Failsworth Rangers Under 9's

A Team Report.

AVROS 2008

Welcome to the 1st Tournament report of the season. It was Avros 2008 where we were placed in a group which included Clayton Villa, Great Harwood Town and Moston Valley. Moston Valley were 1st up for us. It was a save at the feet of a Moston Valley striker that kicked us into gear this afternoon, from that moment on all through our group games we were never troubled.It was a thunderbolt from Regan in the 1st half which rattled the bar and came out to Jake who stabbed the ball home to make it 1-0. 

2nd half it was all Rangers as they tried to add to their tally. Jake this time hit a 25yd shot which was heading for the bottom corner but somehow the keeper got down to it and managed to tip it wide. Some neat passing between Sam, Regan, Lee and Jake was a joy to watch as we finally adapted to our 1st game in nearly 9 months on grass. That game ended 1-0 to Rangers.

Next up were Great Harwood Rovers, another new team which we had never come up against. The game went the same way as the 1st, Rangers passing was neat and tidy, a sweeping move in the 1st half saw Lee again send a ball over the face of goal which Jake was inches away from connecting to it. 

2nd half again was all Rangers as Jacob pushed more forward. This time Sam was played in but his shot ended in the side netting as we tried to get a breakthrough. A few more chances went begging with a couple of goalmouth scrambles caused Rovers problems but they managed to hang on for a draw.

Our 3rd game was against Clayton Villa, we new we needed goals as that has been our downfall in previous tournaments as we have gone out on goal difference, will it again come back to haunt us. Same again all Rangers, chances came and went before Regan picked up the ball on the far side beat 4 players as he tore into the box and smack the ball home giving the keeper no chance.

2nd half Harry was clearing everything, Sam was now looking more confident by using his strength to out-muscle his opponents, Jacob linking up with Lee, Jake and Regan to carve out a couple more openings but again we failed to add to the tally. So a 1-0 win and 3 pts.

4th and final game was Moorside. Now this was a smash and grab if ever I saw one. Deja-vou,all Rangers again. Sam fed Lee again on the far side, he found Regan in the box, his shot blocked, Jake shot blocked, Regan's 2nd attempt was heading into the roof of the net but somehow the keeper saved it.

2nd half, a rare corner for Moorside caught us napping, they played it short and lofted an hopeful ball in the box, it sailed over Liam, hit the post came out and their player tucked it away for a goal completly against the run of play. Now we had to get a goal, it wasn't through the lack of effort, a scramble in the box saw Jake pounce on a loose ball to slide in and hit the ball into the side netting. Sam also had a chance but he too did the same. So our only defeat of the day, we were now again relying on other results to go our way, but as I said before will it come back to haunt us, well yes it did. We eventually went out on goal difference by 2. The team that went through only won 1 game in the group and still went through which makes it even more hard to take in. But I can take massive plusses out of today, one of which is we played as a team full of confidence and the passing was a joy to watch. The only down side of the day was that I had no subs I could use to give the lads a breather as they run their hearts out today on them pretty big pitches.

Well done to Regan who came away with player of the tournament, but he was given a good run for his money with excellent performances from Lee, Jacob and Sam. Jake took a good kicking from a few defenders today for the Rangers cause and also Harry who did what he had to by carrying on from his m.o.m performance on Saturday, and Liam who was not tested today but still came up trumps in the 1st game with that wonder save .    

So to sum up the tournament, in my opinion it was good to get back on grass, we soon adapted and was never at any point hanging onto any game throughout the day. So can't wait for the next ones and believe me there will be goals, goals, goals as we will not go out of any tournament this way again. Well done boys you are all superb, Thank-you and goodnight and please take your glasses back to the bar, thank-you.

Paul. C.                

STATS,          Pld   4,  Won  2,  Drawn  1,   Lost   1     Pts    7

Scorers,    Jake  1,    Regan  1.

     

      URMSTON 2008

This tournament we were against some quality opposition in Hough End, Pendlebury United, Lymm Rovers, Sale United, Urmston Meds, Urmston Town and Unicorn Athletic. It was a day where the weather took it's toll and the pitches were very bumpy with grass that hadn't seen a mower since Man City won anything and pitch side it was 23 degrees but I'm not making excuses for today as  we lost our first 2 games by the odd goal. The games were 6 minutes one way which is no time as you are just beginning to get warmed up but in the 1st game it was a shot from Jake which tested the keeper from distance after Hough End stunned us with a 1st minute goal. 2nd game Regan came close to opening the scoring but we were caught on the break and we lost that one 1-0 against Pendlebury Utd so a bad start to the day. 3rd game, Lymm Rovers we started to pass the ball and get used to the awkward surface, it was Sam who played in Jake to get our 1st goal but the keeper pulled off a terrific save to deny him. Again Regan had a chance but wasted it. So 0-0 the 3rd game. 4th game was Sale Utd, again we were frustrated as we upped the tempo to get our 1st win, Jake, Regan and Lee were denied along with Sam who's free kick just went wide, that ended 0-0.  Next up was Urmston Meds who took a shock lead when a long throw in evaded everyone including Liam and end up in our net. But we responded well with Regan winning the ball and sending Jake through 1 on 1 with the keeper and he cooly slotted it home for our 1st goal. That ended 1-1. Urmston Town next up, a free kick from Harry  ballooned off the opposing player and back into our area Jacob left it for Liam, Liam left it for Jacob too late the forward nicked in and smashed it home. Straight from the kick-off Sam put Regan through certain equaliser but he walloped it wide as we lost that 1-0 with the tournament well and truly over. Last up was Unicorn Athletic and how we didn't win this was beyond me, Harry went up front with Jake, it was Regan who played a one -two with Jake he then unleashed a rocket which hit the underside of the bar and over the line but the ref waved play on, Regan again had a shot which was saved after Jake again turned provider. Good work from Jake on the far side seen him send in a quality cross which Lee was inches away from connecting too.Harry then went on a run which seen him beat 2 defenders and shoot just wide of the post.That then ended 0-0. So Jake this tournament just edged out Lee for man-of-the-tournament with his well taken goal. All the lads put in 100% again against strong opponents and it was pleasing to see the attitude of the players when the games ended to tell me where it went wrong but they all enjoyed the day which was the main thing and onto the next one lads. Well done.

PAUL.            

STATS,   Pld   7,  Won  1,  Drawn  3,  Lost  3,   Pts  7 

Scorers,   Jake   1.   

TEAM PHOTO

Back Row L to R,   Sam Martin, Jacob Clayton, Regan Goodwin, Lee John.

Front Row L to R,   Jake Cottam, Liam Peperall, Lewis Cottam (mascot), Harry Barnes.

 

PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT

JAKE COTTAM

 

 

 

URMSTON TOWN 

"A"  TEAM  REPORT

Today the "A" Team were in a group which consisted of  6 other teams who were Meds Foxes, Meds Horses, Urmston Town Hurricanes, Beechfield United, Medlock "A" and Tytherington Juniors so plenty of games to go at. We had 1 change today which was Harry who was absent so the team was Liam who was todays captain, Jacob, Regan, Lee, Ben, Jake and Jack.

1st up was Meds Foxes and we got off to a fantastic start playing some outstanding football, with Jake again playing a massive part in every move created by Rangers. Regan, Lee and Ben combining to set up Jake but he fired his shot across the face of the goal. Jacob was again comfortable at the back with Liam virtually non-existent. But it was a move of quality which brought our 1st goal of the afternoon, Regan and Ben worked it through the middle to find Jake in space he then threaded a pinpoint pass through to Lee who buried the ball into the bottom corner. We created more chances but failed to hit the target, so our first three points of the afternoon in the bag.

Next up was Beechfield United, Jake took his turn on the bench as Jack took to the field for his first outing in the "A" team. Now this game was a lesson learned as we slumped to our biggest defeat for over 12 months. We conceded 4 goals in the space of  4 mins as we were torn apart by a very good side. Jake was quickly introduced back into the game as we had to try and get something out of the match. A couple of chances came but Lee and Regan couldn't find an end product. So that game was lost 4-0 and a lesson learned in how to play the beautiful game.

Meds Horses were next on the agenda and how we lost this was beyond me. From the 1st whistle Rangers just attacked and created chance after chance with Jake again testing their keeper to the limit. Jacob and Liam again non-existent as Rangers piled on the pressure, Ben was showing what great character he has by battling for everything along with Lee who set Jake up just on the edge of the area, he cut inside the defender and sent a curling shot which was heading for the top corner but out of nowhere a hand came up and stopped the ball from hitting the back of the net, penalty. Regan stepped up and hit his shot into the top corner but somehow the keeper clawed it away and out for a corner. Then virtually from the goal kick which was cleared downfield Meds nicked the game with the last kick of the game. Unbelievable.

Medlock "A" were our opponents for this one, and it was a must win, Lee stepped down for this for Jack. Again it was dominated by Rangers. Regan danced through their defenders and smashed a shot off the post, Jack had a chance which was saved, even Ben was trying to break the deadlock but his effort just went wide. It was a matter of time before it did arrive, Regans effort from distance was fumbled by the keeper and there to follow up was Jake to prod the ball home. Regan tormented their defence for the full 8 minutes and  his mazy run down the line and into the box he fired the ball over to Jake who made no mistake and smashed the ball into the empty net. It should've been more but it wasn't but back to winning ways.

Tytherington Juniors up now and another must win game, chances again against another well organised outfit but  we found their keeper in top form. As we pushed for a goal we were hit on the break for a second time this afternoon  as they took the lead. Lee was working very hard as he got from box to box covering every blade of grass. As usual Ben was amongst them along with Regan, Jacob doing a grand job at the back along with Liam who pulled off a magnificent double save to keep us in it. Jake was frustrated near the end as again his shot flashed across the face of goal. That was it tournament over.

Last game we faced Meds Foxes, Ben took a breather this time with Jack back on, Rangers again found their passing game, Lee was in the thick of it as usual, he fed Regan on the far touchline he burst down the wing to whip in a cross  to Jake, his shot was blocked but Lee followed up and rammed the ball home but it was chalked off as the ref appeared to think the ball was out of play. Jake took a knock so off he went for treatment as Ben came on. Chances again with Jack having a pop at goal which was saved. But it was the dying minutes when Regan set up Ben on the edge of the area for a shot on goal which would've won the game but he just couldn't manage to get his shot away. So 0-0 it ended.

A mixed  day today, we started off strong but just didn't carry it through the other games, Harry was missed today at the back, taking nothing away from Jacob who was again very composed throughout but against the 2 very good teams in Beechfield and Tytherington they wouldn't have got through quite as easily as they did do. Lee won player of the tournament this time for sheer effort and determination plus a goal as well. But again well done everyone some of the football and passing in a couple of the games was great and was acknowledged by spectators on the line as well which was nice to hear. So again well played and onto next week. 

PLD;   6       WON; 2     DRAWN; 1    LOST;  3           PTS;     7

SCORERS;   JAKE (2)    LEE.

 

Man of the Tournament

Lee John

 

CHADDY  END  TOURNAMENT  2008

"A"  TEAM  REPORT.

I'll try and keep this as brief as I can as there was 9 games played today in appalling weather conditions. It was virtually the same team as at Urmston the previous week but for Jacob who has left the club in which we wish him the very best of luck. In our group were Medlock Rangers "A",  Boundary Park "B", Beechfield Utd,  Chaddy End "B", Northside "B", Heyside "A", Moston Valley, Chaddy Hoppers "A", and Failsworth West "A".

We got off to a flying start against Medlock, with 2 goals from Regan which were created by Jake who linked up well with Harry and Lee down the left hand side, it could've been more but for their keeper who pulled off some fine saves to keep the score respectable. Harry was strong at the back by limiting any threats which  Medlock had.

Same again this game against Boundary Park, as the rain lashed down Regan finished off a 3 man move which again Jake was involved along with Ben and Jack. It wasn't long before Jake got on the score sheet after Regan returned the compliment and played him in which he cooly slotted home. Again it should've been more as Jake and Regan both had chances. Harry and Liam sorted the back out between them as Boundary looked for a consolation.

As the kids began to get cold this is where it started to go wrong, we had chances to open the scoring against Beechfield, a long kick down  field from Liam landed to Jake and he took it 1st time on the volley but it just went inches over. Regan hit a shot from distance which their keeper pulled off a fine save. Equally at the other end Liam pulled off a magical stop as he dived to his right to push a certain goal round the post. It was a battle in the middle for Ben and Lee but they held their own. It was a long kick down field which wasn't dealt with as it landed in our box and with virtually the last kick of the game Beechfield nicked it.

This next game we knew it wasn't going to be our day, chances again went begging as Jake and Regan were beginning to get frustrated, heads went down as the rain began to get even harder, they plugged away trying to get the goal, and like the last game with 1 attack and a bit of uncertainty at the back, Chaddy End  won it with their only attack of the game.

Jake was on the bench for this encounter against a very strong Northside. We had a couple of chances but we were just outplayed by a very good organised team. Liam was beaten on his near post from a wicked shot from distance, and then more or less straight away they added another. Liam pulled off a number of saves and Harry also was there defending solidly. Ben was starting to battle away in the middle and Jack also beginning to get stuck in.

As the rain eased and the sun appeared we took on Heyside. We grabbed an early lead from a cracking Regan effort, Jake had a chance to extend the lead but the keeper foiled him. They equalised from a mistake at the back as we tried to clear. The game was heading for a well deserved score draw when again another mistake led to their winner in the dying seconds to give Heyside their 1st shock win over us in 2 years. 

Tournament well over and heads beginning to drop Rangers began a mini revival, Moston Valley were on the end of a very good performance. Lee took on a new role of just playing in front of Harry, and what a fine display. Where he got his energy from I don't know but he was box to box for a full 8 minutes. Jack opened the scoring with a fine shot that hit the post and went in. Lee hit a wonderful  25 yard screamer that the keeper somehow tipped onto the bar, Jake also rattled the post just before he settled the contest when Moston failed to clear, it fell to him just outside the box and he unleashed a shot into the roof of the net. Another game that we should've hit more goals but didn't and again a strong performance from Harry at the back.

A strong Grasshoppers up next as we carried on from where we left off in the last game. Ben was terrific in this game as he didn't let the size of the opposition phase him. Regan, Lee and Jake linked up superbly to open the scoring, a magical 3 man move left Grasshoppers mesmerised as Jake tore through and scored in the bottom corner. Harry dealt with everything again at the back, strong in the tackle and clearing his lines well. The 2nd goal was equally as good if not better  but this time the move involved all the team as they tore the Hoppers apart, with Jake again on the end of it with a tidy finish. If they could've played like this in the last 2 games against lesser teams we might have had a chance but it was too late.

Our final game against West saw us on the end of a 3 goal defeat, Jake was left on the bench which was a mistake as I went for a more defensive formation. I think we needed to go into this game attacking the opponents but I chose the wrong option and I payed for it but never mind we can only learn from these games.

Harry won player of the tournament with a very strong performance at the back in the absense of his defensive partner. Regan was again instrumental along with Lee in the middle. Ben and Jack are just beginning to settle into the "A" team and put in good perfomances on a very difficult day. Liam pulled off some great saves yet again and this weeks captain Jake put in another great appearance by scoring and setting up his partner Regan with a few. If they could've kept their heads up instead of them going down when they conceded in the dying seconds of a couple of games it might have been different, as I told them we've done it to teams in the past by scoring  very late on so you have to take it on the chin and get on with it, hopefully they will listen to me and take it on board. But well done lads on the day and onto the next one. 

PLYD;  9       WON;  4       DREW;  0      LOST;  5                PTS;  12

SCORERS;  REGAN;  4       JAKE;  4      JACK;  1 

 

 

Man of the Tournament

 

 

 

Brendan Bees Tournament

 

Welcome to another wet tournament here in Droylsden. We played a selection of teams today who we have never come up against before so it should be interesting. Our group consisted of Lisbon St Anthony, Medlock "A", 3D Dynamo's "A", Appleton Juniors "A", Stalybridge "A" and Brendan Bees "A". 

The team today was as usual apart from John being drafted in for the rested Regan. 1st up for Rangers were Lisbon, as usual Rangers took the game straight to their opponents, Ben,s constant battling in the middle nearly paid off as he found Jake unmarked in the box, he hit a low shot on the turn which smacked against the post and out to safety. Rangers still applied the pressure and it wasn't long before they scored, Lee hit a cross shot which struck the crossbar and came out to Jake who tapped it in to make it 1-0 and the points in the bag.

Medlock "A" were blown away in this match as Rangers put in a great performance in the rain, Liam was non-existant in this game as Harry was solid again at the back cutting out any threat from Medlock, Jake was there again to sweep home the 1st goal from a cross by Lee after he weaved his way down the touchline, John marked his debut with a rasping 25yd screamer that no keeper would've saved, it was John this time turning provider for Jake, his corner was volleyed home by Jakey to take his tally to 3 and "BUSY BEN" got amongst the goals as he burst through and smashed the 4th, it should've been more with Jack having a couple of shots near the end.     

Now was the tester against a solid,  well organised 3D Dynamos "A". As I imagined both teams cancelled each other out all over the pitch. It was Ben who had our best chance but he shot wide. Jake was marked all game by 2 defenders so they had obviously done their homework before hand. But it was Liam who came out smiling as he thwarted Dynamos right on the final whistle by diving at the feet of their attacker to stop them nicking it at the end. So a well deserved draw against a very good outfit.

Now just like previous tournaments a lack of concentration led to our downfall in this one. Lee should've opened the scoring but didn't get a proper connection and the keeper saved. Harry again was strong at the back with a helping hand from John, who just slotted into the "A" team today as if he'd played there for years. Ben again was amongst it, Jack also having a go. Lee was subbed as he picked up a knee injury for Jake, and more or less straight away he nearly broke the deadlock but the keeper saved the day. As Rangers pushed for a winner Appleton stole the show right on full time as we switched off for a couple of seconds and paid for it.

Another new team next in Stalybridge "A", and another physical encounter against a good side. Lee back on for this one set up Jake again but couldn't find the finish. Jakes hold up play today was superb again as he was constantly finding his team-mates with sublime passes, it was one of them that found Lee  in space but he too couldn't find the net. John was again immense as he was making it difficult for Stalybridge to create anything. As the game was drifting to a well deserved draw a hopeful ball was driven low into the box, it went through 3 sets of legs and somehow found the bottom corner of the net right at the death to send us to yet another defeat right at the end.        

So our final game was a must win game if we had any chance of reaching the semis. It was against the hosts Brendan Bees "A". Jake was on fire this game, he linked up well on the far side with Lee, as he beat 3 defenders with a nice bit of skill he sent Lee through on goal but somehow the keeper kept it out. It was all Rangers as this time Jake sprung the offside trap from a defence splitting Lee pass 1on 1 with the keeper he calmly slotted the ball in the bottom corner. A burst from midfield by the impressive Ben had Jake for company along side him as they both tore in on goal with Jake screaming for it Ben put the blinkers on and went for glory, he caught the floor with his shot and somehow managed to fire it straight at the keeper to Jakes amusement. The 2nd  wasn't long in coming and was worth the wait, Lee won the ball in the middle and gave it to Jake, he found Ben, back to Jake, back to Ben, this time he did give it back straight into Jake's path leaving the Bees defence like puppies chasing their tails, and he made no mistake and slotted it home to the delight of the travelling fans who had made the 2 mile round trip from Failsworth and beyond to witness some magical football being played in this game. Bees hit  back with a fine strike and nearly snatched an equaliser on full time but Liam pulled off a wonder save to keep the score 2-1 and a great finish to the tournament. Ben assured me before the game that "we'll win the last game for you Paul" and he sure kept his word with another dazzling display.

So another tournament of "if's" and "buts", we started off strong but again we switched off for a couple of minutes and payed dearly. I couldn't of asked for any more though today as each and every one of them battled in what turned out to be again awful conditions. A couple of players stood out again today Lee, who just gets better each game with sheer effort and determination and Jake who over the last few months has found his confidence and his link up play to bring in other members of the team is spot on and also gets amongst the goals as well as creating them, but it was Ben who pipped them both to it today with a fine performance as he is now  adapting to life in the "A" team very well.          

 

So a couple of weeks rest as we all head off for well deserved holidays but we'll be back nice and fresh for a crack at the Boundary Park tournament. Well done again chaps each one of you were superb again, keep it up lads.

Paul.C.

 

PLYD; 6     WON; 3    DREW; 1   LOST;  2            PTS;   10

SCORERS;  JAKE 5,    BEN;  1    JOHN;  1 

Man of the Tournament

Ben Tamila

 

BOUNDARY PARK 2008

Boundary Park was the next tournament up for the "A" team today as again the weather was against us.

It was just 1 league today which consisted of 8 teams who all played each other with the top 4 going into the semi-finals then final. We knew we were going to be up against it today as Liam was on his jollies which left us with no keeper so I asked for volunteers to do the job and without any hesitation Jake and Harry stepped forward to offer their services, so I had to re-shuffle the pack with Harry still at the back with Lee just in front of him, todays captain Regan alongside new arrival Mcauley with Ben using his power, strength and height up front.

First up were Chaddy Juniors and last time we met we got thumped 5-0 in a league encounter. It was a slow start to the game as both teams cancelled each other out but it was Chaddy who struck first with a rocket that Jake had no chance of saving but when they had another shot on target he this time was equal to it and tipped it round the post. Rangers then hit back when Ben escaped his marker after being found by Regans pass and hit a low shot into the corner for the equaliser. It then ended 1-1.

Up next was Failsworth West "A", another hard game where Jake was in fine form pulling off some amazing saves. It was a Rangers corner that wasn't dealt with properly and Ben was there to poke the ball home through a ruck of players. Harry and Lee were also on their game as they matched West with everything they threw at them with Jake again thwarting a certain goal with a great save. As we thought we'd won the game another rasping drive that was just too high for Jake to reach and West equalised as this also ended in a 1-1 score draw.

This time Harry went between the sticks as we took on West "B". West had a couple of chances to take the lead but squandered them. It was then that Rangers struck, Mcauley broke up an attack and fed Regan who went on a mazy run and slipped the ball through to Jake 1 on 1, he made no mistake and buried it into the corner. Harry pulled off a terriffic save near the end to give us our first win of the day 1-0.

Boundary "B" this time and no change in the goal as Harry stayed in. Another good performance in which the ball was passed about superbly. The pick of the goals was a joy to watch as Mcauley cleverly found Regan who played a ball upto Jake, he picked out Ben with a delightful first time ball into Bens path to smash the shot in for the 1st of his hat-trick. Jake added 2, Regan beat 4 men and grabbed a well deserved goal and Mcauley rounded the game off with a debut goal with a cool finish and give us a 7-0 victory.

Up now as the games came thick and fast were Stalybridge Celtic who were a very strong outfit. Jake back in goal and pulling off a string of saves to deny Stalybridge. Rangers were matching them in midfield with Mcauley running his heart out, as Rangers were looking for a goal Stalybridge broke quickly and a shot beat Jake on his near post with a low drive which proved to be the winner and send us to our 1st defeat of the day.

Harry returned in goal against our "B" team. Jake should've opened the scoring but Kayde denied him, Regan wasted a couple of chances which left Ben to break the deadlock after Jake put him through, then Regan neatly tucked away the ball after some fine work from Ben down the wing. So a 2-0 win but they had to work for it.

Last up was Boundary Park "A" and we had to get something out of it to progress. Jake was back in goal. Ben notched his 7th of the tournament with a wicked finish. Rangers matched Boundary with everything they had with Lee and Harry helping Jake out by keeping their attackers at bay and limiting them to long shots which Jake was handling comfortably. It was a lapse in concentration that gifted Boundary a late equaliser as this game ended 1-1. Would it be enough?

Yes it was as Rangers finished 3rd and awarded a semi-final place against Stalybridge Celtic. As the lads were now beginning to tire after all their hard work I asked for one final push and they gave it. Regans last bit of energy was used up as he chased a pass from Mcauley he cut inside the defender and hit a cracking shot which burst the net to give us the lead, Lee and Harry were immense in dealing with the attacking threat of Stalybridge, Ben could've wrapped it up with a couple of minutes to go after Regans free kick was mis-judged by the keeper , it fell to Ben 2 yards out who managed to put his shot wide of a gaping goal, so it was left to Jakey in the dying seconds to pull off a wonder save and tip a volley destined for the top corner over the bar and send us into the final.

So in the final against West "A", and it was  a game just too far. The lads did their best but just couldn't contain the West attacks. Heads went down, legs began to tire as we went in 3-0 down at half-time. Mcauley went in goal and Jake was thrown on up front to try and grab a consolation, it nearly came when Regan struck the post from a free-kick. A much better performance in the 2nd half but Harry went off halfway through as he took a blow to the head from the ball as it was heading for the goal. West added another 3 to make it 6-0 and game over. This is the level we have got to try and reach but we give it our best shot today but just wasn't enough in the end. 

Player of the tournament today was a shared one between the 2 keepers, Jake and Harry who volunteered themselves  in what I think is the most difficult position on the team  to play in and keep 4 clean sheets between them. Lee was a close 2nd with another top drawer performance. But the most important thing about the day is that the lads showed that despite all the choppings and changing to the team we managed to reach a final without our number 1 keeper and still have a couple more players to come in and strengthen an already strong team. So once again boys I know you gave your all and it took its toll in the final 2 games and that is all I asked for, thank-you chaps proud of you all, well done.

Paul.C.  

PLYD; 7   WON;  3    DREW; 3   LOST;  1          PTS;  15

SCORERS;  BEN;  7,  JAKE;  3,  REGAN; 3,  MCAULEY;  1

SEMI-FINAL;  WON  1-0     REGAN.

FINAL;  LOST   6-0              

 

 

 

FAILSWORTH  DYNAMOS  2008

This is our final tournament of the pre-season and by far the toughest of them all we've been in this year. Our group consisted of  NJ Wythenshawe, Failsworth West "B", Beechfield United,  Moston Brook and Duckinfield Youth "B". Still I could not field my strongest side as this time Regan was on his holidays along with a few more and like the last tournament we were down to just 6 players to play and on very big pitches. The team was Liam back between the sticks, Harry, Lee, complete with broken fingers, Ben, Jake and John.

1st game was Wythenshawe where we dominated most of the match, Jake had a shot which whistled just wide after some good work from Ben and John, it was John again who fed Jake but the keeper held on well to his shot. NJ forced acorner which was cleared but they hit a shot from 20yds that flew past Liam giving him no chance, that was followed by another shortly after as we pushed for an equaliser.

Next up West "B", this was a game where we should of took our chances, Jake tested the keeper early on but was denied, John had a shot that was inches away but the goal finally came as John and Jake combined to send Ben through who made no mistake and smashed his shot home. Liam and Harry were fairly comfortable at the back but as the game was nearing the end a mistake by Lee led to him being robbed on the edge of the area and West equalised with what turned out to be the final kick of the game.

Beechfield this game and a must win against a very good side. Rangers started strong and this was no doubt Bens best game for the "A" team as he ran his socks off. Rangers opened the scoring after some terrific play from Ben & Jake who found John unmarked to bury his shot high into the net. The 2nd came from a penalty as Ben weaved through the defence only to be hauled down. Jake stepped up and kept his cool and smashed the resulting spot kick into the net to the delight of the travelling Doncaster Branch of the Rangers supporters club and keep up his record of scoring in every tournament.

Moston Brook now and this is where it began to tell on the boys against a very physical side. Moston took the lead but then Harry had to go off after twisting his ankle which left us with 5, then as Jake was going in for a challenge there was a clash of knees which resulted in him going off which left us with 4. We battled on and nearly got a goal as Lee set up Ben but he just couldn't get his shot away. Jake returned with a minute to go and was sent through by John but as he only had the keeper to beat his little legs just couldn't hit the shot and the keeper smothered.

Last game against Duckinfield, we only had 5 as Harry was still sidelined so another tough 1 for the boys, they gave there all in this but we was outplayed by a very good outfit who eventually went on to contest the final. Harry returned to the game but we was already 2 down. It ended 3-0 with the lads giving everything they had and more.

Man of the tournament went to Ben who in a couple of games ran his heart out and also grabbed another goal. But well done everyone on a tough  and long day. Also a big thank-you to John and Ryan for helping us out and I just hoped you enjoyed the experience of the tournaments. Anyway well done chaps and lets look forward to the new season next week, you have all been exceptional in the tournaments.

PAUL.C.

PLYD;    5,     WON;    1,   DRAWN;    1,    LOST;   3,            PTS;   5,

SCORERS;  BEN,    JAKE (P),   JOHN.

B Team Report

AVRO'S 2008

Welcome to the first tournament of the year .  On dry but breezy day we entered the tournament in a confident mood . We were in a group with 4 other teams in which two of them went on to contest the final . Even though we didn't win a game apart from the first game when i thought we didn't  compete we tried our hardest . At first we found it hard to play on the grass but as the games went on we got better . The positives we got from this tournament is we kept running and tackling and we will be better prepared for the next tournament on grass . The winner of Man of the Tournament was Harrison .

 

Well done everyone

Paul

 

 

Match Report Urmston 2008

Welcome to a bright and sunny day in Urmston . In this tournament we were in a group with 7 other teams AFC Urmston A, Cadishead A , Flixton Juniors , Sale United B , Timperley Villa Thunder , Unicorn Athletic Cyclones , Wythenshawe Town with the top team getting through . The squad was Kayde , Nathan , Luke , Harrison with Cody making his debut for the club and 2 guest players in John and Ryan . From the first whistle in all of the games Rangers were as good if not better than alot of the teams creating chances in all of the games but it wasn't until the last game when John scored that we opened our goal scoring account . We played 7 won 1 drew 4 and only lost 2 . It was a very good tournament for Rangers with everyone giving 110% and when the final whistle went everyone came off tired but with smiles on there faces . I was proud of everyone today even though we didn't quite qualify for the semi . The player of the tournament today was John . I would also like to thank the great support given to the children by all the parents i'm sure it gave them that extra energy .

 

WELL DONE EVERYONE

Paul  

 

 

 

 

TEAM PHOTO

 

 

PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT

JOHN

 

 

 

Urmston Town Tournament 2008

 

The B Team started today without some of our usual squad, Sam on the side
lines with a broken arm, Harrison sunning himself in Turkey and Luke taking
his communion.  We welcome, John, Ryan and Cody into the squad to strengthen
our side, nice to see Kendal back as well so she can continue
to bring her bit of girl power into the tournament. The team shaped up as follows,
Kayde in net, Ryan policing the back alone, Nath, John and Cody in
Mid-field and Kendal up front.

We started against Urmston Lightening, in a match that could have gone either way,
we lost 1-0, there were so many positives in this game though, Kaye made an absolutely
brilliant save, and some solid work from John and Nath in midfield and Ryan like at wall at
the back I thought that we could have got a point.  But onward and upward to the next game.

We made a slight change in this game, putting Cody on the left wing to take advantage
of his left foot and Kendal up front.  We started really positive in this game.  Some
great running from John, ended in the ball finding Cody who lifted it over the keeper for
his first competitive goal for Rangers.  Rangers continued to push forward and Nathan made it
2-0 , we then won a penalty which John tucked away.  But the goal of the game was a great run from
Cody beating 3 men and crossing for Nathan to cheekily back-heel it in to make it 4-0.

Next up was Failsworth West and despite a valiant effort from everyone we went down 2-0.

The next game was against the best team in our group Pendlebury United and again we battled
very hard but there passing game was to good for us and we went down 4-0.

Game 5 was against Flixton and it was an end to end game with Flixton taking the lead and
despite all Rangers pressure the closest we came was when Cody burst through but just put
his shot wide.

The last game was against Meds Hounds and I just asked the team for I final big effort and
they battled for their live's and were rewarded when John's inswinging corner went straight
in to give us a deserved victory for all our efforts on the day.

Today was another tournament under our belt and I think we are improving all the time and
getting better on grass. Today's  player of the tournament for his outstanding goalkeeping was
Kayde watch out Reina.
      

 WELL DONE EVERYONE

      Paul 

                      

Man Of The Tournament

 

 

Chaddy End Tournament 2008

 

As we went into the tournament in a positive mood after some good displays last week in Urmston

we were faced with driving rain and wind and lots of the A teams we had already faced last season, after a hic up

with the fixures (thanks for the email! ) we ended

up  missing our first game and having it put back to the final game.

 

So team news, Kayde (growing in confidence and skill with every game) in net, Ryan who was awesome today

John was as always solid in mid-field with the ever reliable Nath playing wherever I ask him to (sorry Nath I know

you dont like it in Defence!), The welcome return of Luke at the back and tanned Harrison up front ready for a

Royal Rumble! Cody playing up front and showing some good pace and vision and Kendal

once again worrying defenders away from the ball.

 

All in all I think we did OK today but I do think we should have won a couple of games that we drew/lost

A great free kick from John, goals from Harrison a great defensive display from Ryan and brilliant

goal keeping from Kayde - and dont forget Nath "Dont let them push you" not that

you ever do always giving 100%.  Luke solid as always these were the

highlights, lets take the good performances that we had today into next week and take it to another level.

 

All I ask is that you all listen to me a bit more and play as I ask you too and in the positions

that I ask, if we get the basics right we will go really far guys.  What we have got to

keep remembering as I heard Lee (Nath's dad say today) is that we are getting further in every

tournament, scoring more goals and conceeding less which is a great positive  way to go forward 

 

Man of the Tournament quite rightly went to Ryan, he was solid at the back and did everything

that was asked of him and more - well done mate and thanks for that performance today 

 

Well done boys and girls (and parents in this awful weather - thanks for you support as always)

 

Paul   

 

 

Man of the Tournament

 

Ryan

 

 

Brendan Bees Tournament

 

We go into today's tournament hoping that the weather is a little kinder too us than it was in Shaw last week.

I would like to thank Kayde for coming as he wasnt well and again showed his commitment and drive by playing great

even though he wasnt 100% thanks Kayde and Happy Birthday mate 

Nath played at the back for me again and did everything that was asked of him and Luke slotted

just in front of him and stayed solid as usual even though I promised him I would try and stop the rain but it

seemed everytime we stepped on the pitch the heavens broke (sorry Luke )

A welcome return to tournaments from Logan saw him strong and skillful in midfield commanding everything

around him and tackling with conviction, and, quite rightly winning Man of the Tournament.

Harrison, Kendal and Cody made up the rest of the squad.  A great display from Kendal today and two quality

goals saw her narrowly miss out on the trophy but I dont think we will see a better goal scored than one of hers today.

Harrison as ever bobbing and weaving through the defenders and oh so nearly scoring but never mind you have got to

have the ability to get in the positions to be able to nearly score and Harrison is always there.  Cody was switching between

Midfield and Striker and made some great chances and very nearly converted some. 

All in all another good performance that we can take into the Boundary Park Tournament on the 2nd August where

we will meet a lot of the teams we will be playing next season, so come on B Team lets show them they have got

a great team to beat in Failsworth Rangers B and lets strive to score lots of goals but as ever and what is most important is

ENJOY YOURSELF AND HAVE A GOOD TIME 

 

Paul

 

PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT

 

Logan Burrows

 

 

MOSTON BROOK 2008

Welcome to our latest tournament at Moston Brook where we took a chosen 8 along to contest for honours. The 8 were Liam, Kayde, Jacob, Nathan, Sam, Lee, Jake and captain for the day Harrison. In our group we faced Chaddy End "A", Abraham Moss, Boundary Park "A" and Clayton Villa "C".

1st up were Chaddy End, this was a tough, physical encounter to start  the tournament off for us. Liam made a couple of good saves to keep Chaddy End out but also at the other end their keeper was equally busy keeping Jake at bay with a shot that he held well and the ever busy Harrison causing all sorts of problems with his constant harrasing of defenders. Sam was strong in the middle with Jacob and Nathan pretty solid at the back. So all in all a game where the 2 teams pretty much cancelled each other out  during the game as it ended 0-0.

Next up were Abraham Moss, Liam made way for Kayde as the 2 keepers were rotated for the day and Nathan made way for Lee as we pushed another one forward to help Jake out up front. This was a game in which Abraham Moss couldn't get out of their own half but we didn't capitalise on. It was a goal kick that Jake pounced on to open the scoring with a cool finish past the keeper, Sam also had a couple of chances to extend the lead with shots from distance but just went wide, Lee  had a chance to score but fired it into the side netting. So this game ended 1-0 to Rangers but the scoreline didn't reflect the amount of possession that we had and chances created. 

Boundary Park "A" up this time, Nathan drafted back into the team along with Liam in goal. This was another physical game in which Rangers should've got more from. Jake turned the defender  only to be rugby tackled from behind as he was through on goal, quality, Liam pulled off a couple of good saves as Rangers pushed forward, again they were foiled when Sam's run into the box was thwarted  as he was fouled off the ball just as he was getting into a position to have a strike on goal, Nathan was solid at the back clearing everything up along with Jacob, Lee also had a chance to nick the points near the end but it didn't happen and this game also ended 0-0.

The final game of the group stages was against Clayton Villa "C", Kayde went back between the sticks and Harrison came back on. Again it was all Rangers as they piled forward and it wasn't long before Sam rattled in a shot for the opening goal then soon added another with another rasping drive that was too hot for the keeper to handle as it slipped through his hands and sneeked over the line. Nathan had a chance but he shot just wide, Harrison went on one of his mazy runs from his own half and burst into the area only to find his shot go wide. Kayde was called into action for the 1st time today and saved superbly to deny their attacker and keep another clean sheet. The last action of the game was a goal-kick which landed straight to Jake who was in 2 minds wether to hit it or set his team mates up, he did neither and the goalie made a good save. So this ended 2-0 and our hopes of a semi place dashed but not to worry as the lads played with smiles on their faces all through and even their attitude when substituted was great to see, as they not once questioned the decisions that were made  they just accepted it. Superb lads. 

The  man-of-the-tournament this time was awarded to Nathan for a strong display at the back and also in the middle of the park where he made some fantastic tackles. Anyway lets take it to the next one in a fortnight as we head for Urmston with our usual 2 teams. Thanks everyone today you were all great.   

Paul.C. & Paul.M.          

STATS,   Plyd    4,   Won  2,  Drawn  2,  Lost  0,    Pts   8

Scorers,   Jake  1,    Sam   2. 

 

Tournament Photos

Team Photo

 

Back Row L to R;  Paul.C., Sam Martin, Harrison Owens (c), Liam Pepperel, Jacob Clayton, Kayde Longsden, Paul. M.

Front Row  L to R; Lewis Cottam (mascot), Jake Cottam, Nathan Rawsthorn, Lee John.  

 

 

THE 3 AMIGO'S;...................................JAKEY,  NATHE  &  SAMMO  AT  MOSTON BROOK TOURNAMENT.

 

MAN OF THE TOURNAMENT

 

Nathan Rawsthorn

 

Players Receiving Their Medals

Liam Pepperal (Goalkeeper)

 

Nathan Rawsthorn

 

Sam Martin

 

Jake Cottam

 

Kayde Longsden (Goalkeeper)

 

Harrison Owens

 

Lee John

 

Jacob Clayton

 

 

 

 

DROYLSDEN JUNIORS FRIENDLY.

Well a bonus game for us today in our already hectic pre-season schedule against a very organised and disciplined Droylsden Juniors. We had a couple of new faces making their "A" team debut today as Jack and Ben move over from the "B" team to replace Sam who's gone the other way in a multi-million pound deal. It was a 7-a-side contest so the team was as normal with Jack starting on the bench.

We knew from the start that our forwards had to be on top form today because the Droylsden keeper was a former Rangers player who kept numerous clean sheets for us over the seasons he was with us.Anyway 1st half was how I imagined it to be, very tight in the middle as both teams cancelled each other out. The only early threat we had were from corners but Liam had them under control by either pushing them behind or catching them.Jacob and Harry were strong at the back as usual, it took Ben a few minutes to adjust to the pace of life in the "A" team but once he rolled his sleeves up he soon adapted and started to show some of the quality he posseses. Lee dropped back a little deeper to help out Regan and Ben as Droylsden flooded the middle, and they did it by putting in a very energetic performance. The move of the game came from Rangers as Regan, Ben and Lee all combined to send Jake through, as the keeper came flying off his line Jake composed himself and lifted the ball over him but it just grazed the post and out.Jake was again involved minutes later as he danced around 3 players on the far touchline and found Lee with pinpoint pass in space but he fired the resulting shot at the keeper. So 0-0 at half-time in this very close game.

2nd half saw Ben who ran his little heart out take a breather and on came Jack to add a little pace and power up front. But it was Droylsden that struck 1st with a fine strike 2 keepers wouldn't have saved but it didn't stop Rangers pushing forward for a well deserved equaliser. Another couple of half chances saw their keeper again pull off saves to keep them in it. In the last minute Regan took a quick throw in to the recently returning Ben, he then picked Lee out unmarked who turned and hit his shot which again the keeper managed to save with his legs, as the ball came out Jake and Jack both pounced on the loose ball I don't know which boot connected with it probably both as the sheer verocity of the shot smashed against the post and uprooted the net with the ball then being hacked away to safety by the relieved Droylsden defence. That was the last action of a very tough, physical encounter against a well drilled outfit. So a 1-0 defeat but the positives out of today were that we created some good chances and Ben and Jack slotted in comfortably with their new team mates, so well done boys and onto Urmston next week.

Paul.C.          

 

Failsworth Rangers B –v- Droylsden Juniors B

As we take on a very strong Droylsden Juniors today we wish Jack and Ben good luck in the A Team and welcome Sam into the B team as a result of the close season transfers, we also look forward to Cody joining the club for the forthcoming season.

We start today with the line up of Kayde in net, Nathan and Luke guarding the back Sam, John and Logan policing the midfield and Harrison the Defenders nightmare eager and ready to run for any ball that comes anywhere near him, Birthday Boy Ryan warmed the bench playing on his new DS (nice colour Ryan!) .

Rangers started really strong with some good runs from Nathan, John and Sam and some neat passing between them all.

Rangers were forcing a string of corners, Sam and John decided between them to take short corners, passing the ball to Harrison to weave his way through. How we didn’t score I will never know. Luke again was solid at the back taking the ball forward when needed, Logan clearing up the mid-field. Ryan came on at half time taking his position at the back. Nath now pushed forward and made a great run down the wing rounding a few players on the way.

Sam was playing some good balls through from the mid-field to Harrison and John, who both had some shots but we just couldn’t get the ball in the back of the net.

The game ended nil-nil with both teams playing really well and everyone enjoying the game. Well done to everyone – lets take this positive performance into the tournaments and next season.

 

Paul M 

 

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