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Written by Steve Moth
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MERRY XMAS!!!!
Matchday 16.……….and back by popular demand is this weeks match report. Firstly I would like to express my sincere apologies for the absence of previous reports. Today’s game had a real festive feel to it, with it being our last game before xmas. Chaddy End ‘c’ were our visitors, who would provide our boys with more than a walk in the park. Chaddy End, as always displayed an impeccable attitude, which was quite refreshing has recent matches have seen some appalling attitudes from opposing coaches. This sought of behaviour does not set a great example to the kids, and it is a level I would urge coaches not to resort to. Has I have expressed to Gary, this can only be a compliment to the boys progress, that we are in a position, and held in an esteem where teams want to win at all costs against us. Who would have thought pre-season that we would be in such a position. The boys have shown all year round, a brilliant team spirit, and togetherness which has been rewarded in their results. Results at this age are of little importance, but, has with this report, they give the boys a tremendous lift, and there confidence is growing with each and every week.
Today’s game was a bit of an anti-climax to the year despite us winning the game 1-0 from a goal by Jaden Lamb….a brilliant goal which was deserving of a win in itself. We have come to expect flowing football with plenty of goals , which we are in danger of taking for granted. I think everyone that has followed us this year, will agree that the boys have done exceptionally well and deserved an off day by our standards. I can’t stress how proud both Myself and Gary are of the progress we have made has a team. Has parents are aware, it is not just opposing teams who are taking note of our performances, talent scouts have also been in contact making enquiries. One premier league club itself have invited the full team down to there academy to play there academy side, to get a closer look at some of our players. Some might say that a seven year old child is too young for that sought of thing, and I would be inclined to agree, but if nothing else it gets the boys free coaching from dedicated professionals which can only benefit the child and ourselves has a club.
If someone would have said pre-season, that, by xmas, we would have played 16, won 12, drew 3 and lost only once…….I may have bust a gut laughing!. Each and everyone of the boys have shown a tremendous progression. Out of 16 matches we have kept 9 clean sheets,…….Sam has been a rock in the goals, he’s bravery, confidence and agility still amazes me every time I watch him. In the few games we have drawn, Sam has been the deciding factor, with some great displays. Taylor also has shown a great determination to win, he’s control of the football , and of situations is a joy to watch. He has also weighed in with some super long range efforts, and could compile a goal of the season poll all of his own. Another highlight has been from Cole, who has not always started from the off, but every time he has he has never let himself down. He can be proud of his improved positional sense , he seems to be always in the right place at the right time, and makes some great last ditch tackles. Late edition Oliver, another who amazes me on the pitch, his strength and power combined with a quick brain and fast feet makes Olly a threat going forward and a rock to beat defensively. His partnership with Taylor sometimes is has good has a point before we kick off. Jaden has now found his ideal position we feel on the right, hes energy that he puts into the game warrants a position he can be on the ball more. Jaden is another who is learning to be in the correct positions, showing in space for the ball, and he always looks comfortable with the ball at his feet. I know Gary is always conscious of the fact Jaden is hes own son and how it might look to other parents, but rest assured Jaden is more than pulling his own weight. Success story of the season so far, for me anyway, is the emergence of Ben, it is a great example of getting back what you put in. Pre-season we made no promises to Ben’s parents, and they was under no illussion has to what part Ben would play due to the numbers we had when he joined. Unlike others who could not see the bigger picture, and jumped ship, Ben just got on with it and put every effort in to training .I’m sure everyone will agree his confidence and improved ability is proof in the pudding. Another player who needs no introduction is Ethan, some players are born with ability and Ethan falls into this bracket. Always eager to show the latest trick he has learnt, a real pied piper has I like to call him. Ethan is another player with immense talent, fast brain, very quick feet and can beat players with ease. Ethan’s main progression has been his passing sense, he has learnt the ball can run faster than him and uses it to his benefit in the right situations. It is no wonder that he has attracted the attentions of some professional clubs, and truly deserves the attention. Ethan is another player who gets more than his fair share of goals, and some great solo efforts at that. Lastly, but not leastly I come to Kieron. Has myself and Gary always say, `if only we had eight Kierons’…has the cliché goes he is the model professional’……He’s attitude to training, is second to none, he only needs to be shown once, and he always understands what we are showing him. I made the statement in a previous report that Kieron needed a goal for his confidence, and since that point he has not looked back. He has great close control, and is extremely unselfish when in goal scoring positions, perhaps too unselfish sometimes!!!!!
2008 has been a great year for the boys, and I am also obliged to comment on our parents. Every team claims to have the best parents, and in there eyes they are probably right. All year round our parents have behaved impeccably on the sidelines, showing very good support for the team in general. Even when their child has not been on the pitch, they have understood the reasoning behind this decision and got on with supporting the other boys. The fact of the matter is we can only start with 6, and we are privileged to have such understanding parents……a big pat on the back to all!!!
All that is left is for me to wish everyone a very merry xmas and a prosperous new year!…..it will be hard but if 2009 is half has successful has 2008 we will do very well!…well done boys!!!!!
SM……GL
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Last Updated ( Friday, 21 August 2009 )
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Written by Paul Smith
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The seconds made the short trip to Chadderton to take on second in the table Newton Heath. With the first team game cancelled, there were plenty of players sniffing around the management, wanting a game. As it was, most of the selected second team players turned up so only Darren Dunleavy took his place in the squad. With Danny Grahamslaw returning from injury and Liam returning up front, we travelled with a strong fourteen. We also welcomed back last season's second team player of the year, Mike McElvaney after his spell in the first team.
Moston started the game well and played some good football on a difficult pitch. With the strong running from midfield of McElevaney and Crossfield and Daz and Liam combining well in attack, Moston were looking a threat. Daz and Liam both passed up good chances to score early on. Newton Heath were a youthful and pacy side, who kept our back four on their toes all game. Danny Jackson was forced into a couple of fine saves when our back line was occasionally breached. Moston took the lead midway through the first half as Liam got in behind the Newton Heath defence and finished well into the corner. It was quickly two as Liam again got in behind the defence, but instead of shooting himself, unselfishly knocked the ball across the box to Rick Mills to knock in at the back post. We got a third before half-time as Liam was again set free on goal and he again finished well.
Three-nil at half-time and the message was not to take anything for granted and think that the game was won. This wasn't necessarily listened to as we started the second half slowly. Thankfully, Newton Heath didn't get the goal they needed. Moston continued to have chances as Daz forced the keeper into a couple of good saves. Mike McElvaney also saw a well struck free-kick turned over the bar. Miss of the match came after Chris Barrow's fine run and cross was headed against the bar by Darren Dunleavy. Not having the best of times in front of goal Daz at the moment as he is constantly being reminded of by his first team team-mates. The ball didn't quite seem to be falling for him on other occasions on Saturday and on another day, he could have had a hat-trick. Moston finished off the game with a fourth as Mark Terris's well struck free-kick, nicked off a defender and into the corner of the net. I'm told that the ball was going in anyway and the deflection wasn't important (albeit by Tes himself). This capped another fine display by Tes, who now seems to be actually enjoying playing centre half now. There was still time for Danny Jackson to pull off another fine save as he tipped a well struck shot onto the post and allow us to gain our second clean sheet of the season. If Danny keeps up this form then he may be getting a call from the first team, especially if the current incumbent continues his ‘fine' form.
The seconds best performance of the season and we have now beaten all of the previous weeks top three. It's a shame that we had that bad spell of games against some of the lower sides as we could have had a real challenge at the league. If we continue to get this strength of side on a regular basis there is no reason we can't go on a long winning run. Good performances by Danny Jackson in goal, Mark Terris and Mike Murphy, in defence, Mike McElevaney and Andy Crossfield in midfield and Liam Baldwin again looked a serious goal threat all afternoon. After a weeks break we return to Smedley for a return match with Whalley Range.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 21 August 2009 )
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Written by Steve Titterton
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Saturday 20th December 2008
Moston Brook 2 v Heyside 5
Last game before our midseason winter break, and due to the fact that a visit from the big man in the red suit meant that Andy and myself thought it was only fair to take everyone to play half a game so they could collect there gift from Santa.
A decision to play Titterton in goal had to be made as our normal keeper had not arrived, although Leech and Handley also offered, well done all 3 for offering.
A team of Titterton, Bowles, Aspinall, Bamford, Corrigan and Downie started the game with some good passing that opened up the Heyside defence only to see the shot saved well by the keeper. Constant pressure and some good runs by Bowles and Corrigan kept constant pressure on the Heyside defence. Aspinall was having a good game at the back making some last ditch tackles and some good sliding interceptions kept the score at 0-0. An attack by Heyside and a speculative shot by there forward from outside the box and an unsighted Titterton in goal saw the ball go in the corner, and us 1-0 down, we went straight on the attack and we were caught again on the break by some good passing by the Heyside team to make it 2-0. Only for some great defending by Aspinall and unselfish running by Bowles kept us only 2 goals down going into the last 5 minutes of the first half. Some good interplay by Bowles, Corrigan and Bamford and closing down by Downie kept the ball in the Heyside half, which resulted in Bowles being caught from behind and giving us a direct free kick left centre of the goal. Bowles lined up the free kick and he hit a rocket of a free kick which gave the keeper no chance and got us back into the game at 2-1, although all of our pressure to the half time whistle, we could not get the equaliser we thought we deserved.
Half time and 5 outfield players off and 5 players on, starting team for second half Titterton, Handley, Leech, Crone, O'Neill and Smith
The team played some good passing football out of defence and some good play nearly got us back on level terms, but a good block by the Heyside defence kept us out. A number of corners and we could not convert one to get us back on level terms.
Time for some eccentric goalkeeping that would have made Bruce Grobbelaar proud, the Heyside forwards started to put some long distance shots in which found us 3-1 down with the ball creeping in eventually, some constant pressure on the heyside defenders and some all round good passing play by O'Neill, Smith, Crone, Handley and Leech nearly resulted in us pulling one back but a fine save from the Heyside keeper kept us out and still looking for a way back into the game. We got caught again on the counter attack and some tricky feet ended up with us being 4-1 down.
One of the Heyside forward went through one on one with Titterton and a fine chip shot produced the save of the game, a finger tip save from Titterton to flick the ball around the far post to keep it at 4-1.
The move of the match followed in my eyes which saw everyone of our players touch the ball from Keeper to the scorer, Titterton played the ball out to Smith from a dead ball who passed to Handley, laid off to Leech, who pushed down the left, played the ball inside and some tricky footwork by O'Neill to beat 3 players in one movement, would off made Lionel Messi proud, before finally squeezing the ball to Crone who scored with a low drive into the corner, excellent move by the team to make it 4-2, the team pushed forward and their determination to get back into the game could not be faulted.
A mix up from the goal kick found the ball at the Heyside forwards feet who swiftly returned the ball back into the corner of the goal to make it 5-2 to Heyside. The final whistle went and the result was 5-2 to Heyside. Well done to you all.
Scorers Bowles, Crone
MOM: Aspinall
A message from both Andy and myself, have a good break and we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, thanks for the presents.
No game on the 3rd Jan 2009.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 21 August 2009 )
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Written by Steve Titterton
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Saturday 13th December 2008
Moston Brook 7 vrs Boundary Park B 0
After a run of 3 defeats the young team hit back with a seven goal blitz against a shell shocked Boundary Park B outfit, lessons were learnt from our last two games which have ended up with us losing by a single goal in each game and the team were not going to allow this to happen again, fast out of the blocks and some good pressure resulted in a goal and was the signs of things to come, goals from Leech 3 , Smith 2, and further goals from Bowles and Cronecompleted the scoring.
Well played the whole team on a much improved result/performance, lets keep up the good work in training and the results will continue to go our way.
Goals: Leech 3, Smith 2, Bowles, Crone
MOM: Crone
ST and AMc
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Last Updated ( Friday, 21 August 2009 )
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Written by Mike Crump
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Moston brook 4ths travelled to Ashtonians hoping to get the win that would send them to the top of the table. Ashtonians themselves were boasting some excellent recent form and are the leagues top goal scorers. Manager mike crump welcomed back C Yarwood & C Boothroyd but still found himself with only 12 fit players. With the first teams game called off Crumpy picked 2 first team superstars Joe McNeill & Mike McElvaney.
The game started off as quite a scrappy affair with neither team taking control. This changed after 20 minutes when some excellent play between Callum, M Budzik and R Henry released C Yarwood down the left who,s great cross found Joe " the goal" Ryan just outside the six yard area who calmly slotted the ball past the keeper to make it 1-0 to Moston. Even the first team superstar who was on the bench was amazed at the quality of football that was being played. The rest of the first half was a tight affair with few chances created. The only time Mostons defence was breached the Ashtonians forward fluffed his chance and it the bar. Great first half from both teams with plenty of quality on show especially from the centre midfield player from Ashtonians who was giving Lewis Handley a tough time. Don,t think Lewis helped himself though because it looked like he'd had 1 to many burgers at a barbeque.
Half-time team talk consisted of the need to keep focused and believe in our ability to keep playing football. To freshen things up Mike Crump decided to make some changes. Off came J Tynan & C Kennedy on came C Parker & Mike McElvaney.
The second half started in much the same vain as the first with neither team wanting to give much away. Ashtonians began to get on top with Moston defending much to deep. With Ashtonians piling on the pressure it was time for the players to show their grit and determination. Unfortunately this message didn,t get through to first team superstar J McNeill who managed to pick up a mysterious leg injury and had to be substituted for C Moss. This seemed to spur Moston on as collectively we stop everything Ashtonians can throw at us. Moston were also dangerous on the break and only a fine save from their keeper denied Callum a goal. It was from one of these breakaways that Moston increased their lead. The ball was pumped forward and there seemed little danger with only Joe and Chris Moss up front. However with Joe and Chris making a nuisance of themselves the ball fell to Joe who flicked on for Chris who just beat the keeper to the ball and back headed the ball into the net to make it 2-0 to Moston. The game was held up for 10 mins as Michael Budzik and an opponent clashed heads. After some intensive treatment Michael came back onto the pitch with what can only be described as a nappy on his head. There was still time for the other first team superstar to hit the headlines as from a corner and with no-one near him and only 5 yards out Mike McElvaney somehow manages to hit the post. Final score 2-0 to Moston. This was an excellent performance against a strong and youthful Ashtonians side. However a note of caution, now we are top of the league every team we play will put in extra effort to beat us. We must stay focused and keep playing the same level of football that has got us to the top of the league. Excellent performance today from Michael Budzik also Joe Ryan who ran himself into th ground up front but the 2 oustanding players on the day were C yarwood and C Boothroyd who were magnificent. Next week Moston play a reverse of this fixture at home.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 21 August 2009 )
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