Saturday 27th June - Nantwich Town Tournament, Nantwich

This was our second year of entering the competition. Last year we made it through to the final but sadly we couldn’t emulate that this time. We entered two teams who played in one league, mainly against teams we usually play in the South Cheshire League. Both teams did quite well, the blue team ending up needing a win in their last match to reach the final but they couldn’t get the result. The pitch used was astroturf and very small with small goals, playing five-a-side.

Blue squad was: Ally, Chris, Josh, Lewis S, Robbie and Tom J.

Yellow squad was: Connor, Dean, Declan, Dom, Jordan, Nathan and Tom D.

Blue team results v Cruventus Lions won 1-0, scorer Robbie; v Wistaston Cougars lost 2-1, scorer Ally; v Cruventus Tigers drew 1-1, scorer Ally; v Yellows drew 0-0; v Saints Reunited won 2-0, scorers Robbie (2); v NTFC Corinthians lost 2-0.

Yellow team results v Saints Reunited lost 2-1, scorer Dom; v NTFC Corinthians lost 3-0; v Cruventus Lions drew 0-0; v Wistaston Cougars drew 0-0; v Blues drew 0-0; v Cruventus Tigers lost 1-0.

For a few photo’s click here .

Sunday 21st June - Fife Rangers JFC Tournament at Warrington

This was another new tournament for us played on a large playing field that was in the grounds of an athletics stadium. The tournament was well-organised and the pitches were a good size with fairly small goals. The weather wasn’t very kind to us as it was quite showery though not the torrential rain we had to endure a couple of weeks ago. We entered two teams playing six-a-side.

Blue team was: Ally, Josh, Lewis S, Robbie, Tom D and Tom J.

Yellow team was: Chris, Dean, Declan, Dom, Jordan and Nathan.

Blue team results v Culcheth A Blue lost 2-1, scorer Robbie; v Rope & Anchor A lost 2-0; v Olympic lost 2-1, scorer Ally; v Silverdale Athletic A won 2-0, scorer Ally (2); v Newtown drew 0-0; v Fife Real drew 1-1, scorer Ally.

Yellow team results v Fife No Stars lost 2-0; v Culcheth A Red lost 3-1, scorer Dean; v Hindley won 1-0, scorer Dom; v Broadheath Central B lost 2-0; v Rainhill Rockets drew 0-0; v Runcorn Panthers B won 2-0, scorers Dom, Dean.

Both teams did very well against some well organised opposition. The yellow team even beat the eventual winners of the tournament Hindley, several games were very close and could have gone either way but lady luck was not on our side today.

For photo’s click here .

Sunday 14th June - Broadheath Central JFC Tournament at Altrincham

Another new tournament for us, the matches were held on a big playing field, the pitches were very big and well set out with large goals. We were again lucky with the weather as it was hot and sunny. We entered two teams playing six-a-side.

Blue team was: Ally, Chris, Dean, Josh, Lewis S and Tom J.

Yellow team was: Connor, Dan, Dominic, Jack, James, Nathan and Tom D.

Blue team results: v Highfield Grange A won 3-1, scorers Ally (2), Dean; v Woodhouse Park B won 1-0, scorer Dean; v Broadheath C won 1-0, scorer Ally; v Fletcher Moss B lost 2-0; v Broadheath A won 3-0, scorers Ally (2), Dean; Semi-Final v Fletcher Moss A lost 1-0 after extra time.

Yellow team results: v Fletcher Moss A lost 3-0; v Broadheath B lost 1-0; v Highfield Grange B lost 1-0; v Woodhouse Park A drew 0-0; v Old Strets Lions lost 1-0.

The yellow team were again unlucky to be in what turned out to be a very strong and physical group, many of our lads suffered nasty injuries and had to endure lots of nasty niggles off the ball which went apparently unnoticed by the very poor referee of their group. The blue team again did magnificently, only losing once in their group and being beaten only after extra time in the semi-final (where we had the misfortune to again be up against the yellow team’s poor referee). The team that beat us, as last weekend, went on to win the competition.

Photo’s of the tournament were not allowed again but click here for a few photo’s of our lads warming up.

Sunday 7th June - Frodsham Festival of Football at Helsby High School

This was the first time we had entered this tournament which was staged on some massive playing fields, unfortunately the weather wasn’t as kind as it had been for our previous tournaments, it being rather cool and windy before rain started to lash down during the last couple of games.

We entered two teams playing five-a-side on well laid out pitches with good goals.

Blue team was: Ally, Chris, Dean, Lewis S and Tom J.

Yellow team was: Connor, Dominic, James (guest), Nathan and Tom D.

Blue team results: v Cruventus Tigers won 3-0, scorers: Dean (2), Ally; v Newton Athletic Red won 2-0, scorers: Dean, Ally; v Helsby won 4-1, scorers: Ally (3), Dean; v Frodsham Park City won 2-0, scorers: Dean (2, 1 pen); Quarter Final v Parklands United won 1-0, scorer: Ally; Semi Final v Frodsham Park City lost 2-1, scoer: Ally.

Yellow team results: v Parklands United lost 3-1, scorer: Connor; v Holmes Chapel Blue lost 2-1, scorer: Connor; v A C Frodsham drew 2-2, scorers: Tom D, Dom; v Newton Athletic Green drew 0-0.

The yellow team had some tough matches and didn’t really get playing as well as we know they can but the blue team did magnificently, only conceding one goal on the way to the semi-final and that was a deflection. The team we lost to in the semi’s, Frodsham Park City, who we beat in the group game, went on to win the tournament, apparently for the third successive year.

Photo’s of the tournament were not allowed but click here for a few photo’s of our lads warming up.

Saturday 30th May - Market Drayton Tigers JFC Tournament at Market Drayton

We’ve entered this well run tournament for several years now and this time we were based on the pitch used by Market Drayton Town FC! We were again lucky with the weather it being a very hot and sunny day.

Our squad was: Ally, Chris, Dean, Lewis C, Lewis S, Rhys and Tom D. Matches were 6-a-side on a decent sized pitch with fairly small goals.

Results were: v PSV Stone B lost 2-1, scorer Dean; v Marsh Town FC lost 2-0; v SAHA Sharks A won 2-0, scorer Ally (2); v Crewe FC 1 lost 2-0.

We were again put in the strongest group, Crewe FC having drafted in two academy players but the boys gave a good account of themselves.

For photo’s click here .

Saturday 23rd May - Newton Athletic Tournamentt at Chester Racecourse, Chester

The tournament was held in the middle of Chester Racecourse which was a fantastic setting, we were also lucky that the weather was very hot and sunny.

Our squad was: Ally, Chris, Dean, Dominic, Lewis C, Lewis S, Rhys and Tom D. Matches were 7-a-side on small pitches with very small goals.

Results were: v Crosby Stuart B drew 0-0; Princes Villa Colts lost 1-0; Newton Athletic lost 2-1, scorer Dom; Helsby Hotshots won 2-0, scorers Tom D and Dom; AC Reds lost 2-1, scorer Tom D; Team 7 lost 1-0.

The two eventual finalists both came from our group.

For photo’s click here .

Sunday 26th April v Alex Soccer Centre Lions at the Barony

Another sunny day for our last match of the season against the already crowned champions of the League, the Alex Soccer Centre Lions. The match started off at a fast pace with the Soccer Centre straight on the attack, Nathan, James, George and TJ in defence were having a great game as they came under constant pressure and Lewis S in goal was also playing well to keep the Soccer Centre forwards at bay. We were finding it hard to mount any attacks of our own, in fact we didn’t have a shot on target during the half but all the boys were pulling together as a team to keep the Soccer Centre out and we held on until half time at 0-0, a good scoreline considering they average normally 9 goals a game. Unfortunately the team started to tire in the second half and the Soccer Centre took the lead with a goal that looked suspiciously offside. Three further goals soon followed before we started to mount our first dangerous attacks on the Soccer Centre goal. Dean sent in a good free kick into the box but nobody could get on the end of it before Dean also had another chance from a corner but their goalie palmed the ball out. Tom D tried a spectacular overhead shot on goal but it sailed over the bar before they scored again from another suspiciously offside-looking goal. Dom and Chris both had shots on goal that were saved but the Soccer Centre struck straight back with another goal to leave the final score 6-0. Lewis S was named man of the match for a fantastic display in goal. At the end of the match the referee came over to speak to the boys and praised them for their good play and sportsmanship even in testing circumstances, an accolade that they should all be proud of. So we have finished the season in 4th position which is above the expectations we had at the start of the season. Who knows what will happen next season! For photo’s click here .

Sunday 19th April v Nantwich Corinthians, League Cup Semi Final, at the Barony

A nice sunny morning greeted our arrival at the Barony for our League Cup Semi Final against Nantwich Corinthians at the Barony, the furthest we had ever progressed in the competition. The match got underway with Nantwich immediately on the attack and within the first minute they had beaten our defence and slotted home to lead 1-0. Worse was to come a few minutes later, with a similar goal to the first, their forward attacking down our left wing, crossing the ball to head home for a 2-0 lead before five minutes were on the clock. Without a match for three weeks our boys were finding it hard to get any rhythm going but were doing their best to repel the constant pressure from Nantwich. Nathan, George, Chris and Lewis C were trying to keep things tight at the back but their forward broke through our defence again to fire home for a 3-0 lead. We still hadn’t been able to mount a serious attack on our opponents goal when they beat our defence again, Lewis S made a good save but luckily the linesman gave offside as their forward scored from the rebound. After so much pressure our boys started to get themselves sorted and Dean fired a good cross in front of their goal but nobody could get on the end of it. Nathan then got hold of the ball and sent a great ball up the field that split their defence and Ally ran through onto goal and fired home to bring the score back to 3-1. Dom and Tom D then combined well before Dean fired just over the bar. We were coming back into the game but got caught on the break, luckily George managed to get back and clear the ball off the line before Chris took the ball up the other end and shot just over the bar from a long way out. Dom then raced down the wing and crossed for Connor but he just couldn’t get on the end of it. The roles then reversed with Connor crossing for Dom who fired home to bring the scoreline back to 3-2. Dom and Connor demonstrated a very novel goal celebration as we realised we could get back into this game at the game went into half time with us losing 3-2. However, after the restart Nantwich came straight at us again and had a shot cleared off the line again before another shot hit a post and bounced out, unluckily straight to their player who fired home for 4-2. Dom managed to beat the defence but his shot was just wide. As we pushed up looking for a goal our defence became a bit stretched, Nantwich took full advantage, their forward racing through 1 on 1 with Lewis S but the forward chipped a perfect shot over him to score for 5-2. Dom had a couple more shots that were well saved but our chance of reaching the Cup Final had been destroyed and the match ended 5-2. Nathan was named man of the match for a fantastic display in defence. For photo’s click here .

Sunday 29th March v Tarporley Wanderers at the Barony

With the clocks going forward an hour to herald the start of summer time and the sun shining brightly too we were keen to get off to a good start against Tarporley. Unfortunately Tarporley were only able to raise a 10 man team but this gave us hope of securing a morale boosting win ahead of next weekend’s cup semi-final. The match got off to a great start with Ally netting within the first minute for a 1-0 lead, shortly afterwards Chris fired home a fantastic shot from distance to put us 2-0 up. The team were playing really well and Tarporley couldn’t retain possession at all, Dom, Ally, Tom D, Chris, Eddie and Dean all had good shots on goal but their goalie managed to keep the ball out of the net before a ball was sent over the defence to Ally who managed to round the keeper and slot home for 3-0, Dom added another from just outside the box and then a great team move saw Dom fire home another for 5-0. There were further chances for Dom, Dean and Ally before half time and we went in 5-0 up. Shortly after the restart Eddie and Ally combined well for Chris to knock the ball in for 6-0. A lovely ball from Lewis C sent Connor through, his shot was saved but Tom D fired home for 7-0. There wasn’t much threat from Tarporley so Lewis S, Rhys and Nathan were hardly called into action and Tom J was able to venture upfield to try his luck on goal but then a great ball beat the Tarporley defence and Ally beat their keeper for 8-0, Connor then ran from the halfway line, beating several defenders before slotting the ball home for 9-0. Then from a corner Tom D got the ball to Connor who cracked the ball home again for 10-0. To their credit, Tarporley kept battling away and managed to break through our defence to shoot and hit the post, luckily the ball rolled along the line and out to keep our clean sheet intact. Shortly after, Dean was unluckily ruled offside when clean through on goal, this spurred him on and he beat the defence again, fired in a great shot that hit the post and bounced in for 11-0 before he again managed to beat their defence for a great solo goal making it 12-0. Ally and Tom D then combined well for Tom to fire home for 13-0. There was still time for a lovely shot from Lewis C that was well saved before the full time whistle was blown for a stunning 13-0 win, the biggest in our history. Every member of the team played their part in our victory but man of the match went to Chris for his great display in midfield and two fantastic goals. For photo’s click here .

Sunday 8th March v Alsager Panthers at the Barony

After several weeks enforced lay-off we were keen to get back into action against Alsager, a team we’d lost both previous games to this season. The day started off in bright sunshine but as the match got underway the heavens opened and everyone was soaked by icy rain, hail and sleet all whipped up by a biting wind. Alsager adapted better to the freezing conditions and we soon found ourselves 1-0 down within only a few minutes of the start. This seemed to kick-start the boys and Dom shot narrowly wide and another shot was cleared off the line before Alsager attacked and had a shot of their own cleared from the line. Dom sent a great ball through to Tom D but his shot was saved before Dom raced through the Alsager defence to fire home a magnificent goal and bring the score back to 1-1. We were playing quite well now despite the terrible conditions and Ally sliced open the Alsager defence with a superb pass but Dom and Dean just couldn’t get on the end of it before Dom sent another chance just wide. Dom then sent Ally sprinting through on goal and he finished superbly to put us 2-1 up and end his goal drought. Alsager started to come back into the game as our boys felt the bitter cold and they had another chance cleared off the line but at half time the score was 2-1. The game next to us was abandoned due to the weather conditions at half time but our ref sensibly decided to restart the game straight away so that nobody got any colder than necessary as the rain still poured down incessantly. However after conceding an early goal at the start of the match, we did the same on the restart as Alsager scored to bring themselves back level at 2-2. Our boys were finding it hard to continue playing in the terrible conditions and Alsager put our defence under a lot of pressure, Tom J and George clearing several dangerous chances. As the match drew to a finish our boys mustered a few more chances, Ally seeming to be brought down in box but the ref waved play on, Dom firing just over and then Eddie firing just wide. As it seemed the match would end a draw, Lewis S sent a long goal kick to Ally, who flicked the ball on to Dom who raced through the Alsager defence to shoot home and give us the lead 3-2. Alsager hit straight back but our defence held firm to cling on for a fine 3-2 victory. In truth, we were lucky to win the match, we have played a lot better and lost, but everyone was just glad to get a welcome victory and seek refuge from the terrible weather. Man of the match was Dom for his great, two goal, contribution. (No photo’s due to adverse weather.)

Sunday 1st February v Crewe FC at Mirrion Street

On a bitterly cold day with a freezing wind we were hopeful that the boys could put on a performance to warm us up and so they did, recording a fabulous victory over Crewe FC. The boys started off at a blistering pace and after some good work by Dean and Tom D the ball was fired into the net by Connor for a 1-0 lead. More was to come as the game had hardly restarted when Dean and Dom combined to get the ball into the box and Tom D rocketed the ball into the net to give us a fantastic 2-0 lead after only 5 minutes. Of course we know Crewe FC are a good side, they had only lost one game before today, and that was to the Soccer Centre, so we knew our lead would sting them into action and they soon started to pile the pressure on us, TJ, George, Nathan and James all standing firm to repel their frequent attacks. Unfortunately they did manage to break through the defence, their striker having his shot saved well by Lewis but Lewis couldn’t hold the ball and it rebounded to their player who made the score 2-1. Shortly after Lewis made another fine save to keep us in the lead, TJ finally clearing the ball. Play swung to the other end and Connor and Tom D combined well to send the ball through to Ally but his shot was saved before Connor and Dom sent Ally through on goal again but he couldn’t keep the ball in play and the half ended with us still 2-1 up. On the restart, Lewis was soon called into action making a fine save with his legs before Ally sprinted through their defence only for their goalie to make a brave save at his feet. Crewe FC piled on the pressure but our players stayed strong and managed to carve out a few opportunities of our own. However, their player found himself through on goal but he seemingly collided with Lewis as he rushed to clear the danger. Unfortunately the ref saw this as a penalty but, to our relief, their player missed the target and we preserved our lead. At the other end, Tom D did superbly well to collect the ball, turn and shoot but the ball sailed just wide of the goal and Ally had another chance but their goalie saved again. As the final minutes approached, the whole team was called on for some desperate defending as we tried to keep our lead intact and, after several long minutes of injury time, the ref finally blew his whistle to signal a brilliant win for us. This was a great team performance with every member of the squad playing an important part. Lewis was named man of the match, for the second week running, for the several important saves he made. For photo’s click here .

Sunday 25th January v Alex Soccer Centre Lions at the Alex Soccer Centre

We went into this match knowing that the Soccer Centre Lions hadn’t failed to score at least 9 goals against their opposition at the Soccer Centre so far this season so it was no surprise when we immediately found ourselves under strong pressure right from kick off. TJ made a couple of good clearances but the ball soon found it’s way into the net from a header to give the Soccer Centre a 1-0 lead. Ally and Dom hit back with an attempt at goal but their goalie saved before Lewis S in our goal did well to catch a high ball. The Soccer Centre weren’t having it all their own way and Ally and Dom both had half chances which their defence mopped up before Dean managed to beat the defence, only to be brought down although strangely the ref didn’t give a free kick. As half time approached we went 2-0 down following a scramble and the score stayed the same until half time. On the restart Ally and Dean tried to break through on their goal whilst TJ and Nathan were increasingly being called on to defend our goal. After a good cross in from wide, their player hit the ball threw a crowd of players to give them a 3-0 lead and shortly after they hit another for 4-0. Lewis made another good save from a shot fired in from distance before Dom and Ally had a chance at the other end but the ball was cleared. Connor went just wide following a free kick on the edge of their area. As the game neared it’s finish their player got the ball in the net with a shot from distance for 5-0 which was the final score. Although a heavy defeat the boys played well as a team and the final score flattered the Soccer Centre. Lewis S was named man of the match for several fantastic saves he made. (No photo’s due to Soccer Centre restrictions).

Sunday 18th January v Mow Cop Hornets at St Johns Road, Congleton

After last weekend’s great result we were hopeful of something similar as we came up against Division 2 opposition in Mow Cop Hornets in the Quarter Finals of the League Cup on our first ever visit to the pitch in St Johns Road, Congleton. And we got off to a fantastic start as Dom fired us into the lead within the first couple of minutes with a superb shot from some way out. Mow Cop tried to get back into the match but shot over the bar before Ally also shot over the bar at the other end. We then started to put some pressure on Mow Cop, Ally rounded their keeper only for his shot to go wide before another shot was handled on the line by their player and a penalty was awarded. Nathan stepped up and hit a great shot into the top right corner for a 2-0 lead. Dom then headed us 3-0 up after a corner and then Dean had a good shot that just went over the bar. Mow Cop were struggling to get out of their own half but we only managed to create half chances before Chris and Dom combined well to pass the ball to Dean on the edge of the area who fired home for a 4-0 lead. To their credit Mow Cop kept trying and Lewis had to make a good save to keep their striker out but the half ended with us 4-0 in the lead. The second half started with us even more on top, Dom, Tom D and Eddie all had very good chances before a scramble following a corner saw Dom knock the ball in for his second hat-trick in two weeks and a 5-0 lead. Dean, Ally and Connor all had good chances before Connor managed to fire the ball into the net for a 6-0 lead and shortly after Eddie made a great run down the wing, passing into Tom D who hit the ball home for a 7-0 lead. Chris, Ally and Connor all had chances to put us further ahead before Mow Cop struck back with a superb goal from the edge of the box leaving Lewis with no chance for 7-1 then soon after from a corner they scrambled the ball into the net for 7-2. We did have a couple more chances but the game ended in a comfortable 7-2 win and see us into the semi-finals for the first ever time. Man of the match was TJ after a great game in defence and several attacking runs. For photo’s click here .

Sunday 11th January v Betley at Shavington School

After last week’s postponed game, this was our first match of the new year although it was the only pitch to survive the weather in our league so we were lucky to be playing. The pitch was actually in quite a good condition although the grass was very long, the weather was dry but cold and windy but this didn’t seem to worry the boys as we got off to a flying start attacking down the slope and with the wind behind us. Dean went close in the first few seconds of the match and then soon after got another shot in which was well saved. However, after some good work by Dom and Chris, Dean rifled the ball home to put us in the lead 1-0. Soon after, Dom went on a fantastic run down the wing and scored from a tight angle to put us 2-0 in the lead. Betley struck back with their first real attack but Lewis S did well to save with his feet and TJ cleared the danger and then Dom went on another mazy run, crossed to Connor who fired home for 3-0. The boys were flying now and Betley couldn’t get out of their half, Chris had a great shot that went just over the bar before an big scramble in the Betley goalmouth resulted in one of their players knocking the ball into the net to give us a 4-0 lead. Soon after Dom did well and slotted the ball home to put us 5-0 up and then Connor managed to head the ball in the net for 6-0 and that’s how it stayed until half time. The second half started as we’d left off, Ally beating their defence only for his shot to go wide then Dom sent a good ball through to Dean but his shot was saved on the line. Dom then had a good shot of his own which went just wide. Ally had another good run and shot but it went just wide again. The wind had now reached gale force strength and started to have an impact on the game, not only were we playing uphill but also trying to run into the wind, Betley started to have a bit more of the ball but our defence stayed solid until a free kick was awarded to Betley on the edge of our penalty area. Their player beat our wall, Lewis S made a great save but could only parry the ball to their player who scored for 6-1. We hit back and Dean had two shots in quick succession before Dom hit the ball home from a corner, for his hat-trick and to make the score 7-1. Shortly after their goalie miskicked a goalkick and Chris was able to pick up the ball and fire home for an impressive score of 8-1. So a great start to the New Year and a very good display by every player. Dean was named man of the match for his great passing, goals and assists. For photo’s click here .

Sunday 14th December v Alsager Panthers at the Barony

After last week’s postponed game we were keen to get back to winning ways against Alsager, another team at the bottom of the table with only one win to date, though that was against us. The match started off at quite a fast pace with both sides having shots on goal, our best move came when Chris made a lovely run down the wing, crossing to Dean but his shot was saved. Alsager hit back and after a scramble in the goalmouth, Nathan managed to clear off the line. We then started to take charge of the game and had several good chances that we couldn’t put away. Dom broke through their defence and send a great cross over to Ally but he couldn’t control the ball before Dom and Ally combined again but this time the goalie saved. Dean carved open their defence with a fantastic ball through to Dom but his shot was tipped out for a corner. Dom had a couple more shots but they both came to nothing. As the first half neared it’s end, their striker broke clean through our defence but Lewis S, in goal, made a great save and the score stayed at 0-0 until half time. Shortly after the restart, Alsager took the lead after a scramble in our goalmouth for 1-0 but within minutes we’d brought the score level again when George headed a lovely goal to make it 1-1. This spurred Alsager into action though and we soon conceded two more goals as we struggled to contain their fast forwards, leaving us 3-1 down. Ally then brought us back into contention with a great solo goal, rounding the keeper to slot home and make it 3-2. Briefly, it looked like we might drag ourselves back into the game, we had a couple of half-chances but, as we looked for an equaliser, Alsager caught us on the counter attack and took the lead 4-2. We had a couple more chances but the match ended in a 4-2 defeat and we were left to reflect again on chances that had been missed when we were in control of the game and a couple of silly goals that we conceded. The scoreline flattered Alsager, probably a draw would have been a fair result but the boys now have a break over Christmas and will hopefully come back raring to go in the New Year. George was named man of the match for his solid performance in defence and his superb first goal for the club. For photo’s click here .

Sunday 30th November v Crewe FC at Mirrion Street

With the temperature below freezing and fog hanging around in the early morning air it was hardly a good day for football but the boys gamely faced the cold whilst the spectators shivered on the touchline. With Crewe FC second in the table we knew we’d have to be on our best form and Crewe were soon on the attack forcing a good save from Lewis in goal from a free kick. Brookfield were soon mounting their own attack though with Chris having a shot blocked and then Ally had a shot knocked out past the post. George sent a good pass through to Ally but his shot was saved. Brookfield were playing some brilliant football and Crewe could only sit back and defend as we attacked their goal relentlessly. Chris beat their goalie, only for his shot to go wide before Chris and Ally combined to send Dean through on goal but their goalie made another fantastic save. In a rare attack, Lewis made a good save when their player was through on goal. George then had a header from a corner go just over the bar then great play by Tom D, Dean and Chris saw Ally have a shot but again their goalie saved. The boys were playing some great football but with no goals to show for it when Dean was upended in the box and the ref had no alternative than to give a penalty which Ally cooly slotted home to give us the lead 1-0. This stung Crewe into action and Lewis, in goal, suffered a nasty injury when their player followed through late when Lewis had smothered the ball. Soon after Crewe equalised after a goalmouth scramble and then deep into injury time they took the lead 2-1, with barely time to restart the game it was 2-1 at halftime. After the break, it seemed the boys couldn’t get going after such a superb first half and we soon conceded two quick goals to make us 4-1 down. Nathan suffered an injury to his foot and had to go off and then the ref awarded Crewe a penalty for, apparently, a push. Thankfully their player hit the ball well wide although Lewis had also dived the right way. Shortly after a poor goal kick led to another goal and 5-1 to Crewe. There was time for Tom D to have a shot saved but we had rarely troubled the Crewe goalie in the second half and paid the price for the missed chances in the first half. The scoreline of 5-1 was very flattering to Crewe but hopefully some lessons have been learnt. The man of the match was Lewis C for the commitment he showed and excellent work rate. For photo’s click here .

Sunday 23rd November v Wistaston Utd Cougars (Cup) at King George Playing Fields

On a freezing cold day, with blustery wind and heavy rain showers we set out on the cup trail against Wistaston Utd Cougars from Division 2. The pitch was very wet and boggy from the heavy overnight rain and there were large muddy puddles in front of both goals. The boys got off to a good start with Connor having a shot cleared off the line in the first few minutes after a good cross from Ally and then Ally shot wide. Dean then sent a good ball over to Ally but his shot stuck in the mud on the goal-line and their goalie managed to get the ball before Ally. The match was all Brookfield, Cougars were finding it hard to string together any sort of move at all but the boys kept up the pressure with Connor sending in another good shot that was saved before Tom D sent a lovely ball in to Ally but his shot again got stuck in the mud on the line and was cleared. Just as we were starting to worry that luck wasn’t with us, Dean stepped up to fire us into the lead with a fantastic shot from the edge of the box for 1-0. We were straight back on the attack with Connor having another shot saved, the ball rebounded to Dean but his shot went over the bar. Then Tom D fired us 2-0 up with a shot from a tight angle that skimmed into the net. Then from a corner, Eddie managed to get to the ball first and blasted us into a 3-0 lead. Still we piled on the pressure, Lewis S in our goal had hardly touched the ball, when Tom D surged through from the halfway, beat their defence, only for their goalie to make a good save. Just before halftime Nathan had to be substituted after collecting a nasty knock. Half time came with us 3-0 in the lead. On the restart, we were straight back on the attack, Dom sending a good ball through to Ally but his shot got stuck in a puddle in the goalmouth and was cleared but then Dom raced through their defence to score a fine goal and put us 4-0 up. Shortly after, Dom again raced through their defensive line, rounded their goalie and then shot hard enough to send the ball through the puddle and into the goal for 5-0. Cougars started to apply some pressure, Lewis C and TJ kept things tight before Dean managed to beat Cougars offside trap and slot the ball home for 6-0.Chris then had a good shot that went just wide and then another attempt when he passed to Dom but again the shot went wide. As the match drew to a finish, Lewis S in goal pulled off a superb save, when their forward was clean through, to ensure we kept a clean sheet and the match ended in a 6-0 win. We can now look forward to the second round draw. Dean was named man of the match for his great goals, good passing and superb balls to split their defence. For photo’s click here .

Sunday 16th November v Nantwich Corinthians at the Barony

Having only playing Nantwich Corinthians two weeks ago, when we did really well to draw 0-0, it was perhaps inevitable that there would be a few goals in this match and so it proved as we managed to score 4 but still end up as the losing side. The match started with the boys under heavy pressure, Nantwich were flying at us and our boys seemed to not be able to respond at all, we soon found ourselves 2-0 down and the signs didn’t look good. Against the run of play, and with virtually our first attack of the match, Ally managed to score after good play by Dom and Eddie for 2-1. Lewis, Nathan, TJ and James were still coming under a lot of pressure but managing to hold the defence together before a great ball sliced open the Nantwich defence for Dom to run through and knock it past the keeper to bring us back level at 2-2. Unfortunately this seemed to spur Nantwich into action and they soon got back in front with two quick goals to make the score 4-2 which is how it stayed until half time. After the restart we soon found ourselves another goal down and it looked like the match was lost at 5-2. To their credit the boys kept on battling, Dom had a great run at their defence, passed to Ally who slotted home for 5-3. We were now playing some good football and Eddie had a great chance but their goalie saved before Connor sent a lovely pass through to Ally who netted for 5-4. It seemed the impossible may happen and we could level again, Dean worked hard to win the ball and pass to Ally who had a great shot but their keeper saved well. Unfortunately Nantwich hit us on the counter attack and our hopes went out of the window as they scored two goals in quick succession to bring the score to 7-4. We kept battling though and Connor had a shot cleared off the line from Dean’s corner before Dean again controlled the ball superbly to pass to Dom who centred for Ally to score but unfortunately the ref blew for an infringement. At the other end, Lewis S made a fantastic save when their player was clean through to keep the score at 7-4 which was how the match ended. So a disappointing result after scoring four goals but the team only really got going for short periods, hopefully things will improve for next weekend’s cup game. Dean was named man of the match for the commitment he showed and some superb passes.  For photo’s click here .

Sunday 9th November v Betley FC at the Barony

After heavy rain overnight we arrived at a cold, windy and muddy Barony pitch hoping for a good result to lift us. The match got underway and Brookfield were soon on the attack, Eddie had a great run on goal, passed to Ally but his shot was saved. Ally and Eddie both had a couple more chances, there was a scramble in the goalmouth but the ball was kicked off the line and then Chris went on a run, passed to Tom D but his shot was saved. Brookfield were dominating the match with Betley finding it hard to break through our midfield and if they did, TJ, Nathan, Lewis C and James were there to snuff out any danger if they did. The boys continued on the offensive with TT having a shot from distance but it went just wide, Tom D had a great diving header but that also went just wide before Chris went on a superb run from near the halfway line, through their defence and shot to give us the lead 1-0. Dean had a couple of shots on goal but we went in at half time 1-0 up. Soon after the restart we doubled our lead when, after a scramble in their goal, Dom managed to hit the ball home for 2-0. Shortly after we managed to get the ball into their box again and Ally managed to hook the ball into the net for 3-0. On a rare attack, Betley managed to find a way through our defence to score for 3-1. Tom D and TJ both had chances which went wide before Betley split our defence again and hit the ball home for 3-2. Betley sensed they had a chance now and started to put some pressure on, George and TJ mopping up a couple of their attacks while Connor shot just over the bar for us and Ally had a couple of chances that were saved. Tom D had a good run down the wing and managed to cross the ball to Dom, who struck the ball into the net for 4-2 and give us some breathing space. Connor had another shot go just over the bar before he got in on the action again, this time passing to Dom but his shot went just wide and the match ended 4-2. A great win for the boys, with another example of excellent teamwork, hopefully the good form will continue again next weekend. Tom D was named man of the match for his great work rate in midfield and all round strong performance. For photo’s click here .

Sunday 2nd November v Nantwich Town Corinthians at the Barony

After having already lost 4-0 to Nantwich earlier in the season and fresh from last weekend’s drubbing, the signs didn’t look good for a positive result from today’s match. We were also without several players but the boys didn’t seem to let this affect them and the match started off at a fast pace with early chances for both teams. Dean had a good shot saved and Dom had another kicked off the line. Lewis C placed a lovely ball through to Ally but his shot was saved before Lewis had a chance himself but his looping shot was again saved. Chris and Eddie were keeping things tight in midfield though both had several runs on goal but we weren’t having things all our own way and Nantwich looked dangerous when they attacked, Lewis S coming out to make a good save when their player was through with just him to beat. Ally and Dom combined well but Dom’s shot was blocked before Nantwich counter-attacked, James managing to clear the ball off the line. Eddie and Dom played some good football, threading the ball through to Chris but he just couldn’t reach the ball. After an end-to-end first half we went in at 0-0. As play resumed we started off on the attack, Ally charging through their defence but his shot was knocked wide before Nantwich forced Lewis to make a good save, TJ finally kicking the ball to safety. Nantwich then had a good shot which beat Lewis but, fortunately for us, went just over the bar. The action then swung to the other end, Ally, Eddie and Dom all coming close before Chris hit the bar for us, Dean then sent in a great ball from a free kick but the ball was cleared off the line. The play then swung back to the other end and our defence had to hold tight, TJ, Rhys, Nathan and James all called into action to keep Nantwich out, TT was also getting involved playing just in front of the defence as Nantwich piled on the pressure. As time started to run out, Dean had a good shot from distance that their keeper could only knock out for a corner. As the corner floated in, the ball flew just wide of the post but so near that some of the Brookfield supporters thought the ball was in the net...sadly it wasn’t and after a couple more heart stopping moments as the boys defended heroically the final whistle blew to end the match at 0-0. Eddie was named man of the match for a brilliant game in midfield though it was pointed out that every player could have won the trophy for their performance which was a superb team effort. Let’s hope for another fantastic performance next weekend! For photo’s click here .

Sunday 26th October v Alex Soccer Centre Lions at the Soccer Centre

We went into this game knowing that the Alex Soccer Centre had scored double figures in their previous home game and have a 100% league record so far. Of course there was the added disadvantage of playing on astroturf and also the league allow the soccer centre to supply their own ref. We were also several players short due to school holidays so we knew we were up against it! Unfortunately the match didn’t get off to a good start and we were 2-0 down within a few minutes, however the boys tried to bounce back and Ally had a couple of good runs on their goal. Lewis in goal made three quick saves in succession to keep the ball out but shortly after the Soccer Centre went 3-0 up. Dean and Ally had a couple of forays into the soccer centre half, Eddie was working hard in midfield and TJ and James were keeping things going at the back but the Soccer Centre scored two more goals in quick succession to bring the score to 5-0. James was running his heart out trying to keep their marauding forwards at bay, Lewis C made a fantastic clearance off the line and Eddie played some good football but couldn’t break through the Soccer Centre’s defence. Shortly before half time they went 6-0 up and that was how the score stayed at the break. To their absolute credit the boys came out fighting as the came restarted, we forced a corner that their goalie saved on the line and then Chris slotted a superb ball through to Dean who was thwarted by their goalie. The Soccer Centre scored two more goals for an 8-0 lead. The boys kept on challenging and Dean threaded a fantastic ball through to leave Ally one-on-one with their keeper, he rounded the keeper to slam the ball home and became the first opposition player to score at the Soccer Centre this season! Dean then took a free kick which rebounded out to George who hit a ferocious shot direct on goal but their keeper saved it on the line. We were playing some really good football now and Chris was making some good runs down the wing, he managed to send a great ball that split their defence and Ally got on the end of it to slot home for 8-2. Chris then had another good run and again sent the ball through to Ally but this time the ball was just too long for him to reach. The Soccer Centre then scored another for 9-2. Ally then had another great chance to go clean through on goal and appeared to be brought down by their player in the box but the ref awarded only a corner. The match ended with a final score of 9-2. Man of the match was awarded to Eddie for his great contribution in midfield but all the players really battled and the final scoreline was somewhat flattering to the Soccer Centre. (Sorry no photo’s due to Soccer Centre restrictions.)

Sunday 19th October v Alsager Town Panthers at Milton Gardens, Alsager

We were hopeful of another good display after last weekend’s thrilling victory but it wasn’t to be as the boys struggled to get going on a chilly autumnal day. The boys’ slow start was punished early on when there was a scramble in our box but we didn’t clear the ball and their player managed to hit the post and the ball bobbled in for a 1-0 lead to Alsager. Dom then had a good run through their defence but his shot went just wide. TJ was having a superb game in defence, clearing several of their chances before their player streaked through our defence and slotted home past Lewis in goal for a 2-0 lead. Unfortunately there was a nasty incident involving one of their players kicking our captain Tom D whilst he was on the ground, so he had to leave the pitch injured, and then within a few minutes kicking out at Dean too. To their credit Alsager substituted the player but it left a nasty atmosphere as the players came off at half time with the score at 2-0. As the second half got underway we came under pressure again, TJ thwarting several of their promising moves before he got in on the attacking action with a great run, threading the ball through to Ally but he couldn’t get a shot in. Brookfield now started to apply some pressure of their own, Ally having a shot that was saved and Tom D going on a mazy run through their defence firing the ball across the face of goal but Dean was unable to get a touch on the ball. Shortly after Dom appeared to be bundled over in the box but the ref felt their player got the ball and no penalty was awarded. Ally then hit a post but the ball rebounded to their goalie who cleared it. Tom D then got in a good shot which was saved and then Connor did well to win the ball and sent a great ball through to Ally but his shot was just wide. Unfortunately Alsager then caught us with a counter-attack, powering through our defence and shooting a great shot over Lewis for 3-0. Ally had one final chance but his shot lacked power and the match finished at 3-0. Probably the scoreline was a bit harsh on us but we never got going as a team and failed to put away the chances we did have. TJ was named man of the match after his fantastic display in defence. For photo’s click here .

Sunday 12th October v Tarporley Wanderers at Shavington School

After disappointing results in the first few games of the season, the boys were raring to go against Tarporley and got off to a flying start when, after just a few minutes, there was a scramble in the Tarporley goalmouth with Chris and Connor involved before Dominic got the ball in the net to give us the lead 1-0. The match was end to end and Lewis and TJ were called into action to deny their striker before Tom D sent a fantastic ball through to Dom for him to score a great goal and make the score 2-0. Soon after Tarporley got back into the game when their forward was adjudged to have beaten our offside trap and slotted home for 2-1. We were now under pressure and worse followed as our defence couldn’t clear the ball away and Tarporley smashed the ball home to bring them back level at 2-2. The equaliser seemed to shock us in to action and TJ took a great free kick that was cleared off the line and then Connor headed just wide from a corner but the score stayed at 2-2 at half time. As the match got back underway, we began to play some really good football, Dean had a good shot saved before Ally appeared to be pushed off the ball in the box though no penalty was given. Soon after Dom got our revenge, with a brilliant solo goal to claim his first hat-trick for us and put us 3-2 up. Tarporley hit back but Nathan made a good clearance before Dom hit his fourth goal with another fantastic solo effort, turning and shooting the ball into the net for 4-2. Dean and Dom were causing havoc now, combining well for several shots on goal, then Dom picked the ball up after a good cross into the box and hit the ball over the keeper for his fifth goal making the score 5-2. Tom D then got in the action with a superb pass through to Dean who smashed the ball into the corner of the net to put us 6-2 up. There was time for TT to have a great run into the box but he couldn’t get a shot in and the match ended with us celebrating a fantastic 6-2 win. Unsuprisingly, Dom was named man of the match after his amazing five goal haul but this was a great victory for the whole team with every member playing their part. For photo’s click here .

Sunday 5th October v Crewe FC at Shavington High School

Due to the wet weather there was a late change of pitch to Shavington High School but when we arrived the rain was torrential and it seemed the game might be called off. Luckily a broom was found to brush the water out of the goalmouth and, despite several other matches on nearby pitches being postponed, the ref gave our’s the all-clear. The game got underway and luckily the rain seemed to be relenting slightly as we put Crewe under some pressure but on their first attack they sliced through our defence to take the lead 1-0. Dean had a good attempt at goal but that went over the bar before Nathan sent a fantastic ball through to Ally, who beat their keeper to bring the scores level at 1-1. Unfortunately soon after Crewe regained the lead when our defence couldn’t keep their man out to bring it to 2-1. Nathan was doing a good job in defence with TJ also called into action on several occasions. Ally and Dom had a few chances before TJ saved the day with a good clearance when their guy was clean through on goal so at half time we went in 2-1 down. Soon after the restart, Crewe increased their lead to 3-1. We were coming into the game more now but just couldn’t get the final shot in on goal. Crewe took full advantage by scoring a great goal, their playing chipping the ball over Lewis in goal giving him no chance for a 4-1 lead. Dom had a good chance that went just past the post before Dom and Ally combined well but their goalie kept the ball out of goal somehow, it rebounded to Connor but their goalie managed to make a good save. Dom had another shot which just went wide. We were really putting Crewe under pressure now but couldn’t get the ball in the net. TJ had a great run down the wing, passed to Ally but his shot was saved, Connor and Dom also had a couple more chances before Crewe hit back with a chance of their own which Lewis managed to save by sticking it in the mud of the goalmouth! Ally had a good chance that their keeper parried to Dom who fired home to finally give us another goal and bring the score to 4-2 which is how the game finished. The final scoreline was possibly a bit harsh for us, we had played quite well at times and had enough chances to have scored more goals. Dean was named man of the match for a fantastic game in midfield. For photo’s click here .

Sunday 21st September v Betley at Shavington High School

On a lovely sunny day we arrived for our first match on the grass pitches at Shavington High School. We found the pitch had a pronounced slope and, having lost the toss, we were playing uphill in the first half. Nevertheless, the boys got off to a good start playing some good football and Tom D went close twice and then Ally also had two good chances but their keeper was in fine form to keep the ball out. Betley now came more into the game, George, Nathan, Tom J and James kept things very tight at the back and Betley couldn’t find a way through, they were having a lot of possession but no real chances until their player finally broke through the defence and Lewis S made a fine save at point blank range. However, Betley managed to beat the defence again to shoot home for a 1-0 lead right on the stroke of half time. As the second half got underway, Eddie had a good chance which flew just wide of the post. As Betley pressed forward their player went down on the edge of the box which the ref, very harshly, awarded a free kick for which they fired home to lead 2-0. Brookfield kept battling and Ally had a shot well saved before a goalmouth scramble saw the ball go into the net only for the ref to disallow it and give a penalty for a tackle prior to the goal. Ally stepped up to take the penalty but their keeper made a fantastic save. Brookfield were now piling the pressure on Betley, Dean had a great chance but their keeper saved again before Dean finally managed to beat their keeper with a fantastic shot that gave their keeper no chance and pulled the score back to 2-1. The boys sensed that the game was there for taking and had a couple of good efforts before an almighty goalmouth scramble saw the ball knocked off the line twice before the ball came out to Ally who fired it home to bring the match back to 2-2. As the game restarted Ally got hold of the ball again and raced through their defence and fired a shot in that fell agonisingly wide of the post and left the final score 2-2. The boys could reflect on another superb team effort to pull back the two goal deficit. Nathan was named man of the match for a superb display in defence. For photo’s click here .

Sunday 14th September v Nantwich Town Corinthians at the Barony

After the delayed start to the season due to last weekend’s bad weather we were raring to go against Nantwich. However, we knew we’d be facing a stern test against last season’s champions who scored a total of 115 goals. The match started and Lewis S in goal for us was soon called into action and pulled off a great save, TJ and James were keeping things tight at the back and Ally had a good chance but the ball spun wide and Dean had a long range effort that went close. However, Nantwich hit back and sliced through our defence to hit the ball home for the lead 1-0. Dean had a good run and shot just wide and Connor had an effort that their keeper managed to push round the post as we tried to get back into the game but as we approached half time, Nantwich scored again to make the score 2-0 going into the break. Dean showed some great skill to bring the ball down, turn and shoot but his shot was just wide. Nantwich had a good effort themselves but hit the crossbar before they got their third, slotted home from a corner. Ally found himself 1 on 1 with their keeper but the ball just slipped wide of the post before Nantwich hit back, Lewis S made two great stops, Lewis C scrambled the ball off the line but Nantwich somehow managed to get the ball over the line to give them a final score of 4-0. The scoreline was perhaps slightly flattering to Nantwich but we were left to rue our missed opportunities and hope for better things next weekend. Tom D was named man of the match for a magnificent game in midfield. For photo’s click here .

Wednesday 10th September v Cruventus at the Barony (friendly)

This was our second friendly of the season against Cruventus (formerly Cheshire Blades) who will be playing in Division 2 this season. We had a full squad to choose from and the match started with neither side giving the other much space and few chances on goal. The deadlock was broken when Ally scored a good goal to put us in the lead 1-0. We then sat back a bit and allowed Cruventus back into the game, they scored a good goal after running from the half way line beating several of our players for 1-1 and this was the score at the half time break. We had a good spell after the restart with several shots on target including a great long-range shot from Tom D that went close before Tom D and Dean combined well for Dean to slot home for a 2-1 lead. However, Cruventus came back at us and their player hit a good goal from long range, that gave Lewis S in goal no chance, to pull the score back to 2-2. Ally had a superb run through their defence and beat their keeper only for his shot to hit the post before he managed to score after the ball was floated in from a free kick to give us back the lead 3-2. We started to have a bit more of the ball now and Chris and Tom D had a couple of good runs at their defence before Dean hit a superb goal from long-range that dipped over their keeper to make the score 4-2. Ally had a final chance as he went for his hat-trick but their keeper made a good save to tip the ball to safety and the final score was 4-2. Dean was named man of the match for his two goals and great game in midfield. For photo’s click here .

Sunday 31st August v Crewe FC at Ruskin School (friendly)

Our first 11-a-side friendly of the new season saw us take on Crewe FC for what seems to be our annual friendly against them. Unfortunately the scoreline ended up the same as last season with us going down to a 5-2 defeat. However, there were a lot of positives to take from the match and this was the first time the team had played together on this size pitch. The match started with us under a lot of pressure from the Crewe forwards but our defence managed to hold firm, on a rare chance to attack Eddie was up-ended in the box and the ref had no hesitation in awarding a penalty which Ally cooly slotted home to give us a 1-0 lead. Unfortunately this spurred on Crewe and our defence could hold out no longer and we quickly found ourselves leaking four goals in ten minutes to go in at half time 4-1 down. Shortly after the restart Crewe scored again to make it 5-1. We then managed to come more into the game, Chris made a lovely run down the wing and fired a shot in from long range which hit the post and Lewis C banged the ball home to make the scoreline 5-2. Ally then hit a post, Dean went just wide from a long way out and then had another shot well saved by their keeper. James also hit the crossbar but the final score ended up as a 5-2 defeat. Hopefully the boys will have learnt a few lessons ready for when our league season begins. Man of the match was Lewis S who made some fantastic saves in goal and kept the score lower than it might have been. For photo’s click here .