Phoenix girls under-11s flew back into form away at East Leigh.
After a tough time at the hands of mother nature, injuries, stomach bugs and school opening evenings, Phoenix soared back into action.
A first half hat-trick for super striker Adalind (pictured above) saw her bag the player of the game gong.
But an honourable mention for Lois who scored a crucial goal and put in an all action display despite a debilitating foot injury limiting her activity for the last month.
Lois in action for Phoenix, as coaches Brendan and Alex watch on
The coaches' hard work in training paid off with defenders squeezing the pitch to limit opponents' attacks and their Thursday fitness sessions helped the girls battle to the very end.
Isabella, coming off her line intelligently, was exemplary between the sticks. A late one-on-one save was the highlight of another excellent display.
Defenders Mia, Grace, Brooke and Annabel were disciplined in keeping their line and worked as a real unit. They distributed the ball intelligently and made some incredible last gasp interventions.
Lola was as classy as usual. Calm, collected and picking passes with seemingly all the time in the world.
We run out of words to describe Noe. She was everywhere, as always, and made an increased effort to get her head up and find the right passes.
Blake showed she is a real team player, as she harried and chased down the right and had the sidelines in awe at her completely natural first touch.
Team player Blake takes a throw. For more Phoenix pictures, scroll down
The two wide midfielders Iris and April were constant threats in possession, but their work rate when pressing the opposition was a huge standout from the team's overall performance.
Coach Brendan said: “The coaches were extremely please with the girls. Even after a tough time they have never stopped smiling and playing the game in positive manner and their hard work in training paid off in the game.”
The club’s male equivalents Wolves took on Salford United Devils in their final group game of the MYSL Christmas Cup.
Despite a 2-3 defeat the lads have qualified for the knock-out stages, due to earlier results. Player of the match was Aaron.
Coach Lee said: “The Wolves are really starting to play some eye catching football and were unfortunate not to capitalise on some great early chances to take the lead.
“However, when our very own Harry the Hammer Haaland is in this form no defence is safe and he made it 1-0.
“The group leaders rocked for the first time this season only for them to recover their composure to end the first half with a narrow 2-1 lead.
“Changes at half time saw the introduction of Max W who within a couple of minutes from the restart made a darting run up the right wing to set up the Hammer for his second goal of the match.
“Unfortunately the Wolves succumbed to a 3-2 defeat with the Devils scoring a wonder strike worthy of settling any duel such as this.
“But I am sure the Wolves will be relishing the prospect of meeting the Devils again as we go deeper into the Christmas Cup. The is the only trophy of significance to evade the Prestwich Marauders Wolves and the players starting to believe it could well be our year.”
Diamonds under-12s girls continued their ridiculous run of form with a 9-0 triumph over Aspull Amazons.
Coach Mark said: “This was the Diamonds first match in a month, since the league was reset and there was the fear that we’d be rusty and our 100% start to this season could come to an end, but in the end it turned out to be the exact opposite.
"At training on Wednesday the girls were challenged to come up with a score line to aim for, they either bravely or foolishly plumped for 7-0 and were reminded of this before kick off along with performance expectations.
“Fired up from the first whistle the girls took the game straight to Aspull and were duly rewarded with a goal in the second minute.
“This was to set the tone for the rest of the match with wave after wave of attack. The girls went into half time 5-0 up and dominated every aspect of the game.
“Our back line and keeper are so solid and physically strong and capable on the ball that the 1980s Milan back line would look at them admiringly.
“Half time team talks are easy after first halves like that and it was a case of more of the same please and that’s what we got.
“The opposition at this point knew the game was lost and upped their physicality, but our girls aren’t soft and won the physical game too while keeping their composure and not doing anything silly in retaliation - another sign of their blossoming maturity.
“The goals continued and we ultimately walked away 9-0 winners and it could’ve been more. There were too many goals to describe but we saw the full range - from fox in the box, team goals and solo specials.
“This might sound like we were up against a team who have no right to be in the top flight, but they’re established and had title aspirations of their own.
“It was an absolute pleasure to be on the side line today to watch a great TEAM performance and I gave them all the player of the game award.
“Parents’ player went to Eva, who put in another standout midfield performance with a third hat-trick on the bounce.
“Craig’s player of the game was Jeanette, who was a rock at the back. Kris’ player of the game was Essi, who was comfortable on the ball and always made great decisions.”
Our Raptors under-14s boys travelled to Pennine Juniors in the cup.
Coach Paul said: “Despite a strong start with plenty of opportunities going forward, the dreaded ball over the top was our worst enemy all game.
“We started well, winning the midfield battles and getting into the box but we conceded first. We hit back quickly through some great wide play from George driving into the box who played it to Tommy who put a clever ball into the penalty spot for a nice finish from Luca.
“The second half started in much the same way but we were found lacking for pace at the back and conceded again in a similar way to the first.
“Following a great save from Cameron, he then kicked long which went all the way through for Tommy who calmly slotted past their keeper to level it again.
"We were on the front foot, but again got caught for pace with a good ball through which found its way into the net.
“We went again and were high up the pitch but their (questionable) throw-in was then passed long and caught us for pace again at the back for them to make it 4-2.
“Sadly there wasn't enough time left for the fight back we were hoping for. Player of the game went to Tommy A for excellence in attack and constant battling. We now face the same side at home in the league this coming weekend.”
Phoenix pictures by Brooke's mum Donna - thanks to her as always...
Non-Stop Noe doing Non-Stop Noe stuff
Phoenix defenders ready to pounce
April prowling the left flank
