We've MOVED!

This is the final entry in the blog, which has served us well. Our new SPACES site allows me to categorize different reports, amongst other things.

Click on the link below: -

http://dtfcgirls.spaces.live.com/

C ya l8tr.

Nigel.

Manchester City 2 Denton Town 1 (U11's C/Cup Final)

Hey girls, got to say you were awesome today. What a cracking little team you are. I know you're disappointed to lose today, but you've won THE DOUBLE. You have PROVED beyond doubt, that you are THE VERY BEST UNDER 11's TEAM around. Didn't lose a game all season - just BRILLIANT!

Just my overview on the match today, without going into to much detail - that's Allen's job.

Early doors we bombarded City and were clearly on top, and Gaby's goal was well deserved. From that point to the end of the 1st half, you should of been 2 or 3 goals to the good, but their keeper was outstanding. Start of the 2nd half, and City draw level within seconds of the restart, and for a while after that, you seemed nervous, lost your composure a bit, and it took a while for you to get it back. I thought the penalty was maybe a little harsh, but the ref was much closer, so I'll go with her decision. Fantastic save by Nikkia who was quickly mobbed by the relieved Denton players. We went on to have chance after chance, but once again, the City keeper was upto the task and made some world class saves to deny us time and time again - several league officials and the local councillor said the same. This was despite their keeper getting an injury which reduced her to tears for a while. Nikkia also got an injury to her hand, and eventually had to be replaced by Molly. The killer blow came in the final few seconds of the match, and it was a real sickener, as moments before we almost scored ourselves.

Disappointed that the ref thought the match was 25 mins each way, but when I corrected her, she was wrong to play 30 mins in the 2nd half. The rules state that each half should be equal, so although the initial mistake was made, the 2nd half should of lasted only 25 mins to match the first. Would if of made any difference? Who knows, City could of won it in extra-time, or maybe us. We'll never know, and I'm certainly not one for making excuses. Good luck to City, they worked hard, and it went for them today.

There were tears at full time, and some were inconsolable, which of course I understand, but any team in the league would of swapped places with you today, including City. You've won the double, which is a tremendous achievement.

Fantastic to see you all celebrating with the Finalist Trophy, spraying champagne, throwing water, have a bit of fun and a laugh etc etc. I didn't get any champagne for the 14's or 12's finals, so you're one up on them in that respect.

I really enjoyed myself today, as you are a really cool group of girls, (as are all the girls at Denton Town), and you made me feel most welcome.

Thanks.

NIGEL.

p.s. Just come off the phone from Alan Brewer (14's manager). He said he feels for you but that you should remember you're double winners and have had a great season.

Heyside Clarets 5 Denton Town 2 (U11's L/Cup Final)

Hard Luck girls. You know, the 14's may of done the treble, and 11's may match that tomorrow, but just because you didn't win your final, doesn't make us any less proud of you all.

Considering the poor position you were in at the start of the season, the turn around in the team's fortunes has been phenomenal. Don't forget, when we first played Clarets near the beginning of the season, they hammered us 7-2 and they were good for it. Since then we've drawn 2-2 (should of won), narrowly lost 4-3 and today, despite losing by 3 clear goals, their manager came over and said WE WERE THE BEST TEAM!

So don't let your heads go down, take the positives out of the game. Clarets have been battering teams all season, which is why they've won the treble. You're capable of beating them, and I fully anticipate you'll be challenging for the title and the cups next season. Even the league chairman said at the presentation of the trophy, that you have come a long way in a very short period of time.

I'm PROUD of you, Amy and Rick are PROUD of you and your parents are PROUD of you.

The future is bright, the future is RED and BLACK stripes of Denton Town Girls - at ALL ages.

Our next competitive matches will be at the Poynton tournament on 22nd June. Let's give a good account of ourselves in that event. Meanwhile, congrats to Amy and Rick for bringing about such improvements, and a special mention to Rick, who has just qualified as a level 2 football coach.

Well done girls, for developing a positive mental attitude that has seen you go from the team that other teams whip, to the team that now does the whipping (except for Clarets, but that'll come).

NIGEL.
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In all cup finals there has to be a winner and a loser. Whilst Denton may have lost the battle today they have proved to be winners in so many more ways.

Their rapid rollercoaster ride to success this season bodes very well the future. For these girls there will be many prestigious battles ahead and I confidently predict that the group will be challenging Heyside for all the leading honours next time around.

The girls went into this final as clear underdogs; facing opposition who had won every trophy in sight. Denton brought with them a formidable army of fans complete with red and black pom-poms and an array of chants, although it would be advisable they dream up better songs than "Meat Pie, Sausage Roll, Come on Denton score us a goal!!" Ha! Ha! Thank you for that little number Teah's family!!!

The toughest task of the morning for the management team was to select 7 players to start the game. In such an important contest with all their relatives and friends in attendance we'd love to have allowed each and every girl to display their skills for the entire 40 minutes however rules are rules and after much deliberation the line-up was chosen as Hannah, Teah, Emily, Kendall, Georgia, Lauren and Kay.

Consequently Grace and Kylie were named as substitutes; by no means an indictment of their abilities and I would like to commend both on their attitude and their performance when they entered the fray. It is certainly not easy to appear from the bench in a fixture of this magnitude having suffered the disappointment of having been omitted from the start but this pair produced determined displays in the second half. Well done girls!

The extended warm-up afforded to us prior to kick off looked to have paid dividends when we took an early lead just 5 minutes in. Georgia won possession in the midfield and swept a pass out wide for Lauren who cut inside and then threaded a perfect through-ball for Kay who, as she has done so often, spun clear of the last defender and finished with her usual calmness.

At this juncture Denton were seemingly in control. They had weathered the early first minute nerves in which several passes went astray and gained the advantage but Heyside are worthy champions and emphasised their fighting spirit with an equaliser in the 9th minute; a low effort from the left finding the bottom corner with Hannah at full stretch. Heyside were buoyed by their response and won a series of throws and corner kicks which caused mayhem inthe penalty box. Denton somehow succeeded in hacking the ball clear from the numerous melees and then ironically nearly retook the lead themselves from a corner-kick when Kendall blasted a volley from the edge of the area and the keeper made a quite breathtaking save to deny her.

Nevertheless it was a quick-fire double approaching the half-time interval which left Denton with a mountain to climb in order to save their dreams.

The talented number 9 completed her hatrick with a superb long ranged drive and then was lucky with a mis-hit which looped into the top corner after Denton's defence had failed to clear the danger.

Grace and Kylie, as aforementioned, both joined the action and Denton certainly looked a greater threat as they pushed for a life-line. Lauren and Kay were now causing endless problems for the Heyside rear-guard with their movement and link-up play. Lauren, it must be noted, produced the two most sublime moments of the contest, firstly flicking a ball nonchelently over an opponents head and controlling it to continue her run and then dazzling the defence with a cheeky back-heeled flick down the wing to put Kay in with an opportunity.

With Denton having to attack Emily had to be sacrificed from the defence and unfortunately her presence was sorely missed as Heyside were to score from two further set pieces; one a simple header from a corner and the fifth from a long throw that flicked off a Denton head and wrong-footed Hannah in goal.

In between these efforts Denton deservedly conjured up a consolation when Grace delivered a pass that was headed into her own net by a Heyside defender.

All players have ups and downs in football. The experience of losing a match of this relevance can only serve the girls well. You have to learn to accept defeat and then when the success arrives it feels all the greater. I have no doubt whatsoever that there will be plenty of opportunity for this set of players to win trophies.

PLAYER OF MATCH AWARDED BY HEYSIDE: Kay. Busy as usual; always a likely candidate to be voted player of the match as she is a constant danger. She has lightning quick feet and turn of pace and is extremely confident in 1 on 1 situations.

RICK'S PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Tough one today. To a certain extent I think all of our players have the capability of performing better than they did today.

It was a lot to ask; they have improved immeasurably and have come a long way, "Stage fright" quite possibly set in and they will learn from this defeat.

My vote today is a joint vote for Kylie and Grace; this is not a sympathy vote for being sub, I genuinely thought you both raised the bar when you came on.

Let's all get back to training now this Thursday night and start to build for next seasons assault on the league!!!

RICK.

Denton Town 2 Urmston Meadowside 0 (U14's C/Cup Final)

LEAGUE CHAMPIONS (2 years running)
CHALLENGE CUP WINNERS
LEAGUE CUP WINNERS

THE TREBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If anyone had any doubts about who is the best team around, surely you gave them the answer today. Urmston Meadowside are a formidable team, and every match against Urmston is a battle - they are a credit to their manager Dave, who I believe must be one of the most sporting managers I have ever met.

The weather conditions today, wet, cool and much better for football than the scorching heat we had last week against Poynton. This paved the way for a much more entertaining match, with both teams capable of taking the trophy home. Urmston caused us many problems down the left hand side, as their no.10 made darting runs forward, getting the better of Sally on at least a couple of occasions, and indeed, the Urmston player was unlucky not to score early on as her shot skimmed the crossbar. Having said that, over the course of the match, Sally more than stood her ground, making well timed tackles, just when we needed it the most.

On 13 mins (lucky for us, not so for Urmston), a long range shot by Keely was parried by the keeper, and unfortunately for them, Urmston's defender just couldn't clear the ball, and it ended up in the back of the net. We double our advantage on 27mins, and (I think), Samantha after capitalising on a mistake by the Urmston keeper, passed the ball to Keely who slotted the ball home. Although Urmston were strong, and gave us plenty to think about, I think we were worthy of our two goal advantage.

Just before half time, Captain Nicole got a knock just below the knee, and she went down in some discomfort, which as we all know, isn't like Nicole at all. Tim applied treatment, but we were all worried about ligament damage, and despite the pain and tears, all Nicole wanted to do was play, and I was saying she should come off, see how it develops. But Nicole was so adamant she was ok, Tim took her for a little run, and few stretches, and he was satisfied it was just a bad knock, and Nicole was allowed to start the 2nd half, under strict instructions to notify us if she had any discomfort what so ever. Thankfully, the right decision was made, and Nicole went on to make some decisive tackles and clearances. I must say, Nicole was very brave and determined not to let her team down.

We had several chances to make the game safe before half time, one incident, the ball I think hit the post, came back into the six yard area, blocked shot, half cleared, back in again, and seemed to take forever before Urmston cleared. Second half, and for 20 mins or so, Urmston came at us in a vain attempt to get back on level terms, but our defence stood firm, with Kayleigh time and time again, bringing the ball down to control, and clear the danger, Chelsea and Nic working well together at the back, and Chloe W as alert as ever, and showing what safe hands she has.

Georgia, what a game to make your comeback in, just like Chloe B last week. Great to see you both back in action, let's hope it won't be long before Rebecca rejoins us again as well.

The other girls I haven't mentioned (Kaysha, Megan, Lauren, and Sophie), you all played your part too, it's just my mind is a fog at the moment, many parts of the match are a complete blur. So if I haven't given you credit for a great move and/or performance, sorry, maybe Alan can pick up where I've left off. Also, apologies for any inaccuracies in the above report.

Player of the match for us was Ruby, who has come on leaps and bounds in the latter part of the season, and is developing into a pretty awesome midfielder. No 3. for them got our vote. The ref was given 8 by Tim, but some of the Urmston coaches felt he had a very poor game. For me, at times he didn't give enough protection to players, and allowed some heavy illegal challenges to go unpunished, but I think other than that, he tried to make honest unbiased decisions throughout the game.

Thanks again girls, for entertaining us all, and giving us something to cheer about.

NIGEL.
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Well here I go, I don't now where to start so I will just ramble on and see where it takes us. Today we did the very very very impossible thing; we won the treble at football. Its one of the hardest things to do at any level. A long way back in the season we were struggling a little i.e. injuries, hols, certain players (no names mentioned lol ) grounded. Well I just said lets play our games and see where it takes us. Well, it's only gone and got us the treble - the league , league cup and the challenge cup, any one who hasn't been a part of this season reading this will think oh well they must be just too good for that league, the opposition wasn't up too much. Well how wrong they would be. This has been a real tough year, far tougher than last year, to defend your title was amazing, to win both cups too was absolutely unbelievable. We played the two teams in the finals who have themselves had great seasons I know that they will be both disappointed that they haven't won but, I would just like to say to both Poynton and Meds that, we at Denton have nothing but respect for you, not only as great footballers but, also as real nice people and its a been a pleasure to lock horns against you and, we are looking forward to playing against you next year, where we know it will be a lot more difficult to win silverware. Today's game was a lot better performance than last week against Poynton. The weather was a big factor in making it very difficult to play, both teams tried to play but, it was just scorching, it was a very tight scrappy game and to be honest was very evenly matched, that was until Keels came up with another cracker. It completely finished Poynton as they like us, had run themselves to exhaustion. Chloe W made some great saves too which could of changed the whole picture but that's football. Steve at Poynton is a real nice guy and, I know his disappointment as we have been there a few times. I'm pretty sure he will have his girls ready for next year so we will have to improve yet again if we are going to compete. Dave, a real gent and great coach from Urmston; I heard some comments from the Meds camp they didn't play well today, well I thought your team played quite well, I just think we settled faster and we was up for it from the off maybe because we played there last week against Poynton and that had settled us a little. I thought we were worthy winners but, against your team, we could never take our foot off the pedal because, we know you're a super side and for me, will be up there again challenging for honours. Great set up and a real nice teams, respect to you all at both clubs, as for the all the other teams in the league, I think personally that this league is very very competitive and I know people will think its easy to say that when we have won what we have but, its the truth, I honestly believe that every game we played in we had to play hard, compete hard, we haven't had an easy game all year so, I look forward to meeting you all again next year, roll on the new season lol. Now for the girls from Denton I would just like to say again how proud I am of you all, as is Tim and Nige and every one associated with Denton Town. I have been in football all my life playing and coaching and I have never been as proud of a group of footballers as you lot in all my life. You are amazing I have been amazed this year by your attitude. When we were beaten by Meds early in the season, your response has been amazing, we haven't lost a single game since, its been hard very hard but you have achieved so much. 'The Treble' I have to keep saying it lol. When we get up for the League Presentation Night I think all the adults in our groups (which will include the u11s who have also have had an amazing season going unbeaten in the league), will be so so proud of you all what a great advert for Denton Town girls you are. Two teams one treble one double, fantastic. I'm in wonderland. I'm looking forward to next year already lol so girls, lets enjoy the next few weeks, you deserve to and look forward to our presentations nights. what a fantastic team you are, unbeleivable, one in a million, the best.

ps I want every one who reads this to leave a messeage on it. All you do is go on the comments at the bottom of this post and write. Come on girls, I want all of you to say how you feel about what you have achieved because, we will save it as a reminder for us all for the future. (any problems email me and I'll do it for you, and I'll copy over to new website as well- NIGEL).


YOU ARE THE BEST !!!!

ALAN.

Denton Town 1 Poynton 0 (L/cup Final) U14's

DOUBLE DOUBLE!

DOUBLE WINNERS - emulating the 11's success yesterday.

This match was a credit to both teams, as the weather was scorching. I was told before the game that the temperature in the middle of the pitch was 27 ○C. Within 5-10 mins of the start, all the the players faces were bright red, and I was just glad it wasn't me out there playing in the extreme conditions.

No surprise that this wasn't a classic final, and clear chances were few and far between for matches played at this level. First half, and we were poor. Not closing down, ball watching, no team work, communication just wasn't there, and Alan was right to have a go at you all (well most of you), at half time.

Second half, some improvement, and the slight drop in temperature was a welcom relief to all concerned. The game itself was certainly more entertaining in the 2nd half, but we had to wait until 10 mins from time to see Keely smash home her solo effort. The final 10 mins plus stoppages was torture, with Keely coming closest to getting our second. At the other end, Poynton certainly causes us some problems. With the ball bobbling around outside our penalty area, our defence seemed reluctant to clear the ball from danger, which gave an opportunity for a Poynton midfielder to try her luck from distance. The goal beckoned, but Chloe was alert, and I don't think I've ever seen her jump so high as she deflected the ball away.

Moments later, and a fine low drive by Poynton, was well covered by Chloe, who got down quicky pushing the ball out for the Denton defence to clear.

As the clock ticked down, Alan seized the opportunity to give Chloe B her long awaited come back, after several months out due to a bad break to her ankle. Within moments, she had headed the ball, and also laid off a deft ball to Megan. Its clear, that Chloe B is going to give us a major boost next season, and together with Rebecca and Georgia on the come back trail, we should be stronger than ever.

Thanks to Steve from Poynton for presenting us with the pendant before kick off. Its very remiss of me not to do the same for them. So, sorry Steve.

Didn't do the player of the match thing today for some reason, but for them, Eve (no 14 I think), was very effective in the first half playing in a left back/defending midfield role.

Regarding the programme, I did send in a write up about Denton Town and listed all the team officials, but this seemed to go missing at the other end. The programmes for the Urmston final have also been printed, so this mistake won't be rectified.

Well done Alan, Tim and the girls, its been a top day. Bring on Urmston.

NIGEL.

Denton Town 3 Curzon Ashton Pumas 1 (u12's) Friendly

Denton's final warm up game before next weekends grand finale ended with a hard earned 3-1 friendly success this morning.

Their opponents, a talented Curzon Pumas outfit from Oldham League under 12s division 2, boasted an impressive record of

18 victories in their previous 20 fixtures and showed glimpses of their ability through-out this contest keeping the Denton girls

honest until the final whistle.

Denton have trained hard over recent weeks in preparation for next Saturdays cup final against champions elect Heyside Clarets Angels

including several fitness-based sessions and they were certainly required to summon every last ounce of energy to battle against

the humid conditions in this match.

Amy was able to utilise the services of 8 of the squad with Emily the only absentee as she soaks up the sun in Florida ahead of

the big day. This meant captain marvel Kendall moved into the defence sitting infront of Teah with her usual role in the centre

of midfield going to Georgia.

The early exchanges favoured Curzon who displayed quality on the wings and the Denton girls were struggling to cope with the

flair and skill of the bright left winger. The key points we have reiterated each week to the players is the importance of them

being alert and on their toes, their movement off the ball and their communication. We have worked on this during each training

session and tried to install it into the girls heads but for the opening 10-12 minutes this morning they appeared to still be in bed.

It was only thanks to the defensive pairing of Teah and Kendall that Curzon did not take the advantage and when the duo were

finally undone Denton were luckily saved by the foot of the post.

In my opinion the turning point came when Georgia decided enough was enough and took control of the midfield. I have mentioned before

on these pages that I don't believe Georgia has yet realised her full potential. She has the attributes required to dominate a game. She is

quick, strong, skilful and has a powerful shot yet for whatever reason has failed to dictate in the manner she is certainly capable on a

consistent basis. Today she proved once again that she can offer great value to the team and was only eclipsed for my player of the match

award owing to another remarkable display from Teah.

With Georgia starting to pull the strings Denton began to cause their own problems for Curzon's defence. Kay, so often the thorn

in the side of opponents, was inevitably involved as she skipped around her marker down the left and squared the ball to Grace, who had only

just entered the field from the bench, to score from close range.

Denton's performance most definitely improved with the confidence of having taken the lead but they still had to be cautious of the swiftness of

Curzon's counter attacks. Teah and Kendall, however, coped admirably with Hannah looking solid as ever behind them and also continuing to

show her improvement in taking goal kicks.

Into the second period and it was the familiar name on the scoresheet when Lauren found Kay to expertly find the back of the net.

Some of the football being played was quite brilliant at times with Kay, Grace, Lauren, Kylie and Georgia all linking up with one-touch passing

to create more opportunities and it was soon 3-0 when Kay unselfishly laid the ball into the path of Grace to easily claim her second of the contest.

Curzon's late consolation effort was well deserved, a well taken strike, and we wish them well in their own cup final next weekend.

For now the Denton girls need to prepared themselves for Heyside on Saturday. The opportunity is there for them to win. They need to concentrate

at training on Thursday and remember all that they have been told. If they play with enthusiasm, make runs off the ball rather than standing still

and compete for the full 40 minutes then they are undoubtebly capable of lifting the cup.

RICK'S PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Teah. Your reading of the game is top notch, I can't recall you making a single error. You tackled, you passed,

you intercepted, you blocked, you ran with the ball and even headed it!! Well done. Georgia also deserves a mention too - I want to see you show

this passion next week!!

RICK WATCH: Denton men lost 3-2 at home to South Manchester. I played awful and was substituted after 70 minutes with us leading 2-1 but I did

create both of our goals and hit the crossbar.

RICK

Sale United 0 Denton Town 7 (11's L/Cup FINAL)

AT THE DOUBLE!

Congrats to the Under 11's on winning the League Cup to compliment the Championship already won. Good luck next Sunday as the girls try to win an historic treble in the Challenge Cup Final vs. Manchester City.

Allen's report to follow.

NIGEL.