Sunday 3rd July - Ellesmere Port Town Tournament at Ellesmere Port

This was the first time we’d entered this tournament but we were pleased to find the pitches were of a good size and there were a lot of teams entered so both our sides had 7 matches each before they entered the final stages. Both our teams did really well to progress to the next round, the blue team actually won their group. Unfortunately both our sides were drawn to play each other in the round of 16 stage with the blue team winning before being knocked out by penalties in the next round.

Blue team squad was: Lewis S, Dean, Jack, Kieran, Scott, Josh, Matty, Tom D.

Results were v FC Helsby drew 0-0, v Ellesmere Port Town won 1-0 (Scott), v AFC Liverpool Red drew 0-0, v Colwyn Sabres drew 0-0, v Vauxhall Corsa won 2-1 (Scott, Kieran), v Olympic drew 0-0, v Princes Villa drew 0-0, Round of 16 v Brookfield Yellow won 1-0 (Scott), Quarter Final v FC Helsby drew 0-0 aet, lost 5-4 on penalties (Josh, Dean, Scott, Lewis).

Yellow team squad was: James, TJ, Chris, Ellis, Ally, Robbie, Lewis D, Adam.

Results were v Hope Farm Hotspurs drew 1-1 (Ellis pen), v Ellesmere Port Rangers drew 0-0, v Beechwood lost 1-0, v Vauxhall Zafira drew 0-0, v Whitby Rangers drew 0-0, v Princes Villa Colts won 1-0 (Ally), v Stork Youth Blue lost 1-0, Round of 16 v Brookfield Blue lost 1-0.

Friday 10th June v Nantwich Town (friendly) at Nantwich Town FC

With several players missing we had three guests in the squad: Foz, Scott and Jack which gave us plenty of choice with subs which was a good thing as it was decided we’d play two halves of 45 minutes. The first 20 minutes saw the game go end to end with a lot of high balls which seemed to suit Nantwich as they are a big side but then Scott put us in front with a good strike. Ellis came on shortly after and made it 2-0 within 20 seconds of being on the pitch (what took him so long!). Scott then fired home another just before half time to make it 3-0 at the break. Both teams made changes at half time and it took until 60 minutes for Tom D to put us 4-0 up with a nicely taken goal. Nantwich soon pulled one back but then Kieran cam eon and got in on the goals to put us 5-1 up. With 10 minutes left, one of their defenders put the ball in his own net under pressure from Lewis. Nantwich then pulled another goal back before Ellis pounced in the final minutes with another great goal to increase the score to 7-2 and that was the final score. It was another good friendly with a great result for us and all the boys knew they’d had a game at the final whistle after playing for 90 minutes! Ellis was man of the match after his two well taken goals, just pipping Foz who had a great game in defence. Thanks to all three guests for helping us out for the match.

Sunday 5th June - Hope Farm Tournament at Ellesmere Port

This was another new tournament for us, played at the Vauxhall Sports & Social Club, and we were pleased to find that each group was quite large meaning we’d have 7 group games. Both our teams did well, though goals were few and far between in most of the matches. Our blue team did well to reach the quarter final, only going out after extra time.

Blue team were: Lewis S, Josh, TJ, Tom, Ellis, Chris and Adam.

Results: v Stork Youth Red drew 0-0; v Ellesmere Port drew 0-0; v Barnston Panthers drew 0-0; v Manor Rovers drew 0-0; v Hope Farm Hotspurs drew 1-1 (Ellis); v AFC Liverpool Red won 1-0; v Hope Farm Rangers won 4-1 (TJ, Ellis x3); Quarter Final lost 1-0 aet.

Yellow team were: James, Jordan, Toby, Dean , Lewis, Matty, Kieran, Ally.

Results: v AFC Liverpool White drew 0-0; v Hope Farm Rangers drew 0-0; v Ellesmere Port Rovers drew 0-0; v Stork Youth Blue won 1-0 (Matty); v Rossway Utd drew 0-0; v Hope Farm Hotspurs drew 0-0; v Manor Red lost 1-0.

Sunday 22nd May - Spurley Hey JFC Tournament at Stockport

This was our first time entering this tournament. On arriving we were a bit disappointed to see that there were only two pitches and ‘mini’ goals. The weather wasn’t being kind either with heavy rain showers and strong, gusty wind. We entered two teams and our A team did really well to get to the semi-final, only going out 1-0 to a goal scored from a free kick after a very poor decision from the referee.

A Team were Ellis, Charlie (guest), Toby, Dean, Ryan, Dom and Chris.

Results: v Hazel Grove B won 2-0 (Ellis, Dom); v Spurley Hey B won 3-0 (Ellis 2, Chris); v Great Moor A lost 1-0; v Hazel Grove C won 2-0 (Ellis, Dom); v Hazel Grove A (quarter-final) drew 0-0, won 2-1 on penalties (Ellis and Dean, Charlie saved a penalty); v Wilmslow Albion (semi-final) lost 1-0.

B Team were Lewis, Jordan, Kieran (guest), Ally, Lewis S (guest), Chris (guest), Robbie.

Results v Hazel Grove A lost 3-0; v Spurley Hey A lost 2-1 (Kieran), v Great Moor B lost 1-0, v Wilmslow Albion drew 0-0.

Friday 20th May v Nantwich Town (friendly) at Nantwich Town FC

The match took place on the 3G astroturf pitch at Nantwich Town and, with next season in mind, we played 40 minutes each half. We welcomed two guests into our side: Kieran and Chris, thanks to them for playing. The Nantwich team were a mixed age group which play in the Potteries League. As the game got underway we could see we were playing against a good footballing side who passed the ball about nicely. After a slow start, Ellis sent Kieran through with only the keeper to beat and he slotted the ball home to put us 1-0 up. We were unlucky not to double our lead when Matty hammered a shot onto the post from a tight angle but instead Nantwich equalised. This seemed to spur us into action and first Ally put us 2-1 up and two minutes later scored again with a superb strike to make it 3-1, though Nantwich then pulled another goal back for 3-2. Just before half time Dean got in on the act with a goal straight from a corner to make it 4-2 at half time. In the second half we moved the back four around and played with TJ and Toby in the middle, they did a great job but the goals dried up for both teams until Ellis latched onto a loose ball and placed it in the far corner to make the final score 5-2 which was an excellent result against a well organised team. Matty was voted man of the match after a good all round game.

Friday 13th May v Crewe FC at King George Playing Fields

As we arrived for this match we knew it was the proverbial ‘six pointer’, whoever won would win the Championship and, as we would expect in any game against Crewe FC, the early stages were tough going with both teams realising there was a lot at stake. There were chances for both sides and Lewis had a good effort saved midway through the half but both sides were well matched and neither could break the deadlock before half time so we went in for the break at 0-0. As the second half got underway, and the black clouds loomed closer, we stepped up a gear and had a lot more of the play. First Toby met a corner from Dean which just went over and then Ellis forced their keeper to make a great save from a free kick. As we reached the final ten minutes the rain came but the boys kept on going and were rewarded for their efforts when Dom struck a great low drive into the net to put us 1-0 up with only a few minutes to go. As Crewe searched for an equaliser we stayed firm and managed to play out the final minutes keeping our lead to complete a memorable victory and win the Championship split B with a magnificent 100% record. It was a fine performance by the whole team but Chris was named man of the match for his tireless running in midfield. As an extra treat for the boys, Big Mac meals were provided after the match for the boys to tuck into kindly donated and arranged by Stewart and his wife Marie, a lovely way to end what has been a very good season. 

Friday 6th May v Market Drayton Tigers U15’s at Greenfields Stadium, Market Drayton

After playing Market Drayton’s U14’s side recently and beating them convincingly 4-0, we were invited back to play against their U15’s side who have finished 2nd in their League (of three divisions) and are shortly to play in their League’s Cup Final. The match was played as three periods of 25 minutes. In the first period we were a bit slow to get going and Drayton were first to the ball and on top for the first 15 minutes which shaw us let in two goals before we had even settled down properly. At the end of the first period we were 2-0 down. The second period saw us play with the slope which helped us play a little better, we played some nice football for a spell but still conceded another goal to put us 3-0 down at the end of the period. In the final period we had a couple of good efforts but we were playing a good side and they took a 5-0 lead before Kieran scored a great goal to round off a great match with a final scoreline of 5-1. At the end of the match both teams were treated to the hospitality of Market Drayton Tigers with a hot food buffet and the odd drink! The unanimous vote for man of the match was Robbie after another impressive display against strong opponents.

Sunday 1st May v Cruventus at King George Playing Fields

On a nice warm morning but with a rock hard pitch, the match got underway. We found it hard to control the ball and both sides took time to settle. It was 15 minutes before we managed a good chance on goal with a header from TJ. However soon after this we were rewarded for our hard work when we were awarded a penalty which Ellis took, striking the ball hard and firm straight down the middle to put us 1-0 up. Not long after Robbie made it 2-0 when he got onto a loose ball in the 6 yard box and fired home and the score remained at 2-0 until half time. The second half was very scrappy with both sides finding it difficult to play much football. Ellis managed to strike one shot against the post but with five minutes to go Cruventus pulled a goal back to make the score 2-1 and cause us a few scary moments as we hung on to our lead which kept us top of the table. Jordan was named man of the match for a strong performance in defence.

Wednesday 20th April v Congleton Hotspur at Back Lane Playing Fields, Congleton

Our first match in the Championship saw us playing at second division Congleton. With it being the Easter holidays we were missing Ellis and Ryan so only had 13 players. We started the match playing uphill and found we were getting the ball forward a lot only to be flagged offside before Lewis went on a run and kept running before putting in a fine drive to give us the lead after only 10 minutes. The match became very one-sided with their keeper making some great saves to keep us out but then TJ soared to head in a great goal and then Adam fired the ball home to make it 3-0 at half time. As the second half restarted with us now playing downhill we continued to have most of the possession and TJ scored from another header after a great cross from Dean to make it 4-0. Our defence were holding their shape well and Congleton never got chance to test James at all in goal. Adam popped up with another headed goal to bring it to 5-0 and then Dom and Ally both scored late on to complete a comfortable win 7-0 and put us top of our part of the Championship table. Adam was named man of the match for a great game and two fantastic goals.

Sunday 10th April v Market Drayton Tigers (friendly) at Greenfields Stadium, Market Drayton

On a glorious sunny morning we arrived at Market Drayton to discover that we were playing at the first team’s stadium, complete with stands etc which was a nice experience for everyone. The Tigers also supplied a ref and two proper linesmen which again made a change from our normal experiences on a Sunday! It was decided that we would play three periods of 25 minutes, like academy teams play, and so the first period got underway. We started very brightly and had a lot of the ball with James hardly needing to touch the ball and it was no surprise when Ellis finally put us 1-0 up with a fine header following a cross from Dean. Our defence was a lot stronger than recent weeks as we welcomed back Toby, making his comeback following his broken arm, and Jordan to the team with Tom J captaining the side in the absence of Tom D. Just after the first break Adam doubled our lead with a well taken goal, his first goal for Brookfield and soon after Ellis grabbed his second, and the team’s third, with another great goal. In the final period, Chris latched on to a fine cross from Matty to give us a magnificent 4-0 victory. Overall a good team performance against well organised opposition and a great experience for the boys to play at a proper stadium. Tigers have also invited us to play their U15 side in the near future, further details will be announced when we know them.

Saturday 2nd April v Betley FC (friendly) at King George Playing Fields

We again had several players missing due to illness and other commitments, including goalkeeper James, which meant we were very grateful to Sean for standing in at short notice to cover for him. Several other players again had to play out of position to cover for those missing. The game got underway and despite playing against a strong wind we played some good football taking the lead midway through the half with a fine headed goal from Ellis. Three minutes later, Ellis netted again with a long range effort to put us 2-0 up and it stayed that way until half time. After the break we changed tactics and went to 3-4-3 formation and had the wind behind us. Shortly Chris made it 3-0 with a nice chip over the keeper and Adam went close went he hit the bar. Betley had a chance themselves but Sean made a great save and then Kieran had a good shot that their keeper could only parry and Tom D followed up to put us 4-0 up. Then Dean got in on the act with a well placed shot to make it 5-0. We were having a lot of chances and shortly after Ally hit a hard drive into the back of the net to make it 6-0. With just a couple of minutes remaining, Ellis completed his hat trick to make the score 7-0 which was how it ended. Ally was named man of the match for his great goal and strong performance.

Saturday 26th March v Stapeley (friendly) at King George Playing Fields

With having to play on a Saturday to ensure a free pitch, we were missing several players and had none of our regular defence available so it was a good test with lots of players playing out of their normal positions. The first half was fairly even with both sides coming close a couple of times but it was us who managed to take the lead midway through the first half when Dom fired home to make it 1-0 to us and it stayed that way until half time. After the break, we began to run the game a bit more and Ellis soon put us 2-0 up, Kieran almost extended our lead when he was through on the keeper but his shot went just wide. Dean then had a great shot which was going into the corner of the net but the keeper just got a hand to it, but couldn’t hold it, and Dom was there to tap home for 3-0. Kieran, who had come close to scoring a couple of times, then got his reward with a well taken goal to put us 4-0 up. Stapeley pulled a consolation goal back near the end to make the final score 4-1, a very nice win with a makeshift side. Kieran was named man of the match for a great game up front, just edging out Ellis who also had a few chances.

Sunday 13th March v Nantwich Town (friendly) at Malbank School.

We went into this friendly having to use three guest players as our squad had been reduced due to injuries and Stoke playing at home in the Cup! Many thanks to Alex, Kieran and Lewis who all played an important part for us. The match got underway and we soon found ourselves 1-0 down but this stung us into action and Ally soon equalised after a goalmouth scramble. Not long after, Kieran went on a great run down the wing and cut inside to slot home to put us in the lead 2-1. We were making a lot of chances now and Ally ran through the Nantwich defence but Kieran headed just over. He was soon in action again though as after another strong run through the Nantwich defence he crossed the ball to Ellis who smashed the ball home for 3-1. It was all one way traffic now and soon after Adam crossed to Ally who headed home for 4-1. Kieran went on another mazy run and beat the Nantwich defence but he shot went just over then just before half time we were awarded a free kick just outside the box and Ellis scored a good goal direct from the free kick to leave us 5-1 up at half time. As the match restarted we soon found ourselves conceding to make it 5-2. It seemed a combination of us taking our foot off the pedal and Nantwich piling on the pressure was now resulting in them having several chances. Lewis made a couple of good saves and then we conceded two goals in quick succession to bring the score back to 5-4. Matt, TJ and Ellis all then had attempts on goal that were saved as Nantwich looked for an equaliser, our defence managed to keep their strikers at bay then Dean had a good chance saved before Ally made the match safe by completing his hat trick and giving us the win 6-4. So a good win and overall a good team performance.

Sunday 27th February v Nantwich Corinthians at King George Playing Fields

After heavy rain overnight and during the morning it wasn’t a surprise to find the pitch in a very muddy and sticky condition and the large puddles in the middle of the pitch had grown a bit deeper and wider but the match got underway and both teams soon found the conditions difficult and chances were few and far between for both sides with most play concentrated in the middle of the pitch though Dom had an effort that went just wide. We had a lucky escape midway through the half when a Corinthians player had a good effort on goal which James parried and would probably have gone in but the ball stuck in the mud and we just managed to clear the ball. Unfortunately our luck didn’t hold out as, with just a couple of minutes to go to half time, the ball was played into our box by Corinthians to their waiting player who was unmarked and headed home to give them the lead 1-0 and the score stayed that way until half time. After the break we played some of our best football of the match and soon had the ball in the net for an equaliser when Dom shot home after a cross into the box by Robbie making the score 1-1. Corinthians soon began to get back into the game though and piled on the pressure with James having to make several good saves, their pressure paid off though when they shot and after a scramble hit the ball home to give them the lead 2-1. We were finding it hard to get the ball up to our forwards although Ellis had a good shot from distance that went wide but James was soon called into action to make another save before two more chances were cleared off the line and then, after some good skill by a Corinthians player who turned and shot the ball into the net, we found ourselves 3-1 down which was the final score which was a disappointing result after the great performances over the past couple of weeks. Toby was named man of the match for a great game holding the defence together until a lot of pressure.

Sunday 20th February v Nantwich Corinthians at King George Playing Fields

A damp and cold morning greeted us as we arrived at the George’s yet again, this time there was no strong wind but there were two very large puddles on the middle of the pitch which were hardly conducive to decent football. The match got underway and we were soon on the attack, Dom had a good chance after running through their defence for a 1 on 1 with the keeper but his shot went just wide. We were playing well and Corinthians were not really troubling our defence at all. Lewis shot from the edge of the box but it was deflected for a corner and then Robbie had a good run down the wing but Chris couldn’t get a shot in on goal. Robbie then broke through their defence again but his shot went just wide. So at half time the score was still 0-0. At the start of the second half Ellis had a shot from distance but it was saved by their keeper, this seemed to sting Corinthians into action and they enjoyed their best spell of the game. James had to make two good saves to keep them out and our defence worked well under pressure to keep them from having any more clear cut chances. Slowly we managed to get ourselves back on top and Lewis had a good shot creep just past the post after a nice run by Ally and then Adam had a shot on the turn saved by the keeper. As the match drew to a close there were more half chances at either end before the game ended 0-0. So another fine performance by the boys and Ryan was named man of the match for a great game in defence, keeping the Corinthians forwards at bay.

Sunday 13th February v Crewe FC at King George Playing Fields

On the same pitch at last weekend and with the same strong wind as last week too we decided to play the first half with the wind behind us and it soon paid dividends as we went ahead after only three minutes when Dean broke down the left and placed a low drive to the right of the goal and put us 1-0 up. This stung Crewe into action and they had the ball in the net shortly after only for it to be disallowed for offside. With the strong wind behind us we decided to change formation to 4-4-2 and Ally came on to replace Chris. As the half drew to a close we won a free kick outside the box and Dean took one of his trademark kicks over their defence and into the top left hand corner of the goal, giving their keeper no chance and making the score 2-0 to us which is how it stayed until half time. As the second half resumed we changed back to a 4-5-1 formation playing into the wind but we soon found ourselves conceding a goal to bring Crewe back into it at 2-1. We kept our heads though and midway through the half Tom D sent a great pass through to Dom who carried it and sent a hard low drive into the next to make it 3-1. Under a lot of pressure from Crewe we managed to keep our heads and worked hard to keep the final score as a memorable victory of 3-1. Well done to all the team but Tom D was named man of the match for a real captain’s performance in midfield.

Sunday 6th February v Alex Soccer Centre at King George Playing Fields

A damp and very windy day greeted us as we arrived for today’s game. After the frozen pitch of last weekend, this time the pitch was very boggy but playable. We started off with the wind behind us and soon were on the attack but the Soccer Centre’s defence were managing to keep us from getting a shot in on target. We were playing the ball about well and the Soccer Centre seemed happy to sit back and let us attack them, Ellis came close after a great run and Dean fired just over from a free kick but we couldn’t make our dominance pay and at half time the score was 0-0. With the wind against us in the second half we found it harder to get the ball up front and the Soccer Centre had a few chances which we easily kept out, Robbie and Lewis being very strong in the middle of the pitch. As the half wore on we began to come more into the game again and chances were few and far between for either side. As the match drew to a close, Ally broke through only for a very late flag from the linesman to bring him back for offside. Then as the match entered the final seconds of normal time, the Soccer Centre got the ball into our box and after an almighty scramble hit the ball home to give them the lead. Then, well into injury time, they broke through again and scored for a final score of 2-0 which was a cruel blow after such a magnificent performance, in difficult conditions, by all the boys. Robbie was named man of the match for another outstanding performance.

Sunday 23rd January v Cruventus at Mirrion Street

Another cold winter’s morning with a biting breeze greeted us as we lined up for the match although the pitch was in pretty good condition. We got off to a great start when Tom D put us in front from close range within the first few minutes but we weren’t playing as well as we could in the early stages although as the half wore on we started to take control and put their keeper under pressure but at half time we were still leading 1-0. The referee took the strange decision to run the match on his own without the assistance of linesmen which lead to a few debatable decisions both for and against us but luckily this didn’t affect the result as soon after the restart Ally latched onto a superb through ball from Dean to put us 2-0 up. We continued to pile the pressure on Cruventus going close a number of times, their keeper though was having a great game and kept us out until the last minute when Ellis scored a well deserved goal to make the final score 3-0. Toby was named man of the match for the second week running after another fantastic, solid display.

Sunday 16th January v Nantwich Corinthians at the Barony

On a damp and dismal morning the match started off at a fast pace with Corinthians keen to get on the scoresheet, our defence was equal to the threat they could pose though and we held firm but couldn’t create much of a threat up front but 0-0 at half time was a good scoreline for us. Unfortunately, after holding on for 10 minutes or so of the second half, Corinthians luckily got a break when the ref didn’t notice a foul against Toby and allowed play to continue from which Corinthians scored. As the rain started to fall heavily our heads dropped and Corinthians scored three more to make the final score 4-0 which was slightly flattering to them. Toby was named as man of the match for a great display in the centre of defence.

Sunday 9th January v Nantwich Town at the Barony

After over six weeks without a game due to the weather it looked like this game was going to fall foul of a frozen pitch too with the early kick off already postponed but, luckily, we had a decent ref who agreed to wait and see if the sun would help and it did to a certain extent so it was game on. We were really pleased too as within five minutes Tom D and Ellis had put us 2-0 up and we seemed to be cruising. Unfortunately, we couldn’t maintain the good start and Nantwich pulled the game back to 2-2. The bobbly pitch was causing trouble for both teams, especially in defence and in the end a draw was the right result. Lewis was named man of the match for a great display in difficult conditions.

Sunday 21st November v Cruventus at King George Playing Fields

We got straight back to winning ways after last weekend’s disappointing defeat with a 2-0 victory over Cruventus which was somewhat more convincing than the scoreline suggests. After chances for both sides, Ellis opened the scoring with a tap in midway through the first half to put us 1-0 up and it stayed that way until half time. We had a lot of possession but weren’t able to make it pay in front of goal but midway through the second half, Ellis scored again to put us 2-0 up and make things a bit more comfortable. Shortly after, Cruventus were awarded a penalty but the spot kick was expertly saved by James to preserve our first clean sheet of the season and the final score stayed at 2-0. Tom D was named man of the match for a strong display holding our midfield together.

Sunday 14th November v Crewe FC at Ruskin

A minute’s silence for Remembrance Sunday was observed before the start of the match and we were slow to get going when the match kicked off with Crewe soon putting us under pressure and we found ourselves a goal down. However, this sparked the boys into action and Ellis threaded a great ball through for Ally to bring us back level at 1-1. Both teams were fighting to gain the upper hand with shots at both ends before Crewe managed to get another goal just before half time to put themselves 2-1 up. Just after the restart though, Dean pulled us back level again with another of his fantastic goals from a free kick. Both teams had chances to take the lead but unfortunately for us Crewe managed to score again and they held on to make the final score 3-2 to them. A draw would probably have been a fair result after a good performance all round on a difficult bumpy pitch. Ellis was named man of the match on his return from injury for a great display up front, being unlucky not to score on a few occasions.

Sunday 7th November v Nantwich Town at King George Playing Fields

A fresh autumnal day greeted us as we arrived at the Georges and we were soon in the ascendency as Dom fired us home after five minutes to give us the lead 1-0. We weren’t having things all our own way though and James kept us in the lead with a fantastic save from their big striker. Soon we had increased our lead though as Tom D netted for 2-0 and then we put the game beyond Nantwich with two goals in a minute from Ally to put us 4-0 ahead and the score stayed like that until half time. After half time we didn’t have the same urgency about us and Nantwich started to come more into the game pulling two goals back to make it 4-2 but then Chris hit a superb strike to cure our jitters and increase the lead to 5-2. They scored a penalty near the end to bring it back to 5-3 but we held on comfortably to record another good victory which leaves us joint second in the table. Jordan was named man of the match for another strong performance holding the defence together.

Sunday 24th October v Cruventus at the Barony

We got off to a fantastic start in this match at the Barony with Ellis and Ally firing in two goals to put us 2-0 up in the first five minutes, understandably the Cruventus heads dropped and we controlled the first half with Dom adding two more goals to make the score 4-0 at half time. After the break we sat back a bit and let Cruventus back into the match somewhat, they scored and started to run the game but TJ powered in with another of his fantastic goals to stop any doubt about the final score and the match ended in a fine 5-1 victory to keep us in third place in the table. TJ was named man of the match for a fine game as captain and for his great goal.

Sunday 17th October v Alex Soccer Centre at the Soccer Centre

After last weekend’s fantastic performance we were hoping the confidence would carry over to today’s game and it certainly seemed to be so with the team playing some nice football and soaking up all the Soccer Centre’s pressure early on with James having to make a couple of saves before we had a good chance of our own when Dom ran through their defence only for the goalie to kick the ball clear. Shortly after Dean had a good shot from a free kick from distance that was saved. We continued to soak up pressure from the Soccer Centre, getting a lot of players behind the ball and not giving Soccer Centre time to create before we had a great chance to take the lead when Dom again managed to beat their defence and was clean through but his shot was well parried by their keeper and rebounded to their defender. So at half time the scores remained level at 0-0. We made the better start in the second half, enjoying more time on the ball. Dean threaded a good ball through to Ellis who sent a lovely cross over to Tom D who sent in a great shot to the top corner but the ball was saved, the game was quite even now with both defences holding firm and few chances on goal though both Matty and Dean had chances saved. As the game reached the final 10 minutes, disaster struck when the Soccer Centre sent a good ball through which beat our defence and James had no chance and we were 1-0 down. As the side tired in the final few minutes the Soccer Centre scored two more goals in quick succession to make the final score a flattering 3-0. Overall a good team performance with Jordan being named man of the match for his fantastic display in the heart of the defence.

Sunday 10th October v Crewe FC at Mirrion Street

After the torrential rain we had to endure last weekend it was nice to enjoy a bit of late summer sunshine as we lined up to face Crewe FC. The match started off at a fast pace and we were soon on the attack but then, with perfect timing, our number 10 Chris struck a long high drive into the Crewe FC net at 10.10 on 10.10.10 to put us 1-0 up, fantastic! As Crewe FC battled to get back into the game our midfield and defence held strong before Dom managed to race through and slot the ball home to put us 2-0 up and that’s how it stayed until half time. Soon after the restart, Crewe brought themselves back into the game with a goal to make it 2-1, things looked rocky for a minute but then Ellis stormed through to make it 3-1 and then as the match reached the final 10 minutes Dean smashed a brilliant goal direct from a corner, the team witheld some pressure and could have grabbed a fifth but the final score was a brilliant 4-1 victory. Lewis was named man of the match for a strong display in midfield against the very physical Crewe team but everyone played their part in the fabulous display.

Sunday 3rd October v Nantwich Town at Shavington School

After torrential rain all morning we were doubtful that the game would be able to get started but the ref thought the pitch was playable so the match go underway, we were soon pleased with the decision though as Ellis fired in a couple of quick goals, then Ally scored from a superb long range shot before Ellis completed his hat trick, Nantwich pulled one back to make it 4-1 at half time but the score line helped keep the spirits up as the rain continued to lash down. After the restart, Nantwich pulled another goal back to make it 4-2 but then Tom D scored with his right foot, Matty tapped in at the far post and Dom scored a great goal to put us 7-2 up. The final 15 minutes of the match were played in farcical circumstances with the pitch basically unplayable but we made it to the end and a great result for our first win of the season. Suffice to say the match following ours was postponed as were the matches at most other pitches in the area today. A good team display in very difficult conditions and we hope nobody (including the parents!) ends up with pneumonia after their drowning! Ryan was named man of the match for a great game at right back.

Sunday 26th September v Nantwich Corinthians (League Cup 1st Round) at King George Playing Fields

After last weekend’s abortive fixture, the good news was that at least we had a pitch this weekend although unfortunately the League/Council appear to have taken no notice of the fact we reported the pitch had no proper markings so we had to mark the playing area out with cones which was hardly ideal. Unfortunately, playing such a strong team as Corinthians in the 1st round wasn’t ideal for us either, we soon found ourselves under a lot of pressure and they had scored three goals before Chris hit a belter in just before half time to give us a glimmer of hope at 3-1. However Corinthians soon made it 4-1 after the restart before Robbie knocked one home to make it 4-2, we couldn’t keep their strikers at bay though and they added another couple to make the final score 6-2 and put us out of the cup. Hopefully the team learnt a few lessons that they can take in to our League matches against Corinthians. Man of the match was Robbie again for another sterling performance.

Sunday 12th September v Alex Soccer Centre at the Brittles

So the start of another season and not only our first game but also our first game at the Brittles. There were no strangers in our opponents though as we faced up to last season’s champions, the Alex Soccer Centre, in the first game for the third successive season. The match got underway and Brookfield took the game to the Soccer Centre, playing some good football and created a couple of good chances for Ellis which were both saved. The defence were keeping tight and closing down the opposing players quickly. Mid way through the first half we were awarded a free kick around 25 yards out and Dean produced one of his fantastic thunderbolts to fire it into the net and put us in the lead. As the half drew to a close the Soccer Centre were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box which James managed to save but couldn’t hold and their player knocked the ball home to bring the scores level. Soccer Centre came more into the game and James made a couple of fine saves to keep the score at 1-1 for half time. After the break, we couldn’t get our rhythm going although Dean did have another great shot which hit the crossbar from distance. Ellis and TJ both had to go off injured which disrupted our pattern and the Soccer Centre profited after a scramble in the goalmouth they scored and then as the match drew to a close their player went down on the edge of the box after a challenge which the ref awarded a penalty for which they duly scored to make the final score 3-1. Overall it was a good team display and the final scoreline flattered the Soccer Centre. Man of the match was Robbie for a great all-round display.