Failsworth Rangers Under 9's

Welcome to this mornings clash between Rangers "A" and bottom of the table Chaddy Park "B". I had a full team to pick from today so I kept the usual team of Liam in goal, Jacob at the back with Sam and Regan in the middle with the return of Jake and Lee up front, Logan on the bench.

It started as I expected with Rangers taking the game to the opponents with the 1st chance coming virtually in the 1st minute of the game, but Lee fired it wide, more chances went begging with Jake, Regan and Sam all squandering very good openings, but it was the in form Lee who eventually spared our blushes to open the scoring, good work from Regan to feed Jake, he found Lee unmarked in the box who made no mistake and rammed the ball home. More chances were still being missed as their stand in keeper was stopping everything. Chaddy then broke away as we were all up field trying to get on the scoresheet but Jacob got back to make a goal stopping challenge to deny Chaddy from equalizing. We then stepped up a gear, and the next goal was a corker, Regan controlled a high ball and unleashed a shot that 2 keepers wouldn't have saved right into the roof of the net. Our next goal came from our 1st penalty of the season to which Jacob slotted away nicely. Sam went on 1 of his trademark runs through midfield to smash a right foot shot just over the bar. Just before half time we forced a string of corners, Regan whipped the ball in to find Jake who escaped his marker to fire in a 1st time shot in to the bottom corner to make it 4-0 at the interval.

Jacob made way for Logan in the 2nd half. It was business as usual with Rangers yet again missing a hatful of chances. The 1st bit of passing of the game between Sam, Regan and Lee set up Jake to notch his 12th of the season with a tidy finish. The next attack seen Sam have  another rasping drive which whistled inches wide. Jake nearly grabbed his hat-trick with a magical volley, he took the ball on his chest with back to goal, controlled it with his knee and swivelled to smack the ball from 20yards, it beat the keeper all ends up but it rattled the crossbar and out to safety. More chances went begging especially 1 which somehow stayed out after nearly every Rangers player had a go at trying to prod the ball in.It was this weeks man of the match Regan who finished the game off with a neat finish after good work from Sam who found him unmarked in the box. Towards the end Liam who for long periods of the game had nothing to do kept his concentration to keep out a free kick from Chaddy as they looked for some sort of consolation goal. That was virtually the last action of the game as it ended 6-0. It could've been more but all credit to Chaddy Park as they never gave up and frustrated us at times.

We have to start to find our passing rhythm which we had in the first few games which seems to have gone missing lately, I was satisfied with the result today but a touch dissappointed that we should have scored more to try and get our goal difference up, but it wasn't to be. So well done again boys lets keep it going and on to the next game.

                                                                                Paul.

         

10th November 2007

Failsworth Rangers 'A' -v- Failsworth Dynamos 'B'

2 - 0

 

A late kick-off for todays game against Failsworth Dynamos 'B', so it was an unchanged formation from last weeks victory.

It was Dynamos that took the game to Rangers in the first couple of minutes with a chance but Liam was equal to it.  Rangers hit back with a half chance for Lee to open the scoring after good work from Sam found him unmarked in the box but he blazed his shot wide.   Regan was having a tremendous battle in the middle of the park with their midfield but it still didn't stop Dynamos having a couple more chances which again Liam pulled off some great saves midway through the half as Dynamos went for the opener.  The 1st goal eventually came to break the deadlock, Rangers used an unusual route 1 to goal, Liam launched his goalkick downfield, Jake managed to shrug off his 2 markers who were deployed today to keep him quiet, to hit a shot from the edge of the area over the advancing keeper into the empty net to send Rangers 1 up against the run of play.  That then steadied the ship and we began to play our game. This time Regan was fed by Sam but somehow he managed to bend his shot just round the post with virtually the last action of the 1st half.

A change in the 2nd half saw Lee make way for Logan with Jacob moving to a more deeper midfield role to try and stem the flow of Dynamos attack.  It seemed to work as Logan put in a solid performance with not much getting past him.  A couple more chances for Dynamos came as we switched off for a second or two but again Liam was there to pull off a couple of good saves to deny them an equaliser.  We needed another goal to finish it, and it nearly came, Jake was put through by Regan, Jake then controlled it went round the keeper and hit a shot which went inches past the post.   Straight away Sam dispossesed their defender and found Jake again unmarked in the box, and yet again his 1st time shot beat the stranded keeper and bounced agonisingly wide of the far post.   His persistence payed off as Dynamos took the resulting goal-kick it fell to Jake on the edge of the area, he took 1 touch to control it glanced up to see the keeper flying towards him, he kept his cool and slotted the ball into the far corner to silence the away supporters and send the home fans wild and seal the 3 pts.   It was Rangers with their tails up now, Sam played a cheeky backheel to Jacob unmarked in the box but he took to long to get his shot away and the chance was cleared.  That turned out to be the last action of the game as we went out 2-0 winners of a hard fought match that was no doubt to me was our toughest test of the season so far as we had to battle for this win against a very well organised side.

My pre-match talk with the boys worked wonders as they put in a performance that I asked for, this weeks man-of-match was Jake who had 2 markers all game but still managed to produce 2 excellent goals.  Well done boys again each and every one of you as I couldn't have asked for much more.

                                                                                  Paul.   

1st December 2007

Failsworth Rangers 'A' -v- Failsworth Rangers 'B'

2 - 0

Welcome to a freezing cold and wet morning as we took on our "B" Team today. I warned the "A" Team that they couldn't just pull on their shirts today and expect to win, they had to be up for it. We met the "B" team in a pre-season tournament where we was given a game in which we only won by a single goal. I kept the same starting line up from last weeks win at Dynamos.

The game started with the "B" team swarming all over the "A" not giving them time to settle on the ball, Harrison was getting stuck into everything in the middle for the "B" with a slendid performance, Jake again had 2 men at the back marking him especially Kendal who kept him quiet for most of the game. It was  the "A" that had the first chance of the game, Sam lofted a ball through to Jake, he managed to escape Kendals clutches to fire a shot at Kayde but his strong hands denied him a goal. The "B" were beginning to frustrate the "A" all over the park, obviously "B"s manager had done his homework because we were not at the races today. "B" didn't create much in attack but made up for it in other departments. Lee squandered another "A" team attack which saw him fire wide, another couple of saves from Kayde kept the "B" alive but the best chance of the half  fell to Regan, it was a delightful passage of passing play which involved 7 or 8 touches, it then fell to Regan who placed his shot just wide. Still the "B" didn't fold as they held it to 0-0 at half time.

    A change in the 2nd half saw Sam make way for Logan as we pushed Jacob up into midfield to try and grab a goal. Again "B" started like the 1st getting stuck in. As the "A" forced a corner everyone pushed up to try and get a goal, but the "B" team broke away down field, Harrison, Ben and Jack were all free to score but Ben fired it straight at Liam, who kept his 8th clean sheet of the campaign. That then woke the "A" up, Sam recieved the ball in the middle, he then sprayed a ball wide to Jake in the area, he then crossed it far post to Jacob unmarked, his 1st time shot wrong footed Kayde to hit the inside of the post into the net, at last the deadlock was broke, were the "B" going to crumble? not a chance, Harry was strong, Kendal had a blinder keeping "A" teams top scorer at bay,  Harrison and Ben giving Regan and Sam a run for  their  money and Jack keeping Logan on his toes. Jack forced a corner to try and look for an equliser, it was sent over , Jacob intercepted it to send Lee, who won this weeks man of the match for his hard work and pass of the match for the 2nd goal,on a run, he  found Jake with a sublime pass into the area Jake steadied himself and slotted the ball cooly past Kayde into the bottom corner to seal the points. It was unlucky on the "B" team as they deserved a bit more especially off their 1st half performance in which I didn't know who was the "A" or who was the "B" as they matched us everywhere.The only difference was the finishing today otherwise it was an even contest throughout. If the "B" team put performances like that in every week they'll soon be up there because they've got the players to do it. Well done both teams today on a very cold day, especially Kendal and Harrison who were exceptional. Keep it up "A" and "B" you were superb today all of you.

 

                                                                         Paul  

MOSTON BROOK

 

Welcome this week to a sunny but cold Ten Acre Lane where we took on Moston Brook. After our latest victory last week I decided to keep the same line up for this encounter.

It started off with Moston taking the game to us, they had the 1st attack of the game but Liam was equal too it. We soon got into our stride and started to play our game, some neat football from Sam in the middle of the park found Regan unmarked he then slid Jake a lovely ball through to send him 1 on 1 with their keeper, he steadied himself and drove a fierce shot which was heading into the top corner but somehow the keeper managed to claw it away for a corner. The resulting corner was whipped in by Regan and just over Jakes head and out for a throw in to Moston Brook deep in their own half. They took the throw in and launched it into our box nearly the full length of the field into our area where Liam was there to catch it, unbelievable. Liams kick was then pumped down field to Jake, he battled for it with 2 defenders and somehow managed to find Regan just outside the box who latched onto it and smashed the ball in to send us into a well deserved lead. The only threat to us were the long throw- ins into the box which Liam dealt with superbly. We had a couple more chances one of which Sam had took off his toes as he was about to let fly after Jake found him with a cheeky back heel. The other was a half chance for the ever busy Lee who just fired wide. Another throw- in into the box resulted in Moston forcing a corner late on in the half, and to everyones surprise they somehow managed to squeeze it in to equalize.

Second half no changes were made, I just told them to carry on as they were and to watch the long throw- ins as that was the only thing that was troubling us. Another long throw- in into our box, Liam and Jacob got in a mix up in the area and Moston pounced  to force the ball in. So we were now looking at a position we had not been in for a while which was being behind and wondered how they would react, and they answered me with a superb display.The passing came back which was missing for a while, a 7 man move from our half  involving Jacob, Lee, Sam, and Jake led to his cross flashing across the face of goal with Regan just not being able to get a touch on it, I thought I was watching Brazil. Another throw into our box which Liam held onto. Another spell of passing this time led to a goal, Regan started the proceedings finding Lee, he beat a couple of defenders and picked out Jake unmarked, his pass was intercepted but it came to Sam just outside the area, he flicked it up and rattled an unstoppable shot into the top corner to equalise, a goal which he needed to regain some of his confidence back. Another long throw- in into our box but Liam held onto it. Lee then made way for Logan and Jacob pushed up as we went for a winner. Sam again started off another attack which involved the same 4 players as they cut Moston apart but this time Regan was the culprit and just sruck his shot wide, that would have won the game. Another long throw- in into the box, again Liam was brave in dealing with it against the Moston Brook attackers. That earnt him a well deserved man of the match award this week. Another long throw-in and again Liam took control and halted their only threat. His quick kick down field bounced over their defender as Jake lined up the volley to win it, but the referee blew his whistle for full time to end the game 2-2 which to be fair was the right result. We have to stop giving away soft goals but all in all a good performance from the boys after the words we had in training they responded extremely well and did what I asked of them. Thanks guys, lets keep it up.   

                                                                 Paul.

 

FAILSWORTH WEST B

 

Again we was welcomed for the second week running with atrocious weather conditions. Logan was brought in for his last appearance in an "A" team shirt as Jake kept the bench warm this week. Liam in goal, Jacob and Logan at the back with Sam and Regan in the middle with Lee up top on his own to start. How we lost this 1 is beyond me?

We started off the brighter of the 2 teams with Lee going close straight from the kick-off but the keeper saved. Most of the game was being played in the middle of the park where Sam and Regan were keeping West quiet, it was Jacob who recieved the ball at the back to go on a run down the line, he beat 3 players and sent Lee through a delightful ball, 1 on 1 with the keeper and again it was saved.West were offering nothing back as Rangers were doing all the pressing. Regan had another chance but shot wide.  A rare sortie up field for West found their player in our area going nowhere, then all of a sudden a mis-timed  tackle from Sam seen him give away a needless penalty to which West tucked away to make it 1-0 against the run of play. We hit back straight away, we forced a corner which Sam whipped over, Lee rose like a salmon to get his head to the ball,  but it smashed against the crossbar. That was the last action of the 1st half.

Changes were made as Logan made way for Rangers top scorer Jake as we went for the win. It payed off straight from the kick-off, we got a throw in, Jake took it quick to send Lee down the line, he never gave it up and as the keeper went to leave it to go out of play Lee nicked in to send over a cross to Regan who smashed it into an empty net, for a well deserved equaliser. Still West didn't trouble us and still Rangers carved out more chances, this time Jake's shot was saved by the keeper. As Rangers pushed for a winner, it was a long ball down field which caught us napping, Liam saved the original shot but could only push it out to their attacker who tapped into an empty net, again against the run of play. That was late on in the game so we had little chance of getting back into it. So all in all a good game to watch in which we should have least got a draw. It was horrible weather conditions today but the lads gave their all and never stopped running including Sam who apart from the tackle put in an excellent captains performance to earn him man-of -the-match. Well done boys I couldn't have asked for anymore. I would just like to thank Logan for the hard work and effort he put in in the last 12 games for the "A" team. Good luck in "B" team. If you ever want to return back in the "A" the door is always open. Well done everyone.          

 

 

BOUNDARY PARK 'B'

Awaiting Report

Well this week we took on a side in the lower end of the table in Boundary Park "B". It was the same starting line up as last week apart from  Regan who was on the bench this week. These are the games where we need to get our goal difference up as it will be crucial for us at the end of the season because it is so tight at the top.

Rangers started off all guns blazing with the impressive Lee opening the flood gates with a sublime finish after some neat play from Sam and Jake. Sam was next on the scoresheet with a trademark fizzer from 25 yds which nestled in the corner. It was all 1 way traffic, Jake added another along with one from Jacob. But the highlight of the game was a goal from Liam. He launched his goal kick downfield towards Jake, it took one bounce, their keeper came out to collect but Jake went in for the challenge which somehow put the keeper off and the ball bounced into the empty net to Liams surprise. We went in 6-0 up at half time.

Harry made way for Regan in the second half. It was very much like the first, Sam starting off the goal fest with a neat finish after good work from Regan, Jake and the in form Lee who at last is finding his form from last year to earn him man-of -the match this week with a great performance. It was then his turn to notch up his second of the game. Regan got in the act with a clever goal after some quick thinking between him and Sam with a short corner which caught the defenders napping, he hit a shot from the corner of the box "a la Nani style" which whistled past the keeper.Jake rattled in another one after Regan found him with a pass on the edge of the area which he hit first time past the bewildered keeper. Then near the end Sam wrapped the game up with his hat trick goal with a nice finish. So 10-0 the final score which could've been much more but for their keeper who was in fine form.

So onto next week which is a tough one. Well done chaps today a job well done.    

                                                                     Paul.

BOUNDARY PARK "A"

Ah well back down to earth this week with a bump as we took on a very good Boundary team. They rectified their quarter final summer tournament defeat  in which Rangers won in a typical cup game. Lee was left on the bench this week to which I'll hold my hands up to being a mistake. But I'll learn. So pretty much the same team as last week as we go into our final game of the year.

It couldn't of got off to a worse start, virtually from the kick off  Boundary hit a shot from distance which Liam misjudged and the ball squirmed under his body and into the net. Plenty of time  to get back into it, and we nearly did as Jake just dragged his shot wide. Most of the game was being played in the middle of the park where Sam and Regan were mixing it very well with their tackles and pressure on the much bigger presence of the Boundary Park team.We created little in the first half but again just before the break a little lapse in concentration at the back let in Boundary to score a second, we had 3 chances  to clear it but didn't and we got punished. So into the interval 2-0 down.

Changes came as Harry made way for Lee as we tried to reduce the defecit. It was  a good move as we got our passing back again, this time a move involving Sam, Lee, and Jake resulted in Regan hitting his shot wide.All the team were now beginning to play their game and we created a couple more chances but failed to hit the target, as I said weeks before if we miss chances against a good team we will get punished and that is what happened. Liam pulled off a couple of world class saves to keep the score respectable as we pushed up for a goal, it was then that Boundary struck to seal the game with virtually a carbon copy of the first goal, again Liam let the ball slip through his grasp, but not to worry as he made up for it with his saves previously in the game which earnt him this weeks man-of-the match award.So a losing end to 2007 but not a bad one as everyone in the second half battled and fought for everything in a very tough match to which I was pleased, I knew it was going to be hard today, plus the kids had one eye on the big fella coming down the chimney on the Tuesday, so I've no complaints lads go and enjoy Chrimbo and I'll see you all next year nice and fresh and ready to go. Well done everyone this year you've been ace.             

                                                 MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                          

                                            Paul.      

 

CHADDERTON PARK (A).

Welcome back after the Christmas break to a rather mild morning at Ten Acre Lane. We were taking on Chadderton Park A who were just sitting 1 point above us in the table. How we came away from this game with nothing is beyond me as we dominated possession from the 1st whistle to the last. The team stayed the same with Harry on the bench.

As I said straight from the kick-off  we were by far the better team, our passing was excellent, the usual four were all knocking the ball to each other with confidence. One move between Sam, Regan and Jake to find Lee with a pinpoint pass was a joy to watch but the end result could've been better as he fired his shot inches over the bar. A long kick from Liam, who was basically non-existent through the 1st half found Jake latch onto it, but his first time shot on the turn just went wide. Still Rangers spilled forward looking for a goal, it nearly came, we won a free kick 25 yards out, Sam stepped up to take it and smashed a screamer that the keeper didn't even see, but the resulting kick rattled against the crossbar. The only threat Rangers had were from long throw- ins into the area which Jacob and Liam dealt with quite easily. Another chance went begging just before the interval which fell this time to Regan but the keeper was equal to it. So 0-0 at half time flattered our opponents.

A change in the 2nd half saw Harry come on for Jacob who along with Liam had very little to do. Again it started off the same as the 1st half. Jake was fed by Sam but again he took to long to get his shot away and it was cleared. Rangers forced a string of corners, a short one to Regan who lifted the ball into the area to find  Jake who was unmarked, instead of hitting it 1st time he tried to walk it in the net, and again it was cleared away. A rare attack from Chaddy, a clearance found their striker via Harry who seemed to get it stuck round his feet, out came Liam to help him but somehow it squirmed out of a mass of bodies to their striker who rolled it into an empty net. Jake made way for Jacob with Regan, who's attitude today was spot-on, 110% commited and behind his team-mates every step to earn him man-of-the-match, to push up front. Again the only threat was from  throw-ins which were dealt with. Harry was also now dealing with what was coming at him as he snuffed out everything on half - way line to keep them quiet. A couple more chances came as Jake came back on for Lee, Sam and Regan took a short corner, Regan fired it into the box where Jake connected with a 1st time shot which whistled the wrong side of the post. Another chance just before the end from Sam just seen his cross come shot just sail over the bar. That was virtually the last kick of a game where we dominated so much and got nothing that our commitment deserved. But I'm still happy with the way we played couldn't ask anymore from them except, try and not walk the ball in ,SHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Well done chaps 100% today excellent, thats all I want. The lads even come off and said "How did we lose that, we were all over them" . But not to worry  we'll be back next week stronger and more determined.

                     Thanks lads  Paul 

 

FAILSWORTH WEST "C"

Today we faced Failsworth West "C" in a must win game as we had to keep in touch with the teams above us. I kept the same starting 6 as last week with Harry on the bench.

The game started off in the usual way with Rangers taking the game to their opponents straight from kick-off. Some excellent play by Sam in the middle sent Jake through 1 on 1 with the keeper, but like last week he took too much time and tried to walk the ball in and the keeper saved it. Another piece of skill from Sam this time Lee was put through, again the same result , to long deciding what to do with it and he smashed it straight at the keeper. More chances went begging as Regan, Lee and Jake all squndered a hatfull of openings created mostly by Sam who was orchestrating the middle of the park. The breakthrough  eventually came mid-way through the 1st half as West finally crumbled. Sam and Regan traded passes and fired a cross into the area to find Jake unmarked who steered it into the net to open the floodgates. Lee then quickly got into the act by firing 2 quick goals in succession. Regan won a penalty to which Liam stepped up to smash his 2nd of the season, Regan then popped up with a cheeky finish along with Jake netting his 2nd after another pin-point cross from Sam. So 6-0 at half-time, but it took it's time in coming. 

Sam took a well earned breather in the 2nd half as he made way for Harry. It wasn't long before the ball was in the net again, another lovely 3 man move involving Regan, Jake and Lee which Lee finished off cooly to grab his hat-trick. Regan finished off his solo run from the half-way line with a smart finish, not to be out done Jake got the goal of the game, the goalkeeper kicked the ball out to him on the edge of the box, his quick thinking, he lobbed the ball straight back over his napper into the empty net to claim his hat-trick. Regan then claimed his hat-trick minutes later with another goal. Sam came back into the game as everyone was rotated. West went on a rare attack and won a very dubious penalty. Liam managed to save it but the re-bound was bundled back in for West to net a consolation.Sam picked up a knock so he made way for Lee. His 1st touch after coming back on was to net his 4th of the game. Regan sent Jake through, with Lee along side him he tried to find him with a pass (so he said) but it somehow found the corner of the net to take his tally to 4 in the game. Finally Jacob, who ignored me for most of the 2nd half by playing up front to try and grab a goal finally got on the scoresheet to toe poke through a ruck of players legs, that earnt him man-of-the-match this week for keeping his concentration through long periods of the game where he was virtually redundant and helping Harry out at the back when called upon. So it ended 13-1, a game which could've been double that. Also nice to see 3 hat-tricks from 3 different players so we're not relying on 1 person to grab the goals. It's games like this where we need goals as it all adds up at the end, the only worry I've got is that we made hard work of it by missing a hatfull of chances in the early minutes which we've done before against better teams and got punished for it. Anyway a much needed 3 pts and well played lads. We're going to have a full half hour Thursday just hitting balls into an empty net.     

                                                                                              Cheers  Lads  Paul.   

 

    CHADDY END F.C.

Welcome to to-days clash, on a very windy morning at Ten Acres, against Chaddy End who are on the same points as us so a must win game is on the cards for Rangers. A change to the side this week as Regan was left on the bench, with Harry being drafted in to start alongside Jacob at the back to stiffen up the defence. Liam in the net, Sam and the ever improving Lee in the middle of the park, leaving Jake up front to battle away on his own.

The game started off with Rangers on the attack, some nice work between Lee and Sam sent Jake through one on one with the keeper,but  his shot was well saved as he tried to find the far corner. Chaddy hit straight back with an attack of their own but it was easilly mopped up by Harry and cleared to safety. Lee this time managed to find a bit of space with another inch perfect pass from Sam but he fired it just wide. A back pass from Chaddy was penalised by the referee which handed us a free-kick in a dangerous position, Sam took command of the situation and smashed a wicked free-kick which the keeper couldn't hold, it fell to Lee who hit it straight back but a defender cleared it off the line, it then fell to Jake "van" Cottam who was again in the right place to ram home his 22nd of the season, to give Rangers a well deserved lead. It was now turning into a very good game with both sides creating chances. It was a lapse in concentration from Liam who seen a shot from Oldham Road whistle past him in to the bottom corner for the equaliser. Jacob and Harry were beginning to form a solid partnership at the back with Jacob helping him along the way, and when Chaddy did get through Liam was equal to everything to make amends for his early error with a terrific one handed save. Jake could've regained the lead just before half-time but again he was foiled by the keeper as it ended 1-1 at the interval.

No changes as I didn't want to tinker with the team as they were on top in the 1st half.  Chaddy started off the brighter in the 2nd half  as Liam was called upon to pull off yet another outstanding save to keep the scores level. Lee and Sam, who were excellent together in the middle traded passes, Sam then sent a defence splitting pass through to Jake, he controlled it and let fly with a rocket that was too hot for the keeper and it flew into the net through his legs for Rangers to take the lead. Chaddy tried to get back into it but Lee who again ran his socks off today was snuffing nearly everything out in midfield and when they did manage to breach the midfield Harry along with Jacob were there to clear.  Jake made way for Regan to come on up front to try and kill the game. Another fantastic save from Liam kept us in it which earnt him the man-of-the-match award from our opponents, but our man-of-the-match was Harry who was strong in the tackle and listened too my instructions (yes, honest) he listened to what I had to say to him during the game , which is pleasing so well done "H" today keep it up. As Chaddy tried to grab something, Rangers made a quick break, Regan fed Jake, who had come back on for Sam who was tired after running his heart out all game, he then found Lee with his 1st touch, Lee then lined up a shot but somehow the defender got back and cleared the danger. That was virtually the last action of a very good encounter between 2 very even sides. That is the 1st of a tricky next 3 games, and I was very, very pleased with the outcome of it as they deserved it with the effort they put in today, so well done lads lets take the momentum on  to next week chaps, well done.                                                Paul. C.

                                                                                                                            

FAILSWORTH WEST "A"

Welcome this week to a very warm Ten Acres where we were taking on a Failsworth West "A" who are sitting top of the table undefeated. This is a match report with a bit of a difference this week with me just praising the lads for their sheer effort and determination in this game that they have been waiting for for weeks. The game finally arrived and I told them to go out there and not give them time on the ball  or they'll rip you apart. I chose a team I thought would match them and for most of the 1st half they did, Rangers frustrated West straight from the off, not letting them settle for a minute which restricted West to a couple of shots from distance which Liam dealt with. Sam had our best chance of the game as he strode through the West defence, he rounded the keeper but he just couldn't find the finish to match his run.It was late in the 1st half when a lapse in concentration undone all our good work, a quick throw eluded our defenders and a shot was lifted over Liam who came out to block it. Then more or less straight away a thunderbolt from West beat Liam all ends up with nothing he could do about it. That sent us in 2-0 down at half-time to which we didn't deserve.

Lee, who was strong in the middle, alongside Regan who again was immense and Sam who had 1 of his best games of the season so far with his tackling and using his upper body strength to shake off tackles with ease, made way for Jake to try and grab a well deserved goal. West then scored another which again Liam could do nothing about. Sam, Jake and Regan linked up well but Jake fired his cross agonisingly over the face of goal as Regan tried to meet it. Sam then made way for Lee as he was beginning to tire after running his heart out all game. Lee and Regan traded passes, they found Jake who inturn "megged" (he told me to put that in) the defender and returned a ball back to Regan but his shot was saved. We were denied a clear cut panalty in the dying minutes as Lee was sent through, the defender hauled him back by his shirt but Stevie Wonder, sorry the ref didn't see it. Liam was awarded man-of -the- match this week with an outstanding performance in goal which, in our eyes makes him 1 of the best keepers on show in the league. Jacob and Harry are beginning to form a strong, quality partnership at the back with "Barnsy" improving every game. Sam, Regan and Lee in the middle chasing, and never giving up for a second and Jake up front causing problems with his harrasment of the defenders to unsettle them. So we got beat 3-0, but we went down fighting, with a performance I asked for. Many thought it would be lambs to the slaughter but how wrong they were, 7 trojans marched onto that pitch and gave them one hell of a fight. 1 mistake, 2 quality goals beat them today which was a little unfair but thats football. Anyway chins up lads it shows we can compete with the best. Well done proud of you all chaps onto next week now.

                                                       Paul.                                                           

    

A.F.C CLAYTON.

Welcome again to another sunny morning at Ten Acres as we took on a side who were on the same points as us going into this game. A change to the team today as Sam was left on the bench. We started the game brightly with Lee having the opening chance after  virtually the 1st minute but his shot was somehow saved. As the pressure was mounting Jake chased a long ball to the far touch line, he kept the ball in with a back heel to fool 2 defenders and slot the ball through to Regan who cooly drove the ball home to make it 1-0. That then should have been the springboard we needed to finish the game even at this early stage, but Clayton dug in and started to cause us problems. What started off so well suddenly started to go pear shaped as we just switched off. Passes were being misplaced, tackles were being missed as well as chances for both teams with Jake being the main culprit as he was trying to yet again walk it in. Liam was again to our rescue this week with a couple more saves to keep us in it and send us in at half time 1-0.

A change at half-time saw Sam introduced for Harry as we went out to kill the game. It should've been wrapped up just after the break as Sam found Jake unmarked in the box, he set himself but the defender came back and whipped it off his toes. Another mistake led to Clayton getting an qualiser, Regan lost it in midfield and Clayton broke away leaving 3 onto 1, they worked it well and grabbed the goal they  deserved,  as Rangers just strolled back. So Rangers had to find another gear in this lacklustre performance, and more or less straight away they did. A long goal kick from Liam evaded the Clayton defence and fell to Regan who made no mistake and smashed his 2nd of the game. Liam again to the rescue to keep our noses in front. Sam picked the ball up to find Jake just outside the box, he then fed Lee, who was this weeks man-of-the-match, to dance through the defence and slot the ball home to wrap this game up.Sam again found himself in space on the far side, he then smashed the ball agonisingly over the face of the goal as Jake slid in to try and make the game safe but it just eluded him. How we managed to win this game today was beyond me as we never really got going, but we got the points and that's all that matters. After last weeks mighty efforts I will let the lads off but I warned them that if Clayton had their shooting boots on today it would've been a different outcome. We have also been on the recieving end of  wrong scorelines this season after dominating much of the game  and coming away with nothing so overall it evens itself out over the course of the season. I told the lads another performance like that and the hairdryer will  definately be out.  

                            So well done again chaps we got away with it today, lets keep it going. 

                                                                   Paul.                                                        

 

1st March 2008

Guest Manager Match Report from Mr Clayton

1-0

Failsworth Rangers A -v- Northside A

 

Paul told me before the match against North side A NOT TO WORRY as they are a good side and a defeat wasn’t the end of the world. I think we deserved to beat them yesterday we had more shots on goal and we played the better football. We didn’t waste any chances North side’s keeper is a big lad and that’s all that saved them. We shot from outside the box and our passing was better than brilliant. They made tons of substitutions to try and change the game but couldn’t break us

 

Sam was asked to do two peoples work and stuck to his task was very tired but kept going. He found himself in space half way inside their half and unleashed a cracking shot that swerved and went wide. KEEP SHOOTING Sam a two or three of those every match one will go in. Reagan was my man of the match no nonsense hardworking clever skilful. Another one who shot from outside the box, turned on a ball and hit it first time. The keeper struggled to hold onto it I was celebrating as soon as it left his foot, it spun in the keepers hands and i thought it was going to be too much for him. Keep shooting it will go in.

 

Jake worked very hard and even though the defender he was up against was six foot tall Jake worried the life out of him. Nearly every long ball Jake won and he wasn’t out muscled because he was just plain better than him. Very unlucky not to score not that he wasted anything, ran his heart out even tried to defend but i sent him back up field with a flea in his ear. Harry was unlucky not to start but arrived just as we were going on the pitch. I waited for ages and had already given two team talks. It wasn’t a punishment it was just because i didn’t want to confuse the team just as they were about to kick off. Harry was literally tugging at my sleeve the whole game asking to come on but even at half time with the game at 0-0 i didn’t want to upset a team that was doing so well. When Harry did come on i was a bit worried he wouldn’t pick up the speed of the game he did and didn’t miss a tackle in a very quick game and looked like he had been on the pitch the whole time.

 

Jacob, Lee, Liam all three of them got on with their jobs and with no fuss and between the three of them stopped their attacks and made them look ordinary. Liam made a goal saving stop at the feet of their striker very good very brave. Lee stopped them in their tacks was always available for a pass and his passing always reached a team mate i didn’t have to tell him anything he just knew what to do. Jacob didn’t panic he was cool as a cucumber nothing got past him although he did try and knock Reagan’s head off with a clearance. The one time he needed me i was looking the other way. He didn’t close the ball down once in the match and it cost us . He knows it was a mistake but he wont make that mistake again. I told the team it was my fault and i have to share some blame.

 

The match was won and lost in one moment when Jake was clear through as Reagan had pulled two defenders out to the wing and as Reagan turned and made a pass out of Paul Schools’ book the defender dived to stop the ball reaching Jake. I know Jake would have slotted it as he was playing with so much confidence. I m gutted we didn’t win as we deserved to, not loose or draw but win. Thank you boys for making it easy for me

 

Dave

 

8th March 2008

Guest Manager Match Report from Mr Clayton

7-0

Failsworth Rangers A -v- Moston Juniors A

 

I must confess i cant remember who scored what today or what led upto each goal. There was constant Rangers pressure throughout the game and as soon as we scored I wanted them to focus again, and focus they did every last one of them.

The passing was the best ive seen all season from any team. Pauls training on thursday was working its magic today and the team benefitted they kept the ball.

It was hard to pick a man of the match as every last one of them worked hard and through in a bit of flair. Liam was quick off his line and dealt with the two (only two) like a goalkeeper twice his age punching both away after coming through a crowd of players.  Harry didnt have a lot to do in defence but tried his hardest to stay alert and had a big smile on his face wich was good to see.  Played well didnt get frustrated with lack of action.

Lee was again the unsung hero strong in the tackle always available and didnt waste a pass.Reagan was immense again and just missed out on man of the match . Great shooting acurate from range and passed the ball when he needed to and thats beside goal saving tackles and running non stop.  Jacob needs me to point out that his shot from the edge of the area was going in top corner but for a finger tip save.Jacob did a job today get back but support the front players he did well and was unlucky not to score.

Sam was my man of the match strong,skillfull and most important ice cold in front of goal not alot else I can say.Rangers played as a team today worked hard and through in a bit of flair.iIt wasnt that moston were bad it was because we were so good that we scored seven it could have been more but for an inspired goalkeeper. Youve all been BRILLIANNNNNT! ive enjoyed looking after you for Paul and know that the second half of the season can be amazing if you stick together and PASS.

 

Dave 

NORTHSIDE "B"

Welcome to this weeks fixture against Northside "B". We were beaten earlier in the season 3-1, so we had that to correct today. This is the 1st game since the split of the league so we know it's going to be tough till the end, but according to reports of the last 2 games we have been in fine form. Jake returns to the team today after illness forced him out of last weeks encounter, with Sam on the bench this week after he had been struck down with a virus (man flu) that tore through the Rangers camp over the last few weeks.   

So the team was as it was for the last 2 games. I thought we had gone onto the U12's pitch at first when I saw the size of the Northside team but we hadn't it definately was their team. I told the lads just to keep buzzing around them and not let them settle and that is what they did. Jacob and Harry cleaning everything Northside threw at us, and even when they did breach the back 2, which was rare, the ever dependable Liam was equal to it with his safe hands. It was Liams long clearence down field which the defender failed to read, Jake read it well nipped in behind him and unleashed a right foot volley from outside the box which the goalkeeper found to hot to handle as it went in to give Rangers the lead. Northside tried to get back in the game but Regan and Lee in the middle were superb yet again, throwing themselves into tackles and winning the ball everytime. Jake was holding his own up front against 2 defenders who were at least 3ft taller than him but he was frightening the life out of them. It was a 4 man move late in the 1st half that lit up the game, Harry cleared his lines to find Jake, he held it up and found Regan who inturn beat a couple of players, fed Lee who then played a one ,two with Jake which tore the defence apart, Lee then sprayed the ball to Regan who was just inches away from smashing the ball home but for the keepers fingertips. That was the last action of the 1st half.

Lee made way for Sam in the 2nd half as we went to finish the game. Northside upped the tempo looking for the equalizer but again Jacob and Harry were there to stop the threat. Sam took a knock to the knee but he soon ran it off and put in a solid performance for the 2nd half. Jake had an half chance but their keeper held it well. As the game was drifting towards the final 10 minutes with both teams cancelling each other out  it was  one bit of in-decision that cost us victory. Northside slung in a corner Liam came to clear it, he got caught in all the traffic and as the ball bounced about Harry was caught in 2 minds wether to clear it or leave it, he decided to clear it but didn't get a great contact on it and it trickled over the line for the equalizer. Rangers then upped their tempo and it was a surging run from the back from Jacob that saw him power past 3 defenders and onto goal, he had Sam, Jake and Regan in the box waiting for the killer pass, but he spotted his moment of glory and rattled a shot wide. Jake was man-of-the-match this week for his constant effort against the back 2 and a splendid goal. Everyone though again gave 110% for the 3rd week running which is great too see, also the new training regime down at the Rangers Academy is paying dividends as we are back to our passing game again. Well done boys another great result lets keep it going. 

 

MOSTON BROOK.

Welcome back after an extended easter break and into another tough game against Moston Brook who we drew 2-2 with earlier in the season. I had a full squad to pick from this morning which is a change as the last few weeks we've been hit with injuries and sickness amongst the ranks. Liam in goal as usual with the ever improving "Barnster" at the back alongside Jacob, Sam in the middle alongside Lee,with Jake spearheading the attack, Regan on the bench.

 The rain and snow subsided just before kick-off which was a blessing, to leave blue skies above and the sun shining on another impressive display. It didn't take long for Rangers to get going as Sam played a ball into Jake who hit a 1st time shot which the keeper, who eventually got man-of-the-match, was equal to it, to tip it round the post. The growing partnership at the back of Harry and Jacob is paying dividends as everything that is thrown at them is being dealt with with sheer confidence and if the defence was breached Liam was there to tidy up with his safe hands. It was Liams quick goal kick down field to release Jake yet again 1 on 1 and the keeper pulled off another fantastic save to frustrate Jake. Some neat passing in the middle between Sam, Lee and Jake put Lee through but his half chance was again stopped by the keeper. It was going to be 1 of those days. Moston threatened a couple of times but Liam was there to deny them. Rangers who were still knocking at the door managed to force a corner, Sam smashed it accross the goal, it was cleared for another corner, Sam again smashed the ball over into the area, as the keeper tried to get his hands on it he somehow managed to knock it into the net to give us a well deserved lead. A couple more chances  for Rangers to double their lead went begging as we went in 1-0 at half-time.

A change in the 2nd half saw Lee make way for Regan. Almost straight from the kick-off Regan released Jake with a pinpoint pass, Jake decided to hit it early and again the keeper got the slightest of touches to steer the ball round the post. It was Sam who today won man-of-the-match with a solid, gutsy, performance. He covered every inch of pitch and also got on the scoresheet, this time he sent Regan through but again the keeper got a touch as he tried to knock it over him and it bounced agonisingly against the post and cleared. Moston threatened late on but again Liams handling was sublime,Liam rose like a salmon to grasp a corner out of the air and sent an early ball upfield to Jake, like the last game, it bounced over the last defender and Jake latched onto it to crash a volley just wide of the far post. Jake then made way for Lee in the dying minutes as we wanted to protect what we got. We did and come away with a well earned win. Everyones attitude today was spot-on, we played as a team, especially Regan when he came on. Also Sam was on his game today with his attitude, effort and passing all through the game, Lee was strong in the middle, Jacob and Harry were solid, Liam totally in charge with another cleansheet and Jake unlucky not to grab a goal or 2 with his constant buzzing around. So another great result, lets keep it going for next week chaps your'e doing well.         

Paul.C.

 

A.F.C. CLAYTON.

Welcome to yet another wet Saturday morning as we took on A.F.C Clayton who we beat earlier in the season 3-1. It was more or less the same team as last week apart from Harry who started on the bench. I'd just like to start by saying how did we not manage to come away with all 3 points is beyond me as we had so many chances to wrap the contest up. As early as the 1st minute Jake had a well driven shot saved by their keepers legs. Clayton came for the point as they never really troubled the Rangers defence with Jacob virtually redundant as he swept everything up before it reached our area. Regan again was strong in the middle it was Regan who broke from his own half, he layed it out to Lee, he then found Jake, Jake then passed a clever ball back to Regan who was in acres of space but somehow steered his shot wide of the post as Clayton were torn apart.  Another strong performance from Sam saw him start yet another breathtaking move, he found Regan who quickly fed Jake, Jake returned the pass to play a 1-2 with Regan, with Just the keeper to beat he smashed a shot which was heading for the corner but again the keeper managed to tip it round the post, as again Clayton were ripped right open from the counter attack. From the resulting corner Sam whipped it over, it was half cleared, Regan pounced on it to feed Lee who hit a goalbound shot, again the keeper somehow scrambled it away with his legs. It was then I knew it was 1 of them days. A couple more chances went begging as Rangers began to get frustrated, this time Regan shot wide. We went in 0-0 at half -time.

Lee made way for Harry as I pushed Jacob up a little to release Sam into a more advanced role to try and grab a well deserved goal. Another swift move involving Sam, Jake and Regan led to him again smashing his shot at the keeper. Jake was involved this time in a move which deserved a goal, after some fine work by Sam, Regan and Lee, it left Jake again with the keeper to beat, but like all morning he was equal to it to deny Rangers a goal. In the last remaining minutes of the game Lee was hauled down for a free- kick just outside the box. Sam cracked in the resulting kick which was heading for the far corner with the gaolie well and truly beaten  but this time Jake couldn't get out of the way and it hit him and came out. Jake earned this weeks man-of-the-match award from both camps today for sheer effort alone, as he was marked by 2 defenders all game but still managed to get chances all through the match and cause them constant problems. So I look at todays game as 2 points lost, but the performance was again excellent and no complaints from the effort that was put in today from each and everyone of the boys as the game ended 0-0. I would just like to sign off this match report by saying that  we PLAY as a team we WIN as a team, we DRAW as a team and we LOSE as a team, we are all in it together no matter what the outcome. So well done chaps and onto next weeks tester lads.

P.S  Sorry Liam I didn't give you a mention because you were virtually Untroubled, but well done on another clean sheet.  

       PAUL.C.

 

BOUNDARY PARK "A"

 

Welcome to a very rare dry but cold Ten Acres this morning as we took on a very good Boundary Park "A" team who sit 2nd in the league. When we met earlier in the season sent they sent us too our heaviest defeat yet of a 3-0 scoreline. I was determined today not to let the same thing happen and the lads didn't dissappoint me. A change from last weeks line up with Jake this time taking a turn on the bench.

From kick-off Rangers took the game to Boundary causing them all sorts of problems with Lee and Regan battling for everything alongside Sam who was marshalling the middle. The improving partnership at the back of Harry and Jacob were rarely called upon but when they were, sorted it out between them to clean up anything that came their way. A couple of half chances fell to Boundary but Liam was equal to it. The game was being played mostly in the middle of the park where both teams were basically cancelling each other out as they were 2 evenly matched sides. Sam played Regan in but his shot was fired wide of the mark. It was Boundary that found the breakthrough just before the interval as Rangers just switched off from a corner. It was lofted into the area which went just over Liams outstreched arm, and there at the back stick unmarked was Boundary's striker to volley into the empty net. That was the last action of a very even 1st period where nobody deserved to be behind.

A change was made in the 2nd half with Regan making way for Jake to add a bit of fire upfront to try and bag a deserved leveller. It changed the tempo of the game as Jake was beginning to un-nerve the Boundary defence with his constant buzzing around. It was now all Rangers as they went for it, Sam played Lee in with a lovely through ball he took 1 touch and hit a shot which the keeper managed to save. This time it was Jakes turn to be thwarted by the keeper, he hit a snapshot from just outside the area which the keeper couldn't hold, he spilled it out of his hands and onto the foot of the post with nobody there to follow and smash in the rebound. Harry made way for Regan as we threw caution to the wind to try and get a well deserved goal. Sam was winning everything in the middle and creating a couple of chances which were cleared. Liam saved a rare Boundary attack as we pushed forward. A move between Sam, Regan and Jake put Lee in down the near touchline in the dying seconds, he beat 2 men and fired in a pinpoint cross to where Jake, Sam and Regan were queing up to rattle in the equaliser, it fell to Regan but he leathered his resulting shot inches over the bar. That then ended any comeback we thought we had. So we lost 1-0 but as I say every week we didn't deserve it today as we should have had at least a point out of this one as we matched them all through the game. My aim in this 2nd half of the season is to improve on our results against the teams  we have already played and that is exactly what we are doing by turning in performances like the last 4 against quality opposition. So well done again boys another great performance from each and everyone especially Harry who just pipped his defensive partner Jacob to man-of-the-match with a solid display by putting all of his anatomy in front the ball all through the game.

Keep it up chaps.

                                          Paul.C.             

 

FAILSWORTH WEST "B"

 

Welcome to a very sunny Ten Acre Lane today for a change where we took on a very ordinary Failsworth West "B".  I chose the same team as last week apart from Harry who was on the bench  as I went for a more attacking formation. Today there were some new faces in the West team from the last encounter where we somehow managed to lose 2-1.

Straight from the kick-off it was all Rangers, West couldn't settle on the ball as we were quicker in the tackle and our passing. Rangers had the 1st chance of the game, Regan dispossesed their defender to send Lee through on goal but he shot just wide. This time Sam picked up a loose ball, skipped past a defender and smashed an unstoppable shot from 30 yards which the keeper didn't even see until it came back into play after rattling the crossbar, Lee then hit the rebound into the side netting. Jacob at the back was rarely troubled but when called upon easily dealt with what was thrown at him. Regan was given a job to do today and he did it, as he marked their best player out of the game by limiting him to create nothing. Midway through the 1st half Liam cleared the ball downfield 1 bounce over the defenders head and onto Jake he took it on the volley but he didn't quite connect right and the keeper saved it easily. It was now just a wave of red pouring forward with West hanging on. Good work from Sam found Jake on the far touchline, he turned the defender inside out and unleashed a shot which the keeper managed to hang onto as it was heading for the far corner. Then totally against the run of play West nicked the lead as Rangers pushed for a goal. A quick throw from Sam sent Lee down the line, his cross was met by Regan who's shot was blocked it fell to Jake but he could only fire it into the side netting again. But the well deserved equaliser wasn't long in coming, another goal kick from Liam upfield had the defender in all sorts of trouble,  he mistimed the drop of the ball but Jake didn't, and as it bounced over the bewildered defender  Jake met it on the volley, this time he caught it just right and rifled the ball into the bottom corner for his 25th of the season to the delight of the away support, a goal which was long overdue in a half which was totally dominated by Rangers.

No changes in the 2nd half , as the 1st it was all Rangers, just the odd flurry from West which Liam sorted out with no trouble. A wonderful move involving Sam, who again was at the centre of everything today, Regan and Jake sliced the West defence apart to leave Lee 1 on 1 with the keeper but instead of burying the shot he tried to find Regan and the chance went begging. Another shot from Sam was saved by the keeper, as it came back out to Jake he again could only find the side netting. Harry was introduced for Sam to give him a breather for the amount of work he got through today. Harry soon adapted to game and slotted in nicely to take over from Jacob who pushed into Sams role, that earnt Jacob his man-of-the-match award today although never troubled kept his concentration to deal with everything and kept battling away in the middle. West were beginning to fade in the last 5 minutes as it was just constant Rangers attacking, Regan had a chance to win it but he shot wide, Sam returned to the action in place of Lee and he to hit a shot which was inches over the bar and Jake to could've have won it at the end but his shot was handled by a West defender, Jakes claims for handball were turned away by the referee who bottled it in making a big decision right at the end. That was virtually the last action of the game as it somehow managed to stay 1-1. 

As I said last week we've no longer got a chance of winning the league so I'm just interested in improving against the teams that we've played earlier on in the season, today we did but it should've been a convincing victory  against a very ordinary team but It wasn't, so well done again boys for all you're effort and hard work today. Your a joy to watch when your on form lets keep it going for next week chaps.    

PAUL.C. 

 

 

NORTHSIDE "A"

Welcome to yet another sunny day at Ten Acres. This week we faced Northside "A" who alongside Boundary Park "A" are 2 of the best teams in the league. When we faced them earlier in the season we were narrowly beaten 1-0 so I was hoping for an improvement on that score today.

The team was as normal with Lee this time on the bench. This week was a game of  2 completely different halfs. 1st half was all Rangers after Northside took an early lead through a lapse in concentration allowing Northsides striker acres of space to punish us, that then woke Rangers up. An attack which started by Regan who was not on his game today found Sam, a little toe poke through to Jake on the edge of the area saw him curl a 1st time shot,  with the keeper rooted to the spot he could only watch it sail over his head and strike the post and away to safety. Another attack from Rangers which was this time started by Sam and finished by him, he picked out Jacob with a neat pass, he held it up well on the edge of the box and  cushioned it back to Sam who hit a 1st time volley which again for the 2nd week running smashed against the bar. It was all Rangers as they searched for a deserved goal, Northside tried to get into the game but what they threw at us Harry and Jacob were solid at the back to snuff everything out. Eventually the equaliser arrived and it was worth the wait. Jacob cut out a Northside attack and played a short pass to Regan he found his midfield partner Sam who took it in his stride waltzed past 2 defenders and delivered a pinpoint pass diagonally into the box to Jake who cleverly lost his 2 markers to latch onto it and drill an unstoppable 1st time shot into the bottom corner for a well deserved leveller. Still Rangers pushed forward and again Sam was involved, Regan took a throw in to Jacob who layed it back to Sam who again walloped a shot goalbound this time it was inches over the bar. So 1-1 at the interval.

A change was made in the 2nd half as Lee was introduced for Regan. As I said it was a game of 2 different halfs. Now it was Northsides turn to dominate as we just couldn't get going. Rangers just switched off as they were attacked from all angles with Liam pulling off a string of saves to earn himself man-of-the-match and more importantly to keep us in it. But Rangers for the 2nd time in the match gifted them a lead as we failed to mark their men. It was only in the dying minutes we caused Northside trouble with Liams long kicks down field which had their defenders and goalkeeper in trouble but Jake just couldn't capitalise on the loose ball as the referee blew to end the game with a 2-1 defeat. This must be the shortest ever 2nd half report I've done for a while but to be honest there was nothing to say about it..................................................................................................  . Anyway the plus points of the game was the 1st half performance by the lads, the passing again was a joy to watch at times but again it's the finishing that let us down and as I keep saying if you don't put them away and make them count the better teams will punish us and that's what happened today. So onto next week and another hard game against Dynamos "A". 

Well done chaps your still the best.

PAUL.C.  

 

 

FAILSWORTH DYNAMOS "A"

As I said last week another tough game against Dynamos "A" on this rather sunny but wet morning. I chose to leave Regan on the bench this week so more or less the same side as last week. When we met earlier in the season Rangers ran out 3-0 winners in a very good game and this was a game to match.

It started off with both goalkeepers showing off their mighty kicking skills with Liams coming out just on top as he found Jake unmarked in the box but his cheeky little header was just saved by the keeper as it was finding it's way into the net.Most of the game was being played in the middle of the park with Sam and Lee having a tremendous battle, alongside Jacob and Harry who were quite comfortable at the back dealing with almost everything. Dynamos took the lead with a goal that Liam couldn't do much about with a shot from distance which whistled past him. Rangers then woke up and forced a string of corners which came to nothing. It was a ball through to Jake from Lee which was handled by the Dynamos defender which I thought was in the area but the ref awarded a free kick just outside the box, I was not going to argue with him because I didn't want to feel the wrath of the referee's mum this week so I let it go  Anyway Sam placed the ball down and struck a wonderful curling shot into the top corner for one of the goals of the season contenders to make it 1-1 and game on. More or less straight after another long kick down field by Liam caught their defender unawares and Jake latched onto it to slide in and knock it over the advancing keeper to send us in 2-1 at half time.

Second half Regan was introduced for Sam who took a knock, and just as last week we switched off for 5 minutes of madness. Some slack marking and defending let Dynamos score 2 goals and make it 3-2. Our heads didn't go down, Sam was back on for Harry as we went for an equalizer. Lee, who today was man-of-the-match for his constant running and effort was nearly rewarded as he played Jake in with a sublime pass, he flicked it up and hit a shot which just grazed the top of the bar with the keeper beaten all ends up. Liam pulled off a couple of saves to keep us in it. This time Sam set up Jake, again a 1st time volley from Jake looked set to finding the net but just went wide. A lovely move which started from Jacob at the back involved all the players but the end product was another Jake shot which the keeper saved. That was virtually the end of a very good game which could've gone either way. The lads gave their all today in a very tough encounter. It will be sad to see Dynamos leave the league as they are 1 of the best teams that we have met this year, and produce 2 cracking games for the spectators to enjoy. So just to sum today, even when we went 1 down we never gave up and took the game to our opponents and managed to edge in front but it wasn't enough, but well done  again lads to produce a superb game for everyone.

PAUL.               

 

 

CHADDERTON PARK "A"

Today we faced Chaddy Park "A" who earlier in the season won by the odd scrambled goal in a very tight contest. We were down  to just  the 6 players today as Regan took an early season break to sunny skeggy so Harry moved upfront to help out Jake.

The game started as I expected with both teams cancelling each other out, it was Rangers who provided the 1st action of the game,a long goal kick from Liam caught the defenders out with Jake this time choosing to use his head to steer the ball goalwards but the keeper saved it.  Chaddy forced a corner, the resulting kick was met by Harry on the edge of the box and his resulting clearance, Liam style, found Jake who hit it 1st time from just outside the box but it went inches over. Chaddy's turn to strike, they hit a shot from distance which Liam failed to hold and as he went to scoop it back up their striker was 1st to it to bundle it over the line. Sam and Lee were working overtime in the middle to stop Chaddy attacking and it was working as the only thing that was troubling us was the big throw - ins into the box, but Liam soon had them sorted and he was dealing with them comfortably along with Jacob who was tidy at the back. It was a very tight 1st half with not many chances for both sides.

2nd half started and it was mainly like the previous with most of the game being played in the middle where Sam, Lee and Harry were doing there bit. As Rangers pushed for a goal Chaddy hit us on the break and somehow between them Liam and Jacob managed to scramble the ball away as it came back off the crossbar. A rare Rangers attack saw Sam pick the ball up just outside the area and hit a goalbound shot but it struck Harry on the way and out for a goalkick. A bit of magic on the near touchline from Jake saw him drag the ball back and back heel a ball through the defenders legs, "NUTS" he shouted as he found Harry who burst through, but he put his shot wide. Jacob was this weeks man-of-the-match for a solid performance at the back and also a couple of runs out of defence to try and create something. We needed a playmaker today to make things happen and he wasn't there but credit to the team they worked very hard today which is all that matters as we prepare for next season.         

So no win in 6 as we lose again by the odd goal, there will be a meeting with the chairman in the next couple of weeks to look where we can find funds to strengthen the team for next seasons assault on the league, as these results lately are relegation material and thats not good.   But next season we will be back stronger and turn these defeats and draws into wins. If i've not been fired.           

Well done everyone again and onto next weeks double header as we come to the end of the season.

PAUL.      

 

CHADDY END F.C.

Welcome to a windy Ten-Acres this morning on a very early start as we had 2 games today. 1st up in this tricky double header were Chaddy End who we narrowly beaten 2-1 earlier in the season. Same team this week with Harry starting on the bench. The game started with Rangers applying all the pressure, Sam in the middle with Regan were on top form, it was them who combined with a couple of neat passes to put Jake through but he fired his shot just wide. Jacob was tidy at the back along with Liam who again pulled off a couple of good saves. Rangers now began to pass the ball and a move between Regan and Jake involved 3 one-two's  between them to carve open the defence but Regans finish didn't match the build up and he shot wide. The resulting goal kick landed to Lee who's quick thinking he returned the ball back but it just bounced over the bar with the net gaping. So 0-0 at half-time.

2nd half saw Sam, who run his socks off today to take a breather, make way for Harry, so Jacob moved into midfield. It proved a good move as more or less straight away Jacob opened the scoring virtually from the kick-off. Jake and Regan again linked up well with a couple of passes which again carved open the defence for Regan to find Jacob unmarked in the box, as the keeper came out he calmly slotted it home. Another monster kick from Liam bemused the defender and just as Jake was lining up his shot he mistimed his volley and the chance went begging. But it wasn't long for number 2 to come, Regan again was involved along with Sam and Jacob, a move which at one point thought contained too many passes across the box but when it did arrive at Jakes feet he steered his shot inside the near post with the keeper in 2 minds wether he was going to shoot or cross. Now it was all Rangers as this time Sam picked up a loose ball he strode past 2 defenders and hit his shot just wide. Liam pulled off another good save to keep a clean sheet and Harry was again solid at the back. Regan just pipped Sam to man-of -the-match with his un-selfishness to provide the goals for his team mates. Anyway 1st win in 6 and i'm very pleased well done boys onto the next game in an hour.

Paul.   

 

HEYSIDE "A"

Next up were Heyside "A" who were on a high after beating Failsworth West "A" earlier so I knew we were in for a tough game. Lee was on the bench for this one. Just before the game a couple of Heyside players stated that  "It's only Rangers they're easy", so a quick relay of that comment to the lads did the trick.

Straight from the off Rangers went at them but it was Heyside with the 1st attempt that Liam saved superbly from point blank. That then kicked us into gear.The resulting kick eluded the Heyside defence but not Jake as he managed to get his head on it but the keeper clawed it away. Rangers were now in control as Sam and Regan began to run the show, a clever little ball up to Jake from Sam saw Jake turn the defender only to be hauled down for a free kick, Sam took it but it just whistled wide.The goal kick then fell to Regan in the middle, he took 2 defenders on and burst into the box and smashed in the 1st goal of the game for well deserved lead to the delight of the home crowd. More or less straight away Jacob pulled down their striker on the half-way line to which the away crowd now clutching at straws appealed for a penalty, but the ref gave a free kick outside the box which Liam then easily saved. Heyside were now getting frustrated as Rangers began to get a hold on the game with Sam and Regan instrumental in the middle with Jake giving as good as he was getting up front on his own battling away. Another monster kick from Liam saw the keeper in trouble and he had to tip it over the bar to safety as the half ended 1-0.

A change in the 2nd half seen Jake who picked up an injury make way for Lee. Straight from the off Rangers were at Heyside, it was a shot from Lee which was too hot for the keeper to handle as Regan followed it up to take it away from him and knock the ball into the net for his and Ranger's 2nd of the game. Heyside then hit the bar with a thumping drive that Liam had covered.Now it was just like watching Brazil as Rangers pushed for another as Sam found Lee in acres of space to complete the rout and rattle the ball home to make it 3-0 in a comfortable win which saw Sam claim his man-of-the-match award with another solid hard working display in the middle of the park. So 2 tough games in a row today and 2 victories which I'm very pleased with and that's with a team who are "easy to beat"   so well done everybody today in both games you were all superb.   

Paul.C.  

 

FAILSWORTH WEST "A"

Welcome for the last time  as we go into our final game against this seasons winners of the league. I had to pick a team today to try and match whatever West threw at us but just before the kick- off I was dealt a major blow as Regan reported for duty feeling a bit under the weather. So the team was as usual this week with Jake on the bench. As the game kicked off  Regan lasted a minute as  I had to bring him off as he was struggling and on came Jake. It was how I imagined the game to go as West applied the pressure, Liam tipped over a dipper from 20yds, Harry and Jacob making last minute challenges to clear any attacks that threatened as Rangers were not allowed to play their usual game. West broke the deadlock as again we switched off and allowed a far post cross fall to an unmarked striker to volley home. We tried to get going and battled well 1st half but didn't create much.

Regan tried again 2nd half but again only lasted a couple of minutes, much like the 1st half Rangers were battling away all game with Sam and Lee making a few telling tackles in the middle of the park, but it was West who doubled the lead midway through the half. Rangers pushed men forward to try and grab a consolation but to no avail. Liam again pulled off a string of excellent saves to keep the score respectable along with man-of -the match Harry who made a few clearances himself. So the game ended 2-0 which I would of took at the start of this encounter, we know the level we have to aim for next season and I'm sure we can be there or there abouts, so well done lads this season especially when the league split and the teams that we played got harder and harder. I would just like to thank Sam for all his hard work and effort he put in over the last 2 yrs as he moves over to the "B" team. It's been a pleasure to have had you in the team and no doubt you'll make a difference to the "B" team and also help them along the way. If you ever want to return mate just give me a shout and I'm sure I can slot you in somewhere.   Once again boys well done and lets enjoy the up and coming tournaments.

Paul.

 

END OF SEASON STATS AND SUMMING UP.

PLAYED....................... 32

WON..................... 15

DRAWN..............  5

LOST..............   12

BIGGEST WIN.......  14-0

BIGGEST LOSS........... 3-0

CLEAN SHEETS.........      14

GOALS FOR...............     93

GOALS AGAINST.......   31

POINTS................  50  

 

LIAM,  He was brought into the team to replace a very good keeper we already had and he has slotted in superbly. He kept 14 clean sheets and saved us on many occaisons and we have then gone onto win the game. Liam has also got on the score sheet twice one with a penalty and one with a monster kick which went straight in. An excellent season Liam well done.

JACOB, He won last seasons most improved player and from then on not looked back, he's strong in the tackle for a little guy and reads the game very well. Has formed a great understanding with Harry at the back. He can only get better. Well done Jacob.

HARRY, Drafted in from the "B" team just after christmas and has fitted in well at the back where he is learning a lot from Jacob. Strong in the tackle and very skilful player. Improved immensly over the season and next year Harry, I'll promise to give you a run out further up the field (when we are a couple of goals up though) anyway well done Harry keep it up.

SAM, A valuable assett to any team. A very skilfull midfielder who also will bag you a few goals. Scored goal of the season for me with a wonder strike against Moston Brook in the last minute as we stared defeat in the face. Will miss his presence in the middle next year. Another player who improved as the season went on. Thanks Sam keep it up.

LEE, I've just dropped Lee a little behind the main striker this season as he has got the ability to tackle and also support his team mates up front, he got 13 goals this term which is pretty good for the position he's playing in. Another who doesn't shirk a tackle and fights for the ball every game. Another player who just after christmas made a vast improvement in the team, well done Lee keep it going.

REGAN, As like Sam a valuable assett to have. He's skilfull, strong in the tackle for a little man and is 100% focused on every game. Scored 23 goals and set up numerous others. Well done Reg lets take it through to next season.

JAKE, Ended up this seasons top scorer with 29 which is not bad when you have the likes of Reg and Sam in the team who are proven goalscorers. Not the biggest of strikers but he knows where the net is either with a tap in or a trademark volley from Liams kicks. Another who has found his confidence in the latter half of the season. Well done Jake.

So just to sum up the season, in our eyes as a team we have come on so much from last year, teams are not turning us over and when the league split and we did get beat is was only by the odd goal from when we probably dominated the game but failed to take our chances and we were punished but we'll learn from it and hopefully put it right but I can't complain it was a great season and with our new players next year we'll be up there or there abouts (I hope).   Anyway well done chaps your all superb.