Jaguars under-nines boys couldn't locate lady luck as they were edged out on penalties in their MYSL Champions Cup final.
Playing at Manchester United's academy, the boys drew 1-1 in normal time but opponents B Pro Sports proved more deadly from the spot.
Coach Tim said: "It was a great achievement to get to the final, following a winning run in the cup. Despite a strong start from B Pro, the boys went ahead through James, curling home from the right wing as he's done so many times this season.
"Other than the occasional break from the opposition, the Jaguars attacked almost non stop but just could not add to their tally, with some unbelievable saves from the B Pro keeper and some really committed defending.
"Loose balls, deflections, strong hands - the ball just wouldn't go in and when B Pro scored on the break it meant the match was decided on penalties. Lady Luck continued to frown at the Jaguars when our second penalty hit the inside of the posts three times and was ruled as not crossing the line. B Pro scored their three penalties and lifted the cup.
Playing at Manchester United's academy, the boys drew 1-1 in normal time but opponents B Pro Sports proved more deadly from the spot.
Coach Tim said: "It was a great achievement to get to the final, following a winning run in the cup. Despite a strong start from B Pro, the boys went ahead through James, curling home from the right wing as he's done so many times this season.
"Other than the occasional break from the opposition, the Jaguars attacked almost non stop but just could not add to their tally, with some unbelievable saves from the B Pro keeper and some really committed defending.
"Loose balls, deflections, strong hands - the ball just wouldn't go in and when B Pro scored on the break it meant the match was decided on penalties. Lady Luck continued to frown at the Jaguars when our second penalty hit the inside of the posts three times and was ruled as not crossing the line. B Pro scored their three penalties and lifted the cup.
"The boys were upset but have had a superb season, having some great winning runs and being undefeated from late November until April. We're really proud of them and they've never upheld anything other than a great attitude. They deserved to win last night but the Jaguars will be back again with renewed determination."
Meanwhile, fellow under-nines Panthers reached the semi-final of the UK Sports Tournament. Coach Ste said: "We came up against some strong opposition but we grew into each game and played better as the tournament went on.
"Our fight and determination got us through to the semi-finals, however we were beaten by the eventual tournament winners Urmston Kings.
"A massive well done to all of the lads. There was another stand-out performance by David who got player of the tournament. It was good preparation for the league final in Buxton where we go to retain our title."
The previous weekend Diamonds girls under-11s were also unfortunate in a semi-final as they were narrowly defeated by Wigan Athletic.
Coach Mark said: "Lady Luck, questionable decisions and a great performance by the opposition's goalkeeper all conspired to put paid to the Diamonds hopes of a successive cup final appearance, with the girls only beaten by a penalty on the day.
"Roadworks ruled out a meaningful warm up for most of the most girls, and about 12 minutes into the game a Wigan attacker struck the ball near the edge of the box, with defenders' hands going up instinctively to protect faces. Sadly a penalty was awarded and duly dispatched.
The rest of the first half was a pretty even affair, but the second half definitely belonged to the Diamonds and we certainly left everything on the pitch. The last 10 minutes we threw everything at them.
"On one attack Erin wass taken out just inside the box in exactly the same place as the earlier handball, the whistle was blown but the referee awarded a free kick on the edge and we felt aggrieved.
"There’s no shame losing to a top team like Wigan and we couldn’t be any prouder of the girls. I might be biased but I think on the balance of the match we were the better team. These youngsters proved again they’d run through brick walls for each other.
"As coach Kris pointed out at the end - the last few weeks have really cemented the belief we’re as good as any grassroots team our age. Everyone got the player of the game award."
Cheetahs under-12s girls finished their league season on a high with a 7-1 win over Deans.
Cece (2), Summer (2), Sylvie (2) and Belle were the scorers in a game that ended a successful first competitive season for the girls.
Coach Alexandrea said: "We took the opportunity to rotate our players as much as possible, as well as play some in positions that they wanted to try out - for example Pearl in midfield.
"Flora was awarded player of the game for some excellent control, lovely touches and crosses and Cece with the other award as she consistently found space and was actively checking her offsides with two fantastic finishes.
"Speaking of finishes - Belle slotted away the third with an assist from Aoife who battled to win in the ball midfield and send it through.
"Summer’s two goals and Sylvie’s brace got special mention from the referee for the work effort, both creating their own opportunities with runs from defence. Lola was unlucky with an offside goal, but recovered well to get the assist for one of Cece’s shortly after. A shout out to Neyva who is finding her way in defence and gaining confidence every week.
"Games like that make it hard to pick players for the trophies. Thank you to all the players for a fabulous season, we are very proud of the way we’ve tackled promotion and a fourth placed finish is brilliant.
"We are moving up to 11-a-side next year, which means graduating from St Mary's Park…We are all going to miss those home match days and what has become an SMP family, but we also look forward to the new junior teams coming through."
At SMP, Phoenix girls under-10s had a friendly against a higher ability Collyhurst combined under-nines and tens side.
Coach Brendan said: "It started very evenly with both teams playing some lovely football but over the 50 mins they were that bit quicker to every ball and had better physicality and their higher aggression told.
"We had chances in the first half, while knocking it about nicely, and the girls never stopped trying in the searing heat. There was a debut for player of the game Lola, who slotted in brilliantly and due to it being a friendly the coaches chopped and changed to try different things. So it was a really worthwhile morning."
Hurricanes under-eights girls, meanwhile, had a game against Radcliffe Borough.
Coach Justin said: "Betsy was excellent at the back, making sure she was always in the right position and also did well in midfield in the second half.
Meanwhile, fellow under-nines Panthers reached the semi-final of the UK Sports Tournament. Coach Ste said: "We came up against some strong opposition but we grew into each game and played better as the tournament went on.
"Our fight and determination got us through to the semi-finals, however we were beaten by the eventual tournament winners Urmston Kings.
"A massive well done to all of the lads. There was another stand-out performance by David who got player of the tournament. It was good preparation for the league final in Buxton where we go to retain our title."
The previous weekend Diamonds girls under-11s were also unfortunate in a semi-final as they were narrowly defeated by Wigan Athletic.
Coach Mark said: "Lady Luck, questionable decisions and a great performance by the opposition's goalkeeper all conspired to put paid to the Diamonds hopes of a successive cup final appearance, with the girls only beaten by a penalty on the day.
"Roadworks ruled out a meaningful warm up for most of the most girls, and about 12 minutes into the game a Wigan attacker struck the ball near the edge of the box, with defenders' hands going up instinctively to protect faces. Sadly a penalty was awarded and duly dispatched.
The rest of the first half was a pretty even affair, but the second half definitely belonged to the Diamonds and we certainly left everything on the pitch. The last 10 minutes we threw everything at them.
"On one attack Erin wass taken out just inside the box in exactly the same place as the earlier handball, the whistle was blown but the referee awarded a free kick on the edge and we felt aggrieved.
"There’s no shame losing to a top team like Wigan and we couldn’t be any prouder of the girls. I might be biased but I think on the balance of the match we were the better team. These youngsters proved again they’d run through brick walls for each other.
"As coach Kris pointed out at the end - the last few weeks have really cemented the belief we’re as good as any grassroots team our age. Everyone got the player of the game award."
Cheetahs under-12s girls finished their league season on a high with a 7-1 win over Deans.
Cece (2), Summer (2), Sylvie (2) and Belle were the scorers in a game that ended a successful first competitive season for the girls.
Coach Alexandrea said: "We took the opportunity to rotate our players as much as possible, as well as play some in positions that they wanted to try out - for example Pearl in midfield.
"Flora was awarded player of the game for some excellent control, lovely touches and crosses and Cece with the other award as she consistently found space and was actively checking her offsides with two fantastic finishes.
"Speaking of finishes - Belle slotted away the third with an assist from Aoife who battled to win in the ball midfield and send it through.
"Summer’s two goals and Sylvie’s brace got special mention from the referee for the work effort, both creating their own opportunities with runs from defence. Lola was unlucky with an offside goal, but recovered well to get the assist for one of Cece’s shortly after. A shout out to Neyva who is finding her way in defence and gaining confidence every week.
"Games like that make it hard to pick players for the trophies. Thank you to all the players for a fabulous season, we are very proud of the way we’ve tackled promotion and a fourth placed finish is brilliant.
"We are moving up to 11-a-side next year, which means graduating from St Mary's Park…We are all going to miss those home match days and what has become an SMP family, but we also look forward to the new junior teams coming through."
At SMP, Phoenix girls under-10s had a friendly against a higher ability Collyhurst combined under-nines and tens side.
Coach Brendan said: "It started very evenly with both teams playing some lovely football but over the 50 mins they were that bit quicker to every ball and had better physicality and their higher aggression told.
"We had chances in the first half, while knocking it about nicely, and the girls never stopped trying in the searing heat. There was a debut for player of the game Lola, who slotted in brilliantly and due to it being a friendly the coaches chopped and changed to try different things. So it was a really worthwhile morning."
Hurricanes under-eights girls, meanwhile, had a game against Radcliffe Borough.
Coach Justin said: "Betsy was excellent at the back, making sure she was always in the right position and also did well in midfield in the second half.
"Lyla was brilliant in midfield and defence, scoring a goal in the second half and also being very pleased with a nutmeg she performed. Olivia played well, making some great passes and was unlucky not to score with some good shots.
"Emily also played well, making some good runs and passes - and swapped numbers with her sister to confuse the coaches for good measure. Violet was back on song, making some great runs and passes and scored two cracking goals in the first half.
"Marnie drove the team all game and made some wonderful passes that could have lead to more goals. Player of the match though was Siana again, for another brilliant keeping display.
"It was a good confidence booster before the final this weekend. The girls are playing good football and improving every week so full speed ahead to the Eddie Davies Academy on June 1."
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Wondering why we only sometimes publish results and league positions? Find out why.
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Wondering why we only sometimes publish results and league positions? Find out why.
