Eagle A v Winwick Athletic B: Lost 5-1

With a full squad this week the team started with Lewis in goal, Matthew and Patric at the back, Jake, Steven and Thomas in midfield with Charlie up front. Eagle started the better and pressed for the opening goal. The Eagle players were quicker to the ball and played some good football. Eventually the pressure told and they scored (1-0). We then let a poor goal in when we did not react to a misplaced goal kick and the unmarked forward struck the ball straight back into the empty goal. Throughout the first half Patric and Matthew defended well with several last ditch tackles and clearances. Lewis made some good saves. Jake was replaced by Ross midway through the half. Thomas, Charlie and Steven tried hard to pull a goal back before half time but the ball would not break for them. Half time 2-0.

At half time Gill shuffled the players and the team lined up with Jack in goal, Patric and Adam in defence, Steven, Charlie and Ross in midfield with Ashley upfront. Straight from the kick off Winwick played at a higher tempo and threatened the Eagle goal. Ashley burst down the right wing beating a few players and crossed for Steven who calmly slotted the ball into the net (2-1). Winwick pressed for an equaliser but then let in a poor goal when we did not react to a misplaced goal kick and the unmarked forward struck the ball straight back into the empty goal (Deja-vu). This did not deter the boys and they pressed on. Adam went on a trade mark run and beat two players – we had a 2 on 1 then Adam was rugby tackled to the floor. This was a terrible challenge but worse was to come. Winwick made 5 more breaks but every time they got free Ashley, Ross or Charlie were hacked down. The worst instance was when Adam was badly fouled again; the ball broke to Steven who set off down the wing only to be badly fouled from behind – another deliberate foul. This was the last straw for the players. Eagle scored two further goals. Final score 5-1.

It’s time for the coaches, players and parents to stick together. We all need to support the lads in trying to play football the right way with a sporting mentality.

The parents voted for Ashley as Man of the Match for his fire cracker performance up front in the second half.

Monks A v Winwick Athletic B: Lost 3-2

The team started with Lewis in goal, Adam and Matthew at the back, Thomas, Steven and Ross in midfield with Charlie up front. The game started with the lads playing at a high tempo and dominating the game. Winwick pressed forward and made several breaks but the clear opening didn’t materialise. The half was heading towards a stalemate when Monk’s made a break and the forward made a good cross shot past Lewis into the bottom corner. Winwick were shell-shocked. Just before half time Monk made another break and the forward struck a fierce shot that Lewis made a great save by somehow tipping the ball onto the bar. Half time 1-0.

In the second half Ashley and Patric came on for Matthew and Thomas. Again Winwick made the better start. However, Monk’s went 2-0 when a shot hit Lewis in the face and he was unable to carry on, the forward then had a simple tap in. Matthew came on in goal and did very well. Winwick responded immediately with Ross battling for the ball up front and he drove the ball into the back of the net (2-1). From the kick off Monk pressed forward and the ball was crossed to an unmarked forward that calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner (3-1). Winwick did not give up and pressed to pull a goal back. A good passing move saw Ashley race onto a through ball and beat the keeper to calmly slot the ball into the net. Winwick pressed for an equaliser that there performance deserved but it wasn’t to be. Full time 3-2.

This was another good performance that didn’t result in Winwick getting their reward for their performance. It seems obvious that someone within the team has run over a black cat in the last few weeks – surely our luck will change soon!

The parents voted for Steven as Man of the Match for a hard working performance in midfield.

Winwick Athletic B v Woolston Rovers B: Lost 0-1

The lads played well today with good passages of play but did not get the reward for their efforts. The team started with Lewis in goal, Adam and Patric at the back, Thomas, Steven and Ross in midfield with Charlie up front. Winwick played the better football in the first half but were caught out when Woolston scored with a long range effort. Half time 0-1.

In the second half Jack came on in goal and Jake and Ashley came on in midfield. Winwick pressed for the equaliser but clear cut chances were limited because the heavy pitch stifled our passing game. Woolston had several chances to stretch their lead but the game finished 0-1.

This was a disappointing result but sometimes the result doesn’t reflect the performance.

The parents voted for Ross as Man of the Match for a hard working performance in midfield.

Culcheth JFC A v Winwick Athletic B: Drew 1-1

We played our local neighbours Culcheth JFC today in what proved to be an exciting, throbulating, magnetising, stupefying and pulsating game. The local derby pitted close school friends and neighbours against each other – both sides hoping to have the bragging rights. The game was played at Culcheth’s new pitches which are fantastic and a credit to them.

The team started with Lewis in goal, Adam and Patric at the back, Matthew, Steven (fresh back from his midseason break in Lanzarote) and Ross in midfield with Charlie up front. Culcheth started the game at a quicker pace than Winwick and were first to every ball. A fantastic, long range thunderbolt shot from about 25 yards stunned Lewis and flew in the top of the net. Winwick responded by playing some good passing moves from the back involving Adam, Steven, Charlie and Ross. Culcheth pressed for a second goal but were thwarted by Lewis, who made one particularly good save, and our resolute defending. Half time 1-0.

At half time the coaches gave a stirring Winston Churchill style speech based on “we shall fight them on the beaches” to stir the passion within the boys – local pride was at stake not to mention a vital three points. At the start of the second half Jack replaced Lewis in goal and Thomas replaced Matthew in midfield. The lads responded profoundly to the team talk and competed more for the ball that produced a thundering and tumultuous second half performance. The passionate and excited Winwick throng of supporters roared on the team and were not disappointed. The game oscillated from end to end with both teams stretching every sinew to get the next goal. Jack made several good saves and Patric was gargantuan in defence as he made last minute tackles to ensure that we did not concede a second goal. Thomas careered forward and was fouled just outside the box. Ross appraised the Culcheth goal, the fervent Winwick supporters quivered in excitement. He ran forward and lashed the ball towards goal, it was deflected and flew into the net. The fans erupted in ecstasy and made a stentorian noise. Jake replaced Charlie and Ross moved upfront. Both teams went for the winner but it wasn’t to be. A hard earned draw was an equitable result for two teams who played an honourable and sporting game. Friends shook hands at the end of the game with no one having the local bragging rights. Final score 1-1.

The parents voted for Patric as Man of the Match who had a colossal game in defence which underlines the elephantine improvement he has made this calendar year.

Winwick Athletic B v Cherrybrook A: Lost 2-6

We played Cherrybrook today who were top of the table with a 100% record having played six games. The final score did not reflect what was a fantastic match between two teams that played good football throughout.

The team started with Jack in goal, Adam and Patric at the back, Matthew, Thomas and Ross in midfield with Charlie up front. The coaches had encouraged the lads to have more confidence on the ball and to look to pass the ball more after last weeks disappointing performance against Warrington Town. The match started at a high tempo with both teams playing good football with the first half being finely balanced until the last ten minutes. Cherrybrook put Winwick under pressure and eventually they made the breakthrough. (0-1). Winwick continued to play good passing football with Adam bringing the ball out from the back and the boys building good passing movements through the midfield of Thomas, Matthew and Ross. Cherrybrook scored again (0-2) but Winwick hit back instantly. Adam brought the ball out of defence and passed the ball down the wing to Thomas who was tackled but Matthew won the ball back straight away and the ball was played up to Charlie. He held the ball up well and laid the ball wide to Ross who raced towards goal and smashed the ball into the back of the net (1-2). Cherrybrook scored again to make it 1-3 at half time.

At the start of the second half Jake replaced Thomas, who had played very well, and improves every week – tackling resolutely and passing the ball well. Early in the second half Winwick hit back. Just like the first goal the ball was played up to Charlie who again held it up well and laid it off to Ross. He raced for goal and smashed it into the back of the net again (2-3) – game on! Winwick then put Cherrybrook under a lot of pressure as they went for the equaliser. A long range effort from Ross just went past the post. Winwick pressed for the equaliser but unfortunately we couldn’t score a third goal and the lads started to tire. In the last five minutes Cherrybrook scored another 3 goals that didn’t reflect the game. Final score 2-6.

At the end of the game Cherrybrook’s coach admitted that he had been worried when we pulled the game back to 2-3 during the second half that their 100% record was at risk. He said that we had played great football and the final score did not reflect the match. The lads should be very proud of their performance today and could not be faulted for their effort and skills. Five different players were nominated by the parents for man of the match, which shows how well the boys played. Jack was excellent in goal making some great saves but also distributing the ball well. Adam and Patric were again great in defence. The midfield of Thomas, Matthew, Ross and Jake played excellently – great energy, good passing and tackling throughout the game. Charlie played very well up front holding the ball up well and caused the opponent’s defence a lot of trouble. Let’s hope we can continue playing as well as this in the next few weeks.

The parents voted for Ross as Man of the Match who had a high energy game in midfield and scored two great goals.

Warrington Town A v Winwick Athletic B: Lost 3-0

Today we were faced with the problem of half term holidays and football fixtures – only seven players plus none of our two recognised goalkeepers were available today. Matthew went in goal for the first half and played very well making several fine saves. Adam and Patric were in defence with Jake, Tom and Steven in midfield with Charlie upfront. Warrington Town played good passing football and put Winwick under pressure from very good delivery into the box from corners and free kicks. Warrington Town went ahead just before half time through a well taken goal. Half time 1-0.

At half time Jake went in goal and Matthew replaced him in midfield. This was the first time Jake had played in goal but he rose to the occasion. He made several good saves and then made a fantastic one on one save. The lads battled hard in the second half but fell further behind to two excellently taken goals, neither of which any goalkeeper would have saved.

At then end of the game both teams shook hands. The parents vote polled Jake and Patric as joint Man of the Match. The casting votes of Gill and Paul were both for Jake. His smile when told he was Man of the Match was breathtaking - a quick reminder that junior football is not just about winning but also about playing, enjoyment and developing the boys into a team.

Crosfields A v Winwick Athletic B: Lost 8-1

We came up against a well coached Crosfields A team today who are currently 5th in Division 1. The score line didn’t reflect the overall game with both teams playing the game in a good spirit. Winwick tried hard throughout and played some good passing football in patches. A few lapses in concentration led to poor marking and resulted in us letting in some soft goals. But this does not take anything away from Crosfields who played excellent passing and moving football and deservedly went though to the next round of the cup.

The only highlight came just before half time when Adam ventured forward and intercepted the ball just outside the box. He beat two midfielders and then dropped his shoulder and dribbled past the last defender. He raced towards goal, the parents held their breath, and he dispatched the ball into the top left hand corner – what a goal!

The lads should look forward to a good draw in the Auxiliary Cup and hopefully a run as good as last season.

The parents voted for Matthew as Man of the Match who competed well throughout the game in midfield and defence.

Winwick Athletic B v Bruche Athletic A: Won 4-1

Everything clicked into place today with the lads turning in their best performance of the season. The midfield played with a high tempo throughout and hassled Bruche for the ball at every opportunity. The organisation of the team was a lot better this week with the midfield supporting the defence and attack throughout the game. A good training session on Thursday seems to have helped the lads understand more about their positions.

The team started with Jack in goal, Adam and Patric at the back, Matthew, Steven and Lewis in midfield with Charlie up front. The match started at a high tempo with Winwick winning a lot of the ball in midfield. The boys grew in confidence and started playing some good passing football. The ball was passed up to Charlie who controlled it and played a good square ball to Lewis who went on a run down the right wing beating two players and pulling the ball back perfectly for Charlie to slot home side footed into the net (1-0). Winwick pressed for a second goal but got caught on the break from one of our corners. The ball was cleared and following a midfield scramble the ball was hooked forward. It was a race between Adam and Bruche’s attacker who just managed to out pace Adam before he hit an unstoppable shot across Jack that nestled in the bottom corner (1-1). The Winwick supporters need not have feared since we were quickly back in front. Winwick won a corner and the ball dropped in the middle of the box for Adam to stretch out and stab the ball into the net (2-1). The fans went wild since it is only Adam’s second goal ever, his last one coming against Irlam Vale on 29th April 2006! The linesman could hardly contain himself with joy! Ross replaced Lewis in midfield midway through the half and another midfield interchange led to Charlie racing down the right wing. This time he became provider and crossed the ball across the box for Steven to run onto at the back post and smash the ball home. Half time 3-1.

The team talk at half time was about keeping concentration and ensuring that we did not concede a goal. Lewis replaced Jack in goal, Patric, who again had a solid game in defence, was replaced by Matthew who dropped back into defence and Thomas slotted into midfield. The defence did not go over the half way line during the whole half with Matthew excelling at right back and the midfield continued to hassle Bruche for the ball. With 10 minutes to go Jake replaced Steven, who had run himself to a standstill, in midfield. The ball was cleared and Charlie pressurised the defence and the ball broke to Ross who raced for goal and then smashed it into the top corner. Full time 4-1. At the end of the game both teams shook hands and the referee commented that “he did not know what the coaches had done to the team but they were miles better than last season – what a great performance.”

This was a really good performance full of high energy football and all the lads deserve a lot of credit. In particular, the midfield of Matthew, Steven, Ross, Lewis, Thomas and Jake played very well throughout the game.

The parents voted for Charlie as Man of the Match who played very well up front and linked well with the midfield throughout the game.

Winwick Athletic B v Haydock B: Lost 0-3

We started the game today with Lewis in goal, Adam and Patric at the back, Steven, Matthew and Ross in midfield with Charlie upfront. We also had a debutant linesman in a Manchester City hat. The first half was very close with Haydock pressing for a goal with Winwick defending very well. All the players tried very hard in the first half to repel the pressure in particular Steven, Matthew, Patric and Adam. Steven worked tirelessly and I lost count of the number of headers he won when defending throw-ins. Matthew played in the hole between the defence and midfield and mopped up a lot of attacks. Haydock took the lead when we allowed one of their midfielders to run unchallenged through midfield and slide a good pass through our defence to their forward who expertly dispatched the ball into the bottom leaving Lewis with no chance. Half time 0-1.

At half time Adam and Matthew were replaced by Thomas and Jake who played in midfield with Ross dropping back into defence. Haydock were playing with the slope and put the Winwick defence under pressure from the start. Ross played with determination in defence with Thomas and Jake both working hard in midfield. Winwick tried hard to defend the pressure but fell further behind by two more goals. We tried hard to carve out a chance and Charlie almost scored with a long range effort that the goalkeeper fumbled for a corner. At the end of the game both teams shook hands after a sporting game. Full time 0-3.

The performance was an improvement on last week but the lads know they have to work together harder as a team in defence and attack. Personally I blame the effect of the Manchester City branded linesman…..I look forward to seeing him at the next game after Liverpool’s brilliant comeback!

The parents voted for Steven as Man of the Match for a hardworking performance in midfield – well done!

Appleton B v Winwick Athletic B: Lost 3-0

Following on from last weeks victory and a great training session there was a high level of optimism in the crowd for today’s visit to Appleton to play last years Division 3 champions. All the high energy that was evident last week was sadly lacking today. The lads all tried hard throughout but were second to the ball on most occasions. Appleton took the lead with a cross in from the right wing that lead to a cool side footed finish. The second goal came from a scramble in the box following a corner and the ball was hooked high into the net. Half time 2-0.

The second half was much better and was a more balanced game. Winwick competed for the ball and played at a higher tempo. They could have pulled back one or two goals. Appleton scored their third goal with a good shot from outside the box that nestled in the bottom right hand corner. The lads continued to try hard and the last 10 minutes were encouraging for next week.

A week is along time in football! Early to bed on Friday night and two eggs each for breakfast next Saturday morning!

The parents voted for Matthew and Adam as joint Man of the Match.

Winwick Athletic B v Cadishead A: Won 3-2

Question: What happened on Saturday 10th November 2007?
Answer: Winwick Athletic B Team had their last league win against Mattiola (2-1)

Today the long wait for a league victory for the lads, coaches and parents was over after a pulsating 3-2 victory over Cadishead A team.

The boys played fantastic in the first half leading 3-0 at half time. Jack was back in goal but never had a save to make in the first half as the midfield of Steven, Lewis and Thomas worked very hard in front of the resolute defence of Patric and Adam. Charlie had his best game yet for his new team playing as the perfect target man and bringing the midfield into play. All the players stepped up a gear this week and their passing and movement was excellent. They also harassed Cadishead when in possession and dominated the first half. The crowd could sense that the pressure was building and surely it was only a matter of time before the breakthrough came. Winwick forced another corner and the ball was cleared out to Adam who hit a strong shot back into the box which was blocked and Charlie reacted quickest to jump up and head the ball into the net (1-0).

The Winwick fans didn’t have to wait long for the second goal. The ball was pumped into the box and cleared out directly to Charlie who drilled the ball into the bottom left hand corner (2-0). Winwick’s confidence soared and they played some fantastic football. Thomas had his best game yet and was winning tackles and passing the ball well. Lewis followed on from his MoM performance in goal with a solid game in midfield. Adam won the ball in defence and went on a run and then played a great ball down the left wing to Steven who turned on a sixpence to beat the defender. He raced for goal, Bill and Sandra held their breath, and then smashed an unstoppable shot into the goal – the fans went wild in celebration! (Half Time 3-0).

In the second half of the match Ross and Jake replaced Lewis and Thomas. Winwick continued to play well but Cadishead raised their game and got back into the game. We continued to tackle well in midfield with Jake throwing himself around. Jack became more involved and pulled off an amazing one handed save to keep his goal in tact. Winwick went close to a fourth goal through two shots from Ross and a header from Adam that was saved on the line (how the linesman was tempted to say it crossed the line!)

Cadishead forced several corners and with 5 minutes to go a great header just crossed the line before we could clear it (3-1). Winwick pressed on for a fourth goal and won a corner. Cadishead cleared the ball and caught us on the break, it was 3 against 1, and they scored to make it 3-2. What a nervous last 2 minutes as Cadishead poured forward to get the equaliser. They had several corners and after a goalmouth scramble the ball was hacked clear and the Referee blew his whistle to result in sheer pandemonium on the touchline. Full time 3-2.

What a great game played in a good sporting spirit. The touchline reporter was ecstatic after Liverpool’s wonderful victory over Man Utd last week – no comparison to the joy he felt today!

The parents voted for Charlie as the Man of the Match – well deserved for two good goals and a good performance up front.

Winwick Athletic v Woolston Rovers: Lost 0-2

Well it is great to be back. Big changes may have occurred in the Premiership in the last few weeks but big changes have also happened at Winwick Athletic B team. With a new management team in place of Gill, Andy and Alan, several signings over the summer and a new touchline reporter the team took the field against a well coached Woolston Rovers team. Today saw the league debuts of Charlie, Matthew, Jake and Thomas who all performed well.

The team lined up in the first half with Lewis in goal, Adam and Patric at the back, a midfield of Ross, Steven and Jake with Charlie up front. Woolston played with the slope in the first half and put Winwick under intense pressure from the start. Numerous corners were won that led either to good saves by Lewis, last ditch tackles by Adam or goal line clearances by Patric.

The midfielders, Ross, Jake and Steven all worked very hard covering back and trying to support Charlie up front. Winwick tried to catch Woolston on the break but couldn’t quite breach the defence and get a clear cut chance on goal. Half time 0-0.

At half time Matthew replaced Jake in midfield and worked very hard to break down the Woolston attacks. In the second half Woolston maintained the pressure but Winwick continued to work very hard to defend resolutely as a team. Lewis was outstanding in goal and one reflex save when he sprung to his right was one that Gordon Banks would have been proud of! Thomas replaced Charlie and Steven moved up front. Eventually the pressure told and Woolston took the lead. Winwick tried very hard to get back into the game but went 2-0 down after a very unlucky own goal.

The lads worked very hard for each other today and made the coaches and the parents very proud of their effort. They really played well together as a team and played some good passing movements. A good start and everybody is looking forward to the next game this weekend.

The parents voted for Lewis as the Man of the Match – well deserved for a very good performance in goal.

Yes – it is great to be back!