u10 blacks
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Team Profile, Information and Match reports 13/14
Under 10’s Blacks
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Managers Profile:
Name: Krystyan Gordon
What is your football background? . School,College and University
How long have you been involved with Pennine Juniors? 2 years.
How long have you been managing a team? This is my 1st year
exchanging roles with Danny Dale.
What do you like most about managing a team? Watching the
boys develop week on week.
What do you find challenging when managing a team? Keeping them all happy!!
What has been your funniest/best/ most memorable moment? My funniest moment was
last year when Jake Gretton sacked Danny as Manager at Blackpool tournament in the B&B
at breakfast!!!
Describe your team: Hard working, Enthusiastic, pleasure to work with full of characters.
What are you focusing on in training? Defensive techniques, Ball control and passing..
Teamwork.
Tell us the best game to date and why: Always the last game as they are improving week by
week.
What advice/tips would you give to young, up and coming footballers? Listen to your
coaches, try your hardest and enjoy. Practice, practice, practice.
Contact details: 07816 325550
Training times and details: 6.30pm – 7.30pm Cardinal Langley, Middleton.
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Results at a glance: Pennine Juniors Under 10’s Blacks 2013 / 2014 Season
Date
Home Away Scorers MOM Managers
07/09/13 Oldham Rangers
4 Pennine Black 3 Johnson, Walsh, Gordon Dale
14/09/13 Pennine Black 7 Chadderton park Griffins
1 Johnson, Dale, Higginbottom (2), Walsh (3)
Johnson
21/09/13 Woodbank White
2 Pennine Black 5 Walsh, Barlow, Dale (3) Team
28/09/13 Pennine Black 4 Westbury SC Tigers
2 Higginbottom, Walsh, Dale(2) Johnson
5/10/13 Littleborough Yellow
1 Pennine Black 0 Cannot believe we did not score hit bar and post twice..
Yasin
12/10/13 Pennine Black 2 Walshaw Park 0 Walsh, Dale Dale 19/10/13 Westbury SC
Panthers 0 Pennine Black 2 Dale (2) Howarth
26/10/13
Pennine Black Cheetham Hill Reds
POSTPONED WATERLOGGED PITCHES
2/11/13 Pennine Black Elton&Walshaw Wildcats
POSTPONED WATERLOGGED PITCHES
9/11/13 CUP
Westbury Panthers
1 Pennine Black 6 Dale (2) Walsh (4)
16/11/13 Pennine Black 2 Oldham Rangers 1 Gordon, Dale 23/11/13 Chadderton
park griffins Pennine Black POSTPONED FROZEN PITCH
30/11/13 Pennine Black 2 Woodbank White 0 Howarth, Walsh Higginbottom 7/12/13 Westbury Tigers 1 Pennine Black 2 Yasin, Dale Yasin 14/12/13 Pennine Black 4 Littleborough
Yellow 0 Barlow, Yasin 2, Howarth Yasin
21/12/13 Pennine Black 0 Elton & Walshaw 2 Walsh 11/01/14 Walshaw Park 0 Pennine Black 1 Mcdonald Johnson 18/01/14 Pennine Black 5 Westbury
Panthers 1 Walsh (3), Barlow, Yasin TEAM
25/01/14 08/2/14 Matches postponed
Watterlogged Pitches
15/02/14 Pennine Black 0 Littleborough Blue
3 CUP Team
22/2/14 03/03/14 No games scheduled
By league
08/03/14 Pennine Black 5 Cheetham Hill Reds
0 Walsh, Yasin,Howarth,Barlow,Mcdonald
Team
15/3/14 Chadderton Park Griffins
0 Pennine Black 1 Barlow Higginbottom
22/03/14 Cheetham Hill Reds
0 Pennine Black 1 Yasin Griffin
29/03/14 Elton & Walshaw
1 Pennine Black 1 Yasin TEAM
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Goal Scorers Managers Man Of The Match Awards
Coaches Man of the Match Awards
Parents Man of the Match Awards
Johnson 2 Dale 2 Higginbottom 1 Johnson 1 Walsh 16 (cup
4) Johnson 3 Walsh 1 Team 4
Gordon 2 Team 5 Team 4 Dale 1 Higginbottom 3 Yasin 3 Gordon (Keeper) 1 Barlow 3 Dale 13 (cup
2) Howarth 1 Barlow 2 Yasin 3
Barlow 5 Mcdonald (Cup) 1 Griffin 1 Johnson (cup) 1 Howarth 3 Gordon 1 Howarth 2 Walsh 1 Yasin 7 Higginbottom 2 Barlow (Cup) 1 Mcdonald 3 Mcdonald 2 Walsh 1 Gordon 2 Higginbottom 1 Griffin 1 Mcdonald 2 Griffin 1
Total Johnson 1 53 (cup) Yasin 2
Match reports: Opponent: Oldham Rangers FC
Date: 7th September
Venue: Away
Result: Oldham 4 Pennine 3
Pennine started the game very well attacking down the flanks with some great passing. The
Oldham keeper had to make several excellent saves. Our defence was holding out until
their centre forward skipped through three tackles to score their first goal. Again some
weak tackles let them in for a second goal. Alex then scored a thunder bolt into the top
right before half time. Early in the 2nd half they scored a very sloppy goal going through our
keeper’s legs to put them 3, 1 up. Our shape had gone, Danny and I made some key tactical
errors which we will need to sort out in training and fully take responsibility for. This then
lead to a fourth goal for Oldham. But as ever our boys fought back, never letting their heads
drop. Jozef scoring after a well worked passing move down the left and centre and Harry
soon added the third. We ran out of time to find the equaliser and Oldham held on. A great
first game of the season, close, enjoyable to watch and played in a great spirit from both
sides. Both sets of managers and coaches agreed it was a great game to watch.
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Opponent: Chadderton Park Griffins
Date: 14th September
Venue: Home
Result: Pennine 7 Chadderton 1
This was a great team game against a side that’s in a rebuilding stage after losing two of
their best players. The passing and tackling were superb from all the Pennine players and we
deserved the first half score line of 3 -1… The 2nd half saw Pennine dominate even more and
should have scored more but sloppy play let 3 v 1 situations in attack fold with an easy
tackle from opposition instead of an easier through ball to a team mate. Think the boys got
carried away trying to score on every attack… 4 more goals were added in the 2nd half. A
confidence boosting win for the boys after not scoring very many last season.
Opponent: Woodbank White
Date: 21st September
Venue: Away
Result: Woodbank 2 Pennine 5
This week saw a marked improvement from last week the passing at times was unstoppable.
Quickly we scored 2 great team goals but let an easy goal in. Sam Howarth made several
great one on one saves to keep them down to 1 goal. Unfortunately just before half time
we scored a deflected own goal!!! This gave Woodbank some confidence going into the 2nd
half. The boys then rallied and scored another 3 great team goals. Ethan Dale with an
individual screamer and followed by my personal favourite of this game Bilal Yasin storming
up the left past three Woodbank tackles crossing into the box for Oliver Barlow to control
with his head and smash a volley into the opposite top corner from where the ball came
from.. A great team effort still work in progress but getting better by the week...
Opponent: Westbury Sports Club Tigers
Date: 28th September
Venue: Home
Result: Pennine 4 Westbury 2
This was a tough fixture for our boys as we had played this opposition in a supplementary
cup final and went all the way to penalties with us narrowly winning. The Boys played really
well as usual great enthusiasm and high tempo. They were passing really well to create
many chances. My goal of this match had to be a shot from Evan Higginbottom on the half
volley from own half which looped up in the air. Westbury coach said as it was half way in
the air “That’s going in”!! Keeper had no chance even jumping the ball went just under the
bar. Evan as far as I can remember did not score all of last season just defending for our
team!!! Ethan Dale took a couple of well taken goals with Harry Walsh scoring from a great
passing move through 4 players from defence to attack and into the back of the net. Jozef
Gordon made a couple of good saves to keep Westbury down to two but two poorly
defended set pieces let us down and saw Westbury get 2 back. One was an own goal and a
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messy goal mouth pin ball in the area for the 2nd. Overall all the boys played well getting
better with every game. Training we will concentrate on clearing ball from a corner and
marking at set pieces!!! Keep it up boys.
Opponent: Littleborough Juniors Yellow
Date: 5th October
Venue: Away
Result: Littleborough 1 Pennine 0
Very entertaining game but so frustrating to watch as a manager!! Our boys showed great
passing and movement going forwards. Oliver Barlow making some great runs up the right
of midfield taking on players and sending in some great crosses. Oliver Mcdonald was
closest to scoring in the 1st half to breaking their defence down but lost his balance in on
goal for a certain tap in and was on the ground before the ball got to him! Recovered to
then produce an overhead kick which hit the crossbar! Harry Walsh also narrowly missed
the goal brushing the post. Littleborough manager and coach agreed that it was a great
match to watch. 2nd half saw two boys go after 10 minutes to go watch a team called City???
So we were a key defender down and a centre forward. Sam Howarth and Bilal Yasin
substituted in defence for us and mostly did a great job. Both were out of their comfort
zone in these positions but did a great job for the team. Bilal Yasin made some great tackles
holding up the ball and distributing the ball nicely out of danger areas. Sam Howarth did not
like it in defence and kept asking to be moved but again he did as asked and stayed there
and gave his best as always. Littleborough then scored a well taken goal. Charlie Griffin
played well as centre forward holding the ball up with nice control and good decision
making on passing and movement which nearly lead to him equalising. Oliver Mcdonald slid
in at the back post near the end from another Oliver Barlow cross hitting the post for the 2nd
time in match. Jozef Gordon made a couple of good saves and some booming kicks into
opposing goal area. I cannot believe the boys came away with nothing after all the attacking
football and effort they put into game. I was disappointed for them all. The parents were
very complimentary about the player’s performances. That’s football for you though!!
Opponent: Walshaw Park
Date: 12th October
Venue: Home
Result: Pennine 2 Walshaw 0
1st Half everyone was cold! Very windy conditions some of the boys had their hands up
sleeves including Coach Danny see team picture above!! Training is now starting to pay off a
little in the matches control of ball increasing with every match passing at times is out of this
world. The boys are now communicating with each other which is good to hear and see. Still
a little more composure on the ball and in goal scoring areas decision making still needs
more work. Pass or shoot 1 touch or 5 touches this we will work on throughout the year.
Team spirit is excellent at the moment. Desire and determination Danny or I cannot fault
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from any boy. Harry Walsh took our first goal from a well worked corner to open our
account. As always Oliver Barlow kept running with the ball and crossing into the box to
supply chances. Bilal Yasin tackling in defence was great to see. Evan Higginbottom had his
usual solid self in defence, with a ‘thy shall’ not pass me attitude! Oliver Mcdonald made
some nice runs down the left with Sam Howarth back to his usual self after a couple of
games wayward play. Really pleased for him with all he did and achieved today. Jozef
Gordon very rarely called into action in goal! He was suffering from not listening to his Dad
about layers of clothing in NET!!! 2nd half saw mostly the same pattern of play as the first
Walshaw though must have had a stern pep talk from manager and coach and started to out
muscle us in challenges. They started to heap a little pressure on us Alex Johnson and
Charlie started to rule in our defence with not much getting past either of them. Ethan Dale
then added an excellent strike on the swivel to smash into the net leaving their keeper with
no chance but his celebration needs working on! We should have added a couple more in
2nd half but a thoroughly entertaining game though. Well done boys.
Opponent: Westbury SC Panthers
Date: 19th October
Venue: Away
Result: Westbury 0 Pennine 2
This was the best team performance to date!
Some of these teams have some really gigantic boys!!! The Westbury Goalie virtually filled
the net!! Again our boys started this game with vigour and enthusiasm getting stuck in and
passing straight from the off against quite a physical side. Their keeper saved two certain
goals and Oliver Barlow had a brace of shots just off target. Oliver Mcdonald had an
awesome performance even though he did not think so himself. Sam, Bilal and Oliver
Barlow all played well when on left or right of midfield tackling and passing and tracking
back. Charlie Griffin had a great shot saved in the 1st (half but got caught on the ankle so
went into the net for 2nd half) and I did not think anything would get passed this keeper!!
We then had a set piece and Charlie whipped in a great corner for Ethan Dale to get the 1st
with a well-directed header on target for our 1st well deserved goal don’t think Ethan has
scored with his napper before so great to see him use that part of his body instead of trying
to get his foot to everything (needs a managers haircut though)! Alex and Evan again great
in defence and Oliver Mcdonald when he came back on in defence he was immense. Jozef
after coming out of goal went into central midfield and after 4 games in net we were a little
worried about how he would perform but made some good tackles and distributed the ball
well as did Oliver Mcdonald in the 1st half. Ethan as usual grabbing another goal in the 2nd
half making a good habit of popping up
Slicing through tackles in on goal with Sam running alongside him! He slipped the ball under
the on rushing keeper for the 2nd and deciding goal. I was pleased that the boys switched
positions and did not look out of place and gave their all in which ever role we gave them.
Danny and I cannot ask any more from the boys at the moment. Apart from more goals!!!!
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Parents agreed that the team is playing great entertaining football from keeper all the
way through team to striker no weak links.
26/10/13 and 2/11/13 postponed due our home pitches being waterlogged.
Opponent: Westbury SC Panthers
Date: 9th November
Venue: Away CUP MATCH.
Result: Westbury 1 Pennine 6
After two weeks of cancelled games it was just nice to get a game going!! With half term
also we’d only had one training session. The boys were larking about and Danny and I had to
have some strong words to them to buckle down and listen. From that moment onwards
our boys were excellent. Tackling, Defending, teamwork, passing really well was a joy to
watch. (Maybe the break had done them all good and itching to play)! Oliver Barlow was on
fire down the right flank putting in some great runs and delivering some fine crosses. Ethan
Dale and Harry Walsh were soon on the score sheet with well taken goals. This was in the
first half playing up hill 2nd half was now downhill! Their coach kept saying come on boys
these lads are getting tired!! Danny and I looked at each other and didn’t even have to
speak! (No they won’t mate one of fittest sides in the league). All the boys were tackling like
boys possessed winning virtually every 50/50 challenge. We were just bossing the game and
tempo was high. Oliver Barlow was having a great game down the right and had the
measure of both right midfielder and right back for Westbury and supplied some great
deliveries into the box. This is where I got a little annoyed at our teamwork. Harry Walsh
had a shot that hit Ethan Dale then a Westbury player and an argument between the two
started I had to ask the ref what happened. Harry then scored three goals. He was then
told off for being greedy and trying to get a fifth with a teammate in close attendance 1 pass
and they would have been through on goal for a 7th. Oliver Mcdonald had a couple of shots
but was off balance and ended up going well wide. His effort and performance were brilliant
tackling hard but fairly leaving a couple of players on the ground. The league ref did not see
any of them as a foul and allowed play to go on and we scored from one of these crunching
challenges. This is why I gave man of the match to him as he epitomised all that I want the
boys to do get stuck in tackle hard and pass the ball commitment and enthusiasm. Danny
gave man of match to Oliver Barlow for his willingness to tackle and beat players down the
right and whip in some good service into the box. Parents man of the match Alex Johnson in
defence was solid can’t remember anyone getting past him also Evan Higginbottom
deserves a mention for some great last man tackles. Sam Howarth played very well as did
Bilal Yasin. Overall this was nearly the best performance of the year commitment
enthusiasm tempo were excellent just want that little more TEAMWORK in key areas and
this team will be unstoppable. Will be having words with a few boys in training!
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Opponent: Oldham Rangers FC
Date: 16th November
Venue: Home
Result: Pennine 2 Oldham Rangers FC 1
The boys were not in the mood for listening prior to this match and this always does not
make me happy!! Danny and I always know the signs of how they are going to play when
they turn up and mess around prior to a match! Right from the kick off we had a goal
scoring attack but again as last week Harry Walsh trying to take on the last defender when
Bilal Yasin was an easy pass to be through on goal and got tackled chance gone!! It was a
well contested first half with Ethan Dale in net not having that much to do as did Bilal Yasin
when he went in net 1st half. Both teams as in first game of the season were evenly
matched. Their centre forward from first match who scored 3 was not playing as he missed
training! Glad he wasn’t there today as he is a big powerful lad!!! Danny and I tried out a
few tactical changes after last week’s big win and got a few things wrong which we will learn
from and as always I will take full responsibility for. Tried a different goalkeeper in first half
and soon changed that in the 2nd half!! They got a scrappy goal from a corner with three of
our players trying but failing to clear the ball from our box! Jozef Gordon was having a good
game in defence holding players up tackling a most importantly distributing the ball well
into midfield. He got caught up field a few times on attacks but bust a gut to get back
tracking back nicely with pace. Oliver Mcdonald came on and played some nice passes with
Bilal Yasin and Harry Walsh. As always Oliver Barlow did well up the right side of midfield.
Also Bilal Yasin did well up the left. In the 2nd half saw Sam Howarth go into net and
unfortunately for him we decided not to change it round again he made a great save but
again did not moan and did a job for the team. In the 2nd half we played a lot better the boys
had a wakeup call think they were over confident after last week’s big win. Jozef pushed up
into midfield with Oliver Mcdonald dropping into defence which he was not happy about
but did a job for the team. We mounted attack after attack. It ended up being 10 minutes
left and still 1-0. These boys puts us through it today. A good passing move saw Oliver
Mcdonald distributing a good pass from defence to Harry Walsh who came in from Right
midfield cutting into the middle he pulled it back to Jozef Gordon on the edge of the box
and hit a booming shot into the bottom right corner. 1-1. Relief for Danny and I. The 2nd goal
came from a delightful lobbed through ball from Jozef Gordon from centre midfield over the
defence for Ethan Dale to run onto the ball and took one touch and then stroked into the
back of the net with 4 minutes to go! Our fitness and team spirit shone through today
eventually, over confidence played a part on this performance being below par… The boys
will sometimes be played out of their normal positions due to absences and tactics they
have to accept this and get on with it. We have the makings of a great team if they apply
themselves and LISTEN.
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Opponent: Woodbank White
Date: 30th November
Venue: Home
Result: Pennine 2 Woodbank White 0
Boys turned up today after a week off without a match due to frozen pitches not in the right
frame of mind for a game of football! We started very poorly with Woodbank dominating
the game from the off. I had tried a positional change which was clearly not working so
Danny and I changed that straight away (Again take responsibility for this). Oliver Barlow
had picked up an ankle injury during the week at school and was clearly struggling so he was
brought off for his own safety which has was very unhappy about. Jozef Gordon picked up
an injury in first half over stretched back of his knee so he had to go off then went into the
net for last 10mins of first half and the 2nd half. We kept getting caught in possession
numerous times we had 4 players caught up field with 4 Woodbank attackers going at our 2
defenders!!! We got a corner and Charlie Griffin whipped in a good cross. Pinball in their box
and Sam Howarth managed to slot home his first goal of the season! So against the run of
play we were up 1 nil. Alex Johnson narrowly missed the target from a free kick just missing
the left post. We showed a little more composure on the ball 5 minutes from half time and
Oliver Mcdonald had a shot from outside the box which went just over the bar. Oliver
Mcdonald was playing his best football to date tackling and tracking back well, slide tackles
great passes but still needs a little more composure on the ball and give a better pass
instead of just whacking it forward.
Half time we had a little chat to the boys about passing and movement and positional
awareness. Sam Howarth, Harry Walsh, Ethan dale and Charlie Griffin needed to take a leaf
out of Oliver Mcdonalds play today and track back when we have lost the ball and hold their
positions. Sam Howarth made some good skilful runs but kept getting caught on the ball and
losing it when a simple 1 2 with a team mate would have been a lot more progressive going
forward. Found Harry Walsh on completely the wrong side of the pitch chasing the ball and
it nearly lead to a goal for Woodbank as the ball was shifted to where he should have been!
Several goal kicks from Jozef went to Ethan Dale and he kept miss controlling a bouncing
ball. The one he did control he turned and put Harry Walsh into the box and he shot past
the keeper into top left for our 2nd. Charlie Griffin was having an off day in defensive
positions gave away three cheap free kicks. Fortunately nothing came off these free kicks all
going wide. Jozef made a few good saves in the net. So overall it was a good result without
playing so well. This team has got so much potential but they need to listen to Danny and I
in training and turn up to matches switched on and ready to listen and play to their
potential from the start. When they pass and move these boys are a joy to watch. Keep it up
boys we will get there in the end. I’m still learning so be patient with me!
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Opponent: Westbury Sports Club Tigers
Date: 7th December
Venue: Away
Result: Westbury 1 Pennine 2
This game was played on a very heavy surface due to all the rain we’ve had. We were
missing two players Charlie Griffin and Oliver Barlow (think he went to watch a team called
Man utd playing more like Oxford Utd). So we only had one sub. We started the game well
but again some of our boys were running out of position and not passing the ball. Bilal
Yasin, Harry Walsh and Sam Howarth did not have a particularly good start to the game but
grew into it. When we move the ball we are a force to be reckoned with. We had a lot of
possession but did not seem to get into clear cut goal scoring attacks. Alex Johnson put
narrowly over the bar with a booming hit also Oliver Mcdonald struck well over the bar. This
was all downhill and we wanted a goal before half time but it did not come. Jozef Gordon in
goal did not have much to do but kicked well out of hands. Once we started to pass Sam
Howarth Bilal Yasin and Harry Walsh started to dominate the game.
2nd half was much the same Harry Walsh was asked numerous times to release the ball with
a pass instead of taking players on again and again losing it numerous times. Oliver
Mcdonald had in the main a strong game but again on occasion had some wild slashes at the
ball without looking up to see if a teammate was available. Evan Hgginbottom and Alex
Johnson were having a solid game in defence. Hence they both got m.o.m awards from
Danny Dale and parents. My m.o.m was Bilal Yasin for his good tackling in the 2nd half, his
runs up the left and the well struck finish to beat a very good Westbury keeper for the
equaliser. Before this Evan was caught on the wrong side for a cross/shot which Jozef
parried into the path of their striker who slipped it under Jozef onrushing dive. We were
playing up hill but you would have not been able to tell as we mounted attack after attack.
All the boys were up for it and encouraging each other shouting “come on Pennine”. This
was nice to see and hear as last year after going down a goal normally resulted in us losing
most matches. This year is a totally different reaction and attitude to going a goal behind.
Instead of heads going down they get on with it with determination to get a goal back then
with one of the last attacks of the match Ethan Dale hit a pearl of a shot to beat the keeper
for the winning goal. Westbury coach and manager were devastated for their boys.
Thoroughly great game played in good spirit hard but fair tackles going in. This result takes
us clear of 3rd place Elton and Walshaw to consolidate 2nd position in league, with 2 games
in hand against top of the league Littleborough who come to us in the next match at home.
Hopefully we can reverse the result against them where they beat us 1 nil in away match!!
Come on boys! Want to work on positional play and PASSING in training.
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Opponent: Littleborough Yellow
Date: 14th December
Venue: Home
Result: Pennine 4 Littleborough Yellow 0
This was a crucial game for us playing top of the league team who had played two games
extra and were 4 points in front of us! I had a chat with all the boys prior to match and all
seemed switched on and took on board my instructions as I was playing a different
formation to start with. Danny Dale looked at me and was not sure about my set up of the
team and team selection. We agreed if it was not working we would change it early doors.
We set up and started extremely brightly passing and moving forward very well. Oliver
Barlow and Oliver mcdonald and Bilal Yasin were playing some very nice football. Jozef
Gordon was out of sorts but picked up a little with a fine strike. Bilal Yasin opened our
account with a well taken finish from inside the box followed by a second by the in-form
Oliver Barlow fresh from his week rest after injury. Charlie Griffin had barely anything to do
in net in first half with Harry Walsh taking over from him in 1st half in net. Harry Walsh had
been ill all week and seemed a little off so he was not happy at going in net but did a job till
half time. We were defending well with Alex Johnson now in his lone sweeper role. Oliver
Mcdonald was disciplined on my instruction to sit between last man and midfield moving
forward to support in attack pushing midfield further up to support Ethan Dale in Centre
forward position. Sam Howarth came on and was a little unsure on the system I was trying
to employ but like Bilal Yasin was passing nicely. We were fast flowing one touch passing
going forward really nice to watch.
2nd half saw a bit of an argument between me and Jozef Gordon re goal-keeping position
Danny Dale stepped in and resolved the situation! Charlie Griffin kindly volunteered but I
told him no and Jozef finally put on the no1 jersey instead of sitting rest of game on side
line!! Our shape had gone a little from the first half but the attacking recommenced against
a shell shocked Littleborough we were first to everything winning challenges 50-50 tackles
were going our way. Littleborough coach commented after match that we were well fired
up today and a few of his boys were still asleep. Bilal Yasin got himself on the score sheet
again so pleased for him which earned him man of the match from me with 2 goals great
work ethic hard working tracking back tackling hard but fairly. Charlie Griffin deserves a
mention for some good corners but one led to a headed goal from Sam Howarth deserves
special mention Danny Dale said that’s how to put a corner in. Not sure if Sam Howarth
actually knew he’d scored! We lost our shape a little from what I’d asked the boys to follow
at the start so put Harry Walsh as last man to use his pace with Alex Johnson taking a
deserved rest. Sam Howarth wanted to move to the left midfield with Charlie Griffin moving
to the right but again couple of the boys drifted chasing the ball instead of holding their
positions. Overall though extremely pleased today one with the result and secondly the way
they listened and carried out my instruction in the first half. Oliver Barlow got man of match
from parents and Danny Dale for his tireless running great skill and crosses and intelligent
passing. Still work in progress with this team, I’m still learning Danny Dale and I will disagree
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on line ups and tactics from time to time which is why we work well together as we will
both speak our minds but open to one another’s opinions. Keep it up boys.
Opponent: Elton & Walshaw JFC Wildcats
Date: 21st December
Venue: Home
Result: Pennine 0 Elton & Walshaw JFC Wildcats 2
This was a rearranged game from earlier in the season when our pitches were waterlogged.
Danny Dale did not want to play this fixture as he thought it was too close to Christmas. I did
not agree and thought it would be better to keep the boys going with fixtures with having a
winning streak of 7 games wanted the run to continue. This unfortunately was not the case
the Elton & Walshaw boys were certainly fired up for this fixture and were first to every ball.
Headed everything in the air cannot remember us winning one header. So maybe Danny
was right and I was wrong! Elton did to us what we had done to top of the league
Littleborough the week prior. High tempo football first to every ball and won virtually every
challenge. It was not long before the pressure broke through and they scored to be honest
quite easily and should have been more but some wayward shots from Elton saved our
blushes till half time. We tried to bolster the boys and encourage them to pick up their
performances but the 2nd half went almost the same as the 1st half with us playing a little
better but Elton on the day deserved their 2nd goal to win in my view comfortably against a
below par performance from our boys.. Danny was so disappointed he walked away and left
it to me to give the final verdict. There were some positives from the game Harry Walsh in
my view was easily my man of the match due to some excellent intelligent defence splitting
passes. He had taken on board what I had asked him to do in regards to not running too
much with the ball and to release passes earlier! He did this really well and I was extremely
pleased that finally I could give him the trophy!! Was a big bump and reality check for our
boys that we can be beaten so hopefully this will get them up for the next game in the New
Year!!! Again I will take full responsibility for arranging the fixture and will learn from it but
the boys ultimately did not turn up for this game unlike a strong Elton team did do.
Opponent: Walshaw Park
Date: 11th January
Venue: Away
Result: Walshaw 0 Pennine 1
Well a New Year started and a very close game. It was snowing in Rochdale and we had had
several days of heavy rain myself and Walshaw manager were keen to get a game on.
Walshaw’s pitch was very heavy but playable just!!! This was a very close and Washaw’s
position in the league rock bottom with only 1 win 4 draws and 7 losses really does not
reflect there playing style. They had great set piece takers from corners and free kicks were
well drilled on attacking these crosses and there were numerous goalmouth scrambles in
our penalty area!
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It was a great match to watch attack after attack both ways. I did think that Walshaw
were at any moment going to score but our boys battled their hearts out. Oliver Mcdonald
was immense in midfield leaving a couple on the ground with hard but fair challenges. We
were missing two players this week in Harry Walsh and Jozef Gordon so only had one sub.
Charlie Griffin went in net first half with Bilal Yasin going in net the 2nd half both made
positive contributions to the team effort in keeping the game a close one! Ethan Dale was a
little isolated due to the system we were playing today which compacted the defence and
midfield as I knew that Walshaw were a big physical side so he had to do quite a bit on his
own v two defenders and in the main did very well.
Both myself and the Walshaw coach and manager agreed it was a great game to watch very
entertaining and close. Five minutes from time though Oliver Mcdonald was just on the
edge of the box a cross came in and Walshaw partially dealt with it and ball came at Oliver
Mcdonald waist height and I thought this is either going to go way over the bar or really
wide but he managed to control his body shape and hit a pearl of a drive into the right
corner of the goal rippling the net with the power the keeper who had had an excellent
game was powerless to stop it. In my view a draw would have been a just reflection on the
game as a whole and felt a little sorry for Walshaw boys as they had put so much effort into
the game. Alex Johnson for me was man of the match with a great defensive performance
along with Evan Higginbottom who was out of sorts with the system we were trying to
adopt and had to bring him off to explain. Oliver Barlow as always was bombing up and
down the right putting in some lovely crosses. Charlie Griffin when he came out was a little
off the pace and gave away some cheap fouls for freekicks in dangerous areas but nothing
fortunately for him came of this and he tried hard to keep the game tight. Sam Howarth had
a good game so nice passes and runs but just needs to focus a little more on his defensive
duties and game awareness. Overall great result for us to put us top of the league a win is a
win. Keep it up boys.
Opponent: Westbury SC Panthers
Date: 18th January
Venue: Home
Result: Pennine 5 Westbury 1
The boys were back on form for this game we had worked hard in training on heading the
ball as I was not happy with the performance before Christmas against Elton. We also had
worked on fitness as usual and passing and shooting. They were on fire from the start
Pennine were back to the high tempo and pass and move that we love to watch. They were
encouraging each other as well as communicating well with each other was very nice to
watch. They were soon a goal up with a well taken goal from Oliver Barlow took his time did
not rush it a stroked it past a very big keeper who was keeping his side in the game. Harry
Walsh missed an absolute sitter it was harder to miss than score but managed to push it
past post from 2yrds out he was devastated! Westbury managed to against the run of play
nick the ball off Sam Howarth who was trying to take two players on and got isolated and
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tackled. We had a chance to clear from the resulting attack in the box but Oliver
Mcdonald tried to play out of defence and in the ensuing mix up in our box Westbury totally
against the run of play were level at half time. We had a quick word with Sam and Oliver at
half time about the goal conceded and left it at that. Just told them to gt back on the pitch
and play the same as first half nothing changed. We were all over Westbury in the 2nd half
totally blitzed them with high tempo fast passing intelligent running to quickly get in front
harry scored a hat trick so pleased for him after missing a sitter in 1st half this was also down
to Danny in first half switching Bilal Yasin from up front to left midfield and moving Harry
Walsh into C/f position. Jozef Gordon played some great through balls to set up two goals
and took up some great attacking positions but not found with final pass. Oliver Barlow
worked his magic up the right side whipping in some great crosses. His corners were a little
off today but when he did get it right put in some great corners as did Jozef. Alex had
another strong showing in defence but then started to wonder up the pitch trying to get in
on the goal feast! Oliver Mcdonald and Sam Howarth both had good games in midfield in 2nd
half Sam especially taking on board what was said at half time his passes speeded up which
was good to see. Tireless running from every one of the boys saw Evan Higginbottom hardly
required him to defend, but when called into action as ever did a sterling job stopping
attacks with good hold up defending and swift challenges to nick the ball off opponents.
Charlie Griffin was a little bored and just a spectator in net for 2nd half and I had planned to
try and get him out but was so engrossed in the great team performance left it a little late
and he only got last 5mins out! Sorry Charlie! This took us not including cup games to 39
goals in fourteen games just shy of an average of three per game a big change from last
year. Well done boys keep it going final push in last 4 games!
Opponent: Westbury SC Panthers
Date: 15th February
Venue: Home CUP MATCH.
Result: Pennine 0 Littleborough 3
This was always going to be tough task Littleborough Blue are the cup holders from last year
and currently top of the Irwell league. Also not playing for 3 to 4 weeks due to Waterlogged
pitches didn’t help!!! We are always rusty after missing match weekends also 2 players
missing left us with only 1 sub. Littleborough had 3 subs which the used very well to bring
fresh legs on.
I was pleased to say though we were not really three goals different they just won every ball
were determined and had a couple of skilful players but there was not much between the
teams which is encouraging for next season if we move up a league.
Not going to say much about this game other than it was a laboured game on our part.
Nobody for myself or Danny stood out they tried as best they could but fell short on the day
looked tired and out of sorts. Not having enough substitutes to freshen the team up didn’t
help but that is why we have 10 players in squad.
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Positives I took from this game is that we are not a million miles away from an Irwell team
top of that league, and next year going to 9 v9 will be a big change for all the teams plus we
will recruit another couple of players to bolster an already good/strong team. So yes it was
disappointing return back to football after the long layoff but all in all a reasonable
performance.
Opponent: Cheetham Hill Juniors Reds
Date: 8th March
Venue: Home
Result: Pennine 5 Cheetham Hill Juniors Reds 0
Think the boys were up for this game we had the full complement of 10 players available to
choose from. Cheetham Hill looked a strong physical side who don’t mind getting stuck in.
We had worked on in training one and two touch passing this was evident from the start
with some really nice passing and we soon had a goal from Harry Walsh soon followed by a
goal from Bilal Yasin. Before half time the goal of the game for me virtually all the team
were involved in a sweet quick passing move from back to front with Sam Howarth putting
the finishing touch with a superb TEAM goal. It was really good to see them carry out what
we had set them in training. There were a few challenges flying in a couple late on our boys
but he league official in my view called every one of them correctly, he a quick word with
their coach at half time about it. The main thing is that is none of our boys reacted back
which I was proud of.
2nd half though Cheetham Hill started to get more of the ball due to our players becoming
complacent with the ball and trying to do too much on every attack. Basically we had stop
passing. Oliver Barlow then struck our 4th again from a good passing move. We finshed our
scoring with an Oliver Mcdonald strike so all in all we had five different scorers on the day
but should have been more if I’m honest but the boys had stopped passing! Evan
Higginbottom and Alex Johnson played well in defensive roles. Charlie Griffin distributed the
ball well from goal keeper and had a few catches to make and some great kicks from hands
deep into opposing half. Jozef Gordon came on and played well passing the ball for three
assists. Ethan Dale missed probably the sitter of the year from around the penalty area had
the ball squared to him. Myself and Danny were ready to celebrate and he managed
somehow to kick the ball and make it bounce up and hit his hand?? Devastated for him not
to get on the score sheet as he’s gone through a bit of a barren patch with no goals in 5
games so first week in December was last goal he had scored. Harry Walsh played well and
with him scoring he was put in defence which he did not like but I wanted to give others a
chance. Bilal Yasin had another strong performance with some good determined tackling.
Sam Howarth had a great game getting M.O.M from Danny. Parents gave it to Oliver
Mcdonald. I was so impressed with all the boys I could not pick a M.O.M for me it was a
great team performance and showed us again how they can pass and tackle as a TEAM.
Well done boys keep it up one more win will secure 2nd place.
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Opponent: Chadderton Park Griffins
Date: 15th March 14
Venue: Away
Result: Chadderton 0 Pennine 1
I unfortunately could not attend this game so this will be a shorter match report We also
had two players missing at county swimming so only 1 sub.
I wanted text updates as I was on a course and at nearly half time I was biting my nails
checking my phone every 30 seconds for an update!!Finally text someone to please put me
out of my misery!
From all accounts the pitch was terrible one dad text saying “more bobbles than my 40 year
old jumper!”
Then just before half time GOAL Oliver Barlow scored nearly cheered!!! Danny said it was a
fantastic result from all the boys battling performance against a tough team and a dodgy ref
by all accounts stone wall penalty given as a free kick outside the box.
We were on the back foot for the last 5 minutes with Ethan Dale coming back to tackle to
keep them out for the equalizer.
Apparently we also wasted 2 -3 good chances on a pitch that required a touch before
shooting composure lost and boys were snatching at first time shots. We apparently should
have won by more but a win is a win. Special mention from Danny was the ever reliable
Evan Higginbottom getting stuck in with last ditch challenges and tackles.
WELL DONE BOYS 2nd place secured now let’s see if we can win the league now. Two more
games left so going down to the wire. So pleased for the lads won 13 games and only lost 3
is a great season so keep up the hard work guys lets push on and try win the league trophy.
Opponent: Cheetham Hill Juniors Reds
Date: 22th March
Venue: Away
Result: Pennine 1 Cheetham Hill Juniors Reds 0
We knew that this would be a different game from 2 weeks ago as this was Cheetham Hills
last game of the season and were probably smarting after our 5 – 0 win 2 in that previous
game. Our boys were also over confident which Danny and I knew from their comments and
attitude in training and prior to the match. Having said that we did play reasonable well but
for some reason our usual free flowing passing game had gone. Tackling was poor at times
and enthusiasm seemed to be low! Bilal Yasin was having a very good game notably the
stand out player of the game for me the parents and Danny. He broke the deadlock with a
well taken goal to put us 1 up. Oliver Mcdonald had an excellent first half but unfortunately
had a prior engagement so had to leave at half time. Our composure and ball retention was
also not at its usual high standard. Alex Johnson the normally reliable defender and
distributor of the ball was rushing his clearances when an easy pass was on he did tackle
well though. Evan Higginbottom again was a rock in defence and he will be sorely missed
next year and his position and boots will be hard to replace. Oliver Barlow was also having
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little success down the right but was trying hard as ever, he also has secured a trial with
Bury FC so wish him all the best for that. Charlie Griffin again distributed the ball well with
some big booming kicks just need to get our centre forward far enough up the pitch to
receive it!! Charlie also made a quick reaction save, which came from a snap shot from
outside the area, he was actually unsighted until very late with several players in line of
shot. He stuck out a late hand to steer it around the post. Think I stopped breathing as I
thought it was going to sneak in! Half time came and we had our work cut out as we were
playing nowhere near to our strengths or ability.
2nd half started and Cheetham Hill were even more fired up. Harry Walsh was also having a
reasonable game but again as earlier in the season wasn’t holding position and
chasing/watching the ball. Having said that he was tackling and challenging well when
playing up front he was trying to release other players but the pass sometimes went astray,
I was happy though as he was trying his best which is all I can ask for just want him to
release the ball quicker and go for one two’s. Ethan Dale was again not at his earlier season
best Danny was pulling his hair out with him not holding ball up weak passing and not
enough effort. We ask him to watch Harry Walsh sometimes to show him what is expected
of him just think he’s going through a confidence dip. He’s training a lot better and Danny is
doing extra work on his control. Jozef Gordon was nowhere near what is expected of him no
effort in defensive midfield walking around at times but did make some nice passes when on
the ball. He knows himself he had a poor game and has promised to step it up in the final
deciding game. Sam Howarth again as with some of the others was having an off par day. So
all in all a good result with not playing so well. Cheetham Hill had so much of the ball and
numerous corners I feared the worse and it was the longest 25 minutes I have ever endured.
The result was all we wanted to keep the title race for top spot alive. Whistle blew and we
had scrapped the 1 nil win to our relief! We told the boys play like that in the last game of
the season and there will be no chance of winning the league. It was difficult to pick out any
REAL positives from the game apart from the score line. We will be working hard in training
and having an extra session before our final game. Let’s hope the boys pick up their
performance for the final game to decide if we are league champions. Draw will secure this
but if we lose we will have to wait two weeks before we know! If Elton win their final game
they take the top spot! Nail biting stuff all in all though win lose or draw we have had a
fantastic first season I have learnt so much this year in my first year as Manager. To be
honest Danny and myself have not really changed that much apart from titles we still work
well as a partnership. We are really proud of this team and look forward to strengthening
and improving for next year’s challenges of nine v nine and bigger pitches and bigger nets
and better teams!
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Opponent: Elton & Walshaw JFC Wildcats
Date: 29th March
Venue: Away
Result: Elton & Walshaw JFC Wildcats 1 Pennine 1
We told the boys that whatever happened in this game win lose or draw that they’ve had an
excellent season gaining promotion and to go and try to enjoy the game. We warned them
that Elton really wanted to win the league so they were going to be really up for it today.
From the off Elton were winning early possession and we were struggling to get any of our
usual pass and move game going. I feared the worst as attack after attack came. Elton had
numerous chances with corners being whipped in but nothing came from them fortunately
dropping to an Elton player who wasn’t that good at heading the ball! Eventually though
with the pressure building Elton finally broke the deadlock with a well worked move and
finish. Evan Higginbottom and Alex Johnson had their work cut out in the first half. Oliver
Mcdonald was trying his hardest in midfield with Bilal Yasin and Harry Walsh and Sam
Howarth all working hard but for some reason they seemed to have more players on the
pitch and the attacks came in waves.
Half time came and we had to big the boys up as some of their heads were starting to go
down. They responded well in the 2nd half and got stuck in Jozef Gordon made some nice
passes and runs. Ethan Dale and Harry Walsh were doing reasonably well in centre forward
position. Charlie Griffin again was doing well in the net with dead ball kicking and out of his
hands. The game was now not a one way attack after attack from Elton as it was in the first
half. We started to make more headway as the game went on. I still thought that Elton
would score again but our boys were fighting all the way with great energy and
determination. Sam Howarth played some good football but spent a little too much time as
sub as we got caught up in the game. 5 minutes to go Pennine got some good movement
and passes through defence into midfield Jozef Gordon laid a nice ball into the path of Bilal
Yasin outside the box, and he let fly with a well struck shot which left their goalkeeper with
no chance!!! Elton boys were not best happy. I then asked Oliver Mcdonald to hold a
position in front of our defence and not go anywhere near Elton half, which he carried out
as per instruction. They came at us with everything and with two minutes to go they came
into our box and struck a shot which Charlie Griffin parried onto the bar it then hit the post
and rolled along the line to be cleared away. (Charlie commented after game he need some
new underwear as he thought they had scored)! Phew I can’t remember how many times I
asked the referee how long left even though I had a stopwatch and knew exactly how long!!
The final whistle finally went at last we had held out for the draw that the boys thoroughly
deserved. Elton manager and boys were devastated as they had worked really hard and
played some really nice football so were visibly upset that we had pipped them to the
league title. To be honest I had to fight back a tear as did Danny it was hard not to celebrate
to much in front of the Elton boys but Elton manager made his boys come over and
congratulate our boys which I thought was a nice touch. The parents came over to join in
the celebrations. I was still in shock that we actually had won the league so proud of all the
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boys achieving a great end to the season a trip to Mcdonalds followed with all the boys
laughing and chanting was lovely to see. The parents were so happy for the boys and Danny
and myself. Now the preparation starts for May tournament in Blackpool and the building of
a 9 a side team for next year.
Well done the boys Danny and I cannot express how much joy this group of players have
brought us. We will be sad to see Evan Higginbottom drop down to the U10s next year but
look forward to bringing in two to three new faces for next year and trying our hand back in
the top league.
Onwards and upwards boys sure there will be ups and downs but we will all try our hardest
to improve and enjoy the games win lose or draw as long as the boys give a good account of
themselves no one can ask for anymore!
SEE YOU ALL NEXT SEASON.