Jaguars under-10s boys put in a spirited performance against Middleton.

Coach Tim said: “In the first half, the Jaguars defended well and looked threatening when they attacked. Overall though, forays forward were rare in, probably with the boys wary of their opponents following some challenging previous fixtures.

“Casper made some excellent saves and Stanley defended well. The boys responded brilliantly to our half time messages, attacking from the off.

“Ned had a real attacking influence and after good footwork, he released Adam who finished at the near post.

“After an attack broke down, Adam picked the ball up outside the area, and Middleton stood off, Adam looked, set himself and unleashed a brilliant shot that hit the top corner. An excellent goal from a player enjoying a great season.

“The Jaguars attacked relentlessly, and James, now in defence, brought the ball forward effectively. Adam went on a mazy run and was fouled just outside the area.

“Casper won the debate over who to take it. The far left top corner seemed the obvious choice but our number seven did brilliantly, tricking everyone by burying it in the bottom right. The boys yet again showed great spirit and quality.”

Phoenix girls under-11s girls eased through to the next round of the BBDFL Players’ Cup, with a 7-0 win over Astley Bridge Badgers.

From the moment Lois opened the scoring after two minutes, following an excellent team press, the girls were in complete control.

Non-stop Noe scored a brace and broke through the defence numerous times, being unlucky not to score many more. The two of them are developing a devastating attacking midfield partnership.

Maria, on loan from Diamonds due to Phoenix injuries and unavailability, enjoyed playing in her own age group for a change and scored a brace in her short cameo.

Adalind and Lola also scored lovely goals and were excellent throughout. Lola is really starting to boss midfield and Adalind never stopped haranguing the opposition backline.

Annabel and Mia kept the visitors at bay, putting in real shifts as the only available defenders.

Iris, April and Blake all did stints in wide midfield on both flanks, working their collective socks off and showing their versatility.

Such was the breathing space allowed by the scoreline, Lois volunteered to have a stint in goals for the last 10 minutes so that super keeper Isabella could have a go outfield. Having been left with very little to do between the sticks, Isabella acquitted herself well in midfield.

The coaches were really chuffed with the performance and awarded player of the game to the whole team.

Panthers boys under-10s took on Oldham Dynamo Yellows.

Coach Ste said: “We started the game on the front foot and dominated the early stages. James was brought down twice inside the opening 10 minutes as he was one on one with their keeper, as Oldham struggled to cope with the early pressure.

“James went close, striking the crossbar from the penalty spot, and soon after saw a free kick cleared off the line.

“Panthers continued to pile on the pressure, with some excellent attacking play from Jay, James and Ethan, but Oldham’s keeper produced three outstanding point-blank saves to somehow keep the ball out.

“To their credit, the Panthers never stopped pushing. Their dominance finally paid off with 10 minutes to go when James fired a left-footed shot into the bottom corner.

"That goal lifted the team, and they stepped up another gear. Enzo was outstanding on the left wing, showing great strength and consistently delivering dangerous balls into the box. James grabbed his second of the game with another tidy finish.

"At the back, Rocco was immense, blocking everything that came his way as a solo defender and keeping Panthers in the contest.

“Ollie was playing well on the right, offering width and composure, while Hudson was constantly at their heels, stealing the ball back and keeping the pressure on Oldham.

“William and Enzo combined brilliantly down the left, with a cross finding Ethan at the back post, who tapped home.

“It was a performance full of effort, resilience and attacking football. There were lots of standout performances across the pitch.

“Jay was outstanding in the first half, covering every blade of grass and being everywhere when Panthers needed him.

“Enzo really stepped up in the second half and drove the team forward. However, William got the player of the game crown — solid in defence, chasing every ball down and instrumental in turning the game with his determination and work rate.”

Diamonds girls under-12s returned to winning ways with a 5-1 triumph against second in the table North Walkden.

The visitors to St Mary’s Park were down to bare bones with a couple of big guns out and just the nine players available.

Coach Mark said: “But it wouldn’t have made a difference who they brought as Diamonds girls were up for it from the off and gave the response I was hoping for after last week’s flat performance. 

"The girls had the opposition on the back foot from the start but had to wait a little while for the opener despite Erin and Violette whipping in some first class corners but unfortunately we’re not having anyone gambling on the back post. 

"After a few scrambles in the opposition box the opener came from a looped shot off Eva after a Violette cut back. From that point the girls turned the screw. 

“The second was soon to follow with Maria getting on another Violette assist, and we went into half-time looking good for our 2-0 lead.

“The second half, like the first, was mostly played in the opposition half but North Walkden did carry a threat on the counter.

“Essi, Elsa, Frankie, Jeanette and Mia dealt with everything and left them going long only for keeper Darci to claim the long balls every time with good positioning and being prepared to race off her line. 

“Our third, and Maria’s second, came from one of Walkden’s rare forays into our half, with Mia mopping up and then providing an assist from left back. 

“Layla soon added a fourth by coming in centrally after attacking the right back then cutting in and finishing coolly. 

"Walkden hadn’t thrown in the towel though and were thwarted by Darci’s bravery and reactions in a one-on-one. They were to get a consolation with a scruffy goal from a corner. 

“Maria was to have the last word though, and completed her hat-trick off a Layla assist. It was Layla who got the parents’ player of the game award- she was a constant threat and scored a well-taken goal.

“Kris’ player of the game was Darci. She great management of her box and excelled at everything she’s been working on in training. 

“Craig’s award went to Mia. She played three different positions and slotted in seamlessly in each and got an assist to top off a classy performance. 

“My player of the game was Maria - she showed some excellent footwork in among a top drawer hat-trick."