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Team Profile, Information and Match reports 13/14
Under 10’s Blacks
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Managers Profile: Name: Krystyan Gordon What is your football background? School,College and University. How long have you been involved with Pennine Juniors? 2 years. How long have you been managing a team? This is my 1st year exchanging roles with Danny Dale. What do you like most about managing a team? Watching the
boys develop week on week. What do you find challenging when managing a team? Keeping them all happy!! What has been your funniest/best/ most memorable moment? My funniest moment was last year when Jake Gretton sacked Danny as Manager at Blackpool tournament in the B&B at breakfast!!! Describe your team: Hard working, Enthusiastic, pleasure to work with full of characters. What are you focusing on in training? Defensive techniques, Ball control and passing.. Teamwork. Tell us the best game to date and why: Always the last game as they are improving week by week. What advice/tips would you give to young, up and coming footballers? Listen to your coaches, try your hardest and enjoy. Practice, practice, practice.
Contact details: 07816 325550 Training times and details: 6.30pm – 7.30pm Cardinal Langley, Middleton.
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Results at a glance: Pennine Juniors Under 10’s Blacks 2013 / 2014 Season
Date
Home
07/09/13
Oldham Rangers Pennine Black
14/09/13 21/09/13 28/09/13 5/10/13 12/10/13 19/10/13
26/10/13 2/11/13 9/11/13 CUP 16/11/13 23/11/13
Woodbank White Pennine Black Littleborough Yellow Pennine Black Westbury SC Panthers Pennine Black Pennine Black
30/11/13 7/12/13 14/12/13
Westbury Panthers Pennine Black Chadderton park griffins Pennine Black Westbury Tigers Pennine Black
21/12/13 11/01/14 18/01/14
Pennine Black Walshaw Park Pennine Black
25/01/14
08/2/14
15/02/14
Pennine Black
22/2/14
03/03/14
08/03/14
Pennine Black
15/3/14
Chadderton Park Griffins Cheetham Hill Reds Elton & Walshaw
22/03/14 29/03/14
Away
Scorers
MOM Managers Dale
4 Pennine Black
3
Johnson, Walsh, Gordon
7 Chadderton park Griffins 2 Pennine Black
1
Johnson
5
Johnson, Dale, Higginbottom (2), Walsh (3) Walsh, Barlow, Dale (3)
4 Westbury SC Tigers 1 Pennine Black
2
Higginbottom, Walsh, Dale(2)
Johnson
0
Yasin
2 Walshaw Park 0 Pennine Black
0 2
Cannot believe we did not score hit bar and post twice.. Walsh, Dale Dale (2)
6
POSTPONED WATERLOGGED PITCHES POSTPONED WATERLOGGED PITCHES Dale (2) Walsh (4)
Cheetham Hill Reds Elton&Walshaw Wildcats 1 Pennine Black
Team
Dale Howarth
2 Oldham Rangers Pennine Black
1
Gordon, Dale POSTPONED FROZEN PITCH
2 Woodbank White 1 Pennine Black 4 Littleborough Yellow 0 Elton & Walshaw 0 Pennine Black 5 Westbury Panthers Matches postponed 0 Littleborough Blue No games scheduled 5 Cheetham Hill Reds 0 Pennine Black
0 2 0
Howarth, Walsh Yasin, Dale Barlow, Yasin 2, Howarth
Higginbottom Yasin Yasin
2 1 1
Mcdonald Walsh (3), Barlow, Yasin
Walsh Johnson TEAM
1
Walsh, Team Yasin,Howarth,Barlow,Mcdonald Barlow Higginbottom
0 Pennine Black
1
Yasin
Griffin
1 Pennine Black
1
Yasin
TEAM
Watterlogged Pitches 3
CUP
Team
By league 0
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Goal Scorers
Johnson Walsh
2 16 (cup 4) Gordon 2 Higginbottom 3 Dale 13 (cup 2) Barlow 5 Howarth 3 Yasin 7 Mcdonald 2
Managers Man Of The Match Awards Dale Johnson
2 3
Higginbottom Walsh
1 1
Johnson Team
1 4
Team Yasin Howarth
5 3 1
Team Gordon (Keeper) Barlow
4 1 2
Dale Barlow Yasin
1 3 3
Mcdonald (Cup) Gordon Higginbottom Walsh Griffin
1 1 2 1 1
Griffin Howarth Barlow (Cup) Gordon Mcdonald Johnson Yasin
1 2 1 2 2 1 2
Johnson (cup) Walsh Mcdonald Higginbottom Griffin
1 1 3 1 1
Total 53 (cup)
Coaches Man of the Match Awards
Parents Man of the Match Awards
Match reports: Opponent: Oldham Rangers FC Date: 7th September Venue: Away Result: Oldham 4 Pennine 3 Pennine started the game very well attacking down the flanks with some great passing. The Oldham keeper had to make several excellent saves. Our defence was holding out until their centre forward skipped through three tackles to score their first goal. Again some weak tackles let them in for a second goal. Alex then scored a thunder bolt into the top right before half time. Early in the 2nd half they scored a very sloppy goal going through our keeper’s legs to put them 3, 1 up. Our shape had gone, Danny and I made some key tactical errors which we will need to sort out in training and fully take responsibility for. This then lead to a fourth goal for Oldham. But as ever our boys fought back, never letting their heads drop. Jozef scoring after a well worked passing move down the left and centre and Harry soon added the third. We ran out of time to find the equaliser and Oldham held on. A great first game of the season, close, enjoyable to watch and played in a great spirit from both sides. Both sets of managers and coaches agreed it was a great game to watch.
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Opponent: Chadderton Park Griffins Date: 14th September Venue: Home Result: Pennine 7 Chadderton 1 This was a great team game against a side that’s in a rebuilding stage after losing two of their best players. The passing and tackling were superb from all the Pennine players and we deserved the first half score line of 3 -1… The 2nd half saw Pennine dominate even more and should have scored more but sloppy play let 3 v 1 situations in attack fold with an easy tackle from opposition instead of an easier through ball to a team mate. Think the boys got carried away trying to score on every attack… 4 more goals were added in the 2nd half. A confidence boosting win for the boys after not scoring very many last season. Opponent: Woodbank White Date: 21st September Venue: Away Result: Woodbank 2 Pennine 5 This week saw a marked improvement from last week the passing at times was unstoppable. Quickly we scored 2 great team goals but let an easy goal in. Sam Howarth made several great one on one saves to keep them down to 1 goal. Unfortunately just before half time we scored a deflected own goal!!! This gave Woodbank some confidence going into the 2 nd half. The boys then rallied and scored another 3 great team goals. Ethan Dale with an individual screamer and followed by my personal favourite of this game Bilal Yasin storming up the left past three Woodbank tackles crossing into the box for Oliver Barlow to control with his head and smash a volley into the opposite top corner from where the ball came from.. A great team effort still work in progress but getting better by the week... Opponent: Westbury Sports Club Tigers Date: 28th September Venue: Home Result: Pennine 4 Westbury 2 This was a tough fixture for our boys as we had played this opposition in a supplementary cup final and went all the way to penalties with us narrowly winning. The Boys played really well as usual great enthusiasm and high tempo. They were passing really well to create many chances. My goal of this match had to be a shot from Evan Higginbottom on the half volley from own half which looped up in the air. Westbury coach said as it was half way in the air “That’s going in”!! Keeper had no chance even jumping the ball went just under the bar. Evan as far as I can remember did not score all of last season just defending for our team!!! Ethan Dale took a couple of well taken goals with Harry Walsh scoring from a great passing move through 4 players from defence to attack and into the back of the net. Jozef Gordon made a couple of good saves to keep Westbury down to two but two poorly defended set pieces let us down and saw Westbury get 2 back. One was an own goal and a Page | 5
messy goal mouth pin ball in the area for the 2nd. Overall all the boys played well getting better with every game. Training we will concentrate on clearing ball from a corner and marking at set pieces!!! Keep it up boys. Opponent: Littleborough Juniors Yellow Date: 5th October Venue: Away Result: Littleborough 1 Pennine 0 Very entertaining game but so frustrating to watch as a manager!! Our boys showed great passing and movement going forwards. Oliver Barlow making some great runs up the right of midfield taking on players and sending in some great crosses. Oliver Mcdonald was closest to scoring in the 1st half to breaking their defence down but lost his balance in on goal for a certain tap in and was on the ground before the ball got to him! Recovered to then produce an overhead kick which hit the crossbar! Harry Walsh also narrowly missed the goal brushing the post. Littleborough manager and coach agreed that it was a great match to watch. 2nd half saw two boys go after 10 minutes to go watch a team called City??? So we were a key defender down and a centre forward. Sam Howarth and Bilal Yasin substituted in defence for us and mostly did a great job. Both were out of their comfort zone in these positions but did a great job for the team. Bilal Yasin made some great tackles holding up the ball and distributing the ball nicely out of danger areas. Sam Howarth did not like it in defence and kept asking to be moved but again he did as asked and stayed there and gave his best as always. Littleborough then scored a well taken goal. Charlie Griffin played well as centre forward holding the ball up with nice control and good decision making on passing and movement which nearly lead to him equalising. Oliver Mcdonald slid in at the back post near the end from another Oliver Barlow cross hitting the post for the 2 nd time in match. Jozef Gordon made a couple of good saves and some booming kicks into opposing goal area. I cannot believe the boys came away with nothing after all the attacking football and effort they put into game. I was disappointed for them all. The parents were very complimentary about the player’s performances. That’s football for you though!! Opponent: Walshaw Park Date: 12th October Venue: Home Result: Pennine 2 Walshaw 0 1st Half everyone was cold! Very windy conditions some of the boys had their hands up sleeves including Coach Danny see team picture above!! Training is now starting to pay off a little in the matches control of ball increasing with every match passing at times is out of this world. The boys are now communicating with each other which is good to hear and see. Still a little more composure on the ball and in goal scoring areas decision making still needs more work. Pass or shoot 1 touch or 5 touches this we will work on throughout the year. Team spirit is excellent at the moment. Desire and determination Danny or I cannot fault Page | 6
from any boy. Harry Walsh took our first goal from a well worked corner to open our account. As always Oliver Barlow kept running with the ball and crossing into the box to supply chances. Bilal Yasin tackling in defence was great to see. Evan Higginbottom had his usual solid self in defence, with a ‘thy shall’ not pass me attitude! Oliver Mcdonald made some nice runs down the left with Sam Howarth back to his usual self after a couple of games wayward play. Really pleased for him with all he did and achieved today. Jozef Gordon very rarely called into action in goal! He was suffering from not listening to his Dad about layers of clothing in NET!!! 2nd half saw mostly the same pattern of play as the first Walshaw though must have had a stern pep talk from manager and coach and started to out muscle us in challenges. They started to heap a little pressure on us Alex Johnson and Charlie started to rule in our defence with not much getting past either of them. Ethan Dale then added an excellent strike on the swivel to smash into the net leaving their keeper with no chance but his celebration needs working on! We should have added a couple more in 2nd half but a thoroughly entertaining game though. Well done boys. Opponent: Westbury SC Panthers Date: 19th October Venue: Away Result: Westbury 0 Pennine 2 This was the best team performance to date! Some of these teams have some really gigantic boys!!! The Westbury Goalie virtually filled the net!! Again our boys started this game with vigour and enthusiasm getting stuck in and passing straight from the off against quite a physical side. Their keeper saved two certain goals and Oliver Barlow had a brace of shots just off target. Oliver Mcdonald had an awesome performance even though he did not think so himself. Sam, Bilal and Oliver Barlow all played well when on left or right of midfield tackling and passing and tracking back. Charlie Griffin had a great shot saved in the 1st (half but got caught on the ankle so went into the net for 2nd half) and I did not think anything would get passed this keeper!! We then had a set piece and Charlie whipped in a great corner for Ethan Dale to get the 1st with a well-directed header on target for our 1st well deserved goal don’t think Ethan has scored with his napper before so great to see him use that part of his body instead of trying to get his foot to everything (needs a managers haircut though)! Alex and Evan again great in defence and Oliver Mcdonald when he came back on in defence he was immense. Jozef after coming out of goal went into central midfield and after 4 games in net we were a little worried about how he would perform but made some good tackles and distributed the ball well as did Oliver Mcdonald in the 1st half. Ethan as usual grabbing another goal in the 2 nd half making a good habit of popping up Slicing through tackles in on goal with Sam running alongside him! He slipped the ball under the on rushing keeper for the 2nd and deciding goal. I was pleased that the boys switched positions and did not look out of place and gave their all in which ever role we gave them. Danny and I cannot ask any more from the boys at the moment. Apart from more goals!!!! Page | 7
Parents agreed that the team is playing great entertaining football from keeper all the way through team to striker no weak links. 26/10/13 and 2/11/13 postponed due our home pitches being waterlogged. Opponent: Westbury SC Panthers Date: 9th November Venue: Away CUP MATCH. Result: Westbury 1 Pennine 6 After two weeks of cancelled games it was just nice to get a game going!! With half term also we’d only had one training session. The boys were larking about and Danny and I had to have some strong words to them to buckle down and listen. From that moment onwards our boys were excellent. Tackling, Defending, teamwork, passing really well was a joy to watch. (Maybe the break had done them all good and itching to play)! Oliver Barlow was on fire down the right flank putting in some great runs and delivering some fine crosses. Ethan Dale and Harry Walsh were soon on the score sheet with well taken goals. This was in the first half playing up hill 2nd half was now downhill! Their coach kept saying come on boys these lads are getting tired!! Danny and I looked at each other and didn’t even have to speak! (No they won’t mate one of fittest sides in the league). All the boys were tackling like boys possessed winning virtually every 50/50 challenge. We were just bossing the game and tempo was high. Oliver Barlow was having a great game down the right and had the measure of both right midfielder and right back for Westbury and supplied some great deliveries into the box. This is where I got a little annoyed at our teamwork. Harry Walsh had a shot that hit Ethan Dale then a Westbury player and an argument between the two started I had to ask the ref what happened. Harry then scored three goals. He was then told off for being greedy and trying to get a fifth with a teammate in close attendance 1 pass and they would have been through on goal for a 7 th. Oliver Mcdonald had a couple of shots but was off balance and ended up going well wide. His effort and performance were brilliant tackling hard but fairly leaving a couple of players on the ground. The league ref did not see any of them as a foul and allowed play to go on and we scored from one of these crunching challenges. This is why I gave man of the match to him as he epitomised all that I want the boys to do get stuck in tackle hard and pass the ball commitment and enthusiasm. Danny gave man of match to Oliver Barlow for his willingness to tackle and beat players down the right and whip in some good service into the box. Parents man of the match Alex Johnson in defence was solid can’t remember anyone getting past him also Evan Higginbottom deserves a mention for some great last man tackles. Sam Howarth played very well as did Bilal Yasin. Overall this was nearly the best performance of the year commitment enthusiasm tempo were excellent just want that little more TEAMWORK in key areas and this team will be unstoppable. Will be having words with a few boys in training!
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Opponent: Oldham Rangers FC Date: 16th November Venue: Home Result: Pennine 2 Oldham Rangers FC 1 The boys were not in the mood for listening prior to this match and this always does not make me happy!! Danny and I always know the signs of how they are going to play when they turn up and mess around prior to a match! Right from the kick off we had a goal scoring attack but again as last week Harry Walsh trying to take on the last defender when Bilal Yasin was an easy pass to be through on goal and got tackled chance gone!! It was a well contested first half with Ethan Dale in net not having that much to do as did Bilal Yasin when he went in net 1st half. Both teams as in first game of the season were evenly matched. Their centre forward from first match who scored 3 was not playing as he missed training! Glad he wasn’t there today as he is a big powerful lad!!! Danny and I tried out a few tactical changes after last week’s big win and got a few things wrong which we will learn from and as always I will take full responsibility for. Tried a different goalkeeper in first half and soon changed that in the 2nd half!! They got a scrappy goal from a corner with three of our players trying but failing to clear the ball from our box! Jozef Gordon was having a good game in defence holding players up tackling a most importantly distributing the ball well into midfield. He got caught up field a few times on attacks but bust a gut to get back tracking back nicely with pace. Oliver Mcdonald came on and played some nice passes with Bilal Yasin and Harry Walsh. As always Oliver Barlow did well up the right side of midfield. Also Bilal Yasin did well up the left. In the 2nd half saw Sam Howarth go into net and unfortunately for him we decided not to change it round again he made a great save but again did not moan and did a job for the team. In the 2nd half we played a lot better the boys had a wakeup call think they were over confident after last week’s big win. Jozef pushed up into midfield with Oliver Mcdonald dropping into defence which he was not happy about but did a job for the team. We mounted attack after attack. It ended up being 10 minutes left and still 1-0. These boys puts us through it today. A good passing move saw Oliver Mcdonald distributing a good pass from defence to Harry Walsh who came in from Right midfield cutting into the middle he pulled it back to Jozef Gordon on the edge of the box and hit a booming shot into the bottom right corner. 1-1. Relief for Danny and I. The 2nd goal came from a delightful lobbed through ball from Jozef Gordon from centre midfield over the defence for Ethan Dale to run onto the ball and took one touch and then stroked into the back of the net with 4 minutes to go! Our fitness and team spirit shone through today eventually, over confidence played a part on this performance being below par… The boys will sometimes be played out of their normal positions due to absences and tactics they have to accept this and get on with it. We have the makings of a great team if they apply themselves and LISTEN.
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Opponent: Woodbank White Date: 30th November Venue: Home Result: Pennine 2 Woodbank White 0 Boys turned up today after a week off without a match due to frozen pitches not in the right frame of mind for a game of football! We started very poorly with Woodbank dominating the game from the off. I had tried a positional change which was clearly not working so Danny and I changed that straight away (Again take responsibility for this). Oliver Barlow had picked up an ankle injury during the week at school and was clearly struggling so he was brought off for his own safety which has was very unhappy about. Jozef Gordon picked up an injury in first half over stretched back of his knee so he had to go off then went into the net for last 10mins of first half and the 2nd half. We kept getting caught in possession numerous times we had 4 players caught up field with 4 Woodbank attackers going at our 2 defenders!!! We got a corner and Charlie Griffin whipped in a good cross. Pinball in their box and Sam Howarth managed to slot home his first goal of the season! So against the run of play we were up 1 nil. Alex Johnson narrowly missed the target from a free kick just missing the left post. We showed a little more composure on the ball 5 minutes from half time and Oliver Mcdonald had a shot from outside the box which went just over the bar. Oliver Mcdonald was playing his best football to date tackling and tracking back well, slide tackles great passes but still needs a little more composure on the ball and give a better pass instead of just whacking it forward. Half time we had a little chat to the boys about passing and movement and positional awareness. Sam Howarth, Harry Walsh, Ethan dale and Charlie Griffin needed to take a leaf out of Oliver Mcdonalds play today and track back when we have lost the ball and hold their positions. Sam Howarth made some good skilful runs but kept getting caught on the ball and losing it when a simple 1 2 with a team mate would have been a lot more progressive going forward. Found Harry Walsh on completely the wrong side of the pitch chasing the ball and it nearly lead to a goal for Woodbank as the ball was shifted to where he should have been! Several goal kicks from Jozef went to Ethan Dale and he kept miss controlling a bouncing ball. The one he did control he turned and put Harry Walsh into the box and he shot past the keeper into top left for our 2nd. Charlie Griffin was having an off day in defensive positions gave away three cheap free kicks. Fortunately nothing came off these free kicks all going wide. Jozef made a few good saves in the net. So overall it was a good result without playing so well. This team has got so much potential but they need to listen to Danny and I in training and turn up to matches switched on and ready to listen and play to their potential from the start. When they pass and move these boys are a joy to watch. Keep it up boys we will get there in the end. I’m still learning so be patient with me!
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Opponent: Westbury Sports Club Tigers Date: 7th December Venue: Away Result: Westbury 1 Pennine 2 This game was played on a very heavy surface due to all the rain we’ve had. We were missing two players Charlie Griffin and Oliver Barlow (think he went to watch a team called Man utd playing more like Oxford Utd). So we only had one sub. We started the game well but again some of our boys were running out of position and not passing the ball. Bilal Yasin, Harry Walsh and Sam Howarth did not have a particularly good start to the game but grew into it. When we move the ball we are a force to be reckoned with. We had a lot of possession but did not seem to get into clear cut goal scoring attacks. Alex Johnson put narrowly over the bar with a booming hit also Oliver Mcdonald struck well over the bar. This was all downhill and we wanted a goal before half time but it did not come. Jozef Gordon in goal did not have much to do but kicked well out of hands. Once we started to pass Sam Howarth Bilal Yasin and Harry Walsh started to dominate the game. 2nd half was much the same Harry Walsh was asked numerous times to release the ball with a pass instead of taking players on again and again losing it numerous times. Oliver Mcdonald had in the main a strong game but again on occasion had some wild slashes at the ball without looking up to see if a teammate was available. Evan Hgginbottom and Alex Johnson were having a solid game in defence. Hence they both got m.o.m awards from Danny Dale and parents. My m.o.m was Bilal Yasin for his good tackling in the 2 nd half, his runs up the left and the well struck finish to beat a very good Westbury keeper for the equaliser. Before this Evan was caught on the wrong side for a cross/shot which Jozef parried into the path of their striker who slipped it under Jozef onrushing dive. We were playing up hill but you would have not been able to tell as we mounted attack after attack. All the boys were up for it and encouraging each other shouting “come on Pennine”. This was nice to see and hear as last year after going down a goal normally resulted in us losing most matches. This year is a totally different reaction and attitude to going a goal behind. Instead of heads going down they get on with it with determination to get a goal back then with one of the last attacks of the match Ethan Dale hit a pearl of a shot to beat the keeper for the winning goal. Westbury coach and manager were devastated for their boys. Thoroughly great game played in good spirit hard but fair tackles going in. This result takes us clear of 3rd place Elton and Walshaw to consolidate 2nd position in league, with 2 games in hand against top of the league Littleborough who come to us in the next match at home. Hopefully we can reverse the result against them where they beat us 1 nil in away match!! Come on boys! Want to work on positional play and PASSING in training.
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Opponent: Littleborough Yellow Date: 14th December Venue: Home Result: Pennine 4 Littleborough Yellow 0 This was a crucial game for us playing top of the league team who had played two games extra and were 4 points in front of us! I had a chat with all the boys prior to match and all seemed switched on and took on board my instructions as I was playing a different formation to start with. Danny Dale looked at me and was not sure about my set up of the team and team selection. We agreed if it was not working we would change it early doors. We set up and started extremely brightly passing and moving forward very well. Oliver Barlow and Oliver mcdonald and Bilal Yasin were playing some very nice football. Jozef Gordon was out of sorts but picked up a little with a fine strike. Bilal Yasin opened our account with a well taken finish from inside the box followed by a second by the in-form Oliver Barlow fresh from his week rest after injury. Charlie Griffin had barely anything to do in net in first half with Harry Walsh taking over from him in 1st half in net. Harry Walsh had been ill all week and seemed a little off so he was not happy at going in net but did a job till half time. We were defending well with Alex Johnson now in his lone sweeper role. Oliver Mcdonald was disciplined on my instruction to sit between last man and midfield moving forward to support in attack pushing midfield further up to support Ethan Dale in Centre forward position. Sam Howarth came on and was a little unsure on the system I was trying to employ but like Bilal Yasin was passing nicely. We were fast flowing one touch passing going forward really nice to watch. 2nd half saw a bit of an argument between me and Jozef Gordon re goal-keeping position Danny Dale stepped in and resolved the situation! Charlie Griffin kindly volunteered but I told him no and Jozef finally put on the no1 jersey instead of sitting rest of game on side line!! Our shape had gone a little from the first half but the attacking recommenced against a shell shocked Littleborough we were first to everything winning challenges 50-50 tackles were going our way. Littleborough coach commented after match that we were well fired up today and a few of his boys were still asleep. Bilal Yasin got himself on the score sheet again so pleased for him which earned him man of the match from me with 2 goals great work ethic hard working tracking back tackling hard but fairly. Charlie Griffin deserves a mention for some good corners but one led to a headed goal from Sam Howarth deserves special mention Danny Dale said that’s how to put a corner in. Not sure if Sam Howarth actually knew he’d scored! We lost our shape a little from what I’d asked the boys to follow at the start so put Harry Walsh as last man to use his pace with Alex Johnson taking a deserved rest. Sam Howarth wanted to move to the left midfield with Charlie Griffin moving to the right but again couple of the boys drifted chasing the ball instead of holding their positions. Overall though extremely pleased today one with the result and secondly the way they listened and carried out my instruction in the first half. Oliver Barlow got man of match from parents and Danny Dale for his tireless running great skill and crosses and intelligent passing. Still work in progress with this team, I’m still learning Danny Dale and I will disagree Page | 12
on line ups and tactics from time to time which is why we work well together as we will both speak our minds but open to one another’s opinions. Keep it up boys. Opponent: Elton & Walshaw JFC Wildcats Date: 21st December Venue: Home Result: Pennine 0 Elton & Walshaw JFC Wildcats 2 This was a rearranged game from earlier in the season when our pitches were waterlogged. Danny Dale did not want to play this fixture as he thought it was too close to Christmas. I did not agree and thought it would be better to keep the boys going with fixtures with having a winning streak of 7 games wanted the run to continue. This unfortunately was not the case the Elton & Walshaw boys were certainly fired up for this fixture and were first to every ball. Headed everything in the air cannot remember us winning one header. So maybe Danny was right and I was wrong! Elton did to us what we had done to top of the league Littleborough the week prior. High tempo football first to every ball and won virtually every challenge. It was not long before the pressure broke through and they scored to be honest quite easily and should have been more but some wayward shots from Elton saved our blushes till half time. We tried to bolster the boys and encourage them to pick up their performances but the 2nd half went almost the same as the 1st half with us playing a little better but Elton on the day deserved their 2 nd goal to win in my view comfortably against a below par performance from our boys.. Danny was so disappointed he walked away and left it to me to give the final verdict. There were some positives from the game Harry Walsh in my view was easily my man of the match due to some excellent intelligent defence splitting passes. He had taken on board what I had asked him to do in regards to not running too much with the ball and to release passes earlier! He did this really well and I was extremely pleased that finally I could give him the trophy!! Was a big bump and reality check for our boys that we can be beaten so hopefully this will get them up for the next game in the New Year!!! Again I will take full responsibility for arranging the fixture and will learn from it but the boys ultimately did not turn up for this game unlike a strong Elton team did do. Opponent: Walshaw Park Date: 11th January Venue: Away Result: Walshaw 0 Pennine 1 Well a New Year started and a very close game. It was snowing in Rochdale and we had had several days of heavy rain myself and Walshaw manager were keen to get a game on. Walshaw’s pitch was very heavy but playable just!!! This was a very close and Washaw’s position in the league rock bottom with only 1 win 4 draws and 7 losses really does not reflect there playing style. They had great set piece takers from corners and free kicks were well drilled on attacking these crosses and there were numerous goalmouth scrambles in our penalty area! Page | 13
It was a great match to watch attack after attack both ways. I did think that Walshaw were at any moment going to score but our boys battled their hearts out. Oliver Mcdonald was immense in midfield leaving a couple on the ground with hard but fair challenges. We were missing two players this week in Harry Walsh and Jozef Gordon so only had one sub. Charlie Griffin went in net first half with Bilal Yasin going in net the 2 nd half both made positive contributions to the team effort in keeping the game a close one! Ethan Dale was a little isolated due to the system we were playing today which compacted the defence and midfield as I knew that Walshaw were a big physical side so he had to do quite a bit on his own v two defenders and in the main did very well. Both myself and the Walshaw coach and manager agreed it was a great game to watch very entertaining and close. Five minutes from time though Oliver Mcdonald was just on the edge of the box a cross came in and Walshaw partially dealt with it and ball came at Oliver Mcdonald waist height and I thought this is either going to go way over the bar or really wide but he managed to control his body shape and hit a pearl of a drive into the right corner of the goal rippling the net with the power the keeper who had had an excellent game was powerless to stop it. In my view a draw would have been a just reflection on the game as a whole and felt a little sorry for Walshaw boys as they had put so much effort into the game. Alex Johnson for me was man of the match with a great defensive performance along with Evan Higginbottom who was out of sorts with the system we were trying to adopt and had to bring him off to explain. Oliver Barlow as always was bombing up and down the right putting in some lovely crosses. Charlie Griffin when he came out was a little off the pace and gave away some cheap fouls for freekicks in dangerous areas but nothing fortunately for him came of this and he tried hard to keep the game tight. Sam Howarth had a good game so nice passes and runs but just needs to focus a little more on his defensive duties and game awareness. Overall great result for us to put us top of the league a win is a win. Keep it up boys. Opponent: Westbury SC Panthers Date: 18th January Venue: Home Result: Pennine 5 Westbury 1 The boys were back on form for this game we had worked hard in training on heading the ball as I was not happy with the performance before Christmas against Elton. We also had worked on fitness as usual and passing and shooting. They were on fire from the start Pennine were back to the high tempo and pass and move that we love to watch. They were encouraging each other as well as communicating well with each other was very nice to watch. They were soon a goal up with a well taken goal from Oliver Barlow took his time did not rush it a stroked it past a very big keeper who was keeping his side in the game. Harry Walsh missed an absolute sitter it was harder to miss than score but managed to push it past post from 2yrds out he was devastated! Westbury managed to against the run of play nick the ball off Sam Howarth who was trying to take two players on and got isolated and Page | 14
tackled. We had a chance to clear from the resulting attack in the box but Oliver Mcdonald tried to play out of defence and in the ensuing mix up in our box Westbury totally against the run of play were level at half time. We had a quick word with Sam and Oliver at half time about the goal conceded and left it at that. Just told them to gt back on the pitch and play the same as first half nothing changed. We were all over Westbury in the 2 nd half totally blitzed them with high tempo fast passing intelligent running to quickly get in front harry scored a hat trick so pleased for him after missing a sitter in 1st half this was also down to Danny in first half switching Bilal Yasin from up front to left midfield and moving Harry Walsh into C/f position. Jozef Gordon played some great through balls to set up two goals and took up some great attacking positions but not found with final pass. Oliver Barlow worked his magic up the right side whipping in some great crosses. His corners were a little off today but when he did get it right put in some great corners as did Jozef. Alex had another strong showing in defence but then started to wonder up the pitch trying to get in on the goal feast! Oliver Mcdonald and Sam Howarth both had good games in midfield in 2 nd half Sam especially taking on board what was said at half time his passes speeded up which was good to see. Tireless running from every one of the boys saw Evan Higginbottom hardly required him to defend, but when called into action as ever did a sterling job stopping attacks with good hold up defending and swift challenges to nick the ball off opponents. Charlie Griffin was a little bored and just a spectator in net for 2 nd half and I had planned to try and get him out but was so engrossed in the great team performance left it a little late and he only got last 5mins out! Sorry Charlie! This took us not including cup games to 39 goals in fourteen games just shy of an average of three per game a big change from last year. Well done boys keep it going final push in last 4 games! Opponent: Westbury SC Panthers Date: 15th February Venue: Home CUP MATCH. Result: Pennine 0 Littleborough 3 This was always going to be tough task Littleborough Blue are the cup holders from last year and currently top of the Irwell league. Also not playing for 3 to 4 weeks due to Waterlogged pitches didn’t help!!! We are always rusty after missing match weekends also 2 players missing left us with only 1 sub. Littleborough had 3 subs which the used very well to bring fresh legs on. I was pleased to say though we were not really three goals different they just won every ball were determined and had a couple of skilful players but there was not much between the teams which is encouraging for next season if we move up a league. Not going to say much about this game other than it was a laboured game on our part. Nobody for myself or Danny stood out they tried as best they could but fell short on the day looked tired and out of sorts. Not having enough substitutes to freshen the team up didn’t help but that is why we have 10 players in squad.
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Positives I took from this game is that we are not a million miles away from an Irwell team top of that league, and next year going to 9 v9 will be a big change for all the teams plus we will recruit another couple of players to bolster an already good/strong team. So yes it was disappointing return back to football after the long layoff but all in all a reasonable performance. Opponent: Cheetham Hill Juniors Reds Date: 8th March Venue: Home Result: Pennine 5 Cheetham Hill Juniors Reds 0 Think the boys were up for this game we had the full complement of 10 players available to choose from. Cheetham Hill looked a strong physical side who don’t mind getting stuck in. We had worked on in training one and two touch passing this was evident from the start with some really nice passing and we soon had a goal from Harry Walsh soon followed by a goal from Bilal Yasin. Before half time the goal of the game for me virtually all the team were involved in a sweet quick passing move from back to front with Sam Howarth putting the finishing touch with a superb TEAM goal. It was really good to see them carry out what we had set them in training. There were a few challenges flying in a couple late on our boys but he league official in my view called every one of them correctly, he a quick word with their coach at half time about it. The main thing is that is none of our boys reacted back which I was proud of. 2nd half though Cheetham Hill started to get more of the ball due to our players becoming complacent with the ball and trying to do too much on every attack. Basically we had stop passing. Oliver Barlow then struck our 4 th again from a good passing move. We finshed our scoring with an Oliver Mcdonald strike so all in all we had five different scorers on the day but should have been more if I’m honest but the boys had stopped passing! Evan Higginbottom and Alex Johnson played well in defensive roles. Charlie Griffin distributed the ball well from goal keeper and had a few catches to make and some great kicks from hands deep into opposing half. Jozef Gordon came on and played well passing the ball for three assists. Ethan Dale missed probably the sitter of the year from around the penalty area had the ball squared to him. Myself and Danny were ready to celebrate and he managed somehow to kick the ball and make it bounce up and hit his hand?? Devastated for him not to get on the score sheet as he’s gone through a bit of a barren patch with no goals in 5 games so first week in December was last goal he had scored. Harry Walsh played well and with him scoring he was put in defence which he did not like but I wanted to give others a chance. Bilal Yasin had another strong performance with some good determined tackling. Sam Howarth had a great game getting M.O.M from Danny. Parents gave it to Oliver Mcdonald. I was so impressed with all the boys I could not pick a M.O.M for me it was a great team performance and showed us again how they can pass and tackle as a TEAM. Well done boys keep it up one more win will secure 2nd place.
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Opponent: Chadderton Park Griffins Date: 15th March 14 Venue: Away Result: Chadderton 0 Pennine 1 I unfortunately could not attend this game so this will be a shorter match report We also had two players missing at county swimming so only 1 sub. I wanted text updates as I was on a course and at nearly half time I was biting my nails checking my phone every 30 seconds for an update!!Finally text someone to please put me out of my misery! From all accounts the pitch was terrible one dad text saying “more bobbles than my 40 year old jumper!” Then just before half time GOAL Oliver Barlow scored nearly cheered!!! Danny said it was a fantastic result from all the boys battling performance against a tough team and a dodgy ref by all accounts stone wall penalty given as a free kick outside the box. We were on the back foot for the last 5 minutes with Ethan Dale coming back to tackle to keep them out for the equalizer. Apparently we also wasted 2 -3 good chances on a pitch that required a touch before shooting composure lost and boys were snatching at first time shots. We apparently should have won by more but a win is a win. Special mention from Danny was the ever reliable Evan Higginbottom getting stuck in with last ditch challenges and tackles. WELL DONE BOYS 2nd place secured now let’s see if we can win the league now. Two more games left so going down to the wire. So pleased for the lads won 13 games and only lost 3 is a great season so keep up the hard work guys lets push on and try win the league trophy. Opponent: Cheetham Hill Juniors Reds Date: 22th March Venue: Away Result: Pennine 1 Cheetham Hill Juniors Reds 0 We knew that this would be a different game from 2 weeks ago as this was Cheetham Hills last game of the season and were probably smarting after our 5 – 0 win 2 in that previous game. Our boys were also over confident which Danny and I knew from their comments and attitude in training and prior to the match. Having said that we did play reasonable well but for some reason our usual free flowing passing game had gone. Tackling was poor at times and enthusiasm seemed to be low! Bilal Yasin was having a very good game notably the stand out player of the game for me the parents and Danny. He broke the deadlock with a well taken goal to put us 1 up. Oliver Mcdonald had an excellent first half but unfortunately had a prior engagement so had to leave at half time. Our composure and ball retention was also not at its usual high standard. Alex Johnson the normally reliable defender and distributor of the ball was rushing his clearances when an easy pass was on he did tackle well though. Evan Higginbottom again was a rock in defence and he will be sorely missed next year and his position and boots will be hard to replace. Oliver Barlow was also having Page | 17
little success down the right but was trying hard as ever, he also has secured a trial with Bury FC so wish him all the best for that. Charlie Griffin again distributed the ball well with some big booming kicks just need to get our centre forward far enough up the pitch to receive it!! Charlie also made a quick reaction save, which came from a snap shot from outside the area, he was actually unsighted until very late with several players in line of shot. He stuck out a late hand to steer it around the post. Think I stopped breathing as I thought it was going to sneak in! Half time came and we had our work cut out as we were playing nowhere near to our strengths or ability. 2nd half started and Cheetham Hill were even more fired up. Harry Walsh was also having a reasonable game but again as earlier in the season wasn’t holding position and chasing/watching the ball. Having said that he was tackling and challenging well when playing up front he was trying to release other players but the pass sometimes went astray, I was happy though as he was trying his best which is all I can ask for just want him to release the ball quicker and go for one two’s. Ethan Dale was again not at his earlier season best Danny was pulling his hair out with him not holding ball up weak passing and not enough effort. We ask him to watch Harry Walsh sometimes to show him what is expected of him just think he’s going through a confidence dip. He’s training a lot better and Danny is doing extra work on his control. Jozef Gordon was nowhere near what is expected of him no effort in defensive midfield walking around at times but did make some nice passes when on the ball. He knows himself he had a poor game and has promised to step it up in the final deciding game. Sam Howarth again as with some of the others was having an off par day. So all in all a good result with not playing so well. Cheetham Hill had so much of the ball and numerous corners I feared the worse and it was the longest 25 minutes I have ever endured. The result was all we wanted to keep the title race for top spot alive. Whistle blew and we had scrapped the 1 nil win to our relief! We told the boys play like that in the last game of the season and there will be no chance of winning the league. It was difficult to pick out any REAL positives from the game apart from the score line. We will be working hard in training and having an extra session before our final game. Let’s hope the boys pick up their performance for the final game to decide if we are league champions. Draw will secure this but if we lose we will have to wait two weeks before we know! If Elton win their final game they take the top spot! Nail biting stuff all in all though win lose or draw we have had a fantastic first season I have learnt so much this year in my first year as Manager. To be honest Danny and myself have not really changed that much apart from titles we still work well as a partnership. We are really proud of this team and look forward to strengthening and improving for next year’s challenges of nine v nine and bigger pitches and bigger nets and better teams!
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Opponent: Elton & Walshaw JFC Wildcats Date: 29th March Venue: Away Result: Elton & Walshaw JFC Wildcats 1 Pennine 1 We told the boys that whatever happened in this game win lose or draw that they’ve had an excellent season gaining promotion and to go and try to enjoy the game. We warned them that Elton really wanted to win the league so they were going to be really up for it today. From the off Elton were winning early possession and we were struggling to get any of our usual pass and move game going. I feared the worst as attack after attack came. Elton had numerous chances with corners being whipped in but nothing came from them fortunately dropping to an Elton player who wasn’t that good at heading the ball! Eventually though with the pressure building Elton finally broke the deadlock with a well worked move and finish. Evan Higginbottom and Alex Johnson had their work cut out in the first half. Oliver Mcdonald was trying his hardest in midfield with Bilal Yasin and Harry Walsh and Sam Howarth all working hard but for some reason they seemed to have more players on the pitch and the attacks came in waves. Half time came and we had to big the boys up as some of their heads were starting to go down. They responded well in the 2nd half and got stuck in Jozef Gordon made some nice passes and runs. Ethan Dale and Harry Walsh were doing reasonably well in centre forward position. Charlie Griffin again was doing well in the net with dead ball kicking and out of his hands. The game was now not a one way attack after attack from Elton as it was in the first half. We started to make more headway as the game went on. I still thought that Elton would score again but our boys were fighting all the way with great energy and determination. Sam Howarth played some good football but spent a little too much time as sub as we got caught up in the game. 5 minutes to go Pennine got some good movement and passes through defence into midfield Jozef Gordon laid a nice ball into the path of Bilal Yasin outside the box, and he let fly with a well struck shot which left their goalkeeper with no chance!!! Elton boys were not best happy. I then asked Oliver Mcdonald to hold a position in front of our defence and not go anywhere near Elton half, which he carried out as per instruction. They came at us with everything and with two minutes to go they came into our box and struck a shot which Charlie Griffin parried onto the bar it then hit the post and rolled along the line to be cleared away. (Charlie commented after game he need some new underwear as he thought they had scored)! Phew I can’t remember how many times I asked the referee how long left even though I had a stopwatch and knew exactly how long!! The final whistle finally went at last we had held out for the draw that the boys thoroughly deserved. Elton manager and boys were devastated as they had worked really hard and played some really nice football so were visibly upset that we had pipped them to the league title. To be honest I had to fight back a tear as did Danny it was hard not to celebrate to much in front of the Elton boys but Elton manager made his boys come over and congratulate our boys which I thought was a nice touch. The parents came over to join in the celebrations. I was still in shock that we actually had won the league so proud of all the Page | 19
boys achieving a great end to the season a trip to Mcdonalds followed with all the boys laughing and chanting was lovely to see. The parents were so happy for the boys and Danny and myself. Now the preparation starts for May tournament in Blackpool and the building of a 9 a side team for next year. Well done the boys Danny and I cannot express how much joy this group of players have brought us. We will be sad to see Evan Higginbottom drop down to the U10s next year but look forward to bringing in two to three new faces for next year and trying our hand back in the top league. Onwards and upwards boys sure there will be ups and downs but we will all try our hardest to improve and enjoy the games win lose or draw as long as the boys give a good account of themselves no one can ask for anymore! SEE YOU ALL NEXT SEASON.
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