Under 12's vs Oldham Athletic - Ooops!

It must be the time of year, or I'm getting really old. First mistake, dragging the u8's to WAGS in terrible weather conditions, and 2nd mistake, not realising the 12's had a game today. TWO mistakes in ONE DAY! and here's me thinking I was perfect - lol.

We were told by the league to keep checking the website for fixtures. I checked on Saturday - no match, Sunday they were changed. My fault, if fixtures are going to be changed, chances are it will be done on a Sunday, when committee members are at home.

So, another apology. SORRY to Oldham Girls League, Oldham Athletic, Michelle Cooper (of the league), Amy, and of course, all the girls from the 12's for messing up, and probably costing you three points. Please don't hate me for it :(

NIGEL.

Under 8's at Wythenshawe Ams

A truly truly awful day. Very cold, raining, bit windy, and I hold my hands up, I made a mistake in not calling Ian to cancel the event. I've been involved with girls football for 10 years, and I should of realised the weather conditions would be just too severe for some the girls, the youngest being only 5. So, can I go on record saying 'SORRY' to all the players, parents and Nicole, Georgia and Chloe for dragging you out in such appalling weather, for what was a friendly at the end of the day.

It was clear just a few minutes into the match, that it would be too much for some of the younger girls, and by mid-way through the 2nd period, some girls were crying, and one had to go home early. We're due to play Wythenshawe (WAGS) and a couple of other teams again early in the new year, but I'm going to ask for an indoor venue.

On the positive side, the girls were really brave, and tried their best to play good football. Some of the WAGS girls were quite a bit bigger, and that combined with the cold, made it all the more difficult. It was almost impossible in these conditions for the three coaches to motivate the team, and even I struggled in that department.

So, a lesson learnt I think (for me anyway), as I can't fault the young coaches for their commitment today. Also, all four of us are very proud of Rebecca, Abbie, Holly, Megan, Deana, Analise, Bayleigh, Isabel and Olivia for turning up and doing their best.

Well done girls, I hope today hasn't put you off, and we'll see you Thursday. Those of you that are going to Aladdin on 13th December and haven't paid the money, please can you do so next week.

Once again, big thanks to Ian & Carol for arranging today's event.

NIGEL.

Denton Town 8 Wythenshawe Town 1 (LgeCup u14's)

One-nil down after six minutes, and WT were giving us something to think about. Vital that Sam got us back into it two minutes later. We went in at half-time 2-1 up thanks to a goal from Georgia (almost Megan's but credit to Megan for saying it was Georgia's), and my thoughts were, this game isn't over, and WT would come at us in the 2nd half.

However, some clever switching by Alan/Tim proved what good tacticians they are, as we bagged another 3 within the first 15 mins of the restart. As per usual, Yolanda with yet another hat-trick but it was great to see the goals spread out with 2 from Georgia, 1 from Sam and another player with a brace, Keely.

Keely was given player of the match off Alan/Tim, but Sandra from WT was clear in saying for her, Chloe W did great in goal today (Ruby did ok too in goals, so you'll bet watch out Chloe). Talking about Chloe W, didn't she deserve a goal today when she came out. Never mind, you'll get one sooner or later - took Nic forever if you remember lol.

Their player of the match was the 1st half goalie, Amy, who was strong and in command of her defence. Special mention to Jade from WT, who hurt her ribs and had to go to hospital. If you're reading this Jade, we hope you get well soon.

Big big thank you to the ref Kirsty Doherty today, for coming to my rescue. When Jacob sent me a text this morning to say he couldn't make it, panic set in. I phoned all over the place with no joy, but thankfully Kirsty was able and willing to help us out. Having said that, this wasn't a good game for her, and Kirsty admitted at half-time that she wasn't pleased with her performance. She did miss quite a few offsides amongst other things, so I gave her 7, but please remember, like everybody else, we all have off days, and without her today, Tim (or even worse), Alan would have been the ref., now how bad would that have been?

Finally, great to see Megan from the 8's girls come down and watch you all. Megan has been attending our Girls Soccer School on Thursday nights for sometime now, and really loves her football. She plays for Dukinfield Town boys, and she's got a really good kick on her. Love to see you again at a 14's match Megan, and remember, keep practising the dummy I showed you today, so that you can demonstrate to us all next Thursday.

NIGEL.

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Well played girls. Today, we were slow out of the blocks but, when we had to, we changed gears and in the end we were comfortable winners. Well done to WT. they battled all the way. I know Sandra had a couple of girls missing as we did but, I don't think the result would of been different. Some good second half performances. Keeley must of took 45 seconds to score after we put her up front lol. Megan enjoyed going back to right side of midfield, the defence was as usual solid, some great tackles and headers especialy Sally (I can't head a ball). Sally you met that ball perfectly, and it went about 20 yards back over theire defence and, we scored. So well done Sally, please don't tell me up can't head it. Well done to you all girls, you all played well today, and to add to Nigel's comments, I hope that Jade from WT ribs are ok and she gets better soon. I'll see you on Tues girls - be good!

ALAN.

Oldham Athletic 7 Denton Town 1 (u12's)

I really thought you could of got something out of today's game. For the 1st 5 or so mins, you pinned them back, and could easily of taken the lead on a couple of occasions. They scored on what was probably their first attack, and 3-0 down at half-time wasn't really a true reflection of the game.

Second half, fair enough, I thought we were overrun, but we did have chances, and Kay scored a good goal with 5 mins to go. What cost us today was once again, switching off when we lose possession. All the goals were preventable if you listen to our instructions, and concentrate from the 1st to the last kick.

Some players were put in positions they are not used to, and didn't want to play there, but that is no excuse for pleasing yourself and going where you want to play. This distrupts the entire team, and we completely lost our shape. If you are asked to play in a certain position, stick to it, and give it your best - you never know, you might surprise yourself.

Kay got player of the match today, though I thought Hannah was tremendous in goal, with some brave saves. Also of note, Kendall as strong as ever, and a powerful shot by Georgia well blocked their defence.

Their no. 7 gaves us loads of problems at the back, so well done to her, and Kat the ref., was a little quiet on the whistle and not clear enough with her decisions, so 7/10.

No game next Thurs, but Amy wants to take a training session 10-11am on the Sat at Egerton Park - probably on the field. I strongly recommend you take her up on this offer, especially with two new players coming in next week, who will be challenging for your places on the starting 7.

After that, its the cup vs. Curzon Ashton, and if you all pull together and take on board what we're telling you, we have a chance of winning it - not the match, the cup itself.

Enjoy the weekend.

Nigel.

Nicole wins top awards

Congratulations to Nicole from the 14's on receiving top awards from her school.

Nicole attends the well respected Mossley Hollins High School and, is due to receive the prestigious awards on Tuesday night.

Fantastic Nic, really well done! Your parents Paul and Lynn, must be so proud.

Laserquest - The Trafford Centre

I went twice last year, and it was great fun. For those of you that have never been, you are in two teams and you go around shooting each other with laser guns. Its frantic, fast and loads of FUN, and I want BIG KIDS there too - in other words PARENTS to join in as well.

We will have 3 games of 20-25 mins, possibly with breaks in between. You need to allow about 2 hours in total, and any parents that are CHICKEN, can go & do some Crimbo shopping in the Trafford Centre.

Not got a date yet, but probably Fri/Sat 14/15th or 21st/22nd Dec. I'll try and make sure it doesn't clash with City or United home matches.

The cost is £13 each, and I need a minimum of 25 people for it to go ahead - kids or adults (brother/sisters/friends also welcome).

Up to you girls/parents. I haven't got time to go chasing around, so if too few come back to me I won't bother.

Denton Town 2 Hillgate 1 (u14's)

Talk about get out of jail card, and leaving it late. Awful weather, awful game, and lets be honest, pretty awful performance as well. Not seen you play that bad for some time; lets just hope its a blip.

Half-time 1-0 thanks to Sam's goal, but when they equalised early in the 2nd half, they must of thought we were there for the taking, and they had more chances later. Bit of a freak goal with their shot coming from a long way out, and Chloe coming off her line and misjudging the flight of the ball. Never mind Chloe, it happens, you're still the no.1 keeper in Manchester.

Ruby's disallowed goal should of stood in my opinion, as I thought it was more of a case of keeper running into us rather than the other way round. Still, turned out alright in the end, as Lauren's shot forced their keeper to fumble the ball into her own goal with just a few minutes to go. A big sigh of relief from everyone I think, lets hope we turn on the style again next week vs. Wythenshawe Town in the 1st round of the League Cup.

Our player of the match was Chloe, Keith from Hillgate saying she made some good stops. For Hillgate, you chose Paige, the girl wearing glasses. Jacob the ref., not one of his best, missing a few key decisions, and of course the disallowed goal, so gave him 7.

Over to you Alan.

NIGEL.

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Hi girls, are u lot tryin to make me and Tim grow old very quickly or what lol? I personally have been up and down like a yo-yo in the last few games, again we are not playin to our full potential but, what was pleasing today was that we kept on fighting to the end of the game, and in the end we got the winning goal thanks to Lauren's strike . Full credit to Hillgate who battled hard all game and themselves kept going to make this game a nail biter - so well done to them. I think next week we will have a little reshuffle with the team, maybe some player positions swapped round. We will see next week. Our defence was great today again and kept it tight at the back, but the midfield looks a little out of sorts, a bit unbalanced. We will have a look at it this week also, see if we can make it run smoother, maybe bring some tablets with us that will make u talk to each other in the game, and not just before, at half time, and after the match. We have Wythenshawe Town next week who made us work really hard last week, so we will really need to play next week, guys plz. I'll see u all next week be good and work hard Tues.

ALAN.

Denton Town 1 Curzon Ashton 4 (u12's)

Can I start by welcoming Katie to the team, and a welcome back to Georgia.

The scoreline flattered CA has you had much more of the game, and at times put them under a lot of pressure. What cost us today was NO COMMUNICATION & SWITCHING OFF.

At times, you were half asleep. I lost count of the number of times our players were looking the other direction when the ball was travelling towards them. On a number of other occasions, players just stopped when they lost possession, and several players going after the same ball and even tackling each other. You must learn to talk and put your name on the ball.

Good points: -Lots of possession; looking dangerous going forward and, signs that some messages are getting through. Our goal was great work, with Kay running down the wing and squaring it across the box for Kylie to tap in- TEAM WORK GIRLS- thats all it takes. I really feel you are GOOD ENOUGH to get a top 3 finish if you put your minds to it.

Kay got player of the match from CA, but for me, Kendall was awesome at the back - not her natural position. For them Gemma, who played in nets in the 2nd half, made some decent stops, so she got player of the match from us. The ref, Kat, did well, and deserved a 9.

So, keep the faith girls, work hard for yourselves and each other, and it will come. Oldham next week - lets go out there bright and alert from kick off, and get the 3 points.

NIGEL.

Wythenshawe Town 3 Denton Town 5 (u14's)

I'm really busy this weekend, so I'm not waiting for Alan, I will add his bit later.

I arrived just before half-time, and it was clear just how much WT have improved since last season. A few new girls, better results, and confidence starts to grow - that was very evident today.

I'm not going to steal Alan's thunder too much, but I did see you play some great football at times, good defending, and menacing attacks, but every now and then, you did let Town back into the game a bit too easy for me. That reminds me, GAVIN - you're always reading this, how about a few general words ? Don't be shy! Send me an email.

Oh no, disaster! I didn't log when the goals were scored. I've been thinking about ditching them anyway, as I'm not sure they mean too much, though I will bring them back if you want. Anyway, 3-1 at half time thanks to a brace from Yoyo (who added a third in 2nd half), and a deflected goal credited to Georgia. Ruby also on the scoresheet again with a nice header midway through the 2nd half. Late surge by WT including a well taken free-kick gave us something to think about in the closing minutes.

Our player of the match was Yoyo, and for them no. 14 - Jessica Bradshaw. The ref was Alan Burridge awarded 8 by Tim. So, another 3 points closer to retaining the championship, but a long long way to go yet.

Nigel.

Denton Town 0 Mostyn Valley 9 (u12's)

This is a game we could definitely have won, but with only 5 players, in was always going to be hard. Early on you had a few chances, and who knows, if they had gone in, the result may have been some what different.

Me and Amy are so proud of you all, because you never gave up, and tried working for each other, but you tired towards the end, which is no surprise being two players short, and Mostyn having fresh legs they could keep bringing on.

I will take the positives out of this game, as you put 100% in today, never moaned and just got on with it. I also think you had a really good work out, and at the end of the match you all looked shattered. This will improve your fitness levels a bit, ready for Oldham Ath., next week.

Possibly 3 new players from next week, so hopefully this won't happen again, but obviously, everyone is going to have to work hard for their starting positions. So Hannah, Teah, Kylie, Kendall and Emily, thanks for trying your best today against all the odds.

Our player of the match was Teah, so well done. Kylie took over the Captain's armband, but come on Kylie, starting talking on the pitch - not just off it. Hannah, really brave at times in goal, keep it up.

The player of the match for them was Annette Scofield - no 9. The ref, Gemma, too fussy for your age group, so gave her 7. Don't think it was necessary to pull Teah back a few feet for the throw-in at the end of the game. Other than that, she did ok.

Nigel.