New Page 1

Under 15's
Team Manager: William Hassall
Sponsored by: CO-OP (Good for everyone)

Where to find our Home ground (North Reddish Park. Longford Rd West. Reddish. Stockport. SK5 6ET)

Match reports are in latest game order - Scroll down for earlier match reports

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Reddish North End 5 Ashton United 0

Match Report from Under 15s Game Played on Saturday 28 April 2012

This was a comfortable 5 nil victory at home against Ashton United, on a muddy pitch and a strong wind that meant flowing football was never going to happen. We were playing the team at the bottom of the league who we had already beaten twice this season. We started with the same line up as the previous week and during the first half totally dominated the game, apart from one chance that Ashton had. Two well taken goals from Jordan Hatton saw us go in to half time 2 nil up but this was a one sided game against a weak team.

We made one change for the second half with Max Doherty replacing Danny Larkin in the centre of midfield. The second half was pretty much the same as the first with the conditions making the game a scrappy affair that was not good to watch. Our keeper had no saves to make, we had four good shouts for penalties turned down and it should really have been 10 nil. As it turned out we scored three more – one from Danny Boocock, another from Connah Green (his first of the season after coming on a sub) and another first of the season for Frank Mhiza.

We still sit in fourth position, with only two games left. Man of the Match went to Jordan Hatton for two well taken goals in the first half and his all round effort and determination throughout the game. Next up his Whitemoss JFC on Wednesday away, another tough game against one of the better teams in the league.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Reddish North End 0 Greenside Rangers 2

Match Report from Under 15s Game Played on Saturday 21 April 2012

This was another disappointing result after a great first half display and we need to look at what is going wrong when we get to the second half. The pitch was very waterlogged but playable after players and parents spent 45 minutes clearing surface water with a bucket, fork and brushes. Again we started with the same line up to the previous game. Greenside are a physical side but we more than matched in the first half. We created the better chances with Callum Barlow particularly having a couple of excellent opportunities to give us a lead. We came off at half time drawing 0 – 0 but having been the better side and the feeling was that we could go on to win it.

For the second half we made one change bringing Connah Green on for Jack Leigh at right back. The half we were attacking was more waterlogged and we never coped with this and tried to pass the ball in areas where the ball was sticking rather than being more direct. We also gave away a goal due to poor defending and we never recovered from this. With 10 minutes to go Scott the keeper went off to be replaced by Danny Boocock and at the corner that they had they scored direct from it to make it 2 nil. The game finished at 2 nil and again it was the second half that had been the problem and second game in succession and around the 8^th game of the season where we were in a worst position at full time than we had been at half time.

Frank ‘The Beast’ was given Man of the Match, for a magnificent performance at left back. We will talk about the second half problem at training and at the next game on Saturday as I reckon it has cost us about 20 points this season and it may be that we can put some of the problems right.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Reddish North End 3 Denton Youth Yellows 3

Match Report from Under 15s Game Played on Monday 16 April 2012

This was a disappointing result after being 3 nil up at half time. We started with the same line up as the previous game and started brightly. Denton were hardly in and a couple of goals from Callum Barlow (his second a cracker) and a tap in by Tom Kitchen from a James Davis corner gave us a half time lead and performance that led us to believe that we would go on to paste them. How wrong we were.

Two lads who don’t normally get brought off were rested at half time but that cannot explain what happened in the second half. We conceded a penalty following a James Flynn hand ball and then another. Despite having some good chances we did not score anymore and in the final minute Denton were awarded a free kick on the edge of our box following a foul by Jordan Hatton. The free kick was a beauty and Denton had rescued a point. At half time a 3 – 3 score line did not look possible and this was one of our worst results of the season. James Flynn was given Man of the Match.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Heyside JFC 1 Reddish North End 2

Match Report from Under 15s Game Played on Saturday 14 April 2012

It was great to get back to winning ways after five games and four defeats and a draw, which was our worst run of the season. This was a hard earned 2 – 1 victory away from home against a difficult Heyside team who were difficult to play against and much better than their league position (they are third from bottom but on this game are better than some of the teams above them).

We started with the same line up as the previous game and created much of the better chances but failed to score. For the first time this season we went in at half time at time. Two changes were made at half time with Connah green coming on for Jack Leigh and Max Doherty for Danny Larkin.

We continued to press and a good move involving Danny Boocock and Jordan Hatton enabled Callum Barlow to put us 1 up. Heyside created little in the way of clear cut chances but had plenty of possession and corners and it felt uncomfortable. We got the second goal however from a James Davis corner that was knocked in from close range by Danny Boocock. We now started to play some good football but on a sloping pitch Heyside pulled one back following a kick from the keeper that caught us out at the back. With around five minutes to go Heyside pressed for an equaliser but we managed to see out the victory.

This was one of our better performances of the season and it would have been an injustice had we not got the win. A great all round team effort with Man of the Match going to Danny Boocock for an outstanding performance on the left side of midfield.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Delamere Rangers 3 Reddish North End 1

Match Report from Under 15s Game Played on Wednesday 4 April 2012

This was a game where we could easily have got a result but instead ended up losing 3 -1. We were away to Delamere Rangers who have not lost in the League and are sitting at the top of the table. We started with the same line up as the previous game but were boosted by the return of Max Doherty who was on the bench.

For the first twenty minutes the game was fairly even only with Delamere having much more possession and creating three half chances. We took the lead through Dylan Barlow only for Delamere to equalise with a free header from a corner. We went in at half time at one all and overall pleased with the performance so far. Connah Green and Max Doherty came on and for the majority of the game we matched Delamere and started to create a number of good chances despite not having the majority of the possession. In the last twelve minutes of the game we conceded two late goals and ended up losing 3 – 1, which flattered Delamere as the longer the game went on the less likely they looked like scoring and I don’t think anyone would have said a draw would have been an unfair result.

Frank Mhiza was awarded Man of the Match and we move on to our next game Heyside FC away on Saturday 14 april.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Reddish North End 2 Hollinwood FC 2

Reddish North End 1 Hollinwood FC 2

Match Report from Under 15s Game Played on Saturday 31 March 2012

This was a double header League game with each half counting as a separate game, due to fixture congestion so it was all to play for against a side that had beat us 5 – 1 in the Cup the previous week. We started with the same line up as last week.

We got off to the worst possible when an uncharacteristic mistake from Tom Kitchen let in their striker to make it 1 nil to Hollinwood after only 5 minutes played. We battled on and although they were a better side we continued to create some half chances and our share of corners. Following a corner and a scramble near the goal line the ref adjudged one of their players to have handled and Mark Barnet coolly slotted the ball home to give us an equaliser. Hollinwood went searching for winner and Frank Mhiza gave away a penalty following a foul. Scott had little chance as Hollinwood went 2 – 1 up. Following a free kick in the dying seconds of the game taken by James Davis, the ball came out to Jack Leigh who must have been forty yards out. He let fly a shot that sailed in to the top corner to make it 2 – 2. It was one of the best goals of the season. Following kick off the referee blew and we had got a point. Man of the Match was given to Jack Leigh.

One change was made for the second game with Connah Green replacing Mark Barnet. The second game was different with Hollinwood looking fresher (they had three subs compared to our one) and bossed the game more. We gave away two sloppy goals but pulled one back from Danny Boocock. With a few minutes remaining James Davis had a great chance to equalise but sent his shot well wide of the goal. We had lost 2 – 1 but this was a decent performance against one of the better sides in the League. Scott McGovern was given Man of the Match.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Reddish North End 1 Hollinwood FC 5

Match Report from Under 15s Game Played on Saturday 24 March 2012

This was a Cup Quarter Final game against one of the best sides in the league. We were down to 12 players with Jamie Bates not showing and Callum Barlow and Scott McGovern returning from long term injuries. We also had other players who were not fully fit so this was also going to be a tough game for us. It was also very hot day for March and it was this and further injuries that were to be our undoing.

The first 15 minutes were fairly even and we went a goal down from their striker who was a real handful. Jordan Hatton scored an equaliser only for Hollinwood to score again to put them 2 – 1 up. We went in to half time second best against strong side who had the benefit of three subs. In the second half we actually improved and showed some real battling qualities. Hollinwood were very clinical up front and had strong pacy strikers who were too good for us. During the second half we had further injury problems to James Flynn, Calllum Barlow and Daniel Larkin and finished the game with ten men. The 5 – 1 score line was flattering to Hollinwood but by the end we had no one to bring on to freshen us up and some players looked tired and did not always keep up with the pace of the game.

James Davis was awarded Man of the Match for an excellent performance in midfield. When we play the better teams in this league we need 13 fit players and it was always going to be a struggle when this was not the case.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Saints JFC 4 Reddish North End 2

Match Report from Under 15s Game Played on Saturday 17 March 2012

We were missing two of our key players from injury with Callum Barlow and Scott McGovern both injured. We were also playing the team that beat us the previous week in our worst performance of the season. Scott Seagrave replaced Scott in turn and Jack Lee was given a start at right back. We started well and were the better but an uncharacteristic under back pass to Scott in the net and they were 1 nil up. We continued to play the better football but could not get a goal. Half time came and Jack Lee was replaced by Connah Green and we carried on in the same vain. They got a second goal however from a quality free kick and it looked like game over.

A good corner from James Davis was headed in by Tom Kitchen to make it 2 – 1 to Saints and shortly after we scored a quality goal. Some great work from Danny Larkin and James Davis found Danny Boocock who put in a great cross for Jordan Hatton to head home to make it 4 -2. We looked like we could go on and win it but shortly after a speculative effort from their best player found the corner of the net. We pushed up for an equaliser and were caught on the break to make it 4 – 2 to the Saints. We carried on playing good football but it was not to be our day and although we had been the better side we had lost 4 – 2.

This was a much better performance than the previous week and had we taken our chances we would have won on another day. Frank Mhiza was awarded Man of the Match.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Reddish North End 0 Saints JFC 2

Match Report from Under 15s Game Played on Saturday 10 March 2012

Our worst performance of the season against a side that were bottom of the league. We were undone by two goals one in each half. The first a goalmouth scramble from a corner and the second an indirect free kick in our box given for a back pass when the ref had missed a blatant handball seconds earlier. We were poor and could have played until 10 at night and still not scored. I don’t think it was a lack of effort but more to do with us not sticking to the basics and thinking we are world beaters. Despite probably dominating the game we created little in the way of clear cut chances and were poor attacking wise and all the free kicks and corners that we had came to nothing.

Anyway we have a chance to put things right as we play them away on Saturday and am hoping we have learned a valuable lesson from this. Our winning run of 6 is over and we have got to get back to working hard on the pitch, playing as a team and keeping things simple. Man of the Match went to Scott McGovern who did not put a foot wrong.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Reddish North End 3 Denton Youth 3

Match Report from Under 15s Game Played on Saturday 3 March 2012

This was a superb performance against our local rivals Denton Youth Blues, away from home. It was a close game but one that we deservedly won and a 4 – 3 win was probably an unfair reflection of the game as we were much the better side.

We started off well and a cross from Mark Barnet was spilled by the keeper and Callum Barlow was left with an easy tap in with about 15 minutes gone. Callum Barlow was brought off with what looked like a serious injury and was replaced by Scott Seagrave. Having dominated the game we then had a blip where Denton Youth scored two good goals. We were now in a game and following a good ball from Jamie Bates, James Davis smashed in a terrific volley to make it 2 – 2. Following more pressure we scored another great goal from Jamie Bates to put us back in the lead. We carried on creating chances and Jordan Hatton scored another good goal for us to make it 4 – 2.

Half time came and we made the decision not to make any further changes. The second half was similar to the first with us dominating possession, playing good passing football and being by far the better side. Connah Green came on for Mark Barnet and with ten minutes left the ref gave Denton a penalty for an innocuous challenge. Scott the keeper was given no chance and it was now 4 – 3. The last few minutes were fairly nervy with Denton starting to look dangerous. We did however see it out to record our sixth consecutive victory with a performance that was probably the best of the [i]season. All the lads played well but Man of the Match was given to Daniel Larkin. Callum Barlow was taken to hospital and has torn a muscle and will be out for around four weeks. He will be a major loss to the team in the coming weeks.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Reddish North End 4 Stalybridge Celtic 1

Match Report from Under 15s Game Played on Saturday 25 February 2012

Another superb performance and victory for Reddish North End as we moved to second in the table following a 4 – 1 home victory against Stalybridge Celtic. This was a controversial game with the referee threatening to abandon the game following some horrendous tackles from them, players squaring up to each other and parents arguing with one another. Their manager did not help challenging the referees continually; winding parents up and thinking it acceptable to persistently encroach 10 yards on the pitch to shout his disagreement at the referee, make a substitution, shout tactics at the players.

Back to the game of football though, we started with a similar line up to the previous week only with Scott Seagrave and Connah Green on the bench. The first twenty I thought we were second best and it looked like we were in for a tough morning. Stalybridge Celtic passed the ball round well and had most of the possession although they created little in the way of chances. We slowly started to improve and got the breakthrough with a well taken goal by Jordan Hatton to put us 1 up. It was at this stage that things started to go wrong. Some horrible tackles started flying in by their players that were dangerous and the ref gave a foul for everyone. Virtually every horror tackle (studs up tackles, going through one of our players after playing the ball the ball first etc) was challenged by their manager and some of their players, even though these would have been straight red cards had this been a professional game. Mark Barnet came off for Scott Seagrave and we went in to half time 1 nil to the good.

The second half was more of the same with further bad challenges by them and their mouthy manager, giving the referee stick. By now though we were playing better and early in the half went 2 - 1 up with a quality finish from Callum Barlow. A third followed shortly after and this was the cue for some more horror tackling including one on Jordan Hatton that he retaliated to and ended up with players pushing each other. By now the ref had had enough and blew his whistle for a 10 minute cooling off period where each of the managers were asked to speak to the players and parents as there was a real danger of the match being abandoned. The Respect barriers were extended to the full length of one side of the pitch and brought away from the pitch to give a greater distance between parents and players. The managers and subs were also asked to stand on the other side of the pitch away from parents.

Play restarted and Stalybridge pulled a goal back to make it 3 – 1 to us and now you could tell that they were in with a chance of getting back in the game. Callum Barlow, however scored another and at 4 – 1 the game was effectively over and we played out the last 15 minutes with no incidents.

The game ended and it was a relief to finish with a comprehensive victory and no injuries. A team with some decent players had come to North Reddish Park and tried to bully us and had been beaten. Again another top drawer performance by everyone with special mentions to three goal Callum Barlow, who is in the best form of his life, Frank ‘The Beast’ Mhiza and James Flynn for solid defending and some great last ditch tackles but Man of the Match went to Tom Kitchen who at centre half was immense. Well done lads we beat the bullies and our 100% record for 2012 continues and we remain unbeaten since 25 November.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ashton United 2 Reddish North End 6

Match Report from Under 15s Game Played on Saturday 18 February 2012

This was a comfortable victory 6 - 2 away from home against Ashton United, on a boggy pitch that was just about playable. This was a Cup game against a side that we had beaten 3 nil earlier in the season and I expected another win. Jordan Hatton returned from injury and was on the bench along with Danny Boocock. We started off well enough but a defensive mix up between Connah Green and Scott McGovern gifted Ashton a penalty as Scott did a tackle that won the ball but not before their striker was nearly hacked in half. They put the penalty away and unexpectedly we were 1 nil down.

We were dominating the game and were awarded a penalty ourselves when a good run from Tom Kitchen saw him caught by their defender in the box, and Tom went down in a way that Ronaldo would have been proud of. Mark Barnett comfortably put the penalty away to equalise. We were 2 – 1 up after a superb ball from Mark Barnett found Callum Barlow who finished well. Another goal followed from a James Davis corner that was headed in by Callum Barlow. Jordan Hatton and Danny Boocock were brought on and after having two goals disallowed (one from Connah Green which would have been his first for the club (another player pushing their keeper – probably the right decision and Callum Barlow for off side – looked to me like the wrong decision) Ashton were gifted another penalty when their striker was supposedly fouled in the box. It was one of those decisions where nobody appealed and only the referee seemed to spot it. The penalty was saved by Scott but their striker scored from the rebound.

Half time came and more changes were made. In the second half we continued to dominate and further goals came from Jordan Hatton and two more for Callum Barlow, making it four for Callum and giving us a 6 – 2 score line.

The game finished and overall this was an excellent team performance against a side who in phases gave us a game. There were some good individual performances, particularly from Mark Barnet and four goal Callum Barlow but Man of the Match was awarded to Jack Leigh for a solid shift at right back. Our 100% record in 2012 continues and we remain unbeaten since 25 November. More importantly we are playing well and the team spirit has never been better. Well done lads.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Reddish North End 5 Brendon Bees 3

Match Report from Under 15s Game Played on Saturday 28 January 2012

This was a great 5 – 3 home victory for us against a Brendon Bees side that had beat us in the reverse fixture and another superb team performance. The pitch was passed as playable by the Ref after the ice had melted creating a really muddy pitch with surface water in certain areas. We had a similar starting line up as the previous game only with Jack Leigh, Jamie Bates and Danny Larkin starting on the bench. We took the lead probably against the run of play when a low corner from Max Doherty was flicked on by Mark Barnet for Calllum Barlow to head in from close range. A second soon followed when another corner from Max was headed in by Tom Kitchen. We now started to play the best football all season. We were winning all the 50 50s in midfield, defended solid and totally dominated the game. Callum scored another and then shortly after a god ball from Mark Barnet was spilled by the keeper and turned in by Callum Barlow for his hat trick. We were 4 nil up and looked like we might go on to paste them. Just as half time approached we switched off for 5 minutes. They grabbed a breakaway goal and then two minutes later Frank handled in the area and they scored from the resulting penalty. It was now 4 – 2 and they were back in the game.

Half time came and Jamie Bates replaced Mark Barnet and Danny Larkin came on for Mark Barnet. The lads were told that if they got an early goal we would be in trouble and two minutes in a rare mistake by James Flynn gifted their forward a one on one with our keeper. Fortunately he skewed his shot well wide and this was a defining moment in the game. Some great midfield play saw Jamie Bates hit a shot from the edge of the area that looped over the keeper to give us a 5 – 2 lead. With about 20 minutes remaining Brendon pulled another goal back to make it 5 – 3. Further changes were made and we saw the game out for a great home victory.

This was our third victory on the bounce and we now have not been beaten since 26 November 2011. We are starting to play really good football and the team spirit is exceptional. We are third in the league which is outstanding considering there are 15 teams and the league is of a very high standard. All the lads played well but a special mention to Callum Barlow who worked his socks off, scored three goals, did not put a foot wrong and was easily the ‘Man of the Match’.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Reddish North End 5 Medlock Rangers 1

Match Report from Under 15s Game Played on Saturday 14 January 2012

This turned out to be a comfortable 5 – 1 victory against a Medlock side that are near the bottom of the league. They had, however given us a hard game in the reverse fixture where we won 4 – 3. The pitch at North Reddish Park was hard and only just playable. We started with the same line up that finished the game last week with Tom Kitchen, Callum Barlow and Danny Boocock on the bench. Max Doherty replaced Jordan Hatton up front, following his ankle injury last week.

We started off fairly well and after missing a couple of chances took the lead half way through the first half with a well taken goal by Mark Barnet. Only five minutes later Medlock were level when they seemed to run straight through us and it stayed level until half time. All three subs were brought on replacing Scott Seagrave, Jamie Bates and Max Doherty. We took the game by the scruff of the neck and only minutes in to the half Mark Barnet grabbed his second with another well taken goal to give us a 2 – 1 lead. We carried on pressing and a short pass on the edge of the area from Callum Barlow to James Davis, who hit a 25 yard shot first time that went in to the top corner, for the best goal of the game. The game was now effectively over and we then got two more goals that were both very similar to each other. Two corners from James Davis that were headed in from close range by Tom Kitchen and Danny Boocock.

More changes were made and we saw out a 5 – 1 victory. This was another performance that was a great team effort and we were deserved winners. We are now up to second in the league, although other teams below us have games in hand. Connah Green was awarded Man of the Match for another solid performance at centre half, but there were some other good performances, particularly ‘two goal Mark Barnet’, Frank Mhiza and James Flynn for some last ditch tackles to prevent them scoring and Jack Leigh, who is getting better each game and made a great clearance off the line.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Denton Youth Yellows 0 Reddish North End 4

Match Report from Under 15s Game Played on Saturday 7 January 2012

This was on paper a difficult looking game and one that I would have taken a draw from at the start. We had three players missing (Callum Barlow – leg injury, Felix Moss – hamstring injury and Tom Kitchen – who thought the game had been called off) and Denton were on exactly the same number of points as us and just behind us in the league on goal difference. They had also had a recent good run of results and had been climbing up the league, following a poor start to the season. As it turned out this was a comfortable 4 nil victory way from home and only our second clean sheet in two years.

We had not played for a month and this was one of the few games to be played at the weekend. The pitch at Blocksages, Dukinfield was easily playable and in fact was hard through the amount of sand that was on it. There were about three small patches where the pitch was waterlogged and a really strong wind blowing. Some changes were made to the previous game’s line up with Connah Green starting at centre half and Mark Barnet and Jamie Bates in midfield. We started off really well and completely dominated the first 30 minutes. A through ball for Jordan Hatton was calmly slotted the ball past the Denton keeper put us 1 nil up and it was no more than we deserved. 10 minutes later and we were 2 up. A back pass by a Denton defender was picked up by their keeper and the ref correctly awarded an indirect free kick just inside the box. Mark Barnet passed it to Jamie Bates who placed low in the net. For the first 30 minutes Denton had not had one decent attack and we had also had a stone wall penalty when Scott Seagrave was tripped in the box which bizarrely was not given by the ref. During the last 10 minutes of the half Denton nearly scored had it not been for some superb saves by Scott in the net. During the closing stages of the half Danny Boocock was brought off for Max Doherty following a knee problem and Mark Barnet for Jack Leigh.

Half time came and no changes were made. The second half continued in a similar way to the first with us dominating the play. Jordan Hatton who was having a superb game scored our third and his second with a well taken goal. With around 10 minutes to go Max Doherty grabbed the fourth with a shot and by now the game was over. Just when things could not get much better disaster struck when Jordan Hatton who had had a fantastic game twisted his ankle going for the ball and it was obvious that this was a serious injury and he was taken straight to hospital. It was thought that he broke his ankle but despite his ankle swelling up the size of a cricket ball, the x rays showed it to be a sprain only and he might hopefully be back within 4 weeks.

The game finished and this was great victory for us and one that was not expected. This was probably our best team performance of the season under difficult weather conditions and all 13 players played a part and did a fantastic job. A special mention to a few players however – Scott in the net for pulling off some fantastic saves, Connah Green for an outstanding performance in defence and Jordan Hatton for two quality goals and superb overall play. Their manager, however, awarded Man of the Match to Frank ‘The Beast’ Mhiza for a great performance in defence.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

03/12/2011 Home v Denton Youth.

Reddish North End 2 Denton Youth Blues 2

Match Report from Under 15s Game Played on Saturday 3 December 2011

This was perhaps the most amazing game I have ever witnessed. At home to our local rivals Denton Youth Blues the game ended 2 – 2 but had 3 controversial penalties, 3 players sent off, a missed penalty in the dying seconds and a pitch invasion. For entertainment value this was right up there with Waterlooo Road and Casualty perhaps mixed in with the best Match of the Day you have ever seen.

We started off with a similar line up to the previous week only Frank Mhiza in for Mark Barnet. This was a game I thought we would win – Denton were well below us in the League and with the exception of Jamie Bates who arrived late and Felix Moss who was still injured we had a strong squad available. The game started as you would expect from a derby with chances at both ends and some strong challenges from players of both sides. Around about the 25 minute mark we were awarded a penalty when their defender with his arms up in the area had the ball knocked on to him. It was technically a penalty but a lot of referees at this level would not have given it. A cue for lots of moans from their parents but Jordan Hatton kept his cool and a low hard shot in the centre of the goal with the keeper diving to his left and we were 1 nil up. Chances fell to both sides but with Scott McGovern in superb form we went in to half time a goal up.

It had been a very even game and despite four subs we made two changes at half time. Jamie Bates came on for Callum Barlow and Connah Green for Danny Boocock. The game continued as it had left off with chances to both teams and Jamie Bates creating problems with his skill and trickery down the flanks. A ball over our defence caught us out however. Their pacy winger managed to get to a through ball before our keeper and a fluky kick that went high in the air and looked like it was going over ended up in the back of the net. It was now 1 – 1 and Mark Barnet was brought on for Scott Seagraves. The game could have gone either way but Denton got a second when a goal mouth scramble where we failed to clear ended up with one of their players poking the ball in the net. By this stage Denton thought they had won the game but I had a feeling that we would score. Jack Leigh came on for Danny Larkin and we had our chance to get back in the game when we were awarded a penalty with about 10 minutes to play when Mark Barnet was pushed in the back. Again it was another penalty decision that most of the players and parents did not see – cue for more moaning from their lot and was too much for one of them with the referee sending him from the pitch side and threatening to abandon the game if he didn’t. Jordan Hatton who was on the bench at the time was brought back on to take it only to hit it well over the bar with the ball ending up somewhere in Levenshulme. The last 10 minutes were a blur and was not football in the normal sense of the word – full on tackles flying in, kick and rush style play adopted, panic everywhere. More changes were made and by the end the only player to have played the full game was Frank Mhiza.

More drama was to come however and in the closing minutes a short corner between Jamie Bates and James Davis resulted in a fast ball sent over by James that was probably a shot rather than a cross that somehow Jack Leigh got his head to with the ball flying in the roof of the net. Just when it looked like it would finish 2 – 2 a minute later and in the dying seconds a through ball by Denton gave them a one on one with Scott. Scott came out and tackled him with their forward flying in to the air in the area but by all accounts he played the ball. Their parents did not see it like that and again had a go at the ref. Seconds later from the resulting throw in Jack Leigh was adjudged to have pushed their player in the back. It was a harsh decision as to me it looked outside the box and was one of those that nobody appealed for including their mouthy parents. It was one of those decisions that I think was influenced by what had happened a few seconds previous. By now a team of kids who had just finished their game were watching. Our keeper Scott was asking why it had been awarded and his frustration led to him being booked, the ref refusing to give an explanation, followed by a red card as Scott continued his remonstrations. Max Doherty who was now on the bench came over, got involved when he didn’t need to and gave the referee a mouthful and was rightly red carded. After a 10 minute delay Danny Boocock put on the goalie shirt and gloves to face the penalty which was likely to be the last kick of the game. The little kids (funnily enough were a Denton team but on our side as they knew Tom Kitchen) who were watching started booing as their striker took the penalty. It was not a good one and Danny Boocock pulled off a good save diving to his right. The rebound fell kindly to the lad who had took it but his shot was again saved by Danny. The referee immediately blew for full time, prompting a pitch invasion by about 20 eight or nine year olds and all the players diving on Danny Boocock in celebration. The referee did find however time to send one of their players off.

It felt like a victory and in all my years of watching football have never seen anything like it. It was a game that all 15 players who took part and everyone watching will never forget. I look at it as one point gained as we could have easily have lost and due to our superior points tally and league position the draw is of more use to us than Denton. Danny Boocock was rightly awarded Man of the Match for his heroics in the net but there were some great performances all round, particularly Scott McGovern, Tom Kitchen, Jamie Bates and Jack Leigh. We will talk about discipline at training on Monday as we have to make sure that there is not a repeat of what happened in future games. Well done lads, again we showed spirit and rode our luck and got a result that at one stage looked unlikely.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

26/11/2011 Away v Brendon Bees.

Brendon Bees 3 Reddish North End 2

Match Report from Under 15s Game Played on Saturday 26 November 2011

This was a massively disappointing result considering we were playing a team7 points behind us in the League. Despite having Jamie Bates out injured and Frank Mhiza missing through a wedding I still expected a comfortable win. This was not to be and we went down 3 – 2 to a better than expected Brendon Bees side. The only change to the previous week was Tom Kitchen coming in at centre half for his debut and Danny Boocock moving over to left back.

After an even first twenty minutes we got break when their keeper spilled the ball and Callum Barlow pounced to slot the ball in the net. For the remainder of the half we did not play well and Brendon Bees had three excellent chances but hit the post or bar and at half time we were very lucky to go in 1 nil up. We had been sloppy in midfield, losing possession too often and had gifted them too many chances, one of which was the save of the season from Scott McGovern. Two changes were made with Connah Green replacing Mark Barnet at right back and Jack Leigh coming on for Danny Larkin.

Second half we were much better and created a host of good chances. Callum Barlow through on a one on one with the keeper hit the inside of the post. Straight from this chance Brendon Bees went up the other end and scored. We were still the better side and about two minutes after their goal Jordan Hatton scored an absolute peach of a goal, lobbing the keeper from around 30 yards. At 2 – 2 the game could have gone either way but with us dominating and creating chances we should have gone on to win it. We were being caught on the break and this is what happened with their third goal. A punt over their winger getting in front of one of our defenders and we were 3 – 2 behind. Danny Larkin came on for Max Doherty who in turn came back on for Tom Kitchen. We continued to create good chances but this was not going to be our day.

The game ended in a 3 – 2 defeat and the players came off absolutely gutted. In truth we had not played well over the whole 80 minutes and despite leading at half time we had a poor first half. James Davis was awarded Man of the Match by the opposition manager. We now need to pick ourselves up for next Saturday’s game at home to Denton Blues.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

19/11/2011 Home v Delamere Rangers.

Reddish North End 1 Delamere Rangers 4

Match Report from Under 15s Game Played on Saturday 19 November 2011

This was a disappointing result considering how well we played and how much we dominated. We were at home to Delamere Rangers who had a 100% League record and are probably going to win the League. We ended up losing 4 – 1 but this was an unfair reflection of the game. This was a similar staring line up to the previous week only with Jamie Bates not arriving Scott Seagrave, first game back following an injury, took his place in midfield. Callum Barlow was back up front for us with Connah Green and Jack Leigh on the bench. It was second v third and I had a feeling we could get a result.

We started off really well and for the first 20 minutes were much the better team. We created a couple of good chances and do not remember Delamere having a meaningful attck in this period. Against the run of play Delamere scored though. They were awarded a harsh free kick just outside the box against Mark Barnet from which they scored from. Ten minutes later, however, we got a deserved equaliser when a through ball found Callum Barlow who slotted it past the keeper. Jamie Bates arrived and following a knock to Max Doherty he came on to replace him.

Half time came and no changes were made to the team, who had overall been the better side. We again started brightly and had two excellent chances to take the lead, with one of them a Callum Barlow shot hitting the post. For the next twenty minutes Delamere got a grip on the game and made us pay with two goals to put us 3 – 1 down. Connah Green and Jack Leigh were brought on to replace Scott Seagrave and Mark Barnet, who had both had excellent games. Our heads had dropped by now and Delamere grabbed an inevitable fourth goal. Max was brought back on to replace Danny Larkin, but by now the game was over as a contest. The 4 – 1 victory to Delamere was an unfair scoreline and grossly flattered Delamere. Lessons learnt from this game are that we need to score when we are dominating, particularly against the better teams in the League. We also need to keep our composure as when we go a goal down like the Wythenshawe game three weeks earlier when we conceded five goals in the last 15 minutes, we seem to pack in a as team. Had the game gone on any longer they would have scored more. Mark Barnet was awarded Man of the Match, for a great game at right back.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

12/11/2011 Away v Ashton United.

Ashton United 0 Reddish North End 3

Match Report from Under 15s Game Played on Saturday 12 November 2011

This was a good victory 3 nil away from home against Ashton United, with three good goals and a clean sheet. The match was spoiled a bit however by an over officious referee who liked the sound of his whistle and meant that the game was never going to be a flowing game of football. Two enforced changes were made to the previous week with Callum Barlow being away for the weekend so Jamie Bates was put up front, Mark Barnet moved in to midfield and Connah Green given a start at right back. Danny Larkin was given a start in midfield place of Jack Leigh who was on the bench.

We started off very brightly and within the first 20 minutes we had three excellent chances that fell to Jordan Hatton and James Davis, twice. With half time approaching we got the breakthrough with a stunning volley from Jamie Bates that sailed in to the roof of the net. 5 minutes later and we were 2 up following a good through ball from James Davis found Jordan Hatton. He got to the ball just before their keeper and his shot trickled in to the net with their defender chasing the ball all the way.

Half time came and with only one sub we brought Max Doherty off and replaced him with Jack Leigh. We had totally dominated the game had created a hatful of chances and thought we would go on to grab a bag full.

How wrong I was. Ashton United came out battling and for 25 minutes were the better side. They started to create chances and about 20 minutes into the half, our keeper, Scott McGovern tripped their striker and a penalty was awarded. The penalty was placed high to Scott’s left and he pulled off a great save with the ball being parried on the cross bar to go out for a corner.

We gradually started to get back in the game and following some great work from Danny Larkin in their box he passed it to James Davis who from the edge of the area calmly side footed the ball into the net giving their keeper no chance. We were now 3 nil up and the game was effectively over as a contest. Max Doherty was brought back on for Connah Green and we created more chances with Jamie Bates unlucky not to grab another with two overhead kicks that went straight to the keeper.

The game finished and overall this was a good performance against a team who in phases gave us a game. We had four players missing for this game and it was pleasing not to concede and score three quality goals. I had a text after the game from the previous manager, James Emerson who said that this was the first clean sheet since the last League game of the Under 13s season which is a good year and a half ago. Man of the Match was awarded to Danny Boocock who had had performed exceptionally well at centre half. We are now third in the League, which is outstanding considering there are 15 teams in the League and at least 5 teams who are quality. Well done lads.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

05/11/2011 Away v AFC Oldham.

AFC Oldham 1 Reddish North End 6

Match Report from Under 15s Game Played on Saturday 5 November 2011

After two defeats on the bounce it was great to get back to winning ways with a 6 – 1 victory over AFC Oldham. This was far and away our best performance of the season and anyone watching would agree that this was thoroughly deserved and if anything we could have won by a much bigger margin. On arriving at Snipe Clough the pitch looked very heavy following a lot of rain and was waterlogged in a few places. It was however playable and postponing the game was not in question. We had already beaten AFC Oldham at home 4 – 2, earlier in the season but they had made us work hard for it and had also picked up a couple of wins themselves recently against half decent teams so this was not expected to be an easy game. The team was pretty much the same as the previous week with the only change being Danny Larkin put on the bench and Jack Leigh starting on the right side of midfield and Max Doherty returning from holiday starting on the left side of midfield in place of Connah Green.

The game started off with us just slightly edging it and Callum Barlow had two one on ones with their keeper which he failed to convert, one being a superb save. For the first fifteen minutes AFC Oldham also had a couple of half chances and my feeling now is that had they scored the game could have turned out differently. We continued to press and following a corner James ‘The Rock’ Flynn had an easy tap in to give us the lead and his first goal of the season. We were now getting a grip and following an excellent through ball from James Davis, Callum Barlow scored a good goal to put us 2 nil up. Just before half time, James Davis scored possibly the goal of the season. Following some good work from Max Doherty down the left he crossed to James who was on the edge of the box. In one movement he scissor kicked the ball in to the corner (a bit like Wayne Rooney’s goal v City last season only not off his shin and technically better). We were now 3 nil in front and there was no way Oldham would come back from this. The half time whistle came and Jack Leigh and Mark Barnet came off for Danny Larkin and Connah Green.

The second half saw us dominate further and we could have easily have got in to double figures as second half we dominated the play. Jamie Bates switching to right midfield, constantly tormented their defence with his skills and trickery and was unlucky not to score. Callum Barlow though made in 4 – 0 early in the second half and then Max Doherty made it five. AFC Oldham pulled one back when a weak shot from outside the box was uncharacteristically not saved by the Scott McGovern. Callum Barlow however got his hat trick to make it 6 – 1. With the game being so comfortable around 10 players were subbed at some stage and changes were made every five minutes throughout the half.

The game finished 6 – 1 and for the first time this season we had won by a big margin and apart from the first ten minutes were much the better side. All thirteen players involved (we had three players out injured for this one) did a job and whoever was on the pitch did not let the team down. Special mention to Jordan Hatton who despite not scoring did superb, James Flynn – solid as always, Danny Larkin – put himself about and got stuck in, Connah Green – a good performance, Jamie Bates getting better with each game and is possibly the most skilful player at this level that I have seen and Callum Barlow despite not playing to his normal high standards still grabbed a hat trick. The Man of the Match was given by the opposition manager to our number 4, who we thought was James Flynn and following applause for Flynny it turned out to be James Davis. Well done though to all the lads.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

29/10/2011 Away v Wythenshawe Town.

Wythenshawe Town 6 Reddish North End 2

Match Report from Under 15s Game Played on Saturday 29 October 2011

Of all the games played this season this was far and away the most disappointing. Winning 2 – 1 away from home against a strong Wythenshawe side who we had never beaten, we let in 5 goals in the last 15 minutes to lose 6 – 2. The team was pretty much the same as the previous week with the only change being Connah Green brought in at right back following a good display in the previous game. There was no Josh McHugh today so Danny Booocock partnered James Flynn in the centre of defence and Frank Mhiza went left back. Scott Seagrave who has been injured for the last five games was welcomed back and started on the bench with Jack Leigh.

The game started off with Wythenshawe dominating and after around 15 minutes we went a goal down. We were struggling a bit against a very pacy forward line and after 30 minutes the decision was made to bring Connah Green off, switch Mark Barnet to right back and Scott Seagrave brought on to inject a bit of pace down the left side of midfield. The change seemed to lead to us getting more of a grip of the game and we started to create some chances. Just before half time we grabbed ourselves a deserved equaliser when Jamie Bates shot from around 40 yards out. It looked like it was going over but it was too much for the keeper and despite getting a hand to it, the ball crept over the line.

Half time came and it was 1 – 1 with everything to play for. No subs were made and more of the same was asked for, as for the last period of the first half we had more than matched them. The second half started well and we continued to press forward. Our passing was good and for a fifteen minute period we were the better side despite them looking dangerous when going forward. Following a corner and a shot from James Davis cleared off the line by their defender Callum Barlow slotted in to put us 2 – 1 in front.

We held this lead for the majority of the half and could have gone 3 – 1 up when Callum Barlow rounded the keeper but hit his shot against the post. Had we scored at that stage we would have gone on to win comfortably and record our first ever win against Wythenhawe. We were playing well at this stage with particular mention to Scott McGovern who was was superb in the net. Mark Barnet and Frank Mhiza did a solid job at left and right back and James Flynn and Daniel Boocock were coping well with a really strong and powerful Wythenshawe forward line. With about 16 minutes left we brought Jordan Hatton off (he had worked his socks off up front) and moved Scott Seagrave to centre forward and brought on Jack Leigh as sub.

What happened in the last fifteen minutes is difficult to explain. It had looked like a game that was going our way when Wythenshawe grabbed an equaliser and from that moment on our game went pear shaped. From looking organised in defence and midfield the game turned in to a shambles and virtually every Wythenshawe attack led to them scoring. Scott Seagrave went off injured again with a recurrence of the ankle injury and could be out for a couple of months. The full time whistle went and it was a relief as they could easily have got in to double figures. In all the years of watching football I have never witnessed a game like this when we ended up taking a bit of a hammering but in truth could have easily have won the game. We have now lost two in succession, albeit against two of the better sides, but need to get back to winning ways next Saturday away at AFC Oldham.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

22/10/2011 Home v Whitemoss FC.

Reddish North End 1 Whitemoss FC 4

Match Report from Under 15s Game Played on Saturday 22 October 2011

Reddish North End’s good league form came to an end when we were beaten 4 – 1 at home against a good Whitemoss side who have a good chance of winning the league this season. This was a great game to watch and despite losing we gave them a game and had we been a bit more clinical in front of goal could well have won the game. We started with the same line up as the previous week with the only change being Connah Green back off holiday on the bench with Jack Leigh.

The game kicked off late after the referee had gone mistook Whitehill for North Reddish Park. It was a fairly even game with chances for both sides but it was two early first half goals that were pure quality that put us 2 nil down. Both goals from the same player were curlers from outside the box that gave Scott in net no chance. Despite the setback we continued to battle and I would say for most of the half it was a fairly even game.

Half time came and we could have no complaints about the score line and to be fair to the players they had all put in a solid performance and we had looked solid at the back. Only one change was made with Jack Leigh coming on for Mark Barnet.

The second half we let another two goals in and it seemed game over. We were 4 nil down and there was no way we were getting back in to it. Connah Green was brought on for Daniel Larkin and we continued to press forward. Numerous chances were created but a combination of bad luck and poor finishing saw us not be able to make a breakthrough. With about ten minutes left Mark Barnet got his foot to the ball before the oncoming keeper to give us a deserved consolation goal.

The game finished 4 – 1 but there were loads of positives to take from the game. We had been solid in defence (Frank, Danny, Josh and James were superb), we had created a lot of chances against one of the best sides in the league and on another day we could have had a result. Despite a physical game we had no injuries and with Scott Seagrave back next week and possibly Felix Moss we should have a much stronger squad for the tough away game against Wythenshawe Town next Saturday. Frank ‘The Beast’ Mhiza was deservedly awarded Man of the Match, by the opposition manager and this was a fair assessment as he had a fantastic game at right back.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

15/10/2011 Away v Medlock Rangers.

Medlock Rangers 3 Reddish North End 4

Match Report from Under 15s Game Played on Saturday 15 October 2011

Reddish North End got back to winning ways in the league ,with a 4 – 3 victory away at Medlock Rangers from Droylsden. We put out a similar starting line up to the previous week with the only change being Jamie Bates starting in place of Max Doherty who was away on holiday and Callum Barlow returning from injury and Felix Moss out with a hamstring problem. This was a game we expected to win with Medlock Rangers at the bottom of the league with only one point from their opening games. We have however found that there are no easy games in this league and the lads were reminded of this. We also have started slowly in games and virtually every match has seen us having to come back from a goal down.

After making a bright start to the game we carved open down the middle by Medlock’s first attack and against the run of play we went 1 nil down. We upped our game and a cross by Jamie Bates on the right was toe poked in by Jordan Hatton. After a bit more pressing we went 2 – 1 in front after a shot from Callum Barlow was handled on purpose by their defender with the goal keeper stranded. The player was booked with the referee making the decision not to send him off based on the ball going wide of the goal. Jordan Hatton stepped forward and calmly slotted the ball home.

Half time came and Jack Lee was brought on for Frank.

Early in the second half they equalised and we were again making hard work of a game with all the chances falling to us. We continued to dominate and create chances and following a low corner from James Davis, Danny Boocock got his toe to the ball to score from about a yard out. We now looked to have the game sewn up. Frank came back on to minimise the threat down our left hand side. Another corner from James Davis was headed home beautifully by Jordan Hatton for his hat trick and 4 – 2 in front and seemingly coasting. Just when it looked comfortable we let Medlock back in to the game with a soft goal and now we were only one in front and Medlock thinking they could get a point. The last few minutes were pretty tense and everyone was relieved to hear the final whistle.

Jordan ‘Hat Trick’ Hatton was deservedly awarded the Man of the Match but there were some other good performances from Mark Barnet, James Flynn and Scott McGovern. We are now up to fourth in the table, which is good considering there are 15 teams in the league and out of the five league games played we have one four, but in every one we have to work hard for the victory and come from behind. Well done lads.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

08/10/2011 Home v Wythenshawe Town.

Reddish North End 1 Wythenshawe Town 3

Match Report from Under 15s Game Played on Saturday 8 October 2011

Reddish North End’s 100% league record ended as we lost 3 -1 at home to a good Wythenshawe Town team. Enforced changes were made to the starting line up with Connah Green on holiday, Jack Leigh at Alton Towers and Callum Barlow injured from the previous week. Max Doherty was switched to centre forward and recently signed Jamie Bates, took his place on the bench. For the first time this season we only had 12 players available and we were playing a strong Wythenshawe team who had hammered us in previous games, last season.

This was a great game to watch with two equally matched teams competing in a game with full blooded tackles but played in the right spirit. The first half was fairly even with both sides creating chances with Jordan Hatton having the best chance for us but he put the shot wide. Wythenshawe looked dangerous in attack with forwards built like men and superb pace. For most of the half we defended superbly with James Fynn, Josh McHugh, Danny Boocock and Felix Moss doing well to contain a strike force that was easily the best that we had faced. Anything that did get through was dealt with by Scott ‘Safe Hands’ McGovern. With a minute to go to half time, failure to clear ball led to a shot from the edge of the box that went under Scott’s body and we were undeservedly 1 nil down.

The half time whistle went and the team talk was easy. Despite having 4 players out we had played well and more of the same was asked for, for the second half. One change was made with Jamie Bates brought in to midfield, Frank ‘The Beast’ Mhiza switched to right back and Felix Moss moved to the bench. We again started brightly but on a skiddy pitch Frank slipped at a crucial time and their fast centre forward was in to put Wythenshawe 2 nil up. At this stage, it felt like it was game over but credit to the lads we kept going when Max Doherty slotted in a deserved goal to put the score at 2 – 1. Jamie Bates, making his debut showed flashes of brilliance and has the makings of being a superb signing for us and showed the sort of trickery and skills that you normally only see watching the likes of Barcelona.

Mark Barnet was brought off for the last 15 minutes and Felix Moss brought on to play out the game on the left hand side of midfield. We continued to make a game of it but Wythenshawe scored their third with what looked like a repeat of the second goal with Frank slipping and their forward punished us again to make it 3 – 1. We came off defeated but we had given them a proper game. It was a game when everyone played their part and despite conceding three goals the defence actually had a really good game. The centre half pairing of Josh McHugh and James Flynn were superb as was Scott McGovern who had a great game in goal. Wythenshawe are probably one of the best two sides in the league and at times we more than matched them. The Wythenhawe Town manager gave man of the Match to James Davis, who was excellent in midfield. I do not mind losing games when we play like this so long of course it is not every week. Well done lads.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

01/10/2011 Home v Heyside.

Reddish North End Under 15s Maintain 100% League Record

Match Report - Reddish North End v Heyside Saturday 1 October 2011

Our third league game of the season saw us at home to Heyside FC from Oldham who although below us in the table I knew would give us a hard game. This was a match that had everything from controversial refereeing decisions, half the team getting injured, two bookings and a sending off and seven goals with North End running out eventual winners 5 – 2.

One change was made to the starting line up from the previous week with Connah Green keeping his place at right back, replacing Danny Larkin. The game started off with Reddish creating most of the chances, with Jordan Hatton having the best. On the 15 minute mark we were awarded a free kick on the left about 25 yards out which Max Doherty placed in the bottom corner. We were 1 nil up and I thought we would go on to score a hatful but for the next twenty minutes Heyside came back in to the game. A ball through to their forward who looked about three yards offside brought them an equaliser and we now had a game on our hands. A necessary change to the line up was made as Danny Boocock complaining of pains in his knee was replaced by Jack Leigh. Another breakaway down our left and a shot was saved but only parried out by ‘Safe Hands’ Scott and their forward had an easy tap in. We were 2 – 1 down and then the moaning amongst our players started. Mark Barnett came off to be replaced by Danny Larkin and the half time whistle could not come quick enough. After a bright start we had let Heyside get on top. They had had two chances and scored from them both.

In the second half we started to look lively again and soon after the restart we were awarded a penalty after their keeper collided with Callum Barlow. It was a strange decision as none of our players or parents appealed for it but on reflection it was probably the right one. Jordan Hatton volunteered to take it and calmly slotted the ball to the goalie’s right giving him no chance. 30 minutes to play and the game was ours for the taking. Danny Boocock came back on for Felix Moss on the left hand side of midfield. A few minutes later and it was 3 – 2, with the goal of the season. Some good work from James Davis carved out a chance for Danny Boocock on the edge of the box. Danny nicknamed ‘Toey’ as he is known for toepecking it, side footed a shot that went in to the top left of the net. It was a stunning goal that Lionel Messi would have been proud of. We continued to press and thought we had scored another when Jack Leigh scored with a shot that was mysteriously disallowed by the referee for pushing. Justice was done however when a few minutes later Jack Leigh scored stabbed the ball in the net. It was now 4 – 2 and we were firmly in the driving seat.

Callum Barlow came off with an injury and Mark Barnett came back on. A free kick was awarded down our left and Jack Leigh curled a beauty in to the far corner to make it 5 – 2. We still continued attacking and some great play by Mark Barnett and James Davis (awarded Man of the Match by ex Manager James Emmerson) saw a beautiful cross delivered by James to Max Doherty who scored with a close range effort. To the surprise of everyone the ref gave offside. Another injury saw Jordan Hatton go off and Felix Moss brought on. Heyside finished the last few minutes with ten men after one of their players got sent off for swearing at the ref. The whistle blew and we had won 5 – 2. This was again another win where we had come from behind and shown fantastic character. We are second in the league and one of only 4 teams to have a 100% record. Well done lads.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

24/09/2011 Away v Greenside Rangers.

Reddish North End Under 15s Knocked Out of the Cup

Match Report- Greenside Rangers v Reddish North End Saturday 24 September 2011

Technically this was an away game as although played at North Reddish Park we had been drawn away and the venue had to be switched due to a double booking of the Greenside pitch. The draw had not been kind to us as Greenside had won all three of their league games and were top of the league. We also had a 100% record so I felt confident that we could give them a game and may be even beat them. It was not to be and the better side won as we lost the game 4 – 1.

Changes were made to the starting line up from the previous week with James ‘The Rock’ Flynn taking up his normal role in centre of defence. Jack Leigh was given his first start of the season at right midfield. Max Doherty was put on the bench for missing the match last week as was Josh McHugh who arrived late for the game.

Every game we have played this season we have had a slow start and this game was no different. Within a minute a through ball from Greenside caught our defence napping and their pacy striker placed it past Scott to put us 1 – 0 down. We recovered well from this setback and started to battle our way back in the game. No clear cut chances were created by either side but on the 30 minute Callum ‘Sniffer’ Barlow received a good through ball to score a deserved equaliser. We went in at half time 1 - 1 and I honestly believed that we would win as we had just shaded the
first half.

Two changes we made at half time with Josh McHugh replacing Danny Boocock in the centre of defence and Max Doherty coming on for Mark Barnet. The lads were reminded to continue giving 120% as Greeenside were a good, physical side who had fast forwards. As in previous games we had a bad 10 minute period where we lost control of the middle of the park and were poor in defence. Previously we had got away with not playing well for a short period but Greenside were a decent team and they punished us with two goals early in the second half. Both goals were similar with us either not heading the ball or failing to clear or at least make it difficult for their forwards. It was now 3 -1 and we faced an uphill task to get back in the game. Connah Green came on for Felix Moss at right back and slowly we started to improve. Max Doherty came close with a great shot that hit the bar. It was fairly even until Greenside scored another to make it 4 – 1 and it was game over.

The 4 – 1 defeat was probably flattering to Greenside, but we deserved to lose and must play better if we are to compete with some of the better teams in the league. Some poor defending at a critical time and the greater desire to win that Greenside showed (we had at least two players who could have done better) had been our undoing. Some positives to come out of the game were;

· Scott ‘Safe Hands’ McGovern was excellent in net and not to blame for any of the goals conceded.

· Another hard working performance up front by Jordan Hatton who chased everything and was given Man of the Match by the
Greenside manager.

· Connah Green – has waited patiently on the subs bench for the first two games but played well at right back, when he came on today.

· We are out of the cup and can now concentrate on the league.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

17/09/2011 Home v AFC Oldham.

Reddish North End Under 15s Win Again

Match Report- Reddish North End v AFC Oldham Saturday 17 September 2011

First home league game of the season saw us pick up another 3 points after a hard working 4 – 2 victory against AFC Oldham. A few changes were made to the line up from the previous week. James Flynn (our best player last week) was put on the bench for arriving late and due to a no show from Max Doherty, Mark Barnet took his place in midfield. Felix Moss who came on as sub last week and put in a solid shift kept his place at right back.

Another slow start for Reddish in what had been a fairly even contest saw AFC Oldham take the lead with a well taken goal. This seemed to wake us a bit and after a bit of pressing, Mark Barnet played a quality through ball to Callum Barlow who slotted home past the keeper with a low drive to give us the equaliser. We were now starting to get the better of the opposition and sure enough Jordan Hattton gave us a deserved lead.

We continued to dominate but were seriously affected by two serious injuries. First Frank ‘The Beast’ Mhiza took a kick to the face and was subsequently brought off and treated with an ice pack (thanks to Danny Boocock’s mum who went home to get one from the freezer). The side was reshuffled to enable James Flynn to take his place. Worse was to follow as a fair challenge on Scott Seagrave caused him to twist his ankle as he fell and straight away we knew it was bad. Fearing he might have broke his ankle his mum was contacted who took him to hospital, where we were later to find out that he has damaged some of the soft tissues in his ankle and will be out for around three weeks. This was a real shame as Scott had been playing really well and was causing their team problems down the left hand side. It was also his fifteen birthday on this day. A bit more reshuffling was done and Jack Leigh was brought on to replace him. The half time whistle went and we were deservedly leading 2 – 1.

Another change was made with Connah Greeen replacing Josh McHugh, who had put in a good performance at centre half. The second half was pretty much the same as the first half had ended with us slightly on top and creating problems for their defence with our pace up front. We went 3 – 1 up when a long range effort from James Davis went underneath the keeper and just crept over the line. Just when it looked like we would win comfortably, poor defending allowed their striker to ghost past our defenders and score a well taken goal. For the next 15 minutes Oldham dominated the game and we looked nervous in defence. The ice pack had done the trick and Frank ‘The Beast’ was brought back on to help steady the ship. With around 20 minutes remaining James Davis grabbed a second direct from a free kick 30 yards out that sailed right in to the top corner of the net. Further changes were made mainly to try and give everyone plenty of game time and at 4 – 2 the game was effectively over as we regained control. We saw the game out and at 4 – 2 I feel this was a fair reflection of the game and apart from a 15 minute blip in second half we were the better side. They had given us a game however and following our 4- 3 away victory at Stalybridge Celtic last week we now have two wins out of 2, sit in fifth place in the league and have a game in hand on most of the teams above us. Another good performance all round and two goal James Davis was awarded Man of the Match by Danny Boocock’s dad.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

10/09/2011 Away v Stalybridge Celtic.

Under 15s Grab a Win after Being 3 – 1 down

Stalybridge Celtic 3 Reddish North End 4

Reddish North End took all three points in their first league game in an exciting game against Stalybridge Celtic away on Saturday 10 September 2011. After a slow start Reddish went behind to a well taken headed goal by Stalybridge. Following some good work down the right by Scott Seagrave, whose shot was saved by their keeper allowing Daniel Larkin a tap in to give us an equaliser. Almost immediately from the restart a defensive error gifted Stalybridge a goal and we were 2 -1 down. We were up against a decent team and were struggling to create much in the way of chances. Any passing moves were kept to a minimum and a few of our players seemed to be getting wound up a by Stalybridge side who at times were intimidating. Another defensive error and Stalybridge Celtic were 3 – 1 up and it looked like it might not be our day.

As the half progressed we start to get a bit more in to the game and pulled a goal back through Max Doherty. This was now becoming a really feisty game with lads from both sides arguing with each other. There were no nasty challenges going in by either side but persistent pushing and shoving of players (by both sides) and arguing with the opposing players and moaning at the ref, who was struggling to cope. Things came to a head towards the end of the first half when Max Doherty was asked to leave the field to calm down and Mark Barnett brought on to replace him. Things got even worse when Stalybridge were awarded a controversial penalty, when Daniel Boocock was adjudged to have brought down their right winger who had caused us problems during the half. Luck was on our side though as the penalty was placed wide of the goal and we went in at half time 3 – 2 down.

During half time we talked a lot about keeping our discipline and doing what we are good at battling, passing the ball and balls over the top for our two pacy strikers. Josh McHugh was replaced by Felix Moss and a tactical switch made with Daniel Boocock moved from left back to central defence and Frank (The Beast) Mhiza moved from right to left back to try and handle their threat from right wing who to be fair had the beating of us in the first half. There was only one goal in it and a full half to play and I genuinely felt that whoever scored first would win the game.

The second half was different and we started to dominate. Both Jordan Hatton and Mark Barnet missed good chances to score before a Mark Barnet shot come cross was spilled by the keeper and Callum Barlow had an easy tap in. It was now 3 – 3 and everything to play for. We continued to press and started to look the better of the two sides. During the second half we defended much better with James Flynn (Man of the Match) having an outstanding game at the centre of defence. Switching ‘The Beast’ from right to left back (Mark Barnet’s dad’s suggestion) was a masterstroke and their right winger did little in the second half. With around 5 minutes left and everyone thinking the game was heading for a draw we scored with a shot from a narrow angle from Callum Barlow that went under the keeper and in to the roof of the net. It was 4 – 3 to and the cue for more moaning from the opposition, players pushing each other, their manager calling us ‘Reddish tramps’ etc.

The final whistle went to cheers from us and groans from them. This was a hard fought victory that at 3 -1 down in the first half seemed unlikely. Make no mistake, Stalybridge Celtic are a good side and this game could easily have ended in a 4 or 5 – 2 defeat. Full credit to the players who despite not playing well, battled hard and showed fantastic spirit. It was great to get the season off to winning start.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

28/08/2011 Dukinfield Youth Tournament. Match report by: William Hassall

The under 15s put in some superb displays to finish runners up in the Dukinfield Youth Tournament, held on Sunday 28 August 2011. Despite having 5 regulars missing, the team ran out winners of their group following a 4 - 1 defeat of Great Moor with goals from Callum Barlow, Jordan Hatton, Max Doherty and an own goal. A draw against the next opponents, Medlock Rangers would see them finish as group winners. After taking an early lead from Callum Barlow the game finished 1 - 1 and a final against the hosts Dukinfield Youth was set up.

In the final there were limited openings for both sides but Dukinfield Youth took the lead through a flukey goal. Reddish continued to press for an equaliser and it looked like it wasnt to be our day when we were awaded a penalty which was unfortunately saved by their keeper. With the minutes ticking away the team pushed for a goal and in the final minute were rewarded with a well taken goal from Jordan Hatton. 30 seconds later and the ref blew for time and it was a penalty shootout to decide the match. Despite a good start to the penalties we lost 4 - 2 and following a presentation were awarded a cup for finishing runners up.

This was a fantastic achievement and our first trophy of the season. It was particularly remarkable bearing in mind we had no subs, 5 lads out who could not make it and the quality of the opposition who were all good teams, some of whom had won their respective leagues last season. We have now gone 10 games unbeaten in pre season and have a very good team who will be be one watch out for in the coming season. The lads who took part were;

Scott McGovern - superb display in goal

Mark Barnett - solid performance

James Flynnn - steady as a rock in defence

Connah Green - solid performance

Jack Leigh - another solid performance in defence

Tom Kitchen - a real handful down the right of midfield

Danny Larkin - a great performance against some difficult midfield opponents

James Davis - a solid performance again againt teams with quality midfielders

Max Doherty - always an handful and scored a good goal in the first game

Jordan Hatton - a real handful with his pace and strength and grabbed two good goals

Callum Barlow - a thorn in the side of the opposition and took both his goals well.

________________________________________________________________________________________________