as she dived down fast to her right and pulled off the match winning save, so it all over, and Diamonds won 3-2 on pens.
"I’d like to say how proud we are of the girls and in particular the respect and dignity they showed in victory. They are a class set of girls who are showing the greatest character when it’s needed most."
Hurricanes under-eights girls had a close encounter with Astley Bridge Wombats.
Coach Justin said: “ Siana put in another calm and authoritative display in net to give us a solid base to build from. Betsy put in a fine defensive display and was able to show off her passing ability with some excellent through-balls.
“Alma showed off her versatility to play in both midfield and defence and fulfilled those roles with ease. Matilda continued with her good form in attack, pressing the opposition high and making some perceptive passes.
“Lyla drove at the opposition all day, throwing herself into challenges and showing delightful skills at times. Olivia was desperately close to scoring, and never stopped attacking in a really committed display.
“Emily also could have scored and made some great passes as she attacked relentlessly from the wings. Player of the match was Violet, for a typically hardworking performance that included some great passing and scoring both of our goals - making it 43 for the season.”
