Denton Town 2 Manchester City 0 (U11's 26/1)

Well if you missed this game then you missed the best game of the season. As expected City were up for this one; they knew that this was a must win game, otherwise the league title wasn't going to be theirs. The team they put out against us was their strongest to date. Their keeper was excellent and kept us out for the first half. It was touch and go who would score first as you know, we haven't got a proper keeper so, Emily elected to go in the first half and Nikea (ikea) the 2nd. As you can see, they both managed to keep aclean sheet. Gabby broke through the defence and scored the first goal (what a player), that got City's back up - they had 2 girls constantly marking and fouling Gabby but, they paid for it in the end with another great goal. That settled us down a bit and with the excellent work the whole team did, we got the win we deserved. Player of the Match went to Sally, she was outstandinging in midfield not to take anything away from the rest of the Team. YOU ALL PLAYED EXCEPTIONALLY WELL so once again, well done to Kendal,Georgia,Molly,Rebbeca(beks),Nikea,Emily,Sally,Gabby,SubsCoral,Rebbeca and hopefully you can all play as well this weekend againstHough End to clinch the LEAGUE TITLE

ALAN.
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Can I just say girls, absolutely delighted you are all playing so well for Allen and each other. Allen has been involved with girls football for a number of years now, and truly deserves a bit of success for all the time and effort he has put in.

I wish I could get down to watch you all, but as most of you will know, I'm involved with the 12's and 14's (not to mention the 8's), but I'm going to do my best to get to one match before the end of the season.

Now, just one thing. I going to give the same message to you, as I/we did to the 13's last year before they went on to win the league.

You're close, but not there yet! Remain focused, continue to work hard as individuals and as a team, and come May you will have the league, and BOTH cups. The TREBLE hey! What a great season that will be.

Well done and keep it up.

NIGEL.

Sale United 0 Denton Town 1 (U14's)

Girls, for me, today you were amazing. Let's just look at who was missing for one reason or another - Yoyo, Megan, Chloe B, Samantha, Loz and Becks, leaving just 9 players for today's match. Make no mistake about it, regardless of who your opponents are, playing with two players short, and them having subs as well, is extremely difficult, and you came through it with all 3 points - so really, WELL DONE!
It took 49 mins for us to get our goal, nice work from Georgia in midfield, playing the ball through for Keely to run onto, and score a great goal - well deserved for a truly magnificent team performance.
A bit of sad news from today's game; Georgia has been in the wars again. Towards the end of the game, she went over on her right foot, the same one she injured back in May. Rather bravely, Georgia continued and finished the game, which must of been unbearable for her, but she is a team player, and didn't want to let you all down. If I had known it was so bad, I would of certainly taken her off. Later on, Georgia's mum, Clare, phoned me to say she had had an x-ray, but her foot was too swollen for them to say if it was broken or not. Georgia will have to go back to hospital in a weeks time, for further examination, but it looks like she may be out for some time. Hard luck Georgia, we will all miss you - again, you really put it in today, with some great footwork. I'm sure all at Denton Town U14's will join me in wishing Georgia a speedy recovery.
At the end of the match, we gave Sale's GK (1st half) m.o.m., and for us, Kayleigh who had a terrific game, as did Sally who was constantly up and down the pitch like a yoyo (no, not Yolanda lol). The ref did ok, but perhaps let one or two offsides go, when he should really have blown - for/against both teams.

NIGEL.

Didsbury 2 Denton Town 14 (U12's) at Oxford Rd, Mcr

Well girls, this was just a run out, as with Didsbury not being in the league, we did expect an easy time. Its hard for a non-league team to compete with your team, with all the experience you have between you. So, lets not get too carried away.

Got to say, Emily, you played fantastic for them, as did Kendall. I just want to say thanks for being sporting and agreeing to guest for them, though Kay did offer too. Amy when she came on for them, didn't do too badly, though she's not as good as you guys of course lol. Teah looked petrified in nets, but thanks to her and Georgia for filling that position, allowing Hannah to have a go outfield for a change. Teah thought when she was outfield, she was playing terrible. Don't be so hard on yourself Teah, you did fine, and if you ever do find yourself in a match where things aren't quite going your way, just dig in, and try that little bit harder, and you'll come through it ok.

Lauren, Grace and Kylie, you also played your part, in what was a pleasant change from league football at Oldham - not that there is anything wrong with Oldham, its just that a change is as good as a rest sometimes.

A big thanks to Nicole and Chloe from the 14's, who agreed to be ref and assistant refs for the match. These two girls, plus team mate Georgia, deserve special praise for the excellent job they are doing coaching the under 8's girls on a Thursday night. They really do make a difference, and my job's that much easier for it - so thanks girls for everything.

Finally, thanks to Conrad from Didsbury for arranging this friendly. We may be able to return the favour on the 2nd Feb at Egerton Park, but I need to check a few details first.

NIGEL.

WAGS 0 Denton Town 9 (u14's L/cup)

Ok first things first girls, I was so proud of u all today girls as we all know u are a very young side, which i don't think alot of people realise. Most of u can play under 13s and today u stood up to the challenge. We had no subs again, so no one got a break, I just asked you all to go out and play and give your all - and boy oh boy did you. We played some great football today and when we had to be strong we were . The game got off to a great start, I think about 10 secs - Yoyo wow what a start. That settled us straight away and from then on we controlled the game. Ruby was awesome yesterday in midfield, tackling hard, getting back when we asked and, not whinging - well not too much anyway lol, and for me was our player of the match but, to be honest me and Tim could of given it to any of you because you all were brill today. But no disrespect to Chloe, the only reason I can think of you getting player of the match is because of the bitterness at the end of the game, because it wasn't a hard game for you Chloe was it? and cant remember you making more than 1 save. i have to say something on this because it wasn't nice. Firstly, although I know you was angry and there was alot of chatting off the ball - threats etc., some of which we and the ref heard, from both sets of players, I can understand your reactions but I don't condone them. Chanting at the end like that was emotions I know , but I don't want to see it again plz., and its only to the ones who said it because only a few did. Secondly, I will say that the 2 player challenge on Sally who just plays and gets on with things, was not very nice to see. It was frustration from their player as things just weren't happening for them. It was a shame as well because she is by far there best player and doesn't need to do it. If this girl continues to plays football, she has a good future in it because, she has lots of ability. Anyway back to us, and the game. Georgia's dad Chris hit the nail on the head today when he said that you all grew up today, normally some of you get intimidated a little but u didn't today - you stood up and played a decent team off the park, a team game all of you and, I mean all of you (including you Chloe lol ). So once again girls, fantastic day and well played. I'll see you all tues/

ALAN.

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Yesterday, that was a game and half, and unfortunately, not all for the right reasons.


I was surprised the game was on, which is why I approached the ref as soon as he arrived. After examination of the pitch, he did express concern about certain areas, but took the decision to start the match, retaining the option to abandon should the conditions prove to be unsafe. Thankfully, that didn't happen, and I think the pitch held up quite well considering, though they may of done some damage, which could affect their remaining home games.


What a start, Ruby through to Yoyo, goal, 1-0 Denton, 6 seconds on the clock. Amazing start. Only one more goal in the 2nd half, again thanks to Yoyo, which meant all to play for in the 2nd half. In what was turning out to be an unbelievably fantastic team performance, we roared into a 5-0 lead within 15 mins of the restart with two more from Yoyo and one from Megan. Although there was some banter between the teams on and off the pitch, it was from this point on, that I felt the game started to turn nasty. There aren't many YELLOW cards given out in the girls game, but I don't think the ref had any option after that bad foul on Sally.

Another two from Megan, one each from Loz and Yoyo, within the last 15 mins, eased us through to the next round. We gave the player of the match to their new goalie, Leah, who was playing with a broken toe. She made a brilliant save in the 2nd half, and will make a good goalie if she continues. With us in such fine form, I don't think you can blame Leah for most of the goals, and her willingness to play in that position, gives WAGS more options, which I applaud, because that's what being a team is all about. The WAGS girls voted Chloe (our GK) as player of the match, which I find a little unsporting. No disrespect to WAGS, but Chloe didn't have much to do, and they could have picked any number of outfield players, as all of you were really on top of your game. It would have been better if they just said they couldn't decide. I admire Ian (WAGS manager), as he is a great guy, who does a lot for girls football, and is very passionate about the game and as usual, I was happy to shake his hand at the end of the game, but I sensed he wasn't happy about the days events, and I'm not talking just about the result.


One criticism of the Denton girls. Sorry girls, but shouting "who are you?" after the game finished is not the way we expect you to behave. Win, lose or draw, you should always show respect to the opposition, regardless of what happened during the game. Please take that on board and not repeat it after future fixtures. Parents also get excited, but I thought a couple of comments shouted out across the pitch, were not in the sport's best interests. I didn't hear any foul language, but comments belittling the opposition is not accepted either.


Wythenshawe again next week, this time TOWN, at our place.


Awesome result - brilliant performance girls. Have a good weekend.


Nigel.

Denton Town 2 Heyside Navys 2 (U12's)

Well girls what can i say you pulled it out the bag again, another great performance from all of you. Like i keep saying in team talks and at training if you get the chance to shoot in their half do so because one day it will payoff and you'll start winning games. You have all improve so much you're starting to become a great team and it showed in the games against both Clarets and Navy teams. At half time we were one nil down, you soon sorted that with some great passing, and quick one two, when the ball fell free for Kay to score making it 1-1. You all kept battling givening a 100%. We had changes where we could of won the game. Some of you seem to panic when we get the ball in front of their goal, fingers cross i can get you all out of that if we keep working on it in training. The last goal in the dying moments from Grace was well deserved it's what we worked on in training to follow rebounds in. Someone listening at last to bring the scores level to 2-2. Well Kendall what can i say,you had another excellent game at the back. Special mention to Sophie from the U 14's who came down and supported the U12's. A big thank you from me and the girls. See you all at training on thursday.

Amy
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Another great result girls, and I can see a very good team coming together. On clear chances created, I thought we should of won, but we need to be a bit more clinical in front of goal.

Some very good passing moves, quick one-twos, and at times you put Heyside under a lot of pressure. In the past, 1-0 down at half-time, you would probably of caved in. But once Kay it 1-1, we were on the up, and Grace's goal right at the death, was the least you deserved. You got back to defend as a unit much better in the 2nd half, and if that continues, it gives us a great chance to go on and win games - against anybody. Still got to work on communicating though, and looking up to release the ball that little bit earlier.

Their player of the match was no.8, who plays for Man. United on Sundays, and it shows. Very fast, quick feet, and shoots as soon as an opportunity arises. Player of the match for us was Kay, but special mention again to Kendall, who was absolutely superb at the back. Mike Cooper - the ref, had an excellent game, I gave him 10, as did Heyside.

Well done girls, really good effort today.

Nigel.

Manchester City 7 Denton Town 6 (u14's)

What a game hey! Only 10 players (would of been 9 without Natalie), and you gave them a game, and on chances created, I think you edged it. Obviously, bit disappointed being 4-1 up at half-time, only to be pegged back to 4-4 within 7 mins of the restart, but overall, I thought you really dug in today, and worked hard for each other.

We had several 1v1's with their keeper, and Yolanda on another day, would of had seven, but she took her 4 goals well. Fantastic strike by Ruby from outside the area lobbing it over the keeper, and Megan took advantage of City's confusion about being offside, to restore parity in the 2nd half.

Big thanks to former player Natalie for guesting for us today, playing most of the match in between the sticks. Georgia plays in nets for the final 10 mins, and made a magnificent (world class) penalty save, but unfortunately, City got to the rebound first, and scored their 7th and winning goal.

Main thing, it was a run out against stiff opposition, in preparation for our match at WAGS next Sat. Watch out though, Dionne (their goalie), is playing out, and is very effective in a attacking midfield role.

I thought the ref was excellent, giving a few seconds before blowing his whistle to see if advantage could/couldn't be played. I think this is an excellent tactic, as it allows the game to flow. Good decision allowing Megan to continue to score, as it was clear Yolanda and (I think) Ruby, although in offside positions, were merely walking back, and were definitely not interfering with play or seeking an advantage.

Thanks to Darren from City for arranging.

Nigel.

Heyside Clarets 2 Denton Town 2 (U12's)

Sorry for letting you down today girls, I wasn't sure about getting some of the 14's home, so I stayed there.
My loss you might say, because everyone has been telling me what a brill game it was, and calls for Nigel out Pete in I believe. Ah well, if you're going to sack me, then I need paying off - a dozen chocolate bars should do it -lol.
Seriously, I'm really chuffed, because today you were playing one of the top teams in the league (just 1 defeat), and with a bare seven as well.
A goal for Lauren in only her 2nd game, but Grace went one better scoring on her debut, and Kylie narrowly missing out near the end to the clinch the match. Amy and a couple of parents have told me that you were all brill today and that they are dead proud of you.
Apparently, you should of won today, but never mind, a draw against The Clarets is a fantastic result, and as I keep saying, you've got the ability to beat any team in the league, and perhaps you may start to believe it yourselves now.
Georgia got man of the match, but Amy has poured special praise on Lauren and Kendall who she says were outstanding today. But, its days like today, when the whole team deserves a pat on the back, so well done girls.
On Thursdays, please can you give your subs to Amy, only when I'm trying to set-up the girls soccer school, it gets a bit chaotic with you all rushing in to see me as well. And the two girls who didn't pay today, please give Amy £6 on Thurs. Thanks.

Nigel.