Denton Town 1 Urmston Meadowside 1 (u14's)

Our hardest test I think today girls, two strong teams, Urmston certainly turned up to play, and the draw was a fair result. I don't want to take anything away from Urmston because I think we were lucky to be going in at half time 1 - 1 but, I think some of us were not playing as well as we normaly do. We looked very hesitant at times especially, in the first half, why, I don't know. There was no flow to our game of which I know Meds., were partly responsible for but, we were also guilty of it. You have to realise girls, we are the reigning champs and everybody who we play, will raise their game, because, they want to beat us and prove how good they are. We need to believe in our abilities in ourselves girls and, not worry about other reputations coming along in the other team and maybe ones that are not in ours any longer. We have a good team here girls, we are strong, we play good football when we are up for it, and if we want too and, I have no doubts that we can win something again this year but, you have to earn it. No team in this league is going to roll over and let you win it so its up to us to do our jobs individually and more importantly AS A TEAM . If you ask your dads, they will tell you this; in football its so much harder to defend a title or retain a cup because like I said, at the top every one wants to beat you so, its a lot harder to play in these games so you have to have the right attitude when you come to the game. Be focused and eager for the task you will have to do in the game. Well played to Urmston Meds., they are a very strong side and will also playing for everything this year. The game was tough but very fair and all of you played the game in a great spirit, so well done to both teams (when Chloe of Urmston went down I did try to sub her, but she was having none of it). Oh well, it was worth a try.

ALAN

p. s training tues is 7. pm till 8 .pm trainers to be worn don't forget !!!!

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I arrived late for your game, in a buoyant mood, as I had just witnessed the 12's coming from 2 down to win 3-2, so when I walked onto the field just as Yolanda bagged her goal, I thought, yes, things are looking good. As it turned out, you were held by a really strong Urmston side, who without doubt, will fancy their chances of lifting some trophies come the end of the season.

I think Alan's said everything there was to say, so I'm not going to waffle on as usual. I enjoyed the game, played by two very competitive teams, and from the matches and results so far, I believe this season is going to be very tight indeed, with teams taking points of each other - so be prepared to battle hard if you want to retain the championship.

Goals were scored in the 1st min (I believe) by Chloe of Urmston, with our Yolanda replying in about the 7th min. Player of the match for us was Chloe Williams, for them the number 7 on the right-hand wing. The ref., Jacob had a good game, and got 9/10 from both me and Urmston's manager, Dave.

Poynton AWAY next Sat. Note kick off will be 11am arrive at 10:30 unless you arrange to meet somewhere in Denton - please see Alan on Tuesday night as I will be leaving early for a meeting. Also, WHITE SHIRTS - if you have a white shirt, please bring it with you - Alan has the rest.

NIGEL.

Uppermill 2 Denton Town 3 (u12's)

Girls, got to say you had us worried at half-time. 2-0 down, no communication, not holding your positions, 2nd to the ball, ball watching, not switched on - do you want me to stop?

I don't like having a go at you when you win (especially as we had a bare 7), but lets be honest, the 1st half was awful, which is why we had to have serious words with you all at half-time.

2nd half, great improvement, as you started to take note of what we were telling you. You marking was better, positioning was better, still need to work on communication and playing as a team, but overall, this was a GREAT come back, and it just goes to show, YOU CAN DO IT! when you puts your minds to it.

We're not getting carried away though, because you will come across much stronger teams than Uppermill (no dis-repect to them), which is why you MUST start to take training more seriously; last Thursday was a disgrace, as some of you (not all), were more interested in having a giggle, than playing football, which isn't fair on me, Amy, your parents, or the players that do want to learn - so this coming Thursday I expect you all to focus on what we are showing you - after all, we want the best for you, but to achieve this, you have got to WORK WITH US!

Back to the match, get league debuts for Kendal (2 goals), and Kay (1 goal), and also Teah, putting everything into her game, though we will have to work on those late challenges. Well done to Emily taking on the captains armband in Tiarna's absence. I can't fault any of you for effort today, because everyone tried their best, but please, next game, lets see you all switched on from kick-off.

Our player of the match according to Uppermill was Kay - so well done Kay. For them, their no. 11 gave us loads of problems. The ref was ultra keen on foul throws, and stopped the match for virtually every one, which didn't really allow the game to flow, so gave her 7/10, as at your age, she should of let one of two more go by. We will be working on throw-ins very shortly.

Last season, I kept a log of when goals were scored for the 13's, and I'll try and do the same for you this season. The goals went like this: -

13 mins 0-1

14 mins 0-2

half time (20 mins each way)

26 mins 1-2 Kendal

28 mins 2-2 Kendal

31 mins 3-2 Kay

Finally, I would love to put a picture per game up on the blogger of the girls in action, so if anyone has got a decent camera with zoom capabilities, please have a go, and email me the best 2 or 3 shots (note, we must get permission on the day from the league and opposition, which I will sort out).

NIGEL.

Denton Town 7 Wythenshawe Ams 3 (U14's)

Another good performance today girls, we're slowly getting back into full stride which, we needed to because today Wythenshawe worked their socks off, even at 7- 1 down, they still gave their all. I think they will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season. Today we gave Sam our mom. Sam has alot of ability but doesnt always show it but, today she realy tried hard so, she deserved it - well done Sam. Yoyo was at her best today too, simply unplayable when shes in this form, even after a late night up with Ruby (Hyacinth to me). I can't mention all of you but, every one played there part today. I think we were a little fortunate with the 2nd goal of Yoyo's but, football tends to even itself out and, I thought Kayleigh was fouled for their 3rd goal. At the end of the day it was a good hard game by 2 decent teams so, well played to you all. I'll see you all tues at training girls, so make sure you're all there - we dont want to lose any games because we are not fit enough do we! Have a nice weekend and behave yourselves.

P.S. Well done to Megan for her mom. Megan has so much energy, I wish I could bottle it up - i'd make a fortune, must be all that Irish dancing she s been doin lol.

ALAN.

As Alan has said above, another great win, against a strong Wythenshawe team, who perhaps aren't quite firing on all cylinders yet, so beware when we play them again at their end - they're no mugs, and want to put one over on us, that's for sure.

Yoyo - absolutely world class - six goals, what more can one ask for. Not all about goals of course, Sam deserved a goal as she really put it in today, and again repeating what Alan has said, Megan has got a terrific engine on her, and can probably run for hours. Today, both Megan and Keely looked like they had been playing for the team for years, and have blended in the team fantastically. Captain Nicole still barking out the orders, and appears to be loving it, and Lauren really put in some great determination to fend off an opponent and send a quality cross in the box - top stuff! And of course, penalty Queen, Kayleigh scored from the spot again - do you know, in the 4 meetings between our two teams, we've had 3 pens, all converted by Kay? Bet WA's are sick of the sight of us.

Jacob the ref did okish, but got to be honest, Yoyo's 2nd was offside (I would of flagged but ref's instructions are ins/outs only, and would of kept my flag down if it had been at our end). To balance that up, Beth from W.A.'s was all over Kayleigh for their 3rd, and play should of been brought back for a free kick to us. I gave Jacob 7/10 as did Ian from WA's. As you know, Megan got MOM from them, and we gave it to their no. 10 Beth Brooks who played some tremendous football. For the statisticians amongst you, here are the goal details: -

8 mins 1-0 Yoyo
20 mins 2-0 Yoyo
22 mins 3-0 Yoyo
23 mins 3-1
32 mins 4-1 Yoyo
Half time
38 mins 5-1
41 mins 6-1 Yoyo - at this point I was saying to myself, please can we have another goal scorer
47 mins 7-1 (PEN) Kayleigh - my prayers answered
52 mins 7-2
64 mins 7-3 - brave come back by WA's.

See you Tuesday, but remember next Saturday, Gavin (Keeley's dad), will be collecting the subs and sorting out the match card.

Have a great weekend.

NIGEL.

Under 12's Fixtures

I thought I had already done this, but thanks to Kylie's mum, Sue, I now know different.

All the games will be played on the 3G Astro surface at Chapel Rd., Oldham OL8 4QQ.

Please arrive for 11am unless told otherwise. Matches should be over by 12:30.

Boots - steel studs/blades not allowed - moulded ones are ok. You MUST wear shinpads.

Finally, the season is about to start; don't think I have ever started one so late. So here goes: -

29th Sept - Uppermill Rockettes A
6th Oct - NO MATCH - so far
13th Oct - Droylsden Juniors
20th Oct - Heyside Angels Clarets
27th Oct NO MATCH - so far
3rd Nov - Moston Valley Angels
10th Nov - Curzon Ashton Tigers
17th Nov - Oldham Athletic

Then NO MATCHES until 2008 - but THIS COULD CHANGE.

I will keep you all informed about any changes.

Good luck for the season - me and Amy are looking forward to it.

Nigel.

14's v 12's Friendly

Well done to the 12 s last nite in our little warm up game. I thought u did fantastic and really can see u doin well this year. U played some great football at times last night so if u can do that against us girls u can do it against any team. I know the 14s where takin it easier than usual but when I was watchin u playin the ball around and tryin ur little socks off, it reminded me of our team 2 or 3 yrs ago and to be honest u looked just as good as us then so well done again girls. Keep workin hard and listen to your coaches at training and especially in the matches, you have a very promising side there believe me, and just to say to the 14 s thanx last night too, you played your part in a very good exercise for the 12 s but dont forget, get back to full throttle on sat please lol.

ALAN BREWER - 14's Manager.

Thanks to all the 14's for helping us with a friendly, much appreciated, we really enjoyed it, and you were not too hard on us. Thanks also to Alan and Tim for your words of encouragement, and I'm sure we learnt a lot from your girls. Cheers.

Mad FOOTY Mum.

Thanks to the 14's and managers Alan and Tim for agreeing to play this friendly. I was really pleased with the attitude shown by the 14's to the 12's, and I could see that they were giving encouragement during the game - so thanks a lot girls, I knew I could count on you.

The match was more about the 12's because with the season just around the corner, me and Amy were keen to get some match practice in, and despite our best efforts to arrange friendlies against other local teams, it all came to nothing - so in was a case of 14's to the rescue.

With 3 new girls joining us during the summer, we wanted to try out players in different positions, which is why we opted for 4 x 10 min quarters. Despite all the swapping and changing we did, the 12's did amazingly well, against not only a team 2 years their seniors, but reigning champions of the South Manchester League.

There was lots of determination and effort, plus some very good football at times as well. It couldn't of been easy for the girls playing against such a high profile team, I know that when I was 11 (gone on say it - a very long time ago lol), if my manager had said you're going to play a team two years old who, just also happen to be the champions of their league; I would of run a mile.

Alan and Tim both came over after the game to say what a good little team the 12's are, and I know both me and Amy will take a lot from this game as we prepare for the 1st game a week on Saturday. We feel very optimistic and can't wait to start the season.

Well done girls, it looks like you're starting to believe in yourselves at last.

NIGEL.

Denton Town 4 Sale United 1 (U14's)

Another win today girls, well done. It was a lot more difficult than I think some of you thought but, when u realised that you had to work harder, we won quite comfortably in the end. Credit to Sale, they have improved a considerable bit since last season and played some goood football themselves, at times making our defence have to work. I think that they will cause a few problems for all defences as they go through the season, any way back to us. Me and Tim could tell that the training is working as we were still running strong at the end of the game. Yoyo on another day could have had 5 or 6 but, keep making them runs yo and u will be top scorer at the end of the season - we all have no worries there. Congrats to Keeley on her 1st goal for us and what a way to get it although, think Gavin got away cheaply with a fiver as most of us had to cough up 20 lol - especialy Warren and Sara, I think it cost em a lot more (we'll get u them new trainers yet bum bum). Captain today was Nicole, who I thought did the job really well barking out her orders to poor Kayleigh, Sally and Rebbeca and, then Chelsea. I think I feel sorry for the future Mr. Nicole - he better be a good boy. Anyway girls, well done again, and I'll see you all on Tues. Don't forget, lets work hard - its a long long season. Well done to u all.

Alan B.

Fantastic girls, another hard fought victory against a much much improved Sale, who will take a few teams by surprise this season, I'm sure. Echoing what Alan said above, congrats to Captain Nicole for constantly giving out instructions, and top goal Keely, you were awesome today. Some great passing moves that were a delight to watch, and I know there are still a few problems, but both you and Alan/Tim are more than capable of sorting them out over the coming weeks. At the moment, Alan and Tim are working on your fitness, which is the correct
thing to do, as fitness plays a more important role as you get to more senior levels - remember, as you get tired, the first thing you lose is your skills.

7 mins 1-0 Keely

24 mins 2-0 Yolanda

half time

36 mins 3-0 Yolanda

38 mins 3-1 Sale

63 mins 4-1 Yolanda

Jacob our new home ref did ok, so I gave him 8. The opposition player of the match was the goalie, and no surprise that ours was Yolanda with her terrific hat-trick.

Next games:- 22nd Sept Wythenshawe Ams 29th Sept Urmston Meds - both at home 12:30 kick off.

By the way, trying to sort the council out this week about which pitch to use. I though Blocksages was fine, but feel Armadale is a little better, especially when the bad weather starts to come in. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks for agreeing to play the 12's on Tuesday coming, I've struggled to get friendlies for the past few weeks, and all they have had this summer is one decent friendly and one tournament, in which they came a credible 3rd. They are really looking forward to it, and hopefully it will give me and Amy some ideas about who to play where (new players have joined and some have left over the summer).

Nigel.

Denton Town 3 Stockport County 3 (u11's 8th Sept)

WELL DONE GIRLS
the first game of the season 3-3 against Stockport not bad we could have won though
we had to juggle the team about what with no goalkeeper come on girls there must be someone you know who would make a good keeper. Getting back to the match Gabby, missed the match and we all no how good she is, we would have definitely won with her but hey you really did well it just shows how well you've come on over the past year I'm certain where going to finish in the top 3 or even WIN the league this year. Must mention Girl of the Match Emily you were fantastic in defence keep it up

I THINK THE MANAGER FROM SALE WAS WATCHING COZ HE'S CANCELLED THE MATCH ON SATURDAY SO NO GAME THIS WEEKEND YOU CAN ALL HAVE A LIE IN SEE YOU AT TRAINING THURSDAY.

ALLEN.

Stockport County 1 Denton Town 2 (U14 8th Sept)

Well done girls - a great start but dont get over excited, its just 1 game of
many and as last season was tough this season is goin to be a lot harder. Stockport are a good side, they will be there challening along with others so
we need to just focus on each game 1 at a time. We played some bright
football at times and can I see so much potential to come but we are still
making some silly mistakes but I know we can sort them out. We looked a little fitter today too so as we get more matches under our belts we will get stronger and stronger so make sure u get to all the training u can so we can get the fitness levels up and sort these little errors out. I'll see u all on tues girls and dont forget to listen and work hard - its for your benefit and u will get tons better than u are and ur all at a good level so lets see how far we can get yeh. ALAN.

Knowing what a good side Stockport are, and they finished last season very strongly, this match was for me, all about getting 3 very important points in the bag, and you did it. You started off brilliantly, with several really good chances before Megan netted on 16 mins, giving her a goal on her league debut. Mid way through the first half, Stockport got back into it, but thanks to Chloe W, who was alert and quickly off her line on numerous ocassions, you kept them at bay.

Sam's strike on 59 mins gave us a much needed cushion, and enabled Tim and Alan to change things round a little bit, ensuring everyone got plenty of footie. On 65mins, Stockport hit back, and this paved the way for a tense finish, in a match that overall, could of gone either way. Well done to all the girls that have moved up from the 12's - Megan, Sophie and Keely.

This was a thoroughly good game, and a credit to both sides, who both went out to win the game. Any neutrals watching, would surely of gone away with positive thoughts about girls football, as both you and Stockport put on a performance as good as any boys matches I've seen down the years.

As per usual, Stockport nominated our goalie as player of the match, but this time, I think they were correct, as Chloe W commanded her area magnificently. For them, their no.7 Renee Healey who was always a threat. The referee was Kirsty Wilkinson, officiating her first competitive match. I gave her 7 as she was nervous, a little unsure, and was a little too quick to give decisions Stockport's way when they appealed - which is why YOU should ALWAYS APPEAL for fouls, handballs, corners and throw-ins. Not saying Kirsty was biased in any way, and today's game was probably a good learning experience for her.

Alan stated above, don't get carried away. Sale next week, and you will be forgiven for thinking 3 easy points - don't! The start of the season always throws up a few surprises, and teams often change quite considerably during the summer - so beware!

NIGEL.

Stalybridge Celtic (15's) 3 Denton Town (14's) 0

Will not the result we would have wished for, but this friendly was essential to give Alan and Tim the opportunity to see how you all played together, now that you have moved upto 11 a-side, as well as assessing the new girls.

All three of us were happy with your overall performance (certainly no lack of effort), but momentary lapses of concentration (ball watching), enabled Stalybridge to punish us. Fitness perhaps played a part as well. Their left winger (no. 11), played exceptionally well, and did most of the damage, but there were many good things to come out of the game for us as well.

For me it was nice to see how Keely, Megan and Sophie blended into the team, which also means, that together with Yoyo, Ruby and Chloe B, we now have 6 of our squad of 15 that are playing a year above - i.e. all six girls could play for an under 13's team.

Some excellent saves by keeper Chloe W, and also some quality passing moves in midfield going forward. We had many good chances, particularly early on when it was still 0-0, and had one of them gone in, the result could have been so different. Plenty to work on, and you're more than capable of turning over Stockport next Saturday - remember, KO is 11am.

Nigel.