Failsworth Rangers Under 9's

 

MOSTON JUNIORS "A".

Welcome to a new season of mini-soccer which is now taking place at Failsworth Soccer Centre. The "A" Team is pretty much the same as last season but for Jacob who has departed for pastures new and wish him every success in his new carreer at his chosen club.We will be operating with no subs to start with as we are waiting on the arrival of a couple of new faces. So Liam continues in goal, Harry who is captain today at the back, Lee just nestled in front of him, Regan and Ben to battle it out in midfield, and last seasons top goalscorer Jake up front.

Today we faced a very much improved Moston Juniors "A". It was a slow start to the game as Rangers adapted to the new surroundings, Moston frustrated us throughout the opening minutes especially the keeper who pulled off a couple of good saves to keep out Jake and Regan. Jake thought he had broke the deadlock but his shot just whistled wide. Harry was again strong at the back leaving Liam rarely troubled. Lee was having another solid game in his new role and Ben and Regan having a battle in the middle as usual to try and force an opening but Moston stayed strong. Ben almost grabbed the opener as he powered his way through the defence but the keeper again somehow managed to pull off a terrific save and hold on till the interval with their goal still intact.

So no changes at half time as Rangers stepped up a gear and pressed for a goal, it was a combination of Ben, Regan and Jake which tore Moston apart as they finally found their passing rythm which led to Moston conceding a penalty after Ben's shot struck a hand. Jake stepped up, kept his nerve and smashed the resulting kick home to the relief of his manager. Rangers then got into their stride and their passing game paid off , Lee, Regan, Ben and Jake all combined to tear Moston apart and feed Regan who's shot took a deflection to wrong foot the keeper and fly into the net for a well deserved second. Moston grabbed a goal back against the run of play as we failed to clear our lines so game on again. Moston then started to push for an equaliser which left big gaps at the back to which Rangers capitalised, another sweeping move which seen Ben slip a delightful ball through to Jake who cut inside the defender and fired the ball into bottom corner of the net. It was soon 4-1 when this time Regan turned provider for Jake, he found him unmarked on the edge of the area with his back to goal he turned and hit a sweet shot which found the top corner of the net and give the keeper no chance, to notch an opening day hat-trick. Regan had a shot which again was inches wide as Rangers pushed for more. It came just before the final whistle, Ben played yet another inch perfect pass to Jake as the keeper came out Jake reached it first and cleverly chipped it over the advancing keeper into the empty net to make it 5-1 and game over. All credit to Moston who pushed us all the way and made us work hard for the win especially the keeper who kept the score respectable especially in the 1st half. Todays man-of-the-match award went to Jake for his 4 goals and keeping his nerve for the penalty when the score was 0-0, Regan pushed him all the way with another mammoth performance in the middle of the park. But as usual you all played well and deserved the win today, so well done chaps and on to a very tough one next week.

                                                                                   Well done

                                                                                                            Paul.C.

 

NORTHSIDE "A"

This morning we took on one of the teams that will no doubt be up there at the end of the season in Northside "A". Just before kick-off we were dealt a massive blow when out of the blue the referee decided to pull Regan about his innappropriate footwear. It's this inconsistency of the referees so far this season that is begining to ruin the beautiful game as each and every ref have different views about the rules and which ones they have to adhere to, and so nearly cost us dear this morning. We were lucky to find Regan a pair of trainers which were 3 sizes too big and would have looked great on "Cocoa the clown" but it didn't affect Regan one bit and at one stage was willing to play in bare feet.

Anyway off my soap-box and back to the game in question, same team as last weeks 5-1 win, but it was Regans turn to wear the captains armband today and just before kick-off I said to the lads any sort of draw here today will be a great result for us against a very well organised outfit. The game started with Northside knocking the ball about well but we soon adapted and started to get amongst them with Regan and Ben having a tremendous tussle in the middle, Lee again putting in a strong perfomance along with Harry who with his no nonsense defending holding strong at the back leaving Liam pretty comfortable as we restricted Northside to a few long range efforts which rarely troubled our goal. A Regan corner that was lashed into the box saw a scramble which was cleared away as Jake and Ben tried to pounce on. Regan also had a shot which was well saved as Rangers pushed for a goal. Jake was snapping away at the big centre half and forcing him into playing the ball quickly as we didn't let Northside settle and play their passing game because if we did we would've been ripped apart. So very few chances in the first half of a very tight contest.

There was only 1 change in the 2nd half  and it was Regans boots, I checked with the ref just to see if they were the right colour for the game and he accepted that they were. Again the game started tight but Northside were beginning to the hit the target with their efforts but Liam stayed strong. Jake had a couple of shots but the keeper managed to save  one and one just wide, but it was Northside that struck first with a shot from distance that spilled from Liams grasp and trickled over the line. Rangers didn't fold as Northside went to try and kill the game but Harry was strong and very calm to clear everything up with a bit of help from Lee. Ben was now getting back amongst it and won a corner, again Regan put in a cross which went agonisingly over the face of goal as Jake tried to get a cheeky back heel onto it but to no avail. Again Ben and Jake began to press the defenders and force them into errors and it was one of them errors that led to our equaliser and what a wait, as Northside tried to build from the back Ben robbed their player just inside his half and fed Jake who turned and beat the 1st defender he then headed for goal, in his way was the big centre half of who'm he tormented all morning staring at him, he pushed it through his legs and away on goal with only the keeper to beat, as he came flying out Jake lifted it neatly over him and into net for what I think is one of his best goals in a Rangers shirt to bring the game back level 1-1. Still these teams couldn't be seperated and it was left to Liam to deny Northside a late winner as he pulled off a terriffic save to push it onto the post and out to safety. That proved to be the last action of the game as it ended in a fair 1-1 draw in what was a good game played in great spirit against 2 good teams. So all in all a great result for us in which all the lads worked hard for, with Regan taking man-of-the-match this week for sheer effort alone covering every inch of the pitch even in the 1st half with his clown shoes on. Anyway well done everyone again you all put in 100% cheers.

                                                                                            Paul. C.   

 

A.F.C  CLAYTON.

This week we took on AFC Clayton who not only havn't lost a game but not conceded a goal so we had it all to do. Same team as last but it was Harry's turn to wear the captains armband.

Rangers started brightly with Ben battling away as usual and it wasn't long before we got a breakthrough, Regan took a throw in to Jake who nodded the ball out to Lee on the edge of the area who made no mistake and fired the ball home for his 1st goal of the season. Liam pulled off a great save as Clayton pushed for an equaliser. An individual solo goal from Regan doubled the lead when he waltzed passed 3 defenders cut inside and smashed the ball into the bottom corner. Harry for the 3rd week running was again strong at the back along with Liam who made  yet another great save to deny Clayton. This time a sweeping Rangers move which involved Regan, Ben and Jake from 1 end to the other cut Clayton in half with Jake finishing the move off by tucking it away into the bottom corner for a well deserved 3-0 half time lead. 

2nd half Clayton came out a different side and put the pressure on and grabbed a quick goal. Rangers were on the back foot as Clayton pushed forward but the turning point of the game came when Liam tipped over a goal bound effort for a corner. The resulting corner was defended well again by Harry who cleared to Ben, he then picked out Jake on the edge of the area, as the ball arrived to him he curled it into the top corner giving the keeper no chance. It was soon 5 as Ben yet again came out of a ruck of players with the ball and he hit a shot which the keeper couldn't handle Jake followed up and nicked it away from him and found Regan unmarked who cooly slotted it into an empty net. Ben yet again was in the thick of it and was determined to get a goal as he had another shot saved by the keeper who  was unable to hold it and pushed it straight into Jakes path who flicked it in from a tight angle to notch his 2nd hat-trick in 3 games. Then just near the end Regans corner was met on the half volley by Jake who rifled it into the roof of the net to make it 7-1 and send Rangers top of the league. Ben rightly deserved man-of-the-match today with a superb performance after being hit in the face twice with ball and suffering a bloody nose he just got back up and soldiered on and made a few goals aswell, but as I say every week you all put in the effort and work really hard for each other well done everyone again lets try and keep it going. I've been in the transfer market lads and maybe next week a couple of you can have a rest as we will be able to make some substitutions.    

                                                                  Thank lads.        Paul.C.   

 

MOSTON BROOK

Another sunny day greeted us as we took on Moston Brook and I knew this was going to be a tough game. Same team as last week but new signing Macauley on the bench. This weeks captain was Liam.

As the game kicked off both sides were cancelling each other out all over the park, Moston had done their homework before hand and put 2 defenders on Jake at all time and more or less thwarted the danger straight away as Rangers looked for a breakthrough, Mostons long throw ins were a concern to start with but Harry had them under control eventually, Lee was again strong today battling away in the middle in a very tough game, but it was Moston who took the lead with a shot from just inside our half which gave Liam no chance. A 2nd followed shortly as Rangers failed to clear a corner and the ball somehow went through a ruck of players and into the net to every ones surprise even Liam. So 2-0 down and a mountain to climb. Rangers battled on and played some good football and when they did get through their keeper was equal to it. Another long distance effort flew past Liam giving him no chance and put us 3-0 down at half time.

On came Macauley for his debut for Ben who took a breather from the very fast opening half. Rangers were seeing more of the ball as they created a couple of chances, 1st Jake managed to lose his markers and Link up with Regan but his shot was saved, Ben returned for Regan and he too had a shot saved by the keeper. Liam was beaten yet again from a long distance effort as Moston caught us out as we attacked for a consolation. Jake made way for Regan who pushed up front along with Harry to try and grab something  in the dying minutes, Ben sent Regan through but again the keeper saved and pushed it out for a corner which proved to be the last action of a very hard game. Lee came away this week with man-of-the-match with a performance of high quality when even at 4 down he was still fnding energy to push forward and create openings for his team mates.That was our worst league defeat in over 12months but that is what the beautiful game is all about you never know what's going to happen and looking at some of this weeks results this league is going to be very, very close come the end of the season, anyway chins up lads you all did your best and thats all I can ask. Cheers lads.

                                                                         Paul .C.   

 

MOSTON JUNIORS "B"

This week we faced Moston Juniors "B" who last season beat us 2-1 so hopefully that won't be repeated today, so same starting 6 as last week with Lee donning the captains armband for this game.

Straight from the kick-off  Rangers went at Moston not giving them anytime on the ball whatsoever with Regan dominating most of the midfield which left Ben to help out Jake up front. It was Regans through ball for Ben which eluded everybody even the keeper as the ball somehow found the bottom corner of the net to open the scoring. Moston were restricted to a couple of long range efforts which Liam was quite comfortable with along with Harry who again was steady at the back along with Lee who at the moment is showing what quality he possesses putting in another outstanding performance just in front of him. Regan created the 2nd goal with a cross into the box that Moston took too long to clear and Jake burst in to capitalise on the mistake and prodded home. It was just a wave of red & white spilling forward, Regan again won the ball in the middle, strode forward and hit an unstoppable shot which came off Ben's foot and into the bottom corner of the net with Ben running away in delight claiming his 1st goal of the season. A couple  more saves from the keeper kept Rangers out as they pushed for more. It soon came, this time it was route1 as Liam took a goal kick it sailed over everyones heads and straight to Jake who read it superbly, 1 on 1 with keeper he made no mistake and slotted it away with his left foot for 4-0. Ben was yet again involved as this time he took Jakes throw in his stride, he beat 2 defenders, took it round the keeper and surely it had to be a goal but credit to Mostons defence they managed to somehow clear it off the line as Ben looked in disbelief to the heavens.   Regans turn this time to beat 2 defenders and hit a shot into the bottom corner and  no doubt this time he was claiming it, then just on half time Regans corner was met by Ben who rifled it in to make it 6-0.

So a change in the 2nd half saw Jake, who was pretty quiet so far make way for Macauley as Ben pushed up front along with Regan. Moston then had a brief spell of some good possession and passing as they tried to get some sort of consolation. Liam was tested a couple of times but always had it under control, Macauley had a chance to open his account as he danced round a couple of players but just hit his shot wide.Rangers were not creating much in first 5 minutes or so, so back on came Jake for Ben and more or less with his 1st touch he rattled in the 7th after Regans shot was too hot for the keeper to handle and couldn't hold on to it as it spilled out to Jake to notch his 3rd hat-trick of the campaign. Ben, who was also after an hat-trick  had another shot which was saved and pushed onto the bar. The pick of the goals was saved to the last, a corner was only half cleared to Lee who was about 25yards out and he unleashed a rasping drive which dipped over the keeper giving him no chance. Regan made way for Ben, Lee then took over at the back and Harry pushed up front to try and grab a goal that he deserves and it nearly came, he took on 2 defenders and headed for goal just as he thought he'd scored the keeper yet again denied him and pushed it behind for a corner. Macauley took it and his cross was deflected and looped into the air, as it dropped out of the sky Jake volleyed it acrobatically but the keeper yet again made a stunning save to deny a certain goal. Macauley yet again made a run down the wing but just couldn't find a finish to match as the referee then blew for full time. This week Harry won man-of-the-match with a great performance and doing just enough to thwart any danger and his determination to try and grab a goal that he deserves. But as I say every week you all played great again today so lets just build on this and carry it on.

                                                   Well done lads.

                                                                               Paul .C.

 

FAILSWORTH  RANGERS "B"

It was derby day this week as we took on our "B" team. In recent meetings between the 2 sides the "B" team have put in some gritty performances and made us work for our results, so who's turn was it this time for the playground bragging rights. Same team as last week with Ben on the bench and Jake taking the captains armband.

Straight from the kick-off "B" were up for it, 1st to the ball and knocking it around well, but it was the "A" that had the 1st strike from Jake that Kayde dealt with. "B" were seeing quite a bit of the ball but just couldn't find an end product as Harry was defending solidly as usual."A" thought they had opened the scoring after some good work from Jake down the near touchline fired a cross over the face of goal to Macauley who was unmarked but he just couldn't connect with it and the chance went begging. Then  "A"  finally got the breakthrough as Regans corner came back out to Lee who's shot found the bottom corner. "A" now started to press with Regan dominating the middle of the park, it was his mazy run through the middle and pass found Jake who's shot was held by Kayde on the line as Jake appealed for a goal. A shot from Lee this time sailed over Kaydes head and rattled the crossbar, but still "B" held on and it soon payed off when after some lapse defending, Jack was allowed to run with the ball and unleash a rocket which came off Harry's boot and fly past Liam and into the net 1-1, game on. "A"  then swept forward with Macauley bursting through and hitting a shot which found the bottom corner to open his Rangers account but more importantly put us back in front. Regan again went on a run and fired a shot which this time came back off the post, "B" were still digging deep and chipping away as we went in 2-1 up at half-time.

2nd half Ben was introduced for Lee to take a breather. More or less the same as the 1st half with the "B" team showing determination in frustrating us. Jack had a half chance to equalise as the "A" team pushed forward to kill the game but he shot wide. Regan made it 3-1 as he again picked the ball up in the middle, ran at the defence and fired low into the corner for a well deserved goal. A long kick from Liam bounced over Logans head, Jake latched onto it and hit a volley well but Kayde yet again pulled off a terriffic save and pushed it over. Sam then had a chance for the "B" but it flashed just wide. Macauley then put the contest to bed when his shot found the net to make it 4-1 and cap  a great man-of-the-match perfomance as he is beginning to settle in. More chances came as Ben tried to force the ball in after a goalmouth scramble, Jake again fired wide  after Lee played him through and also Regan had another chance after running the full length of the field and firing straight at Kayde. So the game ended 4-1 but AGAIN we had to work for it. Well done "B" team if you play like that every week you'd be up there lads, but credit to the "A" they had a job to do today and they did it well. 

Well done each and everyone of you "A" & "B" for putting on a great game for the sell out crowd.

                                                            Paul.C.

 

BOUNDARY PARK "A"

This week we faced Boundary Park "A" who we have not beaten in the league for 2 seasons losing 3 games and drawing the other. Boundary were dealt a blow just before kick-off as they were a man short and could only field 5 players but we still had a game on our hands against a very strong outfit. Same team as last week with Macauley starting on the bench.

Rangers started strong and soon found their passing game which has been missing in the last few weeks with Regan, Ben and Jake all combining in the 1st minute but Ben's shot was saved. Boundary tried to get into the game but Rangers just snuffed any attacks that Boundary tried to mount with Lee and Harry holding firm. Regan was again dominant in the middle and was a constant menace all game. A sweeping move which was started by Lee who fed Regan, he then found Jake unmarked who's 1st time ball picked out Ben who was all alone in the middle and he slotted the ball home. All Boundary could offer was long range efforts straight from the kick-off which Liam was comfortable with. Number 2 followed not long after, Regan danced round a couple of challenges, cut inside and struck a left foot shot into the bottom corner. Again all Boundary could offer were long range efforts. Rangers were now playing the better football, zipping it around between them and it was another 4 man move which tore Boundary apart as Rangers swept forward, Jake's vision again to find Ben unmarked on his own with another pinpoint pass left him 1 on 1 with the keeper and he calmly slotted it past the keeper for 3-0 and double his tally for the season. Rangers were now ploughing forward, more passing was a joy to watch as Ben was again found on his own, he went for the hat-trick but fired his shot just wide with Jake screaming for it beside him. Next attack Ben did find Jake, he cut inside the defender and tried to find the far corner but the keeper tipped it round the post. So 3-0 at half-time with what I thought was 1 of Ranger's  best performances of the season so far even if Boundary would've had 6 players on the pitch it wouldn't have made a difference as the passing was joy to watch.

2nd half on came Macauley to give Lee a well earned rest. Boundary came out a different side as they started to see more of the ball. Harry was called upon a bit more this half as Boundary looked for a goal. Rangers passing was not finding their men this half but we were still creating plenty of chances. Jake  found Regan who's shot was again saved by the keeper. Regan gave away a daft free-kick just inside his half to which Boundary took advantage of and scored from the resulting kick. Lee was brought back on for Ben who took a breather after yet another battling performance which netted him not only 2 goals but also the man-of-the-match award as he continues to improve week by week. Rangers went forward again, Macauley broke up an attack and set Regan on his way, he then fired a low cross to Jake who slid in and notched the 4th to finally put this game beyond a very spirited Boundary side who battled all the way today. Although Boundary saw a bit more of the ball in the 2nd half they didn't create much apart from long range efforts which Liam was dealing with very well. So 4-1 which was a great result today especially in the 1st half  where everyone was superb lets keep it going lads for yet another tough encounter next week.

                                                        Paul.C.     

 

CHADDY END F.C  "A".

This week we took on Chaddy End who sit just above us in the table so we knew this was going to be a hard game today so I picked a more defensive formation to start the game with Rangers top scorer Jake on the bench with this week  and Ben taking the captains armband.

As I have said in previous reports about the standard of the referees in this league,well this week had to be one of the worst performances from an official I, and people on the sidelines have ever witnessed. The game started off at a terriffic tempo with both sides attacking each other, Harry had to be on his toes to thwart any danger from their tricky centre forward and he did it superbly, Macauley who was just sitting in front of him was very strong in the tackle and winning everything, again Regan was battling away in the middle against a very physical Chaddy End. Chaddy struck 1st after a shot came back off the post, hit Liam and back into the net. Rangers then began to push forward, Macauley broke up an attack and found Regan, he then sent Ben through but he shot straight at the keeper. Regan again evaded a couple of flying challenges as he headed for goal but his shot whistled wide. Their keeper pulled off a couple of good saves from Lee and Macauley. The ref couldn't make his mind up with a throw-in on the far side so whoever got the ball 1st took it, it happened to be Chaddy and they sent a quick throw to their unmarked player, Liam came out to deny him with a wonderful save at his feet then out of the blue in came a challenge which left Liam in agony with a blow to his chest to which the ref did nothing about, not even a so called blue card that has been introduced lately. Regan was again brought down just outside the area as he was going through which was overlooked and Lee's resulting shot fizzed wide. So 1-0 down at the interval and changes to be made.

On came Jake for Macauley to try and grab a goal,  the game was more or less the same as the 1st with both sides creating chances, Ben set Jake up but he shot straight at the keeper with Liam at the other end keeping Chaddy at bay, but it was a break away after Rangers were pushing forward that caught Liam out and made the game 2-0. Rangers didn't lie down and more or less straight away got a goal back which they deserved, Rangers forced a string of corners one of which came out to Lee who smashed the ball back goalwards, just on the edge of the area Jake turned and cracked the half volley in the top corner with the keeper rooted to the spot, game on. It was all Rangers now as they pinned Chaddy in their own half, Regans throw in was headed on by Ben but Jake couldn't wrap his foot round it as he lined up the shot. As every one pushed up for a corner with a few minutes left on the clock Chaddy broke away again and sealed the contest. So Rangers went down to their 2nd defeat of the season but were unlucky and may of deserved a draw today but not to worry. Liam came away with man-of-the-match today with a great game between the sticks. I had a word with the boys at the end of this match  and we will certainly be up and ready for the rest of the season. So well done lads on a very tough game today you were all superb again..

                                                                              Paul.C.      

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