Phantom’s under-16 kicked off their cup campaign with a 5-1 win against Shaw Elite Reds.
Coach Marc said: “We bossed the first half from the start and went on the attack straight away. We scored two goals within a few minutes, which unfortunately were offside. We then we hit the post and missed a penalty.
“We finally opened the scoring from a second penalty, which was put away by Riley. Soon after Euan scored, then Elliot made it three.
“In the second half we were still in control of the game and Shaw started getting a little scrappy which hindered the flow of the football causing our positioning to go out of the window for a while.
“Once we got back on our game we managed to score a fourth through Alex and Elliot made it five.
“Shaw managed to score a consolation penalty in between our goals but it didn’t change the game - it was a shame we couldn’t keep the clean sheet though.
“It was another win and we saw some great football from the lads, showing they really are getting better each week and growing as a team.
“Thanks again to Reece covering the nets for the last few games - he’s been great, but it will be nice to get Matheus back next week. Player of the game went to Finn C at the back, who had another brilliant game.”
Our Raptors under-13s boys went down 2-3 to Milnrow Juniors.
Coach Paul said: “It was a tougher game than we should have had. Milnrow took the lead following a hopeful ball over the top and they reacted first to score following a good save by Cameron.
“They created more chances, winning the midfield battles and playing passes in behind. After about 15 minutes, we seemed to wake up a bit and were creating more openings in the game, bringing the front line into action and getting a couple of shots off.
“George then won a free kick halfway into their half. A hopeful ball was played into the six-yard box and it bounced through everyone and into the corner to level things.
“Milnrow responded with yet another ball over the top being picked up by their striker who rounded the on-rushing Cameron to retake the lead.
“This kick-started another response and George broke away down the right before being brought down in the box for a penalty. Unfortunately, his penalty was saved well and we finished the half in deficit.
“The second half saw our performance improve and we created more chances, winning more of the battles and defending better.
“A good ball through from Cameron found George who slotted into the corner with a great shot past the keeper. We kept pressing with Cameron and Tommy linking up well and both taking on shots but we couldn't find a third.
“A corner from Cameron found Tommy who struck it on the volley with a great hit but only found the post, with no-one on the following up.
“With five minutes to go, things started to get more frantic and we conceded a corner which bounced off a couple before their attacher reacted first and found the net. Sadly we couldn't find a way back for a third time and the match ended 2-3.
“Player of the game was George for his two goals and a good attacking display.”
Jaguars under-10s boys enjoyed their game against Longford. Goals came from James (2), Flynn, Phaedon, Riley (3) and Casper.
Fellow under-10s boys Panthers played Latchford and Thelwall.
Coach Ste said: “We started well but missed a number of chances. The deadlock was broken when Jay linked up well with Ethan on the right, who turned and slotted home from the corner of the area.
“We changed things around at half time, but our opponents were first to everything. We could have conceded many more than we did, if it wasn’t for a string of excellent saves from David.
“Towards the end something clicked and Panthers started to play like they can, winning all the 50/50s and creating chances.
“Goals came from Freddie, after a nice one-two with Ethan. Player of the game went to Davind for his excellent saves.”
It was another tough morning for Phoenix against an excellent Salford United side who should be in the top division.
The effort and work-rate could not be faulted as the girls refused to give up.
Coach Faz said: "Adalind was a speed demon up front. She never stopped moving and deserved her goal. Lola was cool as a cucumber, making the game look easy.
Coach Marc said: “We bossed the first half from the start and went on the attack straight away. We scored two goals within a few minutes, which unfortunately were offside. We then we hit the post and missed a penalty.
“We finally opened the scoring from a second penalty, which was put away by Riley. Soon after Euan scored, then Elliot made it three.
“In the second half we were still in control of the game and Shaw started getting a little scrappy which hindered the flow of the football causing our positioning to go out of the window for a while.
“Once we got back on our game we managed to score a fourth through Alex and Elliot made it five.
“Shaw managed to score a consolation penalty in between our goals but it didn’t change the game - it was a shame we couldn’t keep the clean sheet though.
“It was another win and we saw some great football from the lads, showing they really are getting better each week and growing as a team.
“Thanks again to Reece covering the nets for the last few games - he’s been great, but it will be nice to get Matheus back next week. Player of the game went to Finn C at the back, who had another brilliant game.”
Our Raptors under-13s boys went down 2-3 to Milnrow Juniors.
Coach Paul said: “It was a tougher game than we should have had. Milnrow took the lead following a hopeful ball over the top and they reacted first to score following a good save by Cameron.
“They created more chances, winning the midfield battles and playing passes in behind. After about 15 minutes, we seemed to wake up a bit and were creating more openings in the game, bringing the front line into action and getting a couple of shots off.
“George then won a free kick halfway into their half. A hopeful ball was played into the six-yard box and it bounced through everyone and into the corner to level things.
“Milnrow responded with yet another ball over the top being picked up by their striker who rounded the on-rushing Cameron to retake the lead.
“This kick-started another response and George broke away down the right before being brought down in the box for a penalty. Unfortunately, his penalty was saved well and we finished the half in deficit.
“The second half saw our performance improve and we created more chances, winning more of the battles and defending better.
“A good ball through from Cameron found George who slotted into the corner with a great shot past the keeper. We kept pressing with Cameron and Tommy linking up well and both taking on shots but we couldn't find a third.
“A corner from Cameron found Tommy who struck it on the volley with a great hit but only found the post, with no-one on the following up.
“With five minutes to go, things started to get more frantic and we conceded a corner which bounced off a couple before their attacher reacted first and found the net. Sadly we couldn't find a way back for a third time and the match ended 2-3.
“Player of the game was George for his two goals and a good attacking display.”
Jaguars under-10s boys enjoyed their game against Longford. Goals came from James (2), Flynn, Phaedon, Riley (3) and Casper.
Fellow under-10s boys Panthers played Latchford and Thelwall.
Coach Ste said: “We started well but missed a number of chances. The deadlock was broken when Jay linked up well with Ethan on the right, who turned and slotted home from the corner of the area.
“We changed things around at half time, but our opponents were first to everything. We could have conceded many more than we did, if it wasn’t for a string of excellent saves from David.
“Towards the end something clicked and Panthers started to play like they can, winning all the 50/50s and creating chances.
“Goals came from Freddie, after a nice one-two with Ethan. Player of the game went to Davind for his excellent saves.”
It was another tough morning for Phoenix against an excellent Salford United side who should be in the top division.
The effort and work-rate could not be faulted as the girls refused to give up.
Coach Faz said: "Adalind was a speed demon up front. She never stopped moving and deserved her goal. Lola was cool as a cucumber, making the game look easy.
"Pocket rocket Noe kept blasting the defenders with her energy. Iris made some great tackles and played some superb balls down the wing.
"April made some brilliant runs and had the sidelines cheering. Brooke was chasing every ball like a lion after its prey, despite having a sore arm.
"Blake was calm and kept defenders guessing. Grace helped the team with defensive commands and put in tackles as always.
"Annabel blocked shots like a pro and was fearless, which earned her player of the game. Mia showed great focus with some excellent defensive work.
"Despite being injured and only making a cameo, Lois was a warrior with some brilliant passes. Isabella was a save machine and like a wall at times, not letting anything past.”
Thanks again to Donna, Brooke’s mum, for the excellent pictures.
