DENTON TOWN U11s 9 URMSTON U11s 0

GOOD ALL ROUND PERFORMANCE TODAY WITH SOME WELL TAKEN GOALS ALTHOUGH IT HAS TO BE SAID THE BEST GOAL WAS GABBYS THE ONE WHERE THE KEEPER MADE A SAVE AND THE BALL SLIPPED OUT OF HER HANDS AND GABBY FOLLOWED THE BALL LIKE ALL STRIKERS SHOULD AND JUST SLID THE BALL INTO THE NET YOU SHOULD ALL LEARN FROM THAT AND WHEN YOU ARE PUT INTO THE STRIKERS POSITION NEVER GIVE UP AND ALWAYS FOLLOW THE BALL, BACK TO THE GAME I THOUGHT BECKS AND EMILY HAD A EXCELLENT GAME SORRY BECKS EMILY JUST PIPPED YOU TO MAN OF THE MATCH, THE TWO OF YOU ARE CERTAINLY THE BEST BACK PAIR IN THE LEAGUE AND I HOPE YOU BOTH PLAY AS WELL AS YOU DID TODAY AGAINST CITY ON SATURDAY REMEMBER WHAT I TOLD YOU TODAY DON'T GO IN TO SATURDAYS MATCH THINKING YOU HAVE GOT THEM BEAT IT WILL BE A TOUGH GAME AND YOU WILL ALL HAVE TO PLAY TO YOUR VERY BEST CITY WILL BE MORE THAN UP FOR THIS MATCH REMEMBER WE HAVE GOT THEM IN THE CUP FINAL
PLEASE LISTEN TO TINA,FONZY & JOHN ON SATURDAY AND GOOD LUCK ?

MESSAGE TO NIKEA (IKEA) HOPE YOU ARE FEELING A BIT BETTER AND GET WELL SOON

Denton Town 4 Wythenshawe Town 0 (U14's)

Very blustery day yet again, and with the wind behind us first half, it probably assisted our great start, with another early goal by Yoyo as she went in for a high ball with their keeper, heading the ball over her, leaving it to roll into the net. One minute on the clock, one goal to the good, always helps to settle the early nerves.

Several good chances went missing, but the persistence paid off when on 15 mins, Keely played a deft ball across WT's goal, which was met by Samantha, who showed great control as the ball bobbled a little on the way to her, and cooly slotted the ball away to double our lead.

Into the break with a two goal lead, but facing a determined WT in the 2nd, this time with the wind against us. Team talk by Alan and Tim asked the girls to focus and keep the ball on the ground, which the girls did magnificently. As in the first half, great start, this time to a bit of a bizarre goal. With just one minute on the clock again, Kaysha from the left hand side of the 6 yard area, took a tame shot, which went between the keeper and the post, and seemed to bobble along the goal line for ages, before nesting just inside the far post. I'm sure some of the WT players thought it hadn't crossed the line, but from where I was standing, it certainly did, so well done Kaysha; since joining us vs. Hillgate, you have played five, scored five - fantastic.

On 41 mins it was game over really. With the ball bouncing all over the oppositions penalty area, Keely took control, and did a neat 180 turn, slotting the ball away into the bottom corner.

Overall, fair result with every player making a positive contribution. Don't want to take anything away from Wythenshawe; they have made dramatic improvements since last season, and should that continue, many teams will be sternly tested against them next season.

Player of the match for us was Chloe W., whilst I want to pour praise on Yoyo, whose turns and runs were pretty awesome today. For WT their captain no. 2 (soz forgot to make note of her name), was solid at the back, and also their keeper for being very brave on numerous occasions, and was a bit unfortunate with our third goal.

We had Pete Luty as ref again today, has his son Jacob had just pulled his hamstring (don't believe him, think you girls scared him off last week lol). Pete had a good game, and I gave him 9, though WT only gave him six. Great entertainment value as well, when he went flying in the 2nd half, brought a smile to everyones faces.

This sets us up for a very tight finish to the league, as below shows:-

Denton 35pts - Poynton Home and Deans Away
Poynton 35pts - Denton Away and WAGS Home
Urmston 31pts - Deans Away and WAGS Away

Don't worry too much about what ifs, just concentrate on winning your two remaining league games, and you'll retain the championship.

NIGEL.

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Super again today girls, very windy conditions again and, we handled it brilliantly like Nigel said. We changed the formation a couple of times today and some players played out of position as well but, its so nice for us coaches when we ask you to play different positions, and those players just slotted in, like they had played there for years. I thought we controlled the game, we handled the wind and when we said second half, play on on the floor, you just played exactly like we asked. Your getting very very professional in your attitude to the game now and also listening to tactics as well, it makes our job much more easier and enjoyable so keep up the great work and attitude ladies. Keeley had a great game again today, I've been winding her up a little because a little birdie told me a few games ago that she didn't like playing there; well I'm afraid I've shot that little birdie haven't i Gav ( Keel's dad ). Keeley is a player who can play any where on the pitch , strong, lots of running and to cap it all, she also has a great shot on her and certainly knows where the net is as today she did with a great finish, so well done Keels, you deserved our player of the game today. Captain Nic today, I thought had a really good game too, it must of been the new captains arm band and guess what, Nic, won the toss to decide which way we kick. Well done captain lol. We had 12 players today and ALL 12 of you did your team proud again girls. We have 2 hard games left in the league; Poynton on Saturday is a massive game for both clubs, they are playing for the league exactly the same as us, so are going to play out of there skins and, we have to play at our very best because they are a very strong side as we know but, if we play with the correct attitude as we have been doing for a good while now then, I think we will be good enough to get the win we need but, do not be under any illusions ladies, we will all have to be on our game and be giving 100% if we are going to beat them so, just think about your game and, what you are going to do for you, and your team mates on Sat. We cannot be carrying anybody Sat., its definitely the biggest game we will play this year so far, so we will see you all tues, no excuses, and we will run through some tactics and come up with a game plan that is going to get us those three points. Have a nice week and be good over and out.

ALAN.

Denton Town 3 Oldham Athletic 1 (U11's L/cup)

In 23 years as a football player I have experienced many emotions; the highs and the lows of our beloved game but I would be hard pressed to remember many occasions in which I have felt as proud as the girls made me feel this morning.
This was a quite brilliant victory against one of the league's front runners and hopefully will prove to be the catalyst for more success ahead. Make no bones about it this Oldham Athletic outfit were strong opposition and the Denton girls fully deserved their 3-1 triumph. The key to the win was quite simple.

The girls played as a team; worked hard for one another, attacked as a unit and defended in numbers. It was a pleasure to witness this improved attitude. Today they came of age and signalled that they are capable of competing with the best. Oldham started brightly and dominated the early exchanges. In recent weeks Denton may have been expected to capitulate under the pressure but they weathered the storm with resilient defending. The back two of Emily and Kendall were formidable, blocking all paths to goal as though their lives were dependent on it. The tactic of deploying Kendall in a deeper role behind Emily worked an absolute treat. The starting midfield trio of Lauren , Kylie and Grace each worked tirelessly to assist their defence and deny Oldham from taking advantage of their fine opening.

Over the past few weeks I have commented regularly on the potential of Kay in attack. This morning she listened to the advice of Amy and I. Rather than attempting to beat the entire defence on her own she was far more selective in her dribbles and consequently reaped the rewards with a devastating hatrick. Totally against the run of play Denton launched a scintillating counter-attack. Emily cleared the danger with a ball out wide to Lauren who cut inside and fed Kylie. Her inch-perfect through-pass sent Kay scarpering beyond the back line and clean in on goal. As the keeper came to meet her she cooly slotted the ball past her and it was 1-0. This clearly filled the girls with confidence and they raised their work-rate even higher to ensure that they retained their advantage as Oldham saught an immediate reply. Again Emily and Kendall thwarted all route to goal and Hannah was equally as solid in the nets behind them.

Shortly before the break it was déjà vu as Kylie again released Kay with another beautifully crafted pass. This time she had slightly more work to do but she bustled her way past her marker and beat the keeper with ease. My initial joy (I admit I screamed in excitement!!) was subdued for a moment when Amy announced it had only hit the side-netting and we had to check with Kay who was wandering back for the restart that she had indeed scored before we were finally able to celebrate.

The second half saw the introduction of Teah into the defence with Kendall moved into the centre of midfield to add that extra security. Sitting behind Emily, and monitoring the whole picture of the Oldham attack, Teah (affectionately known as "bird") proved just as effective in the role as her predecessor and, again, the opposition were struggling to find a way past. They were limited to attempting long range efforts but Hannah was equal to everything that they had to offer.
We were all able to breathe that little bit easier when Kay soon completed her hatrick with an instinctive strike into the roof of the net after Oldham failed to clear the ball.
From that moment on it was again the visitors who stepped up a gear and lay siege on our final third of the pitch. They finally breached the rear-guard when the defence hesitated in the belief that their player had handled the ball but the referee waved "play-on" and a low cross was turned in at the far post.

Nevertheless this was to be Denton's day. They were not to be denied their third victory in the last four outings and they clung on to achieve a memorable success.

My Player of the Match - the whole team ! ! !

Rick.
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So I suppose you don't want me back then? Do you how sad it makes me feel not being wanted anymore :( . Still, at least the 8's and 14's still love me :) ... I think :(.

Seriously though girls, I'm buzzing :)))) after this fine victory against one of the top runners. Its been coming for some time, and I've said for most of the season that your results don't reflect your performances. Rick has probably given you a much needed lift and new direction, but do not let that detract from the sterling work Amy has already done this season. I believe the reason why our 14's are so successful is because the coaches (Alan and Tim) complement each other and bring different dimensions to the girls' game. I now believe we could be on the brink of a great partnership with Amy and Rick, and hopefully you will go on to emulate some of what the 14's have achieved over the past two seasons.

Also, something to think about. The 11's and 14's are still on the treble. Great, good luck to them however, you've now got a great opportunity to win some silverware too.

Today was the first game in the League Cup. You play each other team once, and the top two play in the final. You have just beaten Oldham, runners' up in the league this season, so what does that say to you? Well, quite simply, if you can beat a fine team like Oldham (and deservedly so), then surely you re capable of beating anyone, so GO FOR IT! Can you imagine how proud you will feel, and Denton Town as a club, when ALL three girls teams win a trophy.

Rick - fantastic match report again, I think you will have to give me lessons in Sports Journalism as I'm a bit naff at it.

Right, I'm off for a sulk now, and seeing as you don't want me, don't expect any chocs, more for the 14's and 8's- lol.

NIGEL.
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Well Girls what can i say you were absolutely superb, you listen to what me and Rick told you before the game, and your performance was outstanding, me and Rick were really buzzing on the side line watching you all. But I tell you all now you have all improved immensely over the last year and started playing like a team, if you keep playing like you did yesterday you can beat any team. Like Rick says on his report you were all man of the match and you all deserved it, as you all attacked in number and you all got back to defend which we keep telling you to do. When oldham put use under pressure you cope really well at the back with strong performance of Teah, Emily, Kendall, brilliant clearence and blocks stoppers to stop oldham from shooting. Hannah was outstanding again in nets come off her line quick to stop oldham in the first half from scoring. The midfield Trio of Grace, Kylie and Lauren brilliant you help to support each other as well as Kay up front but you all got back to defence which was fantastic, Kylie played at the thick of it in the middle of midfield take some strong challenge from oldham but equally as strong. Kay scored a wonderful hat trick which she deserved, the second goal i was unsure about as it look like it hit the side netting (as there was a hole in the netting), but was soon assured it was with Kay walking back, Kay got man of the match from oldham.

AMY.

Denton Town 2 Hough End 1 (U11's CC SF)

What a fantastic win yet again! over our rivals 2 weeks ago we knocked them out of the League Cup and, now the Challenge Cup. Credit to them they are a good team (but not as good as us)and we had to work extra hard to get the win. Gabby destroyed their defence and scored 2 great goals (you could have had 4) and Sally, although you had a quiet first half, you were awesome in the second. But hey, let me tell you about the Man Of The Match Emily - you were fantastic, your tackles were brilliant, they couldn't’t get passed you, and you hold the back line brilliantly. Their manager was talking to me after the match and wished he had a player who could hold the line like you, that is not to take anything away from the other players,Becks had a good game and made some important tackles,Kendel made some excellent passes through to Gabby to set up her goals,you all played your part and, remember its a team game, you can't do it alone, it has to be a team effort and in my view thats why you are top of the league and still going for both cups. You've played well all season and now with our new found goalkeeper (Ikea who made some terrific saves today), I have every confidence in you doing the treble.

You are becoming the best Denton Town girls team ever, I know Alan (the under 14s manager) would argue about that but, hey I'm going to be bias aren't I. Next Saturdays match is against Urmston Diamonds - if we win that one we will need 1 more win from our remaining 2 fixtures which are Sale and Hough End to Win the League Title (bring em on lol) ,Our next Cup Match is against Man City in the Semi Finals of the League Cup who we will be playing in the Final of the Challenge Cup. I won't be at the Man City match,I will be in Spain that weekend on business. You might think I'm daft but, I would rather be at the match watching and coaching you to victory but, I know the people who will be managing you at the match will do a fantastic job and I thank them for it (no pressure on Tina, Fonzy & John then). Listen to what they have to say and have a good game and, well done again to everyone of you, I am proud of you all

Congratulations to the under 14s on there Cup Semi Final win from all the under 11s and good luck in the final.

(Can we on behalf of the 14’s, send that back to the 11’s and wish you best of luck in all your remaining games, and ditto the 12’s as they begin their final competition, the League Cup – NIGEL, ALAN & TIM.)

ALLEN.

Denton Town 2 Poynton 1 (u14's SF C/Cup)

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S also to the 14's for emulating the 11's in making it to the Challenge Cup Final. The two teams seasons have been so similar it is uncanny. Both teams still in with great chances to win the treble, with the 11's in a position to possibly win the league next weekend.

You'll have to forgive me if I get this a bit wrong, only its Tuesday evening, after training, feeling like you don't want to know, and lately my memory has been more akin to that of a goldfish. Anyway, sorry for the delay.

We inflicted only the 2nd defeat of the season on Poynton, which just goes to show what a great side they are, but came away with a deserved victory. Before the game the gusts of wind we're so strong, myself, Steve (Poynton) and Jacob (the ref), we're toying with the idea of calling it off (glad we didn't). Finally, Jacob decided to give the game 10 mins and see how it went. Thankfully, it went very well, and perhaps we coped with the conditions much better than Poynton.

But, don't let that detract from a great team performance against a very well organised Poynton side, who sit proudly on top of the table, something we hope to do something about in two weeks time, when we meet again. The first goal came early on, 7 mins in fact, a scrappy goal which Ruby claimed, and we had chances to extend the lead several times, forcing their keeper to make a fantastic save.

However, on 32 mins Poynton played a long ball out of defence, and took advantage of perhaps a lapse in concentrate at the back, to neatly plonk the ball into the back of the net. Half time 1-1 and all to play for.

Always worrying when the opposition get back into the game just before the break, but we had the perfect response when Keeley, 1 min into the 2nd half, sent in a corner, finding Chelsea running into the far side of the penalty area, who surperbly despatched the ball into the top right hand corner of the net. There were moments in the 2nd half where we lost our shape a bit, particularly in midfield, but overall, we looked the better side throughout most of the game, and we now rightly find ourselves in a cup final in May vs. Wythenshawe Town or Urmston Meadowside.

Kayleigh was voted mom, and deservedly so, after time and time again clearing up the loose ball, and was just a tower of strength. For them, Rebecca Sadio who was a thorn in our side for the majority of the game. Jacob didn't have the best of games, missing a few clear offsides, and when their keeper clearly handled the ball outside of her penalty area. Nevertheless, we were in a generous mood, and gave him 8, as did Poynton.

Well done girls, this was a biggy, and you came through it with a good performance and great result.

NIGEL.

Denton Town 2 Hough End 1 (u11's SF C/Cup)

CONGRATULATIONS to the 11's on making it to the Challenge Cup Final. The treble is still on.

Come on Allen H, give us an update, the girls deserve recognition for all their hard work this season.

NIGEL.

Mostyn Valley 5 Denton Town 0 (u12's)

Hi girls, sorry to hear your mini revival come to an end, but after speaking to Amy and reading Rick's report, it sounds as if you should of got something out of the game. Never mind, at least you now know you can win matches, and this little set back shouldn't get in your way of continued improvement.

NIGEL.

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An ex-professional player turned TV-pundit once claimed "It's a funny old game". How right he was!! I am obviously totally biased but even those most ardent of Moston Villa supporters would have to admit that Denton played the more attractive football, created more opportunities and had the majority of the possession. This was just one of those bizarre contests when the final result defied the story of the game. Full credit to Moston Villa, they played to their strengths and, more importantly, they took their chances but this could so easily have been a very different tale. You just knew it was going to be one of those days when, after a promising start for Denton, Villa snatched the advantage with the most fortunate of goals as a corner kick caught a gust of wind and blew the ball straight past Hannah.
The match continued in this vein. Everything struck by a Denton player was saved, blocked or went just inches past the net.
Moston Villa played counter-attacking football reliant on a long ball straight down the centre where they had mostly kept 3 players forward and our inability to get back and defend this tactic consequently proved our undoing. Nevertheless it was a harsh result to say the least. Whilst Hannah also produced a couple of great saves, and bravely lasted the entire match despite picking up 2 nasty injuries, the opposition keeper was by far the busier. Kay's performance was a mirror of her appearance last week. She was full of desire and unquestionably had the better of the Villa defenders when the ball was at her feet. She is blessed with undoubted ability and will continue to improve. When she learns to make the correct decision of when to shoot, dribble or pass then she is destined to compete with the best around. Lauren, too, has exciting potential. In possession she is very tricky and confident but like many of the girls needs to focus on her concentration for the entire match. Despite failing to score these two were a constant menace to Moston Villa. Georgia, Grace and Kylie were others who threatened to breach the opposition defence on numerous occasions; Georgia letting fly with one rasping effort in particular in the second half which would have ripped the net open had it been a couple of inches lower.
Kendal was again captain of the team. It amazes me that she is a school year younger than her colleagues. She has all the attributes to develop into a tremendous player - speed, stamina, strength, power and her reading of the game is superb. She proved her importance by filling the central midfield role in the first half then was equally as solid at the heart of the defence in the second. She came as close as anyone to scoring for Denton when the keeper somehow clawed away her thunderous drive early on. Emily and Teah also continue to impress; in fact despite the scoreline I think this was the best I have seen Teah perform in the 4 weeks I have been involved. She made a number of last-ditch tackles to prevent their forwards from having a clean shot at target and played with real bravery. Emily also has a fantastic ability to tackle and to clear danger; I also think she can probably throw the ball further than I can!! We will work on her positioning over the forthcoming months and next season I believe we will see the benefits.
The team should certainly not be too dis-heartened by this result. The potential is definitely there and if each player demonstrates the hunger to learn and progress then there will be more victories than defeats ahead!

Rick