Hurricanes under-nines girls blew away the New Year cobwebs in their first game back after Christmas.
Boothstown were the visitors to St Mary’s Park, with the Marauders goals coming from Violet (5) and Lyla (2), with Marnie getting player of the game.
Coach Justin said: “We were always dangerous. As usual our girls competed and kept the opponents under pressure, but what was really encouraging was our passing which keeps improving week upon week.
“We are in the top division as of this New Year, so we are expecting a few tough games.”
Jaguars under-10s boys showed great spirit in their game against Swinton Titans.
Coach Tim said: “It was a good test for the Jaguars and it will do them good.
“The boys started sloppily against a team with quality on the ball, but the lads improved and probably ended the first half as the stronger team, working some good openings before Adam finished one of them off from close range.
“It was essential to start the second half with the same intensity but, actually, Swinton came out with more purpose. As the half wore on, the Jaguars showed more quality and an excellent passing move from Oscar and Ned put Riley through and he finished superbly.
“Riley doubled his tally by rounding the keeper. The boys showed great spirit and determination against strong opposition.”
Fellow under-10s boys Panthers had a tough encounter with Collyhurst.
Coach Ste said: “It was a really evenly fought first half with 90 per cent of the play in the middle of the park and very few chances at either end.
“The reason Collyhurst didn’t have many chances was due to the Panthers defence. Rocco was outstanding and won absolutely everything, while Jay’s pace helped sweep up any long balls.
“The only clear cut chance of the first half fell to Collyhurst and even though it was struck with power, David made an excellent point blank diving save.
“The second half didn’t start as planned but the Panthers didn’t drop their heads and really fought hard. William and Hudson were winning every midfield battle however we picked up injuries to both strikers which limited our strike power.
“With James and Ethan injured, Ollie and Enzo helped create and push the Panthers forward and a few chances went close but nothing hitting the back of the net.
“There were a number of excellent performances to be proud of. Firstly Rocco in the first half was outstanding not only winning every tackle but following through and maintaining possession every time.
"Secondly, William was fantastic everywhere on the pitch. His determination helped win back possession on a number of occasions but his footwork and skill was probably the best we’ve ever seen from him.
“However player of the match went to David who made amazing saves in both halves, all from shots which would have beaten most goalkeepers.”
Diamonds under-12s girls beat Aspull 1-0, but it could have been far more.
Coach Mark said: “The only thing that let us down was the scoreline, because we should be talking about another double figures haul.
“Aspull’s goalkeeper pulled off half a dozen top class saves and came out on top of a handful of one-on-ones. We also hit the woodwork five times and saw countless shots whistle just wide.
“I thought at times we played some great football and there was some lovely individual performances showcasing a great touch, skill and clever feet.
“The standout part of the match for me was in the first half where we played from back to front and then showed great patience passing the ball across the final third looking and waiting for the right moment to get the shot off.
“Unfortunately when we did get the shot off we weren’t rewarded with the goal the build up play merited.
“It is always a nervy finish holding only a single goal lead, but Maria’s strike was enough to see us over the line, and a performance I’m more than pleased with.
“Parents’ player of the game was Essi, who’s great season continues. Kris’ player of the game was Frankie, because she was a rock at the back with some lovely carries into midfield.
“Craig’s player of the game was Maria, who was on the front foot and really bullied the opposition, topping her performance with a well taken goal. I gave my award to everyone, as there were that many good performances.”
Raptors under-13s boys went down 0-3 against Littleborough Juniors.
Coach Paul said: “The first half saw us losing every first and second ball and conceding two sloppy goals.
“We improved in the second half and managed to create opportunities but still couldn't really trouble the keeper.
“We played virtually the whole of the second half in Littleborough half but just couldn't find a goal. It was disappointing, but we go again next week.”
Warriors under-13s boys beat Marple FC 5-2.
Coach Stewart said: “It was another win, but we had to work very hard. It was up there with one of our toughest games this season. We looked a little slow at times and gave the ball away far too easily.
"Noah made some really good saves in both halves to keep them out and for this I thought we deserved the win.
“All five goals were taken really well with top draw finishes. Louie's was the best of the lot - great first touch and lobbing the keeper with a nice lifted finish.
“First half we had good energy but that was lacking second half and I'm putting this down to thinking we had already done enough, or maybe the lads getting tired on the big pitch, plus players getting injured.
“Player of the game was between three players. Charlie and George were in the running but Jurgen took the trophy home as I thought he was great for a good 60 minutes and he capped it off with a neat edge of the box finish."
Phoenix player of the game Blake in action
After an extended winter break Phoenix under-11s girls returned to action at a cold and wet St Mary’s Park.
Coach Brendan said: “They started the game on the front foot with Lois to the fore as she drove the team forward from midfield, where a couple of efforts brought smart saves from the keeper.
“The bright start was rewarded by goals from striker Adalind and Mia, who had a storming game both in defence and left wing. Annabel was a calm presence in defence picking up a lot of loose balls.
“Phoenix’s energy dropped a bit and Westhoughton grew into the game. The coaches asked the girls for some more intensity in the second half and they certainly delivered on that.
“Grace and Brooke were absolutely superb in defence, winning challenge after challenge and not giving the opponents an inch of space.
“April worked tirelessly on the left, combining well with Noe who took the game by the scruff of the neck in the second half, constantly winning possession and running with skill and determination forward.
“The intensity on show led to Adalind pouncing on a loose goal kick to add another.
“Phoenix played some nice football, with Iris combining nicely on the right when Adalind completed her hat-trick.
“Lola then scored the goal of the game, picking up a loose ball in midfield and hitting a trademark sweet left foot, long distance strike.
"Keeper Isabella’s main challenge was to stay warm in the second half. But when called upon she was her usual calm and reliable presence.
“Blake was player of the game - she epitomised a determination to not give the opponents any time on the ball.”
