Droylsden 4 Denton Town 4 (u12's Sat 13th Oct)

Disappointing to come away with just 1 point after taking the lead three times, but full marks to both teams for giving it all until the final whistle.

Defending corners:- I was pleased to see players take up good positions on the front and back post, with the goalie just off her line, and it looks as though we have that problem sorted. However, some of the other marking was poor, with players not knowing who was marking who - how do we solve this problem? - easy T A L K ! Tell your team mates which player you are marking, and direct them to the next one. Also, get the ball out of your penatly area as soon as possible - don't just keep tapping it, give it some wellie. We will work on it in training.

Attacking corners: - Going forward, you look good, and with Kay taking the corners, Kylie & Kendal in the box, with Teah making a run in as the ball was played; worked quite well, with Teah nearly scoring at the first attempt.

Goal Kicks: - Emily has got the power to deliver, but still, many of the kicks are down the middle. We need the ball down the wings, and if it misses everyone and goes for a throw-in, so what; isn't that better than the ball going straight down the middle to an opponent, who then has a goal scoring opportunity, putting us under immediate pressure?

Kick-offs: - We shouldn't be losing possession immediately after we take a kick off. Sometimes the pass is too weak to reach the next player, and the opponents are rushing in and winning the ball. Simple pass between the two people in the middle e.g. Kay and Kylie, and then a good strong (but not too strong) pass back to Teah or Kendal in the middle, giving her enough time to look around before deciding whether she will pass, run or even shoot (small pitch - don't be scared of having a go from the half-way line).

All in all, plenty of effort from you all, including Hannah, Lachen and Kelsie. Fitness may be an issue, and you all need to really put it in at training if you want to do well this season.

Here's how the goals went: -

1 min 1-0 Kay

6 mins 2-0 Kay

15 mins 2-1

half time

22 mins 2-2

27 mins 3-2 Kay

30 mins 3-3

32 mins 4-3 Kay

36 mins 4-4.

Not surprising, four goal hero Kay got player of the match. Their goalie was excellent 1st half, and kept them in it. The ref Christa Harding was ok, so 8/10.

Soccer School for Girls

Well, I'm gutted, no football at all for any of our girls' teams this weekend, and none of it down to the weather or pitch; I'll have to console myself with a few miles on the bike instead, especially as the weather forecast is good.

Still, gives me the chance to mention the girls soccer school again. Last night was the first official session for the school, and it went really well. We had six girls there, Rebecca, Shelby and Abbie, who also attend our soccer school on Sundays, plus new girls Holly, Megan and Deana. Unfortunately, another girl from the Sunday school, Chelsea, couldn't make it, but I'm sure she'll be there next week. That makes 7 - enough for a team - not bad at all for the first night. Just as well, because we have a little friendly competition arranged with Wythenshawe Amateurs, and possibly a couple of other teams, on Sat 27th Oct - more details nearer the time.

The girls all enjoyed themselves, and looked totally exhausted after the session, but they were all smiling. Just want to say well done to all the girls on the night, you worked really hard, and it was a pleasure to coach you.

However, we need more girls! Kylie's grandad (U12's) has kindly distributed some leaflets around the local schools, you probably will have seen our article in the Advertiser, and this weekend, I'm hoping Tameside Radio will promote our club further. But please, keep a look out, and pass on my details if you find anyone interested. We're still looking for coaches as well - young, old, new or experienced - if you've got the time and commitment, I'd love to hear from you.

Nigel.

Soccer School for Girls (5-8yrs old)

Girls football in Tameside has dropped off over the last few seasons, and at the moment there are only 3-4 clubs in the borough offering the sport. Myself, Amy Mather, Allen Harvey and Matt Johnson from Tameside Girls Football Development Group, are working hard to get more girls playing footie again, including some of us using our holidays to go into schools trying to promote the sport.

We have now set-up a Soccer School for Girls aged 5-8 yrs old, which will run every Thursday 7-8pm at Egerton Park Arts College. Cost is only £1.

If you know of any young girls who want to get into footie, or for that matter, young adults that would like to get involved in coaching, please give them my number or email address.

Thanks,

Nigel.

Denton Town 1 Urmston Meadowside 1 (u14's)

Our hardest test I think today girls, two strong teams, Urmston certainly turned up to play, and the draw was a fair result. I don't want to take anything away from Urmston because I think we were lucky to be going in at half time 1 - 1 but, I think some of us were not playing as well as we normaly do. We looked very hesitant at times especially, in the first half, why, I don't know. There was no flow to our game of which I know Meds., were partly responsible for but, we were also guilty of it. You have to realise girls, we are the reigning champs and everybody who we play, will raise their game, because, they want to beat us and prove how good they are. We need to believe in our abilities in ourselves girls and, not worry about other reputations coming along in the other team and maybe ones that are not in ours any longer. We have a good team here girls, we are strong, we play good football when we are up for it, and if we want too and, I have no doubts that we can win something again this year but, you have to earn it. No team in this league is going to roll over and let you win it so its up to us to do our jobs individually and more importantly AS A TEAM . If you ask your dads, they will tell you this; in football its so much harder to defend a title or retain a cup because like I said, at the top every one wants to beat you so, its a lot harder to play in these games so you have to have the right attitude when you come to the game. Be focused and eager for the task you will have to do in the game. Well played to Urmston Meds., they are a very strong side and will also playing for everything this year. The game was tough but very fair and all of you played the game in a great spirit, so well done to both teams (when Chloe of Urmston went down I did try to sub her, but she was having none of it). Oh well, it was worth a try.

ALAN

p. s training tues is 7. pm till 8 .pm trainers to be worn don't forget !!!!

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I arrived late for your game, in a buoyant mood, as I had just witnessed the 12's coming from 2 down to win 3-2, so when I walked onto the field just as Yolanda bagged her goal, I thought, yes, things are looking good. As it turned out, you were held by a really strong Urmston side, who without doubt, will fancy their chances of lifting some trophies come the end of the season.

I think Alan's said everything there was to say, so I'm not going to waffle on as usual. I enjoyed the game, played by two very competitive teams, and from the matches and results so far, I believe this season is going to be very tight indeed, with teams taking points of each other - so be prepared to battle hard if you want to retain the championship.

Goals were scored in the 1st min (I believe) by Chloe of Urmston, with our Yolanda replying in about the 7th min. Player of the match for us was Chloe Williams, for them the number 7 on the right-hand wing. The ref., Jacob had a good game, and got 9/10 from both me and Urmston's manager, Dave.

Poynton AWAY next Sat. Note kick off will be 11am arrive at 10:30 unless you arrange to meet somewhere in Denton - please see Alan on Tuesday night as I will be leaving early for a meeting. Also, WHITE SHIRTS - if you have a white shirt, please bring it with you - Alan has the rest.

NIGEL.

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.

Denton Town 7 Wythenshawe Ams 3 (U14's)

Another good performance today girls, we're slowly getting back into full stride which, we needed to because today Wythenshawe worked their socks off, even at 7- 1 down, they still gave their all. I think they will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season. Today we gave Sam our mom. Sam has alot of ability but doesnt always show it but, today she realy tried hard so, she deserved it - well done Sam. Yoyo was at her best today too, simply unplayable when shes in this form, even after a late night up with Ruby (Hyacinth to me). I can't mention all of you but, every one played there part today. I think we were a little fortunate with the 2nd goal of Yoyo's but, football tends to even itself out and, I thought Kayleigh was fouled for their 3rd goal. At the end of the day it was a good hard game by 2 decent teams so, well played to you all. I'll see you all tues at training girls, so make sure you're all there - we dont want to lose any games because we are not fit enough do we! Have a nice weekend and behave yourselves.

P.S. Well done to Megan for her mom. Megan has so much energy, I wish I could bottle it up - i'd make a fortune, must be all that Irish dancing she s been doin lol.

ALAN.

As Alan has said above, another great win, against a strong Wythenshawe team, who perhaps aren't quite firing on all cylinders yet, so beware when we play them again at their end - they're no mugs, and want to put one over on us, that's for sure.

Yoyo - absolutely world class - six goals, what more can one ask for. Not all about goals of course, Sam deserved a goal as she really put it in today, and again repeating what Alan has said, Megan has got a terrific engine on her, and can probably run for hours. Today, both Megan and Keely looked like they had been playing for the team for years, and have blended in the team fantastically. Captain Nicole still barking out the orders, and appears to be loving it, and Lauren really put in some great determination to fend off an opponent and send a quality cross in the box - top stuff! And of course, penalty Queen, Kayleigh scored from the spot again - do you know, in the 4 meetings between our two teams, we've had 3 pens, all converted by Kay? Bet WA's are sick of the sight of us.

Jacob the ref did okish, but got to be honest, Yoyo's 2nd was offside (I would of flagged but ref's instructions are ins/outs only, and would of kept my flag down if it had been at our end). To balance that up, Beth from W.A.'s was all over Kayleigh for their 3rd, and play should of been brought back for a free kick to us. I gave Jacob 7/10 as did Ian from WA's. As you know, Megan got MOM from them, and we gave it to their no. 10 Beth Brooks who played some tremendous football. For the statisticians amongst you, here are the goal details: -

8 mins 1-0 Yoyo
20 mins 2-0 Yoyo
22 mins 3-0 Yoyo
23 mins 3-1
32 mins 4-1 Yoyo
Half time
38 mins 5-1
41 mins 6-1 Yoyo - at this point I was saying to myself, please can we have another goal scorer
47 mins 7-1 (PEN) Kayleigh - my prayers answered
52 mins 7-2
64 mins 7-3 - brave come back by WA's.

See you Tuesday, but remember next Saturday, Gavin (Keeley's dad), will be collecting the subs and sorting out the match card.

Have a great weekend.

NIGEL.

Under 12's Fixtures

I thought I had already done this, but thanks to Kylie's mum, Sue, I now know different.

All the games will be played on the 3G Astro surface at Chapel Rd., Oldham OL8 4QQ.

Please arrive for 11am unless told otherwise. Matches should be over by 12:30.

Boots - steel studs/blades not allowed - moulded ones are ok. You MUST wear shinpads.

Finally, the season is about to start; don't think I have ever started one so late. So here goes: -

29th Sept - Uppermill Rockettes A
6th Oct - NO MATCH - so far
13th Oct - Droylsden Juniors
20th Oct - Heyside Angels Clarets
27th Oct NO MATCH - so far
3rd Nov - Moston Valley Angels
10th Nov - Curzon Ashton Tigers
17th Nov - Oldham Athletic

Then NO MATCHES until 2008 - but THIS COULD CHANGE.

I will keep you all informed about any changes.

Good luck for the season - me and Amy are looking forward to it.

Nigel.