Collated by Nick Syrett
Can we just let winter walk away and just leave without a trace? Damp weather continues to be a theme as we head in to February. Hardly Farm was touch and go, but with our curator working his Gandalf like magic over the pitch and belting out a Phil Collins classic as he mowed and brushed his way towards the weekend; Against all odds, play was just about possible at the farm this weekend for most. We shouldn’t have doubted him. Boz was the only one who really knew this at all…
WD&C U9 Harriers v Mersey Valley
The opposition looked well organised and quickly pinned the Harriers into their own half scoring three without reply. The Harriers however looked dangerous throughout on the break – Tyler got a brace – one finished expertly after a jostling run from the halfway line to limit the deficit, at one point getting it back to 4-2. When the Harriers defended as a unit they looked solid but the cracks started to show in the second half as players looked to shed their defensive responsibilities to get forward. Alas a comprehensive result against inthe end.
New boy Luke gets a special mention for his decision making at the back – advancing but always with one eye over his shoulder.
Mobberley 1-1 WD&C U9 Hawks– Purple League
Playing uphill on a muddy, bumpy pitch into a fierce wind and sun, Hawks dominated possession in the first half. They didn’t quite calm the raucous home support but Mars Bar Man of the Match Luca G and Ben were immaculate at the back. Luca B dealt well with some awkward shots and his quick distribution got Hawks moving up the pitch. Chances were few but Lucien’s long range rocket hit the inside of the post. Half time came. 0-0.
Ben went close from a Bertie C cross and Reuben was denied by Mobberley’s brave keeper as Hawks built up the pressure playing down the slope with the cow muck infused breeze at their backs. Sam and Rudy controlled the game in midfield with Joe a virtual spectator in goal.
Eventually a Bertie E corner deceived everyone to put the Hawks in front. Hawks had numerous chances to seal the game but couldn’t find a second goal. Noah’s vicious 25 yard free kick looked in but the keeper somehow kept it out.
With time running out, a rare Mobberley attack led to a corner. Which led to a goal as the ball cannoned in off their player’s chest. U9 Hawks attacked again and again even throwing every outfield player into the box for a late corner but couldn’t find the breakthrough.
The U10 Owls drew 5:5 away to Wythenshawe Pumas.
Goal scorers Suhaibx1, Sethx1,Liamx3. POTM Ged for great defense
What a performance from the U10 Kestrels. We saw our goals come from some truly fantastic passing play. More improvements made this week again, the boys showed real determination and pride in their play, extremely proud, well done!
– 14 JS
? 10 WM
U10 Eagles soared in the cup over the Ashton Panthers
Goals: Fionn, Bailey (2), Sacha
PoM: Bailey
Great performance and battled back from a losing positions twice
U12’s v Ashton on Mersey Tornadoes, winter cup.
WON 3-1
POTM Kofi
Starting line-up: Alfie (GK), William, Jacob, Louis, Wilf, Isaac, Kofi, Ted, George. Sub: Cameron
Attendance
Home 14 plus dog
Away 10 plus 2 in the playground – but no dogs!
A dominant display by West secured the away win that should hopefully put them through to the semi-finals of the Winter Cup.
Every player contributed in what must go down as one of the best all-round team displays this season with George, Isaac and William bagging the goals.
From the start of the match – which needed water sweeping out of the goalmouth to ensure it went ahead – West’s powerful play put them in control. George was denied by the onrushing keeper early, before Ted latched onto the loose ball and attempted a long-range effort (or a “Charlie Adam” according to our Stoke contingent).
Despite the best efforts of a playful dog which interrupted play much to the owner’s embarrassment, we didn’t have to wait long for the first goal. An excellent one-two with Louis saw Isaac racing through. He beat the keeper to the ball and cut it back to George who made no mistake from 10 yards.
The Louis/Isaac axis was working brilliantly on the left and more great play between them nearly put George in again for his second but the home keeper reacted quickly to clear the danger.
With Jacob and William putting in solid defensive performance and Alfie acting as a sweeper keeper, West had the foundations to push forward.
Jacob’s throw-ins caused chaos in the home defence throughout the match and George who was proving unplayable almost got in again but his shot was blocked.
The second goal was inevitable. This time Isaac latched onto William’s through ball and coolly rounded the keeper before walking the ball into the net. He nearly added to his tally seconds later but his curled effort went wide.
But the relentless pressure continued and William, who had moved into a forward position and was adding additional attacking threat, grabbed a deserved third before half time.
Everyone was playing their part. Cameron came on as substitute and was a rock at the back breaking up the home side’s attacks as they attempted to get back in the game.
Kofi, Isaac, Ted and Wilf were controlling midfield, chasing down the home side whenever they had the ball and the springing wave after wave of attack.
Such was the control West had on the game Alfie was rarely called into action, but when he was he produced a fine save.
But the home support did eventually get a goal to cheer, a good move down the left which resulted in a lovely side-foot finish.
West continued to pass the ball around and battle in midfield to protect their lead and secure the hugely deserved win.
The U13’s won 2-0 in a muddy battle v Sporting Sale on a paddy field at Chorlton Park. Thanks to Mark Hurst who stepped up with the whistle and the Magpies for the lone of some cones!.
Physically outcompeted in the first half we went in 0-0. Gabe scored directly from a free kick and Dylan followed up after good work from Rory and Sam to take the win. A better second half effort wise…Good performances from Jess Morgan lewis and Seb in particular on a difficult pitch.
U14 Badgers
Wythenshawe Tigers (h)
Division 5
Lost 3-6
Scorers: Teddy (3)
PoM: Aaron-Levi
Game of two halves!! First half their goalkeeper had an inspired performance and the game should have been buried! Going in at HT @ 2-2 did not reflect the game. In the second half the opposition wanted it more. Lessons were learned and the pitch at Hardy Farm was very hard to play on – long ball worked x3!!
U16s HOME v Altrincham Juniors Panthera
Friendly
DREW 5-5
The U16s, with a free week, decided to test themselves in a friendly against a team from the division above.. After a shaky start we were 3-1 down but this was converted to 5-3 up with some lovely football from West. Playing against superior opposition seemed to bring out the best in us. Unfortunately some lost concentration and a dodgy line call led to 2 goals conceded in final moments and the match finished up an honourable 5-5 draw. Great performance.
