Team Profile, Information and Match reports 12/13
Under 13’s Blacks
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Managers Profile: Name: Jason Jackson How long have you been involved with Pennine Juniors? I have been involved with Pennine Juniors around 6 years since 2007 season. How long have you been managing a team? I have managed a team every year but this is the first year with my current team “U13’s Blacks” following the departure of Redders What is your football background? I was a Man Utd season ticket holder in the Stretford end for eight years. Prior to this I played Saturday and Sunday football for local teams (Kingsway on Saturday’s and The Grapes in Bamford on Sunday’s). I also played regular 5- a-side games but an injury to my knee stopped me playing around two years ago. What do you find challenging when managing a team? The thing I find most challenging is trying to keep the training sessions fresh, fun and enjoyable and also not boring and predictable for the lads. What do you like most about managing a team? I get to see a great bunch of lads develop as footballers and also see them grow into young men. What has been your funniest/best/most memorable moment? My best and most memorable moment was being the first ever Pennine Manager to win a trophy when my under 10’s Red’s 200910 season came runners up in the league narrowly missing out on being Champions by 1 point Describe your team: My Team are a very skilful hardworking Team with a fine balance of “silk and steel” What are you focusing on in training at the moment? In training we are about to start playing one touch passing, to move the ball quickly but with purpose, and ball retention, to win the ball back when we lose possession. Tell us about your best game to date and why it was the best: My best game is in the season we came runners up 2009-10. We beat the eventual winners at their place 5-1. We totally dominated all game and never gave them anything. The best game with my current team was 2 seasons ago when we beat Roach Dynamo’s away in the cup. We were 1-0 down at halftime against a hostile crowd and bad referee but showed great character and came back and won 2-1 What advice/tips would you give to young, up and coming footballers? The advice I would give to any up and coming footballers is to enjoy what you’re doing and always try your best (and listen to your Manager!)
Contact details: 07813 339 779 Training times and details: Monday, 6.30-8pm, Pitch 2, Cardinal Langley School Page | 2
Results at a glance: Pennine Juniors Under 13’s Blacks 2012 / 2013 Season Date
Home
08.09.12
Pennine Blacks
2 Rossendale
5
15.09.12 22.09.12
Springhead Pennine Black
2 Pennine Blacks 1 Woodbank 0
1 1
20.10.12
1 Pennine Black’s
12.01.13 02.02.13 09.02.13 16.02.13 09.03.13
Hooley Bridge Juniors Littleborough Chadderton Park Eagles Pennine Blacks Pennine Blacks Littleborough Pennine Blacks Pennine Blacks
06.04.13 09.04.13
Pennine Blacks Failsworth West
5 Failsworth West 5 Pennine Blacks
1 7
13.04.13
Pennine Juniors
1 Chadderton Park Vipers 2
0
16.04.13
3 Pennine Juniors
1
20.04.13
Rossendale Valley Wasps Pennine Reds
0 Pennine Blacks
7
27.04.13
Pennine Blacks
4 Hooley Bridge
4
02.05.13 09.05.13 13.05.13
Woodbank Littleborough Westbury
1 Pennine Blacks 5 Pennine Blacks 5 Pennine Blacks
2 0 0
10.11.12 15.12.12
Away
Goal scorers
Danny Cryer Jack Taylor Jordan D’arcy Oliver Lee Sean Broadhurst Steven Nairn Joe Wrest Kane Donohue Dylan Robinson Lewis Jordan Brandon Kwai-Sutcliffe Conor Jackson
Scorers
MOM
Danny Cryer
2
Danny Cryer Jack Taylor Jordan D’arcy Jack Taylor (3), Danny Cryer (2), Oliver Lee, Sean Broadhurst, Steven Nairn, Joe Wrest Danny Cryer & Kane Donohue
4 Pennine Blacks 1 Pennine Blacks
2 1
Jack Taylor, Danny Cryer Oliver Lee
Oliver Lee Oliver Lee
4 2 5 1 9
2 2 1 3 1
Jack Taylor(3), Jordan D’Arcy Danny Cryer, Kane Donahue Sean Broadhurst Jack Taylor Steve Nairn (3), Jack Taylor (2), Dylan Robinson (2), Joe Wrest (1), Lewis Jordan (1) Jack Taylor (4) Oliver Lee Daniel Cryer (3) Jack Taylor (3) Jordan D’arcy Jack Taylor(4), Danny Cryer(2), Dylan Robinson, Steven Nairn, Brandon Kwai-Sutcliffe, Joe Wrest, Sean Broadhurst, Conor Jackson Joe Wrest
Jack Taylor Steven Nairn Lewis Fearn Jack Flett Steven Nairn
Danny Cryer, Dylan Robinson (2), Sean Broadhurst, Brandon KwaiSutcliffe, Steven Nairn, Jordan D’Arcy Jack Taylor, Danny Cryer, Steve Nairn, OG Jordan D’Arcy, Jack Taylor
Oliver Lee
Chadderton Park Eagles Littleborough Yellow Pennine Blacks Westbury Springhead
Jordan D’arcy Jack Taylor
Sean Broadhurst
Dylan Robinson Lewis Jordan Brandon KwaiSutcliffe
Jordan D’arcy
Danny Cryer Sean Broadhurst Lewis Fearn Jordan D’Arcy
Man Of The Match Awards
13 24 5 3 4 7 4 2 5 1 2 1
Danny Cryer Jordan D’arcy Jack Taylor Sean Broadhurst Oliver Lee Lewis Fearn Stephen Nairn Jack Flett Dylan Robinson Lewis Jordan Brandon Kwai-Sutcliffe
2 3 2 1 3 2 2 1 1 1 1
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Latest Match report: 13.05.13 Westbury v Pennine Blacks The less said about this game the better, let’s look forward to next season and build on our many strengths!! Bring it on
Previous match reports: 09.05.13: Littleborough v Pennine Blacks (Sub cup final) Our eagerly anticipated first cup final was staged at Prestwich Heys F.C. Littleborough County Cup finalists and current league leaders were our opponents. We knew we had to start well and have our ‘A’ game on show to stand any chance, however, the opposite happened. With the wind against us Boro had the better of the first ten minutes without creating any clear cut chances until a huge clearance from the Boro keeper landed ¾ of the way down the pitch for their impressive number 6 to chase down and coolly lob the ball over the advancing keeper Jack, 0-1. The pressure was on!! Buoyed by their goal and with the wind behind them it was hard work for the lads and a 2nd and 3rd goal soon followed. If we could see this out until half time then maybe we had a chance until a killer 4th on the stroke of half time. Heads were understandably down, however, in the changing room spirits slowly began to rise as the players rallied each other for a herculean effort in the second half. In fairness there was little between the teams in the second half but we could not get a goal that may have asked a question or two of Littleborough. As we pressed for a goal Boro broke away for their impressive centre forward to complete his hat trick, 0-5. Perhaps a little flattering but the best team won on the day. In Summary We cannot fault the lads’ efforts but we were second best on the day. To come out in the second half like we did deserves enormous credit. MOM: Lewis Fearn- for a brave effort trying to control the Boro’s centre forward, particularly in the second half.
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Notable Mentions: Jack Flett, who kept us in the game with a couple of fine saves and Jack Taylor performing a dominant 2nd half partnership with Lewis Fern.
02.05.13 Woodbank v Pennine Blacks (tbc) 27.04.13 Pennine Blacks v Hooley Bridge This was our last home game of the season against another mid table team. We may have expected both teams to be seeing out the end of the season, but that was far from the case. From first to last whistle it was one of the most competitive games of the season. Due to injuries (Will and Connor) and Dylan and Joe being away we once again had to shuffle the pack. We started off with an unfamiliar back four of Sean, Lewis F, Ol and Kane starting in front of Jack. The mid field comprised of Ste, Jordan, Brandon and Lewis Jordan. Upfront, the usual partnership of Danny and Jack, despite injury Conor was kitted up in case of emergencies. We started the game very brightly, playing some very neat, sharp passing football and were rewarded with the first goal when Kane played the ball to Danny’s feet who laid it into Jacks path who neatly beat the defender and finished confidently, a quality goal. 1-0. Danny managed to score the 2nd goal by following up a steaming shoot from Jack and the ball nestled neatly into the bottom left corner. We continued to play some great football however we were given a reminder of their strength when we conceded a headed goal from the corner. 2-1 We continued to create chances and from a Jack Taylor, long throw in, which skimmed the head of one their players, we restored our 2 goal advantage, 3-1. The battle did not stop there; once again Hooley surged forward and struck a beauty from outside the box, straight into the top corner giving Jack no chance. 3-2 Game on, Pennine showed great character by bouncing back again, we are made of strong stuff these days. Once again, impressive Steve Nairn, left his marker behind and swung the cross over, deceiving everybody, and dropped into the back of the net. 4-2 Half time. We knew the second half was going to be a battle against the wind and the powerful Hooley side. Every player had to step up to the mark; we were not surprised when the Hooley team, with the wind behind them, came at us like a
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train. Jack could only parry a fierce shot into the path of their on rushing striker who made it 4-3. The game then became increasingly physical, with both sets of fans urging their teams on. Hooley were then awarded a dubious penalty, however justice was done as the ball was skied high over the bar. Just when it seemed we would hold on for the victory, we were punished once again, from a headed direct from a corner. Full time 4-4 In Summary: In this league we have come up against a mixture of footballing and physical challenges. This was certainly one of the later as Lewis J’s ribs will tell you! However, once again, you can be proud of your effort and commitment today, it takes more than just talent to win. The desire and willing to work for the good of the team was great to see. Also, well done to Hooley, who stepped up two divisions this season and have more than held their own. MOM: Danny Cryer, a great display today, a captain’s performance! Notable mentions: Sean, although not his preferred position, once again outstanding and Steve, who received quite a bit of attention today but kept coming back for more. Also, Jack Taylor, not only for his goal, but his work rate and encouragement of others.
20.04.13 Pennine Reds v Pennine Blacks The weather was superb for this eagerly anticipated semi-final clash between the Blacks and the Reds. A bumper crowd came to witness the first ever meeting between the two sides, the Reds hoping to cause a massive upset by overcoming their premiership rivals, started like ‘greyhounds out of the traps’. Chasing lost causes and biting into tackles, they were not letting us have any time on the ball. With nothing between the sides for the first 20 minutes we were awarded a fortunate penalty, for handball, which Danny coolly dispatched into the bottom corner 1-0. We gradually began to get the upper hand, but with only one goal between the sides the next goal was crucial. To the relief of all the Blacks fans, Dylan was in the right place at the right time to take advantage of a loose ball and knocked it into the net to put us 2-0 up by half time. With a two goal lead we began to take control and further goals from Brandon, Jordan, Steve, Dylan (again) and Sean gave us a final score of 7-0. With a bit Page | 6
more composure in front of the goal it may have been more, which would have been harsh on the tiring Reds In Summary: We took our time gradually getting going today as it wasn’t until the second half that we finally got on top of a valiant black team. Whoever we get in the final we need to start from the first whistle. However, let’s celebrate our first cup final which is a rare achievement for any Pennine team. The fact that most of the Black team today have come up from the Red team reflects well on Pennine showing our commitment to developing players and moving them up through the ranks rather than ‘cherry picking’ them from other clubs. Good luck to the Reds for the rest of the season, go on and get promoted and we could have double celebrations this year. MOM: Oliver Lee slotted in at centre half and put in a commendable performance neatly capping it all with a 30+ yard free kick that hit the underside of the bar! Notable mentions: Jordan for another high energy performance topped off with a beauty from the edge of the box, Dylan for his 2 goals and a quality performance and also Danny for battling up front.
16.04.13 Rossendale Valley Wasps v Pennine Juniors We knew this was going to be a tough game as it was the reverse fixture from the first game of the season when Rossendale comfortable beat us 5-2 on our own pitch. Things were not helped by the continued absence of Will and Brandon unable to make it and also Connor carrying a bad knee injury-although Conor bravely got his boots on just in case he was needed and him and Ol shared the subs bench. Rossendale, with their superior strength and speed started strongly on a very wide and long pitch, we simply couldn’t get a foothold on the game so it was no surprise when we found ourselves 2-0 down at half time. Although we began to step up to the challenge we went 3 down shortly after the restart when their No 9 picked up the ball from his own penalty area, charged down the field and buried the ball in the bottom corner of the net. After that we did begin to see more of the ball and create chances. When Ol hit a free kick that was well saved by the keeper, the ensuing scramble in the penalty area resulted in Joe Wrest poking the ball home, his 4th goal of the season.
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We tried hard for a 2nd that may have got Rossendale thinking a bit but it not going to be. I felt the longer the game went on the better we got however the ref chose to play only 60 minutes instead of 70 minutes which may have made some difference but in all honesty the better team won. MOM Award: Went to Jordan D’Arcy for an energetic quality performance in the middle of the park. Notable mention for Joe Wrest for his 4th goal of the season and goal keeper Jack for bravely coming out on a number of occasions. In Summary For the first 35 minutes we were second best today but despite a number of injuries to key players we continued to battle hard. Overall it was a better display than our game against them earlier in the season, your effort and commitment could not be questioned, well done to all.
13.04.13 Pennine Juniors v Chadderton Park Vipers Sub Cup Quarter Final Once again the pitch and weather conditions were perfect. Playing a team from the division below was a great opportunity to progress to what I think would be our first ever semi-final. The attitude from the whole team, from the first whistle, was top class, we never let Chaddy into the game. We eventually ran out comfortable winners with goals from; Jack (4), Danny (2), Dylan, Steven, Brandon, Joe, Sean and Conor. MOM award went to Brandon for a very accomplished performance in the middle of the park capped off with his first goal of the season, quality Brandon. In summary: Not the toughest challenge this season but we got the job done. Take this as a reminder of the level we are palying at week in, week out in the Premiere leaugue. 4 wins on the bounce, 30+ goals scored.
09.04.13 Failsworth West v Pennine Blacks This was the first time we had played a competitive game on Astroturf but as we train on a similar surface I was confident of some fast flowing football but in all honesty, it was more of a battle than ‘the beautiful game’. We continued as we had left off on Saturday with Jack interrupting a back pass to coolly slot home 1-0, Jack then became provider when his cut back was clinically finished from the edge of the box by Danny 2-0. When Danny latched Page | 8
onto a long ball by Joe to neatly chip the keeper for 3-0 we seemed to relax a little which allowed Failsworths impressive No16 to get a grip of the game, punishing our mistakes to bring the game level 3-3. As half-time approached we were thankful when Danny beat the offside trap and sprinted towards the goal, finishing in the bottom corner for his hat-trick. 4-3 at half time. When Jordan smashed home a half volley into the roof of the net, 5-3, it seemed we had chances of a comfortable win however Failsworth were having none of it and once again, their No16 fired in to make it 5-4. A quick fire double from Jack (9 goals in 3 games and another hat-trick) put us 7-4 up but again, Failsworth wouldn’t lie down and scrambled another, 7-5. Unfortunately Will got a bad injury (fractured ankle-get well soon Will!) and had to be carried off. This resulted in us playing the final 5 minutes with only 10 men but we saw the game out to make it 3 wins on the bounce. In summary: We never seemed to get to grips with the playing surface today but showed great character to record another win. Another pleasing aspect tonight was the encouragement shown to your team mates and a willingness to play out of position to cover for missing teammates. MOM: Despite 2 players gaining hat-tricks, MOM went to Lewis Jordan who led by example in the middle of the pack, never skirting a challenge and providing the assist for Jacks 3. More of the same Lewis! Notable mentions: Jack and Danny-well done for your hat tricks and a special mention to Will, hope you make a quick recovery and hope to see you before the end of the season, best of luck.
06.04.13 Pennine Blacks v Failsworth West With holidays robbing us of 3 players, Joe, Lewis Fern and Connor and manager Jason, it was a much changed team, especially in defence. Due to last minute fixture changes Jason spent most part of the first day of his ‘scouting’ trip to Tenerife sorting out the game and working out the line-up. With so many lads away it was a boost when keeper Jack declared himself fit, taking up his position behind a back four of Kane, Will, Sean and Dylan. Page | 9
In the middle Steve started on the right, Oli on the left with Jordan and Brandon centre mid. Up front, Jack and Danny were given the responsibility of finding the back of the net. Lewis Jordans reward for letting Keely and Colm have a lie in was a place on the bench! With the sun shining and the large plateau pitch in good condition we started well, passing confidently and creating chances, the only thing missing was a finish, when we did find the net 3 times, they were all disallowed‌very frustrating. The break through finally came when Oli burst through from the left flank and smashed the ball against the underside of the bar, thankfully Jack was on hand to nod it into the empty net 1-0. The second followed shortly after when Jack hit a thunderbolt that the impressive Failsworth Keeper got both hands on but was unable to keep out. 20 half time. The second half continued much as the first but at 2-0 the next goal was important, this duly came when Jordan swung over a superb corner which missed everyone but Oli at the back post to chest the ball over the line 3-0. We were not able to relax as Failsworth continued to battle hard and reduced the deficit to 3-1. However, there was no panic in the team and we continued to create chances. With Steve becoming an ever increasing threat down the right it was no surprise when after a tremendous run he pulled the ball back for Jack to complete his hat-trick with a cool finish 4-1. Another run and cross by Steve caused confusion in the opposition defence and Jack was once again in the right place to nod it home for his 4th. Final score 5-1. MOM: There were a number of good performances today however, for his quality performance in the unfamiliar role of right back both defensively and going forward Dylan Robinson received MOM Notable mentions: Go to Jack for his 4 goals and all round performance, Kane who let nothing past him throughout the game and was also a threat going forward plus Steve who gave their defence a torrid time. In summary: A very pleasing team performance, everyone played their part taking on responsibilities of their temporary positions and battling for the good of the team. Well done to everyone!!
09.03.13 Pennine Blacks v Springhead
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With heavy overnight rain the pitch forks were out! Half an hour of hard work on some problem areas and the pitch was in good condition. After a couple of performances that were below par there was some concern before today’s game especially as we had previously lost 2-1 to today’s opponents. These concerns were soon quashed as the old Pennine were back! Quality finishes from Jack, Dylan and then Steven reflected our first half dominance. Credit must be given once again to our defence-Connor, Lewis F, Will, Sean and Keeper Jack. Individually and as a unit they laid the foundations for the rest of the team to express themselves. The second half continued as the first with further goals from Steven, Dylan, Jack, Joe and Lewis J. There were some outstanding performances today; notable mentions go to the back four and Keeper Jack. Dylan had his best game yet and was rewarded by gaining his first goals of the season, including a beauty from 30 yards out. Jack Taylor led the line well taking both his goals superbly. Lewis J deservedly got his first of the season, although Will Marsh may disagree! Left winger Joe was in the right place to nod in at the far post for his second goal of the season. However, for 3 quality finishes and 2 assists, MOM goes to Steven Nairn. Summary: Cup game next week, keep this level of performance up and we could go a long way. Special mention to the Springhead team who despite a difficult game showed great respect and dignity at the end of the match applauding both our players and parents, credit to you.
09.02.13 Littleborough v Pennine Blacks After last week’s 2-2 draw we were back to full strength and confident we would overcome Littleborough, although we knew they were a strong side.
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The first half was a very light affair with few chances for either team. Although good movement from Dylan and Brandon created a couple of half chances which on another day may have given us the lead. The defence by Connor, Will, Lewis and Joe dealt effectively with the Boro attack, especially Lewis who kept Boro’s imposing centre forward at bay. The first goal was always going to be vital, unfortunately it went to Boro when a head clearance landed at the feet of a Boro player whose sliced shot looped high and agonisingly under the bar. Boros second and third soon followed and some heads dropped as an unfortunate fourth goal came when a shot rebounded off the post, off the back of our keeper then trickled into the net. It wasn’t going to be our day! Sean Broadhurst, whose ‘never say die’ attitude needs to be copied by some others, chased a lost cause, harried the goalkeeper into a mistake and gave us a consolation goal, 4-1. However, Boro weren’t finished yet when their impressive centre forward broke away to fire in another goal, 5-1. Summary First half we were more than a match for a team who will come close to winning the league this season. The less said about the second half, the better. For the first time this season you let your standards drop and some heads went down. Let this be a one off and come back next week as strong as ever. MOM: Lewis Fern, strong performance especially in the first half, more of the same Lewis Notable mention: For Sean Broadhurst who continued his good form this season, fighting to the end
02.02.13 Pennine Black’s v Littleborough Yellows After a great victory over the top of the league last time out, it was our turn to play second place Littleborough. The lads wanted revenge for our cup exit earlier on in the season.
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We went in to the game with no keeper so Jack Taylor took the responsibility, he has a very safe pair of hands and all the Team has complete faith in him. It was a bitterly cold morning and the pitch was just fit enough to play on and Pennine made the most of the conditions when we took an early lead. It was after 5 minutes when Stephen Nairn dispossessed the Boro midfielder, ran down the wing and placed a wonderful ball to Danny Cryer, who, in one movement hit a perfect volley from a very acute angle into the roof of the net. This rocked Boro whose only tactic was to pump the ball up front to their very fast striker, but with a mixture of poor finishing and some great last ditch defending by our fast improving defence he was kept at bay. A second goal came after 20 minutes, a quick throw in by Conor Jackson saw the ball move up the right wing again by Stephen Nairn whose cross was missed by everyone until Kane Donahue came ghosting in from left midfield and connected with a low drive in the bottom corner. At this point we were quite comfortable and playing some good football, but Littleborough are a good Team and would always cause problems which proved correct, when one of the long punts upfield found their striker who outran our defence and put the ball on the net. Half time score 2-1 to Pennine. The second half saw us lose another player as Oliver Lee had a Cross Country commitment. So we shuffled our pack once again. Stephen went to centre midfield whilst Jordan D’arcy went in goal to let Jack have a run out. The heavy pitch combined with the hard work the lads put in the first half took its toll and Littleborough started to get back in the game. They had a few chances to equalize but our defence held strong and was well backed up by a solid midfield. Just when we thought we might hold out, another break by Littleborough resulted in a one-on-one with Jordan who couldn’t keep the ball out, 2-2 with five minutes left to play. A bitter pill to take but a fair result, as that’s how the game ended. Man of the Match – Stephen Nairn Page | 13
Managers Summary Pennine dominated the first half, but Littleborough were the better Team after the break so a very fair and well earned point. Some good performances today by Danny Cryer and Sean Broadhurst but the man of the match for making both goals and working hard all through the game with a super dynamic performance was Stephen Nairn.
12.01.13 Pennine Black’s v Chadderton Park Eagles Pennine entertained top of the league Chadderton today, having just played them recently and feeling disappointed with a draw, we fancied our chances this time. Pennine started brightly, on a cold and frosty morning we knew if we didn’t come out of the blocks fast we would get overrun. All our pressing paid off when a good move resulted in a neat left foot drive by Jack Taylor which flew in the bottom corner. This goal brought confidence in the Team which was lacking at the start of the season and a second goal come not long after. Jack Taylor again scoring with a swagger we haven’t seen from him in a long while. Following a forced substitution due to an injury to Dylan Robinson we lost some momentum and Chadderton capitalised, scoring almost immediately after the re-shuffle. Instead of buckling under the pressure we dug deep and were almost rewarded but for a couple of great saves from Jack Taylor’s free kicks. A third Pennine goal was on the cards and it came courtesy of the Penalty spot, some super running and interplay between Danny Cryer, Brandon KwieSutcliffe and Lewis Jordan resulting in a shot which hit the defenders hand. Up steps Jack Taylor for his hat-trick. There was never any doubt, great penalty, 31 and that’s how the first half finished. The second half was a more even contest, chances for both Teams. Pennine added a fourth after a corner was cleared but only in the path of Jordan D’Arcy who clinically put the ball in the top corner of the net.
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Chadderton scored their second goal from a free kick, Jack Flett was unlucky, but their striker put the ball right in the top corner leaving him no chance. Both Teams had half chances but that’s how the match ended, with Pennine inflicting Chadderton to their first defeat in nearly two years. A thoroughly deserved victory! Man of the Match – was hat trick hero Jack Taylor. He was a constant threat all game. Notable mentions also go to the back four, consisting of Will Marsh, Sean Broadhurst, Lewis Fearn, Joe Wrest and Conor Jackson who were solid and didn’t give Chadderton anything all game. Managers Summary This was our best performance to date, Rick and I are extremely proud of the boys effort and commitment during this match and hope it continues for the rest of the season!
15.12.2012 Chadderton Park Eagles v Pennine Black’s After the terrible weather we had encountered over the last few days, nobody thought this match would be on but with a patched up pitch, just fit enough to play on and three players falling to the bug/virus that has been affecting half of the town we turned up at Chadderton Park Eagles, a team sitting on the top of the league, unbeaten this season and all of last season. Pennine started the game very brightly, and matched Chadderton in every way. Our efforts were mainly long range as the heavy pitch made it difficult to run with the ball. We kept plugging away and were rewarded with an opening goal. After some good work on the right by Dylan Robinson and Stephen Nairn forced a free kick, Jack Taylor swung in a perfect cross which seemed to skim off a couple of heads and straight to Oliver Lee who clinically put the ball away. This should have been a springboard to more goals but we fell asleep and two minutes later let in a sloppy goal due to slack marking 1-1. This is how the half ended, after the break Pennine upped the pace and effort and because of some super defending from our back four, Jack had a relatively Page | 15
quiet second half in goal, only called upon once producing a brave stop at the feet of their oncoming attacker. As the half wore on, out superiority became evident, as we had several close attempts, notably a goal line clearance from a Jordan D’Arcy effort and a super run and shot from Oliver Lee which hit the post. In fact if it wasn’t for some bizarre refereeing decisions they would have had their only chances which were from dead ball scenario’s cut by half! The match finished 1-1 and even the Chadderton Manager said we were the best Team they had played in a long time and they were lucky to come away with a draw. Although everyone on the Team played well, particular mentions must go to Will Marsh, Sean Broadhurst and Jack Taylor. Man of the Match for a great goal and super display and hard work – Oliver Lee. Managers Summary Rick and I have always maintained that on our day we can beat anyone in that league, today proved that. We took on the league leaders in their own back yard and made them look ordinary. A great finish to the year and a performance to be proud of. Let's kick on in the New Year and produce similar results.
10.11.2012 Littleborough v Pennine Blacks This game could not have started any worse for Pennine with the game less than 10 minutes old, we were 3 nil down. Gradually the defence got on top of the lively Boro forwards and our midfield began to gain control of the middle park. This resulted in the rewarding of a penalty for a shove on Steven Nairn duly dispatched by Danny Cryer, 3-1 at half time. With Pennine now having the benefit of the slope in the second half we continued to make chances, however the excellent Boro keeper dealt with all our efforts until Jack Taylor poked home from close range. Page | 16
3-2 game on!! The match could have gone either way with the next goal being vital. Unfortunately, Boro scored it following a scramble in our penalty area. 4-2 final score In summary, this was a game of high quality played on a heavy pitch and referred very well. Both sides played some fantastic football, a credit to both clubs and the NBJFL. It was easy to understand the pre match talk of trials at professional clubs for a number of the lads on show today as the commitment (no quarter asked or given) and high level of skill was a joy to watch. Best of luck Boro, for the rest of the season and Pennine, lesson to take from todayyou cannot give a team a 3 nil start at this level. Man of the match: Oliver Lee for his outstanding display in midfield. Special mention to Dylan Robinson who is fast rediscovering his form of last season and Lewis Fern for a dominant display in defence.
20.10.12 Hooley Bridge Juniors v Pennine Black’s After 3 weeks without a game and with this one doubtful, it was a relief to finally get the go ahead to play. We faced a very big and physical team again today, with a stand-in referee who seemed to let everything flow, even some dubious challenges, but once we knew the boundaries and what he was allowing we started to match them physically. The first 20 minutes were very even and it would take a touch of magic to break the deadlock, and that’s exactly what we got! A great flowing move down the left from Sean Broadhurst who fed Dylan Robinson, who in turn laid the ball back to Danny Cryer who hit the perfect shot from about 25 yards out which dipped over the keeper and in the top corner of the net. 1-0 to Pennine. The goal seemed to galvanise us as every player did their bit to restrict Hooley Bridge to long range efforts which never troubled Jack the Keeper. The back four of Joe Wrest, Lewis Fearn, Will Marsh and particularly Sean Braodhurst allowing nothing past them. Page | 17
The second half was similar to the first, with Hooley Bridge starting with a lot more purpose but after a few substitutions we started to impose ourselves again. Our second goal came after some good work on the right wing by Conor Jackson who was playing a lot further up the field than what he is used to, but with the move stuck by the corner flag it looked to be going nowhere, but some great commitment by Stephen Nairn who went and won the ball back and crossed it over to an unmarked Kane Donaghue who coolly placed the ball in the corner of the net. 2-0 Pennine. The last 10 minutes were very nervous and Hooley Bridge kept pumping high balls to their big players up front and eventually they got their reward. After a high cross there was a mix up in our defence which let their striker through on goal, Jack raced out to stop him but could only make contact with his leg and not the ball. A penalty to Hooley Bridge which was dispatched to Jack’s right and brought the score back to 2-1. The last 5 minutes seemed to last forever but we held out with some strong tackling and hard work from both defence and midfield. It was a great result 2-1 to Pennine against a big strong team. Man of the Match for his super defensive display was Sean Broadhurst with some excellent displays off Danny Cryer, Conor Jackson and Joe Wrest. Managers Summary Well done to the lads today they showed great character and strength against a very big and physical (even dirty!) Team. Every player put in a performance to be proud of – let’s carry on with this attitude and we will have a good season ahead - Jason
22.09.12 Pennine Blacks v Woodbank After their now traditional slow start, the U13s Blacks kick started their season with an emphatic 10-1 win over Woodbank. Straight from the start the attitude was right and their passing game was on show for all to see. Within 25 minutes we were 4-0 up, Jack Taylor (2), Lewis Fern and Oliver Lee finished off a fine team move….it was game over. However, after taking their foot off the pedal Page | 18
for the rest of the first half the boys were pulled up during the managers half time team talk and reminded by Jason to play as a team and not individuals. This encouraged an instant response and in the second half it was game on….again. From the Pennine kick off Danny Cryer scored without the opposition even touching the ball. Further goals from Danny Cryer, Sean Broadhurst and Steven Nairn made it 9-0. With around 5 minutes to go, Joe Wrest scored the goal of the game, with a fierce 25 yard thunder bolt that rifled into the bottom corner. Full time 10-1 Man of the Match: Jack Taylor for his hat trick and all round contribution Notable mention goes to Brandon Kwei Sutcliffe for his master class display in midfield and goal keeper Jack who continued his impressive start to the season. Manager’s summary: Great display today lads, the way you passed the ball around was, at times, back to your ‘Barcelona like’ best and appreciated by all that were watching, even Kane kept his dad quiet! Just remember, avoid playing as individuals and this could still be a very good season…well done all.
15.09.12 Springhead v Pennine Black’s Pennine started this game very casually, probably due to the fact that we beat these quite easily last year, but this team had grown bigger and got a few new players and so started the better team and went 1-0 up within the first 5 minutes. Pennine responded almost immediately with a perfect through ball by Jordan D’arcy splitting the defence and putting Danny Cryer through on goal. There was some confusion at this point and the ball took a bobble and the keeper totally missed it and the ball carried into the net 1-1. The game stayed pretty even with chances going both ways, but with the clock ticking we upped the tempo looking for the winner. With 5 minutes remaining Pennine won a corner, but whilst we were too occupied with winning the game we left our defence threadbare and inevitably they broke from their defence Page | 19
and scored. Jack the keeper got a good hand to it but it was not enough. The last few minutes we laid siege to their goal but lack of decent finishing ultimately cost us in the end. Final Score 2-1 to Springhead in a game we didn’t deserve to lose. Man of the Match was given to Jordan D’arcy for a very energetic and hardworking game. Other notable mentions to Sean Broadhurst and Conor Jackson.
08.09.12 Pennine Juniors Blacks v Rossendale The Under 13's Blacks entertained a very big and powerful Rossendale Wasps side today. Things started badly when our designated pitch for the season resembled "Blackpool Beach" so we switched to the bumpier uneven plateau pitch, non-conducive to our free flowing football. The visitors started brightly and put us on the back foot with some heavy tackling and quick breaks. Their first goal was inevitable but it came after some sloppy defending. Jack Flett was unlucky as he saved the first three shots but our defenders were second to every rebound and on the fourth shot the striker scored. They got a second before we started to match them for effort resulting in a well-earned goal from Danny Cryer after some good approach work by Sean Broadhurst and Jack Taylor. The second half started much the same as the first and Rossendale got two more goals before we started playing out own game. With the score 4-1 we applied some pressure and got our reward, Jack Taylor scored the goal of the game. He received a lovely weighted pass off Stephen Nairn and just shrugged the defender off on the edge of the box and found the top corner.
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Rossendale were too big and strong and added a final goal to finish the match 5-2. They deserved their victory, but we must learn from this and play for the full 70 minutes. Man of the Match went to Danny Cryer for a real "captains" performance, whilst special mentions should go to Jack Taylor, Will Marsh and Oliver Lee.
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