PRE – SEASON FRIENDLY NUMERO UNO

V PRESTWICH LIONS @ REDVALES

TEAM SHEET:                        RATING          GOALS

IAN CROPPER                       8*

BEN ROBINSON                   8*

PAUL BERRY             8*

JONATHAN BERRY              MOM 9*

MIKE TREANOR                   8*

CHRIS JEPSON                     8*                    1

RICK BELLIS             8*

GAZ BROOKS                       8*

GAZ BEARD                           8*                    1

TOM MACKLIN                    8*

NATHAN BROOKS              8*                    1

SUBS:

PAUL GREENWOOD            8*

CHRIS MALLON                   8*

DANNY MCBRIDE               8*                    1

TOM COONEY                      8*

United opened the 07/08 campaign with a now annual friendly against local side Prestwich Lions. A good pre-season crowd gathered in the warm weather eager to see the new signings and the game kicked off at a high tempo, the tiger Rick Bellis immediately letting the bigger opponents know who would be the big man today! This, of course, was quickly blown for by the referee, as Bellis totally mistimed his challenge. He continued to argue that he’d won the ball cleanly for the remainder of the game! In dry heat the tempo quickly slowed down but with everyone eager to make a good impression a few panicky miss-hit balls found the opposition but with neither side making much ground up. However United were first to settle, the impressively calming influence of Man of the Match Jonathan “pickles” Berry helping them in retaining possession for long periods. However the game was being played quite centrally which suited the away side more, and failed to utilise the pace of Macklin and Jepson. With United dominating possession and collecting everything hoofed up front by the away team the Lions were happy to put men behind the ball. As the half time whistle blew, the scores remained at a stalemate but United felt sure that they would be able to make some inroads in the second half. Mcbride, Greenie and Mallon entered the fray with Jepson partnering Nathan. Cropper moved into the limelight in the middle of defence and Pickles looked to insert some extra power into midfield. For the changes, United looked much more balanced and after 10 minutes of the restart from a corner new signing Jepson smashed the ball goalwards past a helpless keeper from an impossible angle for the opener. From then on there were no real answers from Prestwich. As United pressed the goal of the game came in the centre of the park from McBride who picked up the ball, looked up and curled an inch perfect shot into the top corner around a defender and the keeper’s outstretched fingers to make it 2! United were well in control Mallon impressive down the right hand side knocking some superb balls in, and Cropper looking composed in defence even though he was played some really testing balls from his own team-mates! Cooney put his mark on the game after sliding to keep a ball in needlessly 20 yards from the sideline prompting someone to say “does that lad need glasses?” only to see Cooney turn round in his fashion spectacles! Luckily he made up for the error to take on 2 players and put a wicked ball across the face of goal on his debut! After Nathan Brooks slotted home a third United were in the comfort zone and Treanor returned to the field to replace Berry and take up position in a new 3-5-2 formation. From then on it was all United as Bellis, Pickles and McBride dominated in midfield United looked for more goals and the final one came as Mallon sent a fantastic ball behind the defence that Beard had only to simply side foot home. The referee ended the Lion’s misery by blowing the whistle in what was a comfortable victory and a confident opener for the home side. However they would face a real test in their next game as Edenfield Horse & Jockey visited Redvales from the Lancashire league!

PRE – SEASON FRIENDLY NUMERO DOS

V EDENFIELD HORSE & JOCKEY @ REDVALES

TEAM SHEET:                        RATING          GOALS

IAN CROPPER                       8*

BEN ROBINSON                   7                      1

PAUL BERRY             8*

CARL LUTKEVITCH 8*

SHAUN BOYLE                     5

JONATHAN BERRY              8*                   

RICK BELLIS             8*

TOM COONEY                      7

GAZ BEARD                           7                     

TOM MACKLIN                    8*

GAZ BROOKS                       8*                    1 PEN             

SUBS:

MARK WILLIS                      8*

PEDAR MCKINSTRY           8*

With McBride sitting on the bench for his second favourite team, United faced a long established team from the Lancashire league. Having played only once before and United winning a tough cup-tie 2-1 when Edenfield were top of their premier league, it was obvious they would be out for revenge. United went into the game with 9 missing so the team was put together but still confident of gaining a result. The clouds darkened as the away side kicked off and a confident Edenfield knocked the ball comfortably around an evidently nervous United side. However although the visitors dominated possession they were struggling to make any opportunities and instead attempted to play the ball into the right wing at any opportunity where Boyle was struggling to contain his marker and McBride when he was entered into proceedings. However for all their play Edenfield were well chased by United and the home side soon came back into the game as Lutkevitch and Berry led from the back in calming things down on the ball. This helped Bellis and Pickles to also put their authority on proceedings but although individually they were doing well the lack of talking and real leadership on the pitch was letting the United side down, with the game becoming as quiet as the first! United had started narrowly to contain Edenfield but as they appeared to have comfortably held their opponents they now needed to stretch the game and this wasn’t really happening. However United continued to press and from a resulting corner Robinson flicked the ball home arguably against the run of play! However just when United needed to keep their concentration Robinson found himself in dreamland, 17 scantily clad ladies, an Egyptian waiter and Mary oiled up in a bathtub ready to celebrate his goal, when in no danger at all he decided to back heel the ball straight to Edenfield’s striker Stricker’s who had the simple task of side-footing past an astonished Cropper! It was imperative United bounced back from this setback and they needed some talking on the pitch which continued to escape them. To their credit United started to take the game to their opponents and finished the first half much the stronger of the 2 sides. Width, pace and talking was the key so Lutkevitch replaced Cooney on the left of midfield, Tommo replaced Beard on the right hand side. A dejected and tired Boyle was replaced by McKinstry on his debut and Mark Willis joined Bellis to add bite, calmness and a voice to the midfield! The new look side immediately looked much stronger. Beard soon twisted his knee in the turf so Cooney returned up front this time to partner Gaz Brooks. United really began to stretch the tiring visitors as United all too happily dominated. However a goal failed to come until a goal bound Gaz Brooks shot cannoned against an outstretched arm and he smashed home the penalty. United continued to press until a half hearted late fightback brought a well saved tip over the bar from Cropper and McBride unable to finish against his boyhood heroes blazing over from a yard out. It would have been too cruel to United who all in all had deserved a victory and looked comfortable and capable in the second half. The final whistle blew as the rain began to tumble down, and a very satisfactory victory had been gained with so many players unavailable!

PRE – SEASON FRIENDLY NUMERO TRES

V HUNTLEY MOUNT @ HOYLES

TEAM SHEET:                        RATING          GOALS

BEN ROBINSON                   9*

JONATHAN BERRY              8*

CARL LUTKEVITCH 7

PEDAR MCKINSTRY           8*

MICHAEL TREANOR           7

PAUL BERRY             7                     

RICK BELLIS             7

LEE WILSON                         7

TOM MACKLIN                    7                     

NATHAN BROOKS              7                      1

GAZ BROOKS                       MOM 9*         2                     

SUBS:

MARK WILLIS                      8*

TOM COONEY                      7

After last weeks impressive victory over Edenfield we had another friendly to test ourselves against Huntley Mount who had finished 4^th in the Prem last season and made it to the Millenium Cup final the season previous. Cropper failed to show for the team coach leaving, increasing speculation about his future, and with Greenwood still away in Africa raising awareness about sexual infections Ben Robinson had the unenviable task of keeping the nets. New signing Mckinstry made his first start at right back, and Lee Wilson made his long awaited return from injury. However even with 9 players out we made the short trip across town in glorious sunshine. The game kicked off and it was a slow start with the ball bouncing around before United were able to get their feet on the ball and start to knock it around. When they did they looked good but failed to test the keeper. Huntley had some decent ball players in the middle of the park so the game became very narrow as United failed to utilise the wide men. After the opening exchanges though United began to drive forward but their opponents held strong in defence and United were guilty of trying to walk the ball into the net on too many occasions. A superb freekick from Lutkevitch forced an acrobatic save for the cameras from the keeper and not long after Gaz Brooks slid the ball through for Nathan Brooks and he slotted home to give United the lead after 35 minutes. United continued to press but the game remained narrow and only for a moment of brilliance from Man of the Match Gaz Brooks did the pre-season crowd really get their monies worth. Brooks picked it up 30 yards from goal and only looked up once before chipping the keeper who had strayed from his line seeing no threat. The ball continued to rise for an eternity over the keepers head and right into the corner of the net the keeper scrambling backwards to keep it out and colliding with the upright. Gaz Brooks stood there nonchalant like Cantona accepting the praise of his adoring fans and a grinning and proud big Mike Brooks up in the stands. Huntley tried to force out a chance with United’s midfield allowing too much space but Robinson dominated his area superbly and remained much of a spectator until the half time whistle blew. Willis replaced Paul Berry to try and strengthen the midfield and Cooney replaced Wilson who had impressed on his return. United looked more balanced as the second half began and Willis held the midfield superbly to allow Bellis more freedom to instigate the width on the park. However Huntley had made a number of changes themselves and looked much better for it beginning on the front foot in the second half. United controlled the first 10 but then the home side buoyed on by their supporters began their best spell of the game. United’s defence was being stretched and losing it’s shape as Huntley’s big men drove forward. However Robinson still wasn’t tested until a deceivingly long throw highlighted United’s lack of height as a 7 foot beast didn’t even need to jump as the he nodded the ball home passed Robinson who could do nothing about it 2-1. Huntley got excited adding a moment of comedy as Hadji, their foreign import, angry at being substituted berated their captain Scott about his substantial weight to receive the reply “shut up you bomber!” much to the amusement of the away team. The home team continued to press but United soaked up the pressure. Paul Berry replacing Lutkevitch, returned to partner his name sake which immediately calmed the defence and led to them being very solid for the remainder and left AFC dominating the last 15. They began to utilise the wings and Cooney had 3 efforts either saved or blocked alone. Both the Brooks “twins” had numerous opportunities but were again guilty of trying to walk the ball into the net. Tommo attempting a Schemichel star jump received a knee to the testiculars much to the amusement of the crowd and Lutkevitch returned to replace him. Nathan Brooks had one ruled out for a dubious offside before eventually a much deserved goal came from Gaz Brooks who turned his man and curled into the far post. The final whistle sounded soon after and United had again conquered well against a team in the higher divisions. A solid performance and a good game of football. Huntley were kept to minimal chances and in all fairness if the result had been 5 or 6-1 they couldn’t really have complained considering the amount of chances the visitors had. So one last friendly left before the start of the new season with United looking in good shape!

PRE – SEASON FRIENDLY NUMERO 4

V NEW INN @ OUTWOOD ROAD

TEAM SHEET:                        RATING          GOALS

JONATHAN BERRY              8*

BEN ROBINSON                   7

CARL LUTKEVITCH            7                      2

MARK WILLIS                      MOM 9*

PEDAR MCKINSTRY           7

TOM MACKLIN                    7                     

RICK BELLIS                        8*                    1

LEE WILSON                         7

TOM COONEY                      7                     

DANNY MCBRIDE               5

GAZ BROOKS                       7                      1                                 

SUBS:

CARL GALLOWAY               7                      1

Our last warm up game before the season, and the morning didn’t start well with a growing injury list and several players AWOL meaning we only had 11 players at the start of play from our much needed squad of 22! The constant drizzle had created a slippery surface already, and with no goalkeeper available yet again, Jonathan Berry faced the unenviable task of keeping a clean sheet. Willis moved into the back four and Macklin came inside to assist Bellis in the middle of the park. From the whistle United drove forward immediately settling and getting the ball down. Good work from Wilson down the right resulted in Gaz Brooks unselfishly laying the ball into Bellis’ path, and from the edge of the area he fired the ball past the helpless keeper and in off the bar for United to take the lead with only 3 minutes on the clock! However what was needed was cool heads, and after Macklin needlessly lost the ball right in front of the defence the home team quickly spread the ball wide and a superb ball was whipped in that Berry totally misjudged and the striker calmly headed home the equaliser! United were rocked at their lack of discipline after the shock of Bellis smashing a ball into the net finally dawned on them! The game continued to be played at a quick pace with many players panicking, and rushed passes forcing errors from both sides. United began to force more questions and created a few more chances that were blocked, but the home side had some clever ball players in the middle of the park that were being allowed too much space and they were holding their own! Finally United got their second as Carl Lutkevitch stepped up to strike a free kick from 35 yards he could never have imagined it flying at pace into the top corner, but then again neither could we! Instead the well struck shot flew straight into the keepers hands, and proceeded to slip straight through them as United took the lead! The tempo of the game continued to be rampant until the first half whistle sounded. Gaz Brooks moved back to steady the ship in the middle of the park and Wilson moved up front. Immediately United started the second half with a much calmly approach, keeping the ball and making room, knocking the ball about quickly to keep the home side chasing the game. They looked in total control as the weary visitors struggled to keep up. From inside our own half Lutkevitch hit the ball goal-ward hopefully with Berry becoming a spectator behind him. Somehow God was again looking kindly on the Orphan and the keeper again struggled to keep hold of the ball and it slipped in for his second and United’s third. From then on it was all one way traffic. Galloway refereeing making horrendous mistakes lightened the mood for both sides as a Gaz Brooks free kick was well hit but should’ve been held by the keeper who instead juggled the ball into the top corner. Then the gaffer took the whistle as Macklin was injured on the far side and Galloway squeezed into his shorts to take to the field for a cameo with the game won. After a couple of terrific decisions by Murphy, Galloway picked up the ball just inside the home sides half, spinned and caressed the ball over the stunned keeper to make it 5-1 with the goal of the game! The whistle sounded soon after when the home side decided they had given up. Altogether a fun friendly to finish the pre season calendar off with and another convincing win with the league season just around the corner!

PRE – SEASON FRIENDLY NUMERO 5

V THE RAILWAY F.C. @ GOSHEN

TEAM SHEET:                        RATING          GOALS

GAZ BROOKS                       8*

BEN ROBINSON                   8*                    1

MIKE TREANOR                   7

MARK WILLIS                      7

JONATHAN BERRY              7

RICK BELLIS                        7                     

ASH SALMON                       8*                    2

CARL LUTKEVITCH            6

TOM COONEY                      7                      1

DANNY MCBRIDE               6

NATHAN BROOKS              MOM 9*         1 PEN             

SUBS:

CARL MALLON                    7

TOM MACKLIN                    7

MARCEL JAMES                   7

PAUL BERRY                       8*

With again Sky Sports interrupting our season opener by pushing it a week behind to allow coverage of our game and the Internationals, we were left with no opening fixture so instead faced The Railway F.C. in a friendly so the lads could keep up their match sharpness. With Cropper absent and Greenwood still away enjoying the sunshine, Gaz Brooks became the 5^th different keeper in 4 weeks to take the role between the sticks. Ash Salmon made his long awaited debut in the middle of the park, with McBride maintaining his place even after last weeks disappointing performance as Macklin had picked up a groin strain in training, yes of course training, what were you thinking…Macklin!? No it was definitely training! Anyway the late kick off meant the conditions were a little cooler but the game still kicked off at a rampant pace. The home side surprising the visitors early on with some clever play in the middle of the park. If anything United appeared to underestimate their opponents but they held strong in defence and on the break immediately asked questions of the Railway’s defence. Mcbride burst into the area and was brought down only to blaze his penalty against the cross bar. United’s forward movement was becoming too much for the home side and a fantastic move with some lovely one touch football between Cooney, Bellis and McBride resulted in Salmon picking up the low cross, touching it past the defender and neatly side-footing past the keeper. Against the run of play though the Railway hit back, a rare mistake in the United defence allowing their striker to find himself clean through and smash past the helpless Gaz Brooks. However as the first half went on Brooks became a spectator as United dominated. Jonathan Berry twisted his ankle and was replaced by Paul Berry, and McBride took a knock to be replaced by Macklin. Some mind-blowing one and two touch football was leaving the Railway chasing shadows and as Nathan Brooks was felled in the area he calmly got up and made it 2-1 from the spot. Then came the move of the game, neat inter-linking play between Cooney, Macklin, Bellis, Nathan and Ash concluded with Brooks lifting the ball through a static Railway defence for Salmon to finish on the half volley for a phenomenal 3^rd! The Railway looked good in the middle of the park with the ball at their feet but they could not contain United’s impressive forward display. Man of the Match Nathan Brooks the lynch-pin who was holding everyone off and making time and space for AFC to exploit. Through this came a 4^th as Brooks laid the ball back to Cooney who unleashed a fierce drive into the top corner from just outside the box. With United going in at half time 3 goals to the good and looking comfortable they made some changes with Mallon replacing Cooney on the right hand side and James replacing Nathan Brooks. Willis moved in to partner Bellis as Salmon moved up front and Jonathan Berry returned to the fray. The second half became more of a training exercise for both teams with United making most of the running as the home team’s heads went down. However against the run of play the Railway showed good resolve as a needless free kick was given away by United and The Railways’ centre back finished superbly into the top corner. However the goal didn’t affect the run of the play and United had plenty more opportunities spurned until Robinson continually pressing forward finished a well placed Mallon corner to make it 5-2 and put United out of sight! The whistle sounded to mark the end of a good game and another good win for AFC as they fought bravely early doors to assert their control of the game. So the season begins and United will start the season with 5 players out, but with the strength of squad that they’ve now built they can go into the game with every confidence!

LEAGUE GAME NUMBER 1

V THE PRINCE ALBERT @ REDVALES

AFC UNITED 3 – 0 PRINCE ALBERT

TEAM SHEET:                        RATING          GOALS

PAUL GREENWOOD            7

BEN ROBINSON                   8*                   

PEDAR MCKINSTRY           8*

PAUL BERRY             9*

JONATHAN BERRY              9*

RICK BELLIS             8*

MARK WILLIS                      MOM 9*

CARL LUTKEVITCH 9*                    1

LEE WILSON                         8*

GAZ BROOKS                       9*                    1 PEN

TOM COONEY                      7                     

SUBS:

IAN CROPPER                       9*

MIKE TREANOR                   DP

MARCEL JAMES                   7                      1

CHRIS MALLON                   7

Even with 7 players missing going into the game United were confident of opening the season with a win. After a tremendous pre-season they were just eager to get under way. As the sunshine blazed down Greenwood returned to the team after the International break. The defence had looked strong all pre-season and remained the same, Bellis and Willis holding a new look midfield with Lutkevitch on the right and Wilson starting on the left. Top scorer Gaz Brooks was joined by Cooney up front. So some changes had been made and the game kicked off with the away side settling immediately and driving forward. United on the other hand were slow to compose themselves, but the defensive line was superb and Greenwood was nothing but a spectator for the first half, only touching the ball 3 times. This helped United to motor on and finally they began to get into gear. Lutkevitch down the right hand side was just too much and too quick for the away side to handle and he was causing them all sorts of problems. From the left hand side the ball found Gaz Brooks and the keeper simply couldn’t deal with the power of his shot and Lutkevitch followed up to place the ball into the roof of the net after making up 40 yards to follow the play. The goal was somewhat against the run of the early play and was a blow for the visitors, and from then on United dominated. Man of the Match Willis was superb, battling against everyone and usually coming out with the ball and playing an intelligent pass. It was from one of his passes that Brooks collected the ball and turning his marker was clipped, the referee showing no hesitation in pointing to the spot! The money was on Gaz Brooks and he delivered in style to scream the ball past the keeper to make it 2-0! Brooks again led from the front as he brought the ball down and unselfishly flicked it over the defender to find Cooney totally unmarked, and he should’ve made it 3 but his diving header flew wide. The half time whistle blew with United comfortably in control and Greenwood suffering from jet-lag was replaced by the formidable Cropper and Cooney was replaced by James up front. These changes were to become vital in the second half as the visitors came out again all guns blazing! It was expected they might use their height advantage but it was the smallest and angriest player (no not Bellis for once) who forced 2 fantastic saves from Cropper. They both appeared at point blank range in front of his face but he got superb strong hands to both to push the ball over the bar. The Albert must have felt by then that there was no way through as this was their best spell in the game. United were buoyed by their defence being breached and streamed forward, Lutkevitch causing them so many headaches that his marker had to be taken off suffering from dizziness as the United right winger was running rings around him! James’ pace was also causing them concern and after Lutkevitch put him clean through he was unlucky not to put the game beyond the away side. However totally against the run of play the Albert striker was put through and after firing wide Jonathan Berry crunched into him leaving the striker half dead. The referee immediately pointed to the spot and the penalty was well placed but the magnificent Cropper at full stretch dived down to his right to push the ball wide, and scrambling after it even kept it in! Fannytastic! The Albert knew then that their luck was out as Cropper’s name rang out around the ground! From then on United totally dominated and should have scored on several occasions. However they did make it safe after Gaz Brooks flicked it on for James and he powered forward and lifted it over the keeper to secure a relatively comfortable third. Mallon replaced a tired but fantastic Wilson and then came the moment of comedy as Willis’ piss-bag split, Bellis slipped in it’s contents and injuring his hip had to come off only for no substitutes left to bring on. So United had to play the last 15 with only 10 men but even then they continued to make chances and could and maybe should’ve had 5 or 6. The final whistle sounded for a fantastic first win for United and the visitors also looking promising in their first game.

LEAGUE GAME NUMBER 2

V FAIRWAYS @ HOLLINHURST

FAIRWAYS 3 – 1 AFC UNITED

TEAM SHEET:                        RATING          GOALS

IAN CROPPER                       6

BEN ROBINSON                   6                     

JONATHAN BERRY              6

MARK WILLIS                      6                      1

PEDAR MCKINSTRY           6

RICK BELLIS             6

GAZ BROOKS                       6

TOM COONEY                      5

LEE WILSON                         7

TOM MACKLIN                    6

MARCEL JAMES                   5                     

SUBS:

MIKE TREANOR                   6

After such an exciting game the week before, a good performance and a good result, the away crowd turned up in numbers to what has become a bogey ground for United in recent seasons. However, they were full of confidence after seeing their side unbeaten in 6 games so far this season, so it was a surprise to all to learn that Paul Berry had eloped with a Thai ladyboy, and that Nathan Brooks had finally been seized by the home office. Greenwood was away seeking love in a gay speed dating contest in the Nevada Desert, and Lutkevitch was still searching for his tricycle. This left a depleted squad with Neary, Salmon, Beard, Mallon and McBride all still out through injury, so only one substitute was available. Even with all this though United named a strong first eleven, so it was a surprise when even after the opening first 15 they had still not started to play. United were losing the midfield battle but were holding strong at the back to the extent that Cropper was left with nothing to do but look on at a frustrating game as nothing was holding up front for United. At last the first chance of the game came as James broke through but his shot was well saved by the keeper. That was to be United’s last real attempt at goal in an unbelievably shocking game. The home side weren’t really offering anything either with the ball just bouncing around in the air and no football being played. At last just before the first half whistle Jonathan Berry made a good tackle in defence and unaware of what was around him turned straight back into the striker he had just tackled who only had to turn and fire the ball past the helpless Cropper. From the kick off came the best and only bit of football of the game as United passed the ball around quickly on the floor and the home side were chasing shadows, but a good defensive tackle led to the end of the first half and a livid United came in for the break. They knew on possession alone that Fairways deserved the lead as United were being out-jumped and out-muscled as the home side had forced the structure of the game to the long ball and winning the 1^st and 2^nd balls in the air. However even going out knowing exactly what they had to do the second half carried on in exactly the same vein. Although Cropper was never tested and didn’t have any other saves to make Fairways deserved the luck that came their way from working so hard and showing the desire to win, which United implicitly lacked! The home sides second goal came from another error as another long through ball led to indecision between Cropper and Willis as neither took control of the situation and a simply header or chest back to the keeper instead led to an embarrassing collision and the ball was simply poked home. 2 defensive errors and United were left reeling so it was no surprise when the ball was again played over the top and Robinson after having taken a knock showed indecision himself in clearing and miscued with the ball falling to Hindle with the easy task of making it 3-0. United were just desperate for the calamity to end. Robinson went up front to make a challenge as the ball was pumped forward with time running out and as soon as the first challenge came in from United the ball ran through and Robinson slotted the ball home. However the referee for some reason called back for a foul in the challenge and Willis stepped up and calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner from the free kick to show his team how simple it was. The final whistle went soon after to compound United’s misery, but they had to pick themselves up after an embarrassing performance. So 3-1 at the final whistle and the only positive was that Fairways had not carved out a single chance themselves. However they had put the pressure on for the goals and no one could take a deserved victory away from them. So after a run of superb games was this just a blip with so many players missing or did United have to return to the drawing board!?

 LEAGUE GAME NUMBER 3

V CRUMPSALL TOWN @ REDVALES

AFC UNITED 2 – 3 CRUMPSALL TOWN

TEAM SHEET:                        RATING          GOALS

IAN CROPPER                       7

MICHAEL TREANOR           6                     

JONATHAN BERRY              7

PAUL BERRY                         7

PEDAR MCKINSTRY           5

RICK BELLIS             5

MARK WILLIS                      6

CARL LUTKEVITCH 6                      SO

TOM MACKLIN                    6

NATHAN BROOKS              5

GAZ BROOKS                       7                      2

SUBS:

MARCEL JAMES                   5

BEN ROBINSON                   6

CHRIS MALLON                   DP

LEE WILSON                         DP

With a few players returning after last weeks shambles, the United faithful were hoping for a much better performance and hoping for something to cheer about. However straight from the off United struggled to settle still holding last weeks nerves, whereas an unbeaten Crumpsall Town looked well up for this one with a few tasty challenges flying about from both teams. Again though United seemed to be overrun in midfield and Crumpsall seemed to be exploiting a lot of space in the middle making Cropper the busier of the 2 keepers in the first half. Nathan Brooks looked still in shock from his run in with the Home Office the previous week and once again nothing was sticking up front meaning the midfield had it all to do. In the early exchanges the defence again looked strong but from a cross from the left side even with plenty of bodies back United looked in disarray and the Crumpsall forward stole in to poke home the opener. Once again it was the first and second balls that United seemed to be out-muscled at or nowhere to be seen in the challenge and Crumpsall should’ve made more of their chances, with Cropper pulling out some impressive saves to keep the score-line down. This time from a through ball the United defence was breached again and United went into the break 2 goals down in another disappointing half. However they regrouped at half time, a tired Mckinstry not himself making way for Robinson. United must have listened to the gaffer at half time because for the opening few minutes of the second half United passed it around crisply with one and two touch passing and movement and Crumpsall hadn’t even touched the ball before Gaz Brooks headed home Treanor’s cross and the magnificent move brought United back into the game. For the next 10 minutes they had to keep it tight as new optimism led them to at last believe this was a game they could turn around. However, a sucker punch was to come as against the run of play a deflected shot found itself flying past the helpless Cropper and into the roof of the net. 3-1 and it had come at the best possible time for Crumpsall! United however found determination and drove on as the game became more open, and when Willis played Gaz Brooks through to make it 3-2 it was game on United. Crumpsall weren’t beaten yet and to their credit they were making Cropper work for his £60,000 wages, but with the game more open and Jonathan Berry moving up to give United 5 in midfield the momentum was beginning to sway their way. James replaced a disappointing Macklin and as tensions ran high on the pitch with challenges flying in Lutkevitch was involved in an altercation on the right wing. As Lutkevitch felt a kick and tugging from behind, already riled he spun round and grabbed the lipstick from his handbag, but the Crumpsall midfielder had already drawn his comb from his bum-bag and poked Lutkevitch in the nostrils as a smear of his own lipstick slapped across his face. The referee was quick to intervene wondering why he hadn’t been using waterproof Rimmel, and both players were duly sent off. United knew this was their time and although they now controlled the midfield, they couldn’t find the final ball to give United a direct shot on goal. As time ran out Crumpsall were unlucky not to find a 4^th, but as the whistle went United were again disappointed at not really turning up and playing their own usual quick paced game. So left with 3 points dropped at home at least they had delivered a better performance than the previous weekend but still were falling well short of their abilities.

LEAGUE GAME NUMBER 4

V DUKE OF WELLINGTON @ REDVALES

AFC UNITED 3 – 1 DUKE OF WELINGTON

TEAM SHEET:                        RATING          GOALS

PAUL GREENWOOD            8*

PAUL BERRY             8*

JONATHAN BERRY              8*

IAN CROPPER                       MOM 9*

BEN ROBINSON                   6

RICK BELLIS             6                      SO

MARK WILLIS                      7

PEDAR MCKINSTRY           6

CARL LUTKEVITCH 7

LEE WILSON                         8*                    1

GAZ BROOKS                       8*                    1

SUBS:

MARCEL JAMES                   DP

DANNY MCBRIDE               8*                    1

CHRIS MALLON                   DP

MIKE TREANOR                   6

TOM MACKLIN                    7

In the early morning kick off AFC United welcomed back several players but as some players returned again others were away with Nathan Brooks flying to Spain in order to try an prove his citizenship as no country had yet claimed him as their own, even his native Ghana. Ash Salmon was still suffering from a hernia in his groin and with United’s torrid run of results they started with a brand new formation and a start in central defence for United goalkeeper Ian Cropper! So United took to the field in a new 3-5-2 formation, with Robinson the managers choice to make the difference in the middle of the park. A first league start for Lee Wilson also had the home crowd excited after the young man had impressed pre season. The game began edgily with both teams struggling to settle on a perfect playing surface. Cropper fell awkwardly to put the home crowd looking nervously on, but he honourably carried on through the pain. The visitors were the first to open up with any attempts as the new look United defence looked solid but the new 3 in midfield partnership was allowing to much space to the opposition. Shots began to reign in on Greenwood’s goal and luckily for United their accuracy was poor. The space allowed was becoming an issue though and United’s strikers were again not offering to release the pressure on the midfield by getting hold of the ball for any period of time. However somewhat against the run of play good vision from Jonathan Berry put Wilson through and Wilson did superbly to get to the ball before the keeper and slot home the opener for United. After several games of heartache it was just the sort of luck United needed. After this United began to get stuck into the game and the visitors’ forwards struggled to make any room for themselves to trouble Greenwood’s goal. At half time it was obvious United needed to tighten up and once again take the battle to the opposition, but again minutes into the second half they were carved open from a through ball and the striker feigned a dummy before rifling the ball past Greenwood. In the middle Robinson was struggling to hold his position in the middle of the park and the confusion was allowing the visitors more time than they deserved, but the defence was holding well much to the exploits of the superb Man of the Match Ian Cropper. Greenwood screamed out at the players in front of him as frustrations began to show. Macklin replaced Wilson with a point to prove and immediately offered United a new dimension up front and nearly put United back in front after a superb run through 3 players. Then the changes rang out which changed the game. Robinson was replaced by Treanor as United resumed their usual 4-4-2, and Mcbride replaced Mckinstry as United began to come out on top. The game was being hampered though by a referee who didn’t know his nose from his arse and stopped a free flowing game for both teams by several time blowing up wrongly for offsides that were perfectly legitimate, leading to both teams having goals disallowed, but he was also incredibly inconsistent with his cards. This would lead to a blow for United as their captain Bellis who had earlier been booked left his foot in and studs showing to scrape down an opposing midfielders shin. As the challenged player immediately retaliated the referee sent Bellis for a cold shower and the opposing player was given nothing for his retaliation. However it was a bad tackle and a sending off for the fiery Bellis had maybe been on the cards. So with United down to 10 men they had it all to do, but in fact instead of sitting back they seemed to improve. Mcbride moved inside with Willis and the substitute made a tremendous difference chasing everything down and stopping the flow of any Duke attacks. Only once more did they steal through and after an amazing double save from Greenwood United were spurred on down the other end to put the pressure on. From a free kick on the left side Jonathan Berry sent a superb ball in, Willis dummied it and Gaz Brooks headed home as the home crowd went wild. The anxiousness had left them and United piled forward looking for a third as a goal-line clearance kept the Duke in the game. However minutes later the two substitutes combined to win the game for United. Macklin nut-megged the defender superbly and played a 1-2 with Mcbride before playing it back to him and Mcbride sent the defence one way then the other before calmly slotting home the winner. The Duke were now beaten and even with an under-par performance United had shown superb grit and determination with only 10 men to get the deserved victory! So hopefully this can get their season back on track when they are visited by old foes AFC Elton next weekend who still unbeaten in the league are looking to gain their first victory over United in 3 years!

LEAGUE GAME NUMBER 5

V AFC ELTON @ REDVALES

AFC UNITED 3 – 3 AFC ELTON

TEAM SHEET:                        RATING          GOALS

STEVEN TRAYFORD            7

MIKE TREANOR                   7

BEN ROBINSON                   6

PAUL BERRY             7

JONATHAN BERRY              8*

TOM MACKLIN                    8*

RICK BELLIS             7

MARK WILLIS                      MOM 9*

GAZ BROOKS                       8*                    2

LEE WILSON                         8*                   

NATHAN BROOKS              7

SUBS:

PEDAR MCKINSTRY           7

DANNY MCBRIDE               7

LEE HALL                              7

Now in our third year and gaining successive promotions, AFC Elton have done the same and we’ve enjoyed some really hard fought battles against them. With still almost half a squad missing we went into this one against a new look Elton side. The visitors started brightly moving the ball forward, but United slowly came back into the game with Nathan Brooks holding the ball up superbly in his lone forward role. A new 4-5-1 formation was working quite well for United, the defence looking balanced, although the Elton right winger was causing Treanor some problems. Macklin, playing as the holding midfielder was doing a great job protecting the defence and Wilson and Gaz Brooks were getting forward on e