Wolves under-11s boys had a welcome return to form with a 7-2 MYSL Christmas Cup win over MLGFC.
Hat-trick hero Harry bagged the pick of the goals with a bicycle kick, and took the player of the match award. Max W grabbed a brace, with Flynn and Aaron, with his first for the club, completing the scoring.
Coach Lee said: "It was an underwhelming start to the season for the Wolves. It’s taken a while for the lads to adapt to nine-a-side, playing offsides and with four new players to integrate.
"But after some tactical tweaks from manager Ben we have now seen back-to-back wins in the Christmas Cup and we’re now in a strong position to progress to the next round.
"Despite going 0-2 down, we put in a sublime performance in resilience, determination and tactical awareness. The Wolves are finding form at the right time of the season. Bring on the knock-out stages of the Christmas Cup."
Jaguars boys under-10s played a friendly against Oldham Dynamos, after their cup game was postponed.
Coach Tim said: "It was a good opportunity with a few half term absentees, for the players to try unfamiliar positions and formations. The match itself was hard fought. The Jaguars showed great character, with Riley scoring twice. Further chances came our way but the boys couldn't convert.
"With our regular goalkeepers unavailable, Adam stepped into the breach and played really well, earning the player of the match award."
Panthers under-10s boys put the frighteners up their opponents following a 'horrifying' training session at Halloween.
The lads took on their namesakes from Rochdalians, with sweeper-keeper Enzo named as player of the match, and Hudson catching the eye in midfield.
Coach Ste said: "The boys had great fun at training at Halloween, wearing their scary costumes, while still putting a good shift in. The game at the weekend was evenly-matched, with the whole of the first half seemingly played in midfield.
"Panthers gambled in the second half and pushed forward, creating a few chances, as Rochdalians looked to counter. Rocco got on the scoresheet as the team continued to press.
"We saw lots of effort from the Panthers and there was a standout performance in midfield from Hudson. Our stand-in keeper Enzo made some great saves and performed really well as a sweeper keeper, earning a well-deserved player of the match award."
Raptors under-13s boys faced tough opponents in top of the table Stingerz, eventually coming out with a 1-4 loss.
Coach Paul said: "Due to half-term and a couple of last minute illness dropouts, we were on the bare bones with only 11 players. The lads started well but were losing the ball due to careless passes gifting the opposition a couple of early sights of goal.
"However, the passes and teamwork quickly improved and Raptors battled for everything, winning the ball back and creating plenty of chances. Unfortunately, none of them found the back of the net and half-time came with the deadlock unbroken.
"We started the second half well but the lack of subs started to show and rushed clearances created too many chances for Stingerz and they scored two quick goals through our own mistakes.
"We rallied again and managed to hold on to the ball better, creating more opportunities but couldn't find the shot. Stingerz came again and bagged another through a great solo run and then followed up with another from a corner that should have been cleared.
"At 0-4, the legs had gone from the tireless display. But Raptors never gave up. Luca was stepping out from the back to drive the midfield, chasing every ball and making tackles all over the pitch. Eventually he sent a ball over the top for Cameron who slotted past the keeper to give us our goal.
"On another day, I feel we could have held our own, but it largely came down to the lack of any subs. A great performance overall despite the scoreline with Luca picking up player of the match."
