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.