Our under-10s boys teams battled hard in their cup competitions as they both went for Christmas Cup glory.
Panthers played SHF Coaching in the quarter finals, eventually going down 2-3, with goals coming from Freddie and James.
Coach Ste said: "The first half playing against the wind was very difficult and we really struggled to get out of our half. SHF capitalising and went in 3-0 up at half time.
"We knew the second half would be different and we started with lots of energy and dominated the game. Within a few minutes Freddie went on a driving run with the ball from defence, shrugging off defenders with ease, as he powered through everyone and slotted home to make it 1-3.
"Panthers were getting the ball wide and creating chances and with 10 minutes to go James was fouled just inside the area after beating two defenders to earn a penalty to the Panthers. James struck it like a rocket giving the keeper no chance for 2-3.
"The last 10 minutes was all the Panthers however couldn’t find the equaliser. It was a spirited, hard-fought performance and the boys were unlucky not to get at least a draw. Player of the match went to James, who helped drive the team forward and was unlucky not to score more."
Meanwhile, Jaguars met B Pro in another quarter final and were unlucky to go out on penalties after a hard-fought draw.
Coach Tim said: "It was a tough one to take. We had key players unavailable and had to be creative with the set up, but the boys started brilliantly, taking the lead with a great team goal, finished by Flynn.
"The boys' superiority nearly gained a further advantage but the crossbar came to the aid of B Pro. Lady Luck seemed to be against us all match, and when B Pro's free kick hit our wall, the rebound somehow looped into our goal.
"Not to be deterred, the Jaguars started the second half in similar manner and James moved through the gears, scoring a solo goal and then finishing smartly after good work from Ned.
"At 3-1 we were looking good but then a B Pro corner deflected in for an own goal. That gave the opposition encouragement and the Jaguars probably got jittery, leading to an equalising goal making it 3-3 at full time.
"The penalty shootout didn't go our way, with it being the same outcome against the same opponents in May's Champions Cup final.
"To confound things, it was the best player on the pitch by a mile who missed the deciding penalty, a cruel moment for a player who is genuinely a standout in the division. It was the sort of match where I half expected to get back to my car in clamps and bird droppings all over it, but when the dust has settled we can only feel proud of the Jaguars and we will, of course, go again."
Lois was player of the game for Phoenix
On a remarkably dry St Mary's Park, Phoenix girls under-11s continued their good run of form against Hindley Town.
Goals came from Adalind (2), player of the game Lois and Lola, who scored a wonderful chip that reminded many of the misfortune that befell coach Ciaran at training earlier that week, when she did the same to him from the half-way line...
Coach Brendan said: "The visitors made a quicker start, but solid defending allowed Phoenix to grow into the game and striker Adalind showed speed and poise to finish in a 1v1 with the keeper. After Hindley struck back, great defending by Grace and birthday girl Annabel saw off further threatening attacks.
"Phoenix started the second half brightly with player of the game Lois beginning to get into her stride, driving past opponents, and she was rewarded by battling hard to win a ball on the edge of the penalty area and finishing smartly into the corner.
"Phoenix were on top and the midfield of Noe and Lola were controlling things. On the right Blake was quietly putting in her strongest performance of the season winning possession repeatedly and distributing the ball neatly.
"Hindley put Phoenix under some sustained pressure, but a mixture of fabulous goalkeeping by the ever-dependable Isabella, and fantastic last gasp defending by Mia, Brooke, and Noe kept the ball out of the Marauders' net. There were at least two goal line clearances involved.
"Phoenix rallied and the wingers Iris and April both stepped up. Iris, flying down the right, beat a player and crossed for Lola to lob the keeper from the edge of the area.
April then worked hard to win a ball on the left and showed great awareness to cross for Adalind to complete her brace. A very positive display from the Phoenix and testament to the hard work the girls have been putting in at training and on match day."
Thanks to Brooke's mum Donna, once again, for the fantastic photographs:
Adalind in a typical dash for goal
Blake worked hard all game
Birthday girl Annabel clears the ball
April plays the ball forward
Isabella and defenders ready to launch the ball forward
Iris came alive late on with some superb pressing
It was all hands on pumps in the latter stages, as the defenders worked together to thwart the visitors
Grace plays the ball up the pitch, watched by April and Lois
Lola's lob will be remembered for some time
Mia puts her ball striking training to the test
Non-Stop Noe about to embark on another of her mazy dribbles
