Collated by Nick Syrett

The youthful and innocent prevailed in the glorious Saturday morning sunshine this w/e whilst their surlier counterparts were left once again cursing the weather gods for their misfortune as Storm Ciara had the last laugh on Sunday. With more storms on the horizon, we shall forget what a referee looks like at this rate.

WD&C U9 Hawks v  Ashton on Mersey Sabres

Bertie C (2), Ben, Luca G, Lucien, Sam

The Hawks put the Sabres to the sword at a breezy Hardy Farm in a whirlwind first period.  

The Sabres squad asked about flapjacks in the warm up and were perhaps distracted by the prospect of an oat-based snack as Rudy and Sam opened the scoring.  Then birthday boy Bertie blasted a brace to put Hawks in command. His first came after a fine passing move involving Luca B, Reuben and Lucien. 

Birthday Bertie hit a rocket for his second and narrowly missed a hat trick when his shot hit the post.  Keeper Noah was stuck in the only shady spot on a beautiful sunny morning as Hawks dominated. 

Mars Bar Man of the Match Joe switched to keeper and made some good saves after several crunching tackles in the first period.  Sabres sharpened up and pulled a goal back but Luca G rifled a shot home from the edge of the box before the visitors scored again. 

There was a delayed start to the final period as the ref ran to the toilet. And stayed there for a long time. Ben put Hawks further ahead (but still needs to work on the knee slide celebration) as Hawks made sure there was no way back for the Sabres. Angus worked hard both at the back and in midfield. As the game wore on, Lucien peppered the goal with numerous efforts but couldn’t beat Ashton’s Big Kid. 

Sabres left the pitch despondent but soon cheered up when Luca B went over with his tin of goodies.

U9 Sale Vikings v WD&C U9 Harriers– Spring cup. 

Playing on a smaller claggy pitch, the Harriers struggled to find space to run into but got two against a classy opposition – new boy Digby put one away after the ball somehow found him right in front of goal and Tyler got another by cutting in from the right to place the ball high to the goalkeeper’s left. There was something satisfying in this gritty performance even though the result went the wrong way.

U10 Eagles v Sporting Sale Panthers

Cup / league (a)

PoM: Nico

Strange game that featured enough chances for the Eagles – But they were more clinical and the oppo said that is the best they’ve ever played. So far P2 W1 L1 so lots to play for to qualify for the final.

U10 0wls v Irlam Steel Bulldogs –  Spring Cup

Hardy Farm

We lacked energy and made it relatively easy for the Bulldogs, who were keener for every ball. PoM: Suhaib for his goal and good defence

What a glorious day for some fantastic football! Our U10 Kestrels showed off their excellent passing play again today. 2 goals for our boys, one from perfect passing and one from a phenomenal corner! Well done Kestrels! 

7-EP 

3-NB 

3-NB 

Sunday was completely washed out thanks to the storm. Your correspondent spent the entire day in his lounge pants. A victory for soft fabrics, but a heavy loss for football.