WAGS 1 Denton Town 7 (U14's)

After everything that went on the last time we played at WAGS, we asked for some officials to come down from the league. Ian Barry (Chairperson) and Alan Darby (Advisor) of the South Manchester Girls League duly attended, and not only weren't there any problems, but they were treated to a great match that was a tremendous advertisement for the girls game.

First half, and despite a lot of possession and chances, no goals, thanks to some world class saves from WAGS keeper Dionne. Beth also did an excellent marking job on Yoyo, and at half time, it was one of those matches where you were thinking, are they going to nick it 1-0 - just one of those days.

So, it came as some relief when Yoyo broke the deadlock 5 mins into the 2nd half, adding two more within the next 8 mins, with Loz netting on 50, to really settle the nerves of the supporters. WAGS pulled one back on 55 mins, but the damage was done, with Ruby and Yoyo scoring two absolutely class goals on 60 and 63 mins respectively, before our nominated player of the match Kaysha bagged another two minutes before time. Just after Ruby's goal, one of the WAGS parents passed me (Nigel) and said words to the effect of "that was a fabulous goal".

Everyone played superbly, particularly in the 2nd half. Of note, Samantha headed the ball AND Kayleigh - can't be bad. Worth mentioning by the way, that Kayleigh came in for some praise from the league officials who said "she was strong and dependable at the back". Special note also to Capt Marvel Nic, (messy eater by the way), as tough as ever at the back, also Sophie and Chelsea who played some terriffic football. Chloe W mithered to death to come out, but at the time, the match was not secure, so she had to wait a little longer. Did really well when she did come out, and one of these days, will get on that score sheet. Top draw performances also from Sally, Megan and Keeley. Right, we think that's everyone mentioned. If not sorry, let us know, as you were all premiership class today (no scrub that make it Champions League lol).

Player of the match for them was difficult, as we were torn between the two girls mentioned above, but we finally opted for Beth for doing such a sterling job for WAGS throughout most of the match. Ref Dave Richardson wasn't perfect, in particular missing a bad tackle on Kaysha early doors, but he did do an excellent job on calming things down between two players, getting them to shake hands and get on with the game. 8/10.

Pleasure to shake Ian's hand at the end, we look forward to playing them four times again next season.

NIGEL & ALAN.

OH! almost forgot. I now know why Chloe W's gloves wear out so quickly. After the match I went with Chloe to get some new ones from Sports World at Crown Point North, where her big sister Natalie works. Natalie told me that Chloe, wearing her gloves, often makes holes in the ground with her index finger, and also has an habbit of rubbing her finger across her teeth - hmm nice. NIGEL.

Denton Town 3 Droylsden 0 (U12's)

Dead pleased with this result girls, you deserved it for the hard work you have put in recently. As you know I wasn't there, so over to Rick with is match report. Kendall got mom from them I believe.

NIGEL.

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Amy's army marched on to their second consecutive victory with a dominant victory over basement team Droylsden. In all fairness had it not been for a string of saves from the opposition goalkeeper and had we taken a higher percentage of our opportunities then this could have easily been a more emphatic scoreline. Nevertheless this was yet another impressive performance from the under 12s.

Lauren led the way with two brilliantly executed strikes and she proved to be a constant menace to the Droylden team through-out this contest. Her first was a superbly struck effort from the edge of the area which fizzed through the crowded penalty area and nestled in the far corner and she rounded off the win minutes from time with a neat finish following Kendall's long throw-in.

Earlier Grace, playing with her usual high consistency, opened the scoring when she capitalised on good approach play by Kay. Last week she lit up the contest with an audacious solo effort to defeat Curzon but for all her efforts this week Kay just could not add her name to the score sheet. She struck the post, scooped another close range effort over the bar, and was denied on numerous occasions by the Droylsden keeper but she will have plenty of goals to her
credit over the forthcoming years; of that I am sure!

Georgia deserves a mention for a fantastic mornings work, demonstrating many nice touches. She was another who can count herself extremely unlucky not to have found the net. Again not a bad word can be spoken about any of the player's contributions to this success.

Hannah kept a clean sheet and had clearly worked on her distribution from goal kicks, neither Emily, Kendall nor Teah put a foot wrong in defence and Kylie added to the attacking force with a lively display in the second half.

Let's hope for 3 in a row next weekend ! ! ! P.S. watch match of the day tonight if they've got any sense they'll show my goal for Denton Town men this afternoon - absolute screamer !!!!

Rick

DENTON TOWN U 11s

Denton Town 11 Cheadle & Gately 0

A good result today which keeps us Top of the league with only 3 games left
we need to keep focused every Match even against the lower Teams,but back to today's game you played some nice football today i glad to see you are starting to pass the ball about a bit more remember what i keep saying its not a hot potato its a ball you don't have to get rid of it as soon as somebody passes to you look up and see who is in the best position to pass too even if that means passing back,i don't mean to knock C & G but it was a stroll for you today with 3 goals each from Gabby & Kendel 2 from Sally & Sarah & 1 from Rebbecca my MOM though was Nikea (Ikea )she pulled of a brilliant save near the end and to say she has only just taken the position of Goalkeeper she is getting better every Match WELL DONE TO ALL OF YOU.
Now lets get on to next weeks Match it is the Challenge Cup Semi-Final against yep you got it Hough End who are going to be up for this one especially as we Knocked them out of League Cup this Competition is the only thing they can win this season and i've just read there Web Page they reckon they have found a way to beat us
and they will beat us if we turn up half asleep,you need to start this Match from the word go and not let them get on top of us and score the fist Goal I wont be at training this Thursday please turn up John will be doing it so will see you all Saturday Morning you all need to get a early nights sleep (that includes you Kendel)and really be up for this Match
I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT
LETS GO FOR THE TREBLE

WAGS Charity Team vs. Denton Town's Little Uns

Before I start, can I say a big thanks to Lee Sutton (Bayleigh's dad), for sponsoring the team, and enabling the team to run out in their brand new Prostar kits, looking dead smart. Lee's business is SecureCare Fire & Security Ltd, Stockport Rd., Denton. Should you have any need for his services, you can get in touch with him on 01613370336 or 07731825895. His email is leesutton@securecareuk.co.uk.

I think we were all really proud of the girls today, who tried so hard to do what we asked, against a team of much bigger girls. Certainly since we last played there, we can all see some real improvement. Still like bees around an honey pot, but that's to be expected at this age, but some of them are starting to take on board what we are saying, better marking, and holding positions has improved, and starting to look for the pass.

I don't like to single out individuals at this level, but I've got to say, Megan was magnificent in nets, and equally as good in defence, where she acted a bit like a sweeper and gave out instructions to the other girls - captain in the making perhaps. Deana covered an amazing amount of ground, and certainly caught the eye of the opposition manager, who commented how much ability she has. Analise was very shy when she first joined us, but has started to come out of her shell and got stuck in when she had to. A couple of times, Bayleigh looked really good on the ball, and was strong against WAGS bigger girls. Isabel looked out of sorts when I played her at the back, but looked much more comfortable in a more attacking role. Abbie is a great tackler, and has strength that belies her size sometimes. Olivia, Rebekah and Emma also worked very hard today. Thanks again to Nicole and Chloe for helping me out, and officiating 2 of the mini matches. One of the girls doesn't think she is very good at coaching, I'm not saying which one, but I'm sure all the parents will join me in praising Nicole, Chloe and Georgia for the fantastic effort they are all putting into developing the 'little uns'. We at Denton Town are very proud of all 3 of them, myself in particular, because I just can't believe how well they have responded to the challenges laid down before them. Thank you also to Sarah for coming down to support, and once again to Ian from WAGS for running the event.

During the 14's match afterwards, I was discussing with Alan Darby and Ian Barry from the South Manchester Girls League about developing an under 8's/9's girls division for next season, and they are all for it, with a possible venue being Woodsend. Their comments were very positive, including the possibility of applying for funding to pay for indoor pitches during the winter months. More details to follow over the next few months.

NIGEL.

p.s. I don't normally do this, but below is the report from WAGS website, which I thought was really nice, and deserved to be included: -

Wag-Ct
The Charity Team

Saturday 23rd February 08
WAG-CT V Denton Town FC
Well done to everyone today you played great, I enjoyed a great game.
Choni played great even with a bad foot. Faye scored 7 of the goals, just brill stuff. Alex (S) scored three of them, fantastic !, Dani came out of goals in the second section and scored one, just shows she Brill in net and she can do it out playing aswel. Trisha ran her heart out today and set up one of the goals, well done to you (Love Ya!). Georgia played some good football today, you really tried hard, Well Done!. Alex (H) I watch you today and thought you have got talent, you need to look up and see who's is around you, some great football, Well Done !, Ellie you and little Alex are the Tevez & Rooney of the game, what a partnership, Brill !
Don't under estimate Denton Town FC, this team as been going only a few month's and I can see the change with in them, they were shouting for the ball and they are aware of things around them, they are younger than us and you can see that by the size of them to us on the pitch. I would like to mention their goalie, Megan (think that is the spelling?) what a great young goalie, a miniature Dionne , the future Seaman of the game. Deana (Spelling ?)is another for me, What a player !. In the next few months we will play them again and each time they are better so watch out !
Great game today, you all played your part.
It was mentioned by Denton to pass a football card around for charity, unfortunately I forgot, so I will see what the funds are like from the Blackcab drivers (when I put the thumb screws on them) and we will see what can be donated to Francis House or Lancasterian School.

Thanks to Dionne, Chloe & Nicole for refereeing their part of the game.

Thanks to Denton Town FC for coming out of their way to accommodate us and their sponsorship company
SecureCare Fire & Security Ltd.
01613370336 or 07731825895. email: leesutton@securecareuk

Many Thanks
Carol & Ian

Denton Town 2 Stockport County 0 (U14's)

We took our time to warm to the task today ladies, the first half was a very tight affair, chances at both ends and we went in at the break all square. The second half was a lot better for us, I said to Tim that I think whoever scored the first goal would be favourites to win it cos, both teams were evenly matched in the first half. We managed with a scrappy goal scored by Kaysha and which was followed shortly after by one of the goals of the season a great strike even the great Yoyo or Worthaldino would of been proud of lol that. It settled us right down and I think it enabled us to play a little bit more freely. Some great performances especially in midfield from Keely who got our mom and Ruby who was at her best for the big game who got the mom off Stockport. Chelsea had a great game too, trademark bite ur ankle tackles and I'd just like to give our captain a mention; Nicole who every week keeps encouraging and giving instructions out all game lifting players, this is why we made Nic captain, not only because she can do this but, because she also has the correct attitude to do this job correctly. At the moment girls, I cant find fault in any of the squad you are all doing fantastic and its a pleasure to coach you. All of you you are giving 100 % so carry on girls and don't forget we play each game as it comes. don't look to far forward, we just play the next game and then the next. I'll see u all Tues at training so u can have your new kit to take home.

ALAN.
p.s.
Also a special mention to our Natalie the future England ladies star who still comes down to see the girls and see how we are going on. I asked how much she wanted to play Stockport on Saturday and the look on her face was a picture, once a Denton Town girl always a Denton Town girl. Great to see you Nat and when we next get the chance I will be going to watch Nat play for the academy and any one who wants to come along too is welcome.

ALAN.
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Up until today, Stockport were, like us, title contenders, so this was a big big win, and puts the pressure back on Urmston and Poynton.

Everytime we play Stockport, its a battle, and today was no different, as two quality teams went head to head in an attempt to push on for the title. First half was 50/50, with both teams creating chances. Second half, and once we got going, we started to take control, and if it wasn't for a class save from their goalie, and the post, the score could of ended up more, but to be fair, that would perhaps flattered us a bit. Two-nil was about right, both goals coming from Kaysha, the first one on 45 mins, a bit scrappy with Stockport struggling to clear their area, but what a peach of goal a minute later, with a fine strike on the edge of the area, into the top of the net. Kaysha's on a role, debut last week with a goal, and two more today, not bad start, 3 goals in 2 games is it?

Player of the match for them was no. 11 Dawn Gordon, but special mention also to their goalie Rebecca Chetwyn, for that superb save. For us, it went to Ruby, and Alan also praised Keely, both who worked extremely hard throughout the match. Peter Luty stepped in a ref for his son Jacob who was ill, and did a brill job, his experienced certainly showed. Me and Tim gave him 9 bordering on 10/10.

Four league games left. Win them, and we retain the championship, but don't expect our opponents to lie down for us, the league is much more competitive this season, and you will have to battle for every victory. Two semi-finals as well, and hopefully two finals to follow, but one step at a time, WAGS away again next week (is it me, or is Holly Edge Park starting to feel like an home match?).

NIGEL.

Curzon Ashton 1 Denton Town 2 (u12's)

I only stayed for 10 mins today, just enought to see Lauren's fine goal, but in those few minutes, I could see you were playing with much more confidence than the previous week, and looked good for your 1-0 lead. For the rest of the game, I can only go off what Amy has told me, which was, and I quote: -

"It was a great game, and Hannah was outstanding in nets, pulling off some fantastic saves. Lauren put us 1-0 up, but Curzon bounced back within 5 mins. Kay's superb strike gave us the winner, in a game where both teams had plenty of goal scoring opportunities. Their player of the match was no. 18 Sally, and for us Kay".

Oh, by the way, I've got some great news for you, I'm doing the u8's in a mini tournament next Saturday, so I won't be able to go to your match (I can hear you all cheering as I type) - bet you win 5-0 or something. I hope you do anyway, only two league games left now, so lets finish on a high. There will probably be another competition after the league finishes, to take us to the end of April - I'll let you know.

NIGEL.
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What a difference 7 days can make in football The girls did the club proud with a deserved 2-1 victory thanks to a great team performance. In training on Thursday night we worked on creating space and stressed the importance of movement and communication. The girls responded brilliantly and did exactly what myself, Amy and Nigel had asked. In the 10 days I have been coaching with this set of players I have been extremely impressed with their enthusiasm and ability and I am convinced they will continue to improve. Every single player ought to be happy with their own contribution to todays win.
As a centre forward myself I have nothing but praise for the skill and tenacity shown by Kay. Her goal this morning was sensational and worthy of winning any game.
She ought to go into the next match full of self-confidence. At the other end of the pitch Hannah was outstanding in goals and made a couple of match saving blocks towards the end of the game.
It would be wrong, however, to single out these two alone. Lauren scored a vital opening goal and was a constant menace to the Curzon defence. At the back the combination of Kendal and Emily proved solid and both made numerous last ditch tackles to deny the opposition attack. Grace played a typical captains role, full of energy and always made herself available for a simple pass. Teah showed bravery fighting sickness to perform heroically and was pivotal in creating Lauren's early strike.
Georgia and Kylie also made telling contributions with end to end running; Georgia held the ball up well in the build up to Kay's winner. By the way did you find that 1p that you stuffed down your sock for good luck??
Let's hope for more of the same next weekend!!!

Rick

Hillgate 0 Denton Town 4 (u14's)

Another hard fought win today girls, well done first half, it was a very scrappy and Hillgate put a lot of effort into this match as did we. It was close at half time, we changed a few positions and I asked a few people to play different roles and, I was so pleased as it worked really well. We played some good football 2nd half as it wasn't easy because, Hillgate kept on fighting till the final whistle - so well done Hillgate, your team is getting stronger each time we play you so, keep the hard work up. Well done to Kaysha on her debut. Some nice touches and a goal too. Their keeper got player of the match from us; she made some great saves particularly in the first half. Stockport next week ladies. It'll be a hard game, always is against Stockport their a good side - (congratulation's to Chloe in advance for this sats game lol). So every one at training on Tues in your kits - dont forget plz as you are having your pics done, no excuses - no kit no pic. We will go through some tactics for Sat's game. Have a nice weekend and don't forget Manchester City the only football team to come from Manchester. :))

ALAN.

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Well said Alan - about City I mean. Win, lose or draw, the Trafford lot (or should I say Essex) can't take that away from us.

Now for today's match - real football, not some poncey Portuguese guy on £125k per week. I'm not bitter - honest! He's ugly anyway.

It took 28 mins to get our first today, and it fell to debut girl Kaysha, who followed up on Yoyo's effort which came off the post. Their GK Georgina Kerr got player of the match from us, as in the first half she made a breath taking save, turning the ball over the bar for a corner. She was alert and very brave throughout the match, suffering a minor injury near the end of the game.

One-nil at half time, and our coaches did some great tactical changes, which paid off just 2 mins into the 2nd half, with Yoyo slotting away the layoff from Kaysha. Fifteen mins later, Samantha followed up Keely's effort to make it 3, with Yoyo completing her brace right at the end of the game. Sally had a go at going forward too, and on another day probably would of hit the net, and Nicole continues to do a sterling job as defender and captain, constantly giving out instructions and encouragement to the entire team.

Yoyo was given player of the match, though I think today was a great team effort, especially in the 2nd half.

The ref, Ian. He was standing in today for Hillgate, so thanks for that, there's nothing worse that having a ref who's attached to one side or the other. I was going to give him a low score over the corner flag incident, when the ball appear to hit the flag and bounce back into play, only for Ian to blow for a throw-in. As it happens, Ian was correct, as several people after the match said the ball did actually go over the line - so fair dues, I gave him 9.

TUESDAY - Remember, turn up in your kits AND coats. I'll be taking team photos for our sponsors. Also, I will need an indivdual photo of one player wearing the coat, clearly showing the name of our coat sponsor, which will be too small to see on a team photo.

TUESDAY - AFTER TRAINING. Please go to Big Wigs on Corporation Rd where I will give a little presentation on our proposed trip to Texas. I'll try and keep it as short as possible, as I wouldn't want to keep you all from your beauty sleep - some of you really really need it - LOL. I've got room to talk hey!

MUNICH 1958 -Just before I close, on Sunday, where ever you are, which ever team you support, take sometime out to think about the 23 people that died in Munich 6th Feb 1958. It doesn't matter which team they played for, if they were famous or not, these were real people, with real lives and families, who died in tragic circumstances. Football suffered a great loss that day, and anyone that shows disrespect to those that died, can't be a true football fan.

Have a good weekend, and if your team loses, so what, its not the end of the world is it?

NIGEL.

Heyside Navys 5 Denton Town 0 (u12's)

A bit disappointed today girls. You really had a chance today to win a game, and you let yourselves down. You didn't listen, and didn't talk most of the time. Their first goal was a gift. Well struck by their player of the match no. 8, but not to put anybody in front of the ball when the free kick was so close to our goals, was unbelievable - its was as good as a penalty for them. Kendall had no chance of stopping that one.

There were some good points, namely absolutely stunning display by Kendall as our stand-in GK. Some of her saves were magnificent, and she couldn't be blamed for any of Heyside's goals.

At times, we looked really strong going forward, with players looking up, passing and running into space, but this didn't happend any where near enough.

Sorry girls, back to basics with Amy and new coaches Rick (Denton Town Seniors player) and Rehan.

Well done to Emily for getting player of the match. Gave the ref 8 as she did ok overall.

NIGEL.

Denton Town 12's vs. Didsbury (u12's)

Just another run out today, against our friends from Didsbury. Only 5 of you (Grace, Kylie, Kendall, Emily and Lauren), and you worked hard against a team who aren't even in a league at the moment. Glad to see so many of you shooting when you only had an half chance, and following up, if we start to do that in the league, we will score far more goals.

We play Heyside Navy's next week, ko at the earlier time of 10:40. We drew with them last month 2-2 thanks to goals from Kay and Grace right at the death. Our equaliser came about because Grace followed up for the rebound - keep doing that and the goals will come.

Thanks to Chloe from the 14's for being the ref. Chloe also agreed to be GK at the end whilst the Didsbury players took penalties on her.

NIGEL.

Poynton 1 Denton Town 1 (U14's)

VERY PROFESSIONAL.

First of all ladies I'd just like to mention the Sale match last week when we only had 9 players. What a spirit you found, it was amazing u wouldn't of thought we were 2 players short, your work rate was awesome. One-nil and to be honest was well earned, Sale have improved an awful lot since last season and have acquired some decent new players so, good luck to Sale they are heading in the right direction. So on that game well done u made me, Tim, Nigel and your parents very proud .

Now on to today's game against Poynton Ladies. What a great game 1-1 doesn't sound a great game but, oh boy (shouldn't that be 'oh Girl', Alan - Nigel lol), was it tense , end to end both teams evenly matched and for me a very very enjoyable game. The Poynton girls are a very good organised side and were a credit to their club so, well done Poynton and thank you for a great game played in a great spirit - hard tackles, great football and no arguing moaning or threats fighting etc., just played football in the spirit it should be played by both teams. we look forward to the next game, it should be a cracker. Chloe W was our player of the match but it was close as all of you played a great game. No one had a bad game and I mean no one. Thats 3 games now in a row that we can't say a bad word about any one because, the effort has been 1st class but, girls we have to carry on this effort for the rest of the season and I'm sure we will be fighting for something at the end of the season. Carry on girls making us all proud.

ALAN.

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Really suprised this match was on, and still had doubt when we arrived to see the pitch covered in snow. Any how, the snow melted, and although the ground was very soft, we witnessed a great football match, that was a credit to both sides. End to end stuff, they hit the post twice, us once, several one on ones with the keeper, and at the final whistle, the correct result. Anyone could of won it, but it would of been an injustice to the losers.

Two early goals, 7 mins for them, and Yoyo regaining parity 12 mins in. No more goals in what was a tense battle, showed the class of both teams, and the direction in which girls football generally is heading - UP, UP and UP. Many teams we have played this season have really improved, and its a credit not just to the players, but the managers/coaches also, and we have two of the best in Tim and Alan.

Player of the match for them was no.8, whereas for us, Chloe W, who was alert all game, and quickly off her line to clear the danger. Everyone on the pitch played brill today, and we're still struggling players wise (only 11), we dug in and battled for every ball. And that includes Sophie, who said on the way back to the car, that she played rubbish - are you feeling ok Sophie ? - you worked really hard and played some great football - if that was bad I can't wait until you have good game. Don't put yourself down, instead, give yourself a pat on the back, you deserve it.

Pleasure to watch today, and I know Steve from Poynton felt the same way. Don't think the ref had a great game, missed a few offsides, and challenges, so only gave him 7/10.

Hillgate AWAY next week - yes I said AWAY. I thought it was at home, but unfortunately, it isn't. Its seems ages since we were last at Armadale Rd., in fact it was 17th Nov vs. Wythenshawe Town in the cup. Next home game is Stockport County on 16th Feb.

NIGEL.