Hurricanes girls under-nines had a tremendous win over Winton Wanderers to book their place in the cup semi-finals.
Coach Justin said: "After a few tough weeks for the girls as they battled gamely against some good teams in the BBDFL top division, we enjoyed a dramatic cup quarter-final win against a strong Winton team on St Mary’s Park.
“We took a deserved early lead through a determined run from Violet, and nearly added a second through a great free-kick from Marnie. We then withstood some more intense pressure with Siana making some stunning saves.
“In the second half it was more of the same with Siana continuing to defy them, before they scored a deserved equaliser.
“We kept on battling and withstood more pressure before a breakaway goal - finished superbly by Valeria after a great pass from Violet. Just two minutes from the end, that won the tie for us.
"It was superb effort by the girls, every time Winton tried to score there was always a defender’s foot or goalkeeper’s hand in the way.
“They were all fantastic but special mentions to Betsy who was magnificent in defence, Marnie and Lyla in midfield for their ferocious all round performances, Valeria for another skilful and brave performance on the wing, culminating in the winning goal, and Violet for finally getting that head up and playing the pass that won us the game.
“Player of the game had to be Siana though, for a simply extraordinary effort in goal. She produced save after save and we wouldn’t be through without the cat.”
Our Warriors under-13s boys took a huge stride towards the title with victory over second-placed Athletico Middleton.
Coach Stewart said: “ It was a top team performance. From going two down and showing how we can play, we beat them with ease in the end.
“Our first two goals were great play to bring us back level just before half time. Rastin arrived at the back post to tap in the first. That is something we have been telling the players over the last few weeks to do more, so well done.
“William's was just a William finish that he has been lacking the last few months through confidence. Rounding the keeper and tapping home into an empty net after a perfectly timed run from a superb pass from Oliver.
“Second half, I knew we'd be the better team. The wind was with us and the ability to play in the space they left just in front of the defence meant we would create a lot of chances.
“The third goal was a special one. There was a free kick on half way and Koosha zipped a cross-shot into the space that zipped off the astro and nestled into the far corner giving their keeper no chance.
“The scenes were great to see, as the boys celebrated together in a huddle as they knew it was a big big goal as did the parents from what I saw across the pitch.
“Then Louie chipped in with two great goals. The first was a great finish but his second was special. There was an overhead assist from Charlie, and Louie hit a right foot volley from the edge of the box into the right top corner.
“Charlie then got on the score sheet. A low drilled shot that flew past their keeper giving him no chance.
“I couldn't be prouder of the boys today. We kept our shape and discipline throughout and handled the game very well.
“The boys at the back were solid, especially Koosha and JP. You could see how much JP wanted it - he was everywhere. Thomas did very well getting his body in when needed and Aiden was class as ever.
“A little mention for the boys that I picked to do a man marking job in the middle - they took one for the team today just to keep their danger player out of the game.
“Other than a five minute spell they did very well. It's not easy to do, so well done to Charlie and Oliver for that.
“Player of the game could have been any of them after that second half performance, as I thought they were solid all over.
“Rastin and Louie were up there and if i had more trophies they would have taken one but William took the trophy home as it was like a switch had been turned on. Running in behind with pace and power, holding the ball up and bringing team mates into the game, plus a striker’s finish to get us level. We are nine points clear with three to play.”
Fellow under-13s boys Raptors were unlucky in their game against Littleborough.
Coach Paul said: “Only having the bare bones of 11 players, we started strongly and created early opportunities. A chip forward from a throw found its way to Raff who pounced and put us in the lead.
“We continued to dominate but got caught offside too many times and couldn't find a second.
“The second half saw us start slowly and Littleborough created more. A cross from the right side hit Max’s arm and a penalty was given and Littleborough levelled.
“They continued their pressure and added a second within a few minutes from a scuffed corner clearance.
“Raptors rallied and dominated the rest of the second half, pinning Littleborough back but we just couldn't find a way through a very resolutely back line.
“It was disappointing to lose when a draw would have been a fair result. There was some excellent football played throughout and superb performances - especially from Bobby and Max (player of the game).
Diamonds girls under-12s made the short trip down the East Lancs and defeated Boothstown 4-0.
Coach Mark said: “I thought we dominated the opposition from the first whistle and it’s really pleasing that no matter what size pitch or the state of the surface the girls' levels are staying consistently high and they’re just taking everything in their stride.
“Maria was top notch - another hat-trick with assists coming from Erin, Layla and Essi and Layla also netting from another Erin assist.
"We seem to be scoring for fun at the minute and are giving nothing away at the back. I’m at the point I’m running out of things to say in my post match blurb because it’s basically the same every week, such is our current form.
“Last week we hammered home the point about not letting complacency creep in and to treat each of the seven potential remaining games as cup finals. It was the same message on Sunday - keep our eyes on the ball and remember we’ve won nothing yet.
“Parents' player of the game was Darci. She was superb between the sticks again and yet another clean sheet.
“Kris’ player of the game was Maria. She is unplayable at the minute and got yet another hat-trick.
“Craig’s player of the game was Erin. She looked a yard faster than everyone on the pitch and had the opposition defence in panic mode.
“My player of the game was Frankie. She is simply having a superb season with no signs of it slowing down.”
Jaguars under-10s boys were edged out in the cup group game against Sapere Aude.
Coach Tim said: “The Jaguars got off to a sleepy start, which always seems to be the case with afternoon kick-offs (suggestions about how to avoid this are welcome)
“The lads found themselves two goals down after long-range strikes. Once the Jaguars woke up though, they played some great football, with quick passing moves creating good openings.
“James finished well to make it 1-2, but throughout match the team gave away easy goals shortly after starting.
“The first half finished 2-5 after another mazy run and finish from James. The Jaguars maintained their focus well in the second half, with James scoring a further three goals in an excellent display.
“His teammates assisted him well through their passing, unselfish runs and winning a free kick which James smashed in from very long range.
“Sapere Aude were hanging on at the end, with excellent work by Casper, Adam and Riley just missing hitting the back of the net. It wasn't our day but it was another impressive display, despite the sleepy start.”
Wolves under-11s boys played out a stalemate against Strike Blacks in the cup.
Coach Ben said: “In the past these two teams have had some barnstorming encounters, not forgetting a little needle involved too.
“However Saturday's game had none of the action we'd seen previously. For the second week running it was yet another cagey start with neither team really carving out any particularly good chances.
“Harry Knight had the game’s best chance with a one-on-one which he slightly pulled wide.
“Wolves were dominating in possession and were using the ball well but Strike put up a defensive masterclass, crowding the middle and forcing us out wide which we didn't make the most of.
“We scored via a deflected strike from Max Entwisle. The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, with both teams pushing forward but not creating enough chances to really trouble either goalkeeper.
"Neither team did enough to win or lose the game so a draw was the fair result. It's a decent start to the cup competition for the Wolves, let's hope it continues.
“Player of the game was Max Entwisle. He put in a real shift, dogged at winning the ball back but quality in possession and caused a few problems for the Strike defence to contend with.”
Noe and April celebrate the Phoenix goal
Fellow under-11s, Phoenix girls, took on Little Lever Lionesses at St Mary’s Park and despite missing their top two goal scorers, they battled to the end.
Player of the game was keeper Isabella, with Noe scoring the Marauders goal.
Coach Brendan said: "It was a tough one for the girls. We made an uncharacteristic slow start that lasted for most of the first half.
"But the second half was much better. There was some nice passing, much more intensity and determination, and we spent a lot of the half putting pressure on their goal.
"Matches like that remind us that we need to work hard every game. And they showed that in the second half.
"Isabella made a number of superb saves and every week she is consistently excellent for our team."
