Page | 1

Team Profile, Information and Match reports 12/13

Under 13’s Reds

Page | 2

Managers Profile:

Name: Rik George

What is your football background? Played 11 aside (outfield) and a

lot of 5 aside (outfield and goal keeper) and also follow Rochdale

AFC to get used to losing!!

How long have you been involved with Pennine Juniors? Since

2008/2009.

How long have you been managing a team? Since 2008/2009.

What do you like most about managing a team? I’ll get back to you on that.

What do you find challenging when managing a team? Most things.

What has been your funniest/best/ most memorable moment? Playing our first Dads v lads at

the end of the season, 3 years ago on Syke common totally disorganised but great fun and the

Dads won on next goal wins rules! The lads take it much too seriously now.

Describe your team: decent nice bunch sometimes a bit too nice, but there just about to become

teenagers aarhhh!!!!!

What are you focusing on in training? Passing is key, as you can beat a man much easier with a

pass than with skill (although passing is a skill), although it doesn’t always look as clever as a

fancy trick.

Tell us the best game to date and why: Beating Seedfield in 2010/2011, 4-2 which confirmed us

as runners up in the league and getting us promoted.

What advice/tips would you give to young, up and coming footballers? Just play football

whenever and wherever you can don’t wait for training and match day, even if it’s on your own

against the side of your house.

Contact details: 07941 041 199

Training times and details: Wednesdays-7.30-8.30 pm, Pitch 1, Cardinal Langley

Page | 3

Results at a glance: Pennine Juniors Under 13’s Red 2012 / 2013 Season

Date Home Away Scorers MOM

08/09/12 Rossendale Tigers 1 Pennine Red 3 Vitti (3) Vitti 15/09/12 Pennine Reds 6 Pennine White 0 Johnson, Vitti(2) Humpheries,

Newstead(2) Johnson

22/09/12 Unsworth 0 Pennine Red 12 Cunningham, James, McBurnie, Huszar, Newstead, Vitti(3), George (2), Johnson

George

13/10/12 Pennine Red 4 Radcliffe Juniors 3 Vitti, McBurnie Humphreys, Cunningham

McBurnie

20/10/12 Pennine Red 0 Hooley Bridge 2 Cunningham 27/10/12 M CUP

Pennine Red 0 Rossendale Wasps 11 Blinkhorn

24/11/12 Pennine White 2 Pennine Red 5 Vitti, Cunningham, Newstead Kershaw, Huszar,

Huszar

12/01/13 Radcliffe jnrs 2 Pennine Red 3 Newstead, Kershaw (2) Kershaw 02/02/13 S CUP

Pennine Red 6 Pennine White 2 Vitti(3), Newstead, James (2) George

09/02/13 Prestwich Town 5 Pennine Red 8 Vitti(2), George, Kershaw(2), Newstead, James, Cunningham

Johnson

16/02/13 Failsworth Villa 5 Pennine Red 6 Huszar 2, Kershaw 3, Vitti Vitti 02/03/13 S CUP

Bridge 1

Pennine Red 2 Newstead, James Straszewski

16/03/13 S CUP

Failsworth Villa 2 Pennine Red 5 Cunningham, Newstead (3), Vitti Straszewski

06/04/13 Pennine Red 1 Failsworth Villa 4 Kershaw McNicholas 11/04/13 Hooley Bridge 1 Pennine Red 1 Vitti 13/04/13 Pennine Red 3 Bridge Hawks 1 Newstead , James, Vitti George 15/04/13 Pennine Red 6 Prestwich Town 0 Johnson, Vitti, Crawford, Huszar Crawford 20/04/13 Pennine Red

0 Pennine Black 7 Huszar

23/04/13 Pennine Red 8 Unsworth 1 Johnson 2, Mcburnie, og, George, Vitti 2 Huszar

Johnson

27/04/13 Bridge Hawks 1 Pennine Reds 3 Vitti (pen)vHuszar, James Vitti 04/05/13 Pennine Red 3 Rossendale Tigers 0 Crawford(2), Kershaw Nicholls Goal scorers

Man Of The Match Awards

Vitti 19+4 cup Vitti 3 Johnson 5 Johnson 3 Humphreys 2 George 3 Newstead 8+5 cup McBurnie 1 James 4+3 cup Cunningham 1 McBurnie 3 Blinkhorn 1 Huszar 7 Huszar 2 Cunningham 4 + 1 cup Kershaw 1 George 4 Straszewski 2 Kershaw 10 McNicholas 1 Crawford 5 Crawford 1 Nicholls (parents player of the year) 1

Page | 4

Latest Match report: 04.05.13 Pennine Red v Rossendale Tigers Final game of the season, at home v Rossendale Tigers

We went into this game not knowing if we were still in for a chance of the title as the league had taken down the score from the Radcliffe v Failsworth Villa result from the league website, which would of seen us being champions if we won, i think just to try and unsettle us!

We started ok but this was the team we played first game of the season who ha a goal keeper over 6ft tall!! Well he hadn't shrunk and if anything he had grown taller!! Rossendale thought it was a good idea to play a very high back line, no realizing that Jacob Vitti was so quick! But with a few mistimed runs and there manager being very keen with his flag (understatement!!) we struggled to get any proper flow to our game, until the arrival of Romano Crawford! He started on the left wing and with his first touch he pushed the ball past his man, ran at goal and smashed it with his left boot straight into the top right corner (goal contender of the season!!) it was an absolute screamer 1-0. This calmed us down but we still struggled to make any break through and Rossendale had a few chances mainly from corners but never really threatened us. Half time 1-0

Second half we were playing into the wind and there goal keeper certainly liked the wind behind him as he could kick it almost the full length of the pitch, which certainly put Rossendale in the game, and if it wasn't for a superb one handed full stretch save from Luke Straszweski in goal they could of equalized. We kept working and there back line got tired and gaps started to appear and after a long through ball over the top from captain Tom George, Harry Kershaw and Matt Newstead seem to take an age over who was having the ball, but eventually Harry decided he was having it, and somehow managed to lob the 6ft plus keeper who was advancing out 2-0

The game seemed to be all over even though there was still 15mins to go, we had quite a few chances as the gaps appeared, but it wasn't until about 5mins left when Romano chased into the Rossendale area and smashed a ball goal bound, the keeper got right behind it but it squirmed away and bounced into the goal 3-0

Full time 3-0

Man of the Match - this was presented on Wednesday at training as the Parents voted for their player of the year Dan Nicholls and he gets to keep the weekly man of the match trophy, he fully deserved the award after having a superb season at the heart of the defence. Well done Dan

My thoughts - What a superb season (even if we don't get the title!) with a big thanks to the players for believing what Craig and i are trying to do. Special mention - Julie George without whom we wouldn't be anywhere near as organized!!!! Craig Kershaw always good to have a good cop, bad cop, and Craig does the bad cop well! but still manages to put a positive spin and plenty of encouragement with it

Parents - they never get a thanks but thanks to all who have supported the boys, Craig and myself all season no matter what the weather!! Roll on next season

Page | 5

Previous match reports: 27.04.13 Pennine Hawks v Pennine Reds Away this week v Bridge Hawks

Only 2 games left of the season and they all really count now!! a win or draw would mean promotion, but a win was needed to keep the pressure on Failsworth who are also at the top!!

We started ok but soon looked like we were still in bed with not getting our passing going at all, and missing challenges across the park! we did however have a few chances in front of goal but couldn't get a clean shot away, the best was after some good work by Jacob Vitti who passed across to Harry Kershaw, who in turned laid it off to Sam Huszar who could only find there keeper Bridge started to pin us back in our half and chances started to follow, and if it wasn't for our stand in keeper Tom George making some superb saves bridge could of been well away, but our luck couldn't hold out as Bridge crossed a ball across the face of goal and hit Sam Macnicholas and sent Tom the wrong way 1-0

We tried to battle back but we couldn't get out of our own half but held on until half time

Half time 1-0

Second half we looked like we had woke up especially now the wind was behind us, and after a good throw in by Jake Cunningham, which caused a bit of confusion which led to a bridge player throwing his body and arm at the ball and the ref pointed to the spot for a penalty!! Think there was no mistake who was going to take it as Jacob went looking for the ball, then looked at me and confirmed he was taking it!!! The ref had to pace the 12yds as there wasn't a spot marked out, but it didn't matter as Jacob smashed the into the top corner! Nobody was stopping that one!!! We were on top now and needed the pressure to pay, Jacob was in the middle of everything and after some determined work down the right he passed a couple of players got to the by line and squared it across the goal to a thankful Sam Huszar to stroke the ball home 1-2

10 mins to go and this game could swing either way with Bridge doing most of the pushing, but we were resolute in defending and chances were still coming our way. with just a couple of mins to go Taylor James pressurized there defender into making a mistake and robbed him of the ball, but the defender made a good recovery and challenged Taylor again, but he managed to hold him off and saw the keeper out of position and calmly slotted the ball into the empty net 1-3

Full time 1-3

Man of the match - Jacob Vitti who was at the heart of everything good moving forward today. A superb penalty and assist won us the match

Special mentions - Tom George - stand in keeper for Luke who was away for his birthday (a nice birthday present from the boys!!) was superb today some fantastic saves

Jake Cunningham - determination was key today never pulled out of a challenge and was always first to the ball My thoughts - 3 points fought for and won today absolutely superb performance and a deserved 3pts and promotion!!!!

!!!!!!!! Pennine Reds Promoted !!!!!!!!!

Page | 6

23.04.13 Pennine Reds v Unsworth

Another game ! Another evening match this time home v Unsworth This was probably the best game we could of had after the loss in the cup to the lucky black team!!!! as we won quite handsomely last time out against Unsworth

We started with a slightly different formation 4-5-1 as i wanted to see if we could be more controlled and use the ball better, it sort of worked with Jacob Vitti holding the ball well and needing at least defenders on him most of the time! but chances were falling to Unsworth as well, so we needed a goal, we had a few chances but there keeper was always quick off the mark, but he tried this one too many times as Charlie Johnson who is no slouch himself picked up the ball and pushed it past the advancing keeper and tucked it past the 2 defenders coving to give us a lead 1-0

This gave us the confidence we needed and settled us down, although they had some big strong players who could shoot from 20-30yds but fortunately most of these were scuffed or wide with the occasional block!! With our confidence high the ball was played out wide to Elliot McBurnie on the left wing who attacked the full back eventually coming inside and shot across into the far corner 2-0 a superb individual goal We needed a bit of help for our 3rd as the ball pinged around there penalty area one of there defenders smashed it into the bottom corner leaving the keeper no chance 3-0

We should of had a 4th after great work from Charlie set Harry keshaw up to round the keeper and roll the ball home, only for the Ref to give offside ( not sure he knew the rules of football to be honest! ) Half time - 3-0

We were comfortable now, pressing quite high looking for more goals, the next came from an unlikely source Tom George (although he did score twice against Unsworth in the first game ) from just inside the Unsworth half he smashed it with the keeper quite a bit off his line he scrambled back but couldn't get enough on it to stop the POWER!!! 4-0

Unsworth did manage a superb goal of their own as we gave there player in midfield an chance to shoot from 30yds and he smashed it off the underside of the bar 4-1

Jacob was the next on the score sheet after good work down the right by Harry kershaw who crossed the ball in which popped up nicely for Jacob to nod in 5-1

I missed our 6th goal but i believe after a ball bounced into the area Sam Huszar finished it off ( sorry Sam ) 6-1

We still had plenty of time to get a few more as Charlie thought he fancied a second and decided to do it all alone after a superb run down the left wing he struck a low hard shot into the back of the goal 7-1

Jacob not to be outdone scored the final goal as a ball was played over the top Jacob calmly flicked it over the advancing keeper ( keeper didn't learn ! ) he ran at goal with 2 defenders tracking back he checked back looked up and ignored the 2 players screaming for the ball and smashed it home !! 8-1

Full time 8-1 Man of the match - Charlie Johnson superb again in midfield battling and winning the ball then using it well, Charlie played with a bit more freedom and got forward a lot more, scoring 2 great goals

Page | 7

My thoughts - Ref was shocking today but the result was all that mattered we could of matched the 12 we scored earlier in the season, but a good result especially after losing Saturday, Well done all

20.04.13 Pennines Reds v Pennine Blacks Home in the Sub cup semi-final this week v Pennine Blacks!! After a couple of easy-ish games we now face our Black team which we all knew was going to be far from easy! But we have taken a lot of confidence and belief in our own game that we went into the game showing no fear. We started very strong pushing the Black's back right from the start with Harry Kershaw and Jacob Vitti up front giving the back line a tough time, with both of them not quite making the most of the chances created (couldn't tell who was in the B division and who was in the Prem at this point!), what was required was a bit of luck! But it wasn't good luck we got! After a harmless ball was pushed across the box, the ref blew for a handball which was very harsh as nobody else except the ref thought it was, no Black team player appealed for the decision! And they went on to roll the ball into the corner 0-1

We didn't give up and carried on where we started although it gave the Black team the boost they needed and got them right back into the game, chances were being created at both ends but never really testing the keepers too much, until a bounce just in front of Luke Straszewski he could only manage to stop it going in and it bounced out to their player who put it into the goal 0-2

Half time 0-2 - We felt we were still in the game and I’m sure Jason and Rick were still concerned they weren't clear and out of sight, if we could stop them from scoring in the first 10 mins of the second half we might get them a little rattled!! We couldn't keep them out, as a hopeful ball was crossed in we failed to react thinking that anyone of the 3 players stood around the ball might clear it but didn't and they popped up and stabbed the ball home 0-3

We huffed and puffed for the next 10-15 mins but the game was over and as we backed off and the Black team smelled blood! With some lack of concentration and little desire and a bit of luck for the Black's they scored another 4 goals which made the score line look a lot worse than the game was

Full time - 0-7

Man of the match - Sam Huszar - superb in midfield today especially the first half, don't think a pass went anywhere except where it was meant to, he was calm on the ball always looking for a pass to keep us moving forward

My thoughts - I thought the Blacks deserved the win overall but I certainly think we gave them a fright and I would of been curious to see what the score line would of been if we had been given the chance to go ahead!!! We tired too much in the sunshine ( no our best playing weather!! ) and in the end they were just a bit too strong, but we shouldn't be too disheartened as we gave them something to think about even if it was for only the first half

Page | 8

15.04.13 Pennine Red v Prestwich town

Midweek game (well Monday night!!) v Prestwich Town

Our confidence and belief are certainly growing as we played our 4th game in 10 days against a Prestwich team with only 12 players and the Manager was unable to make the game ( but what use are managers ??) The first 10 mins there was very little between the two teams, with both having half chances and the better ones probably fell to Prestwich but neither team took any control, this game needed a spark! After a Pennine corner the ball bounced out to Charlie Johnson who hit the ball from 30yds straight in to the top corner leaving the keeper rooted to the spot!! A goal of the season contender!! 1-0

That certainly sparked us into life with Jacob Vitti going close after getting on a ball over the top but the one on one with the keeper went just wide, but it wasn't long before our second came as this time Jacob beat the defender and made sure 2-0

Romano Crawford had been desperate to score his first Pennine goal and tonight was the right time to break his duck, after great work passing the full back he smashed the ball past the keeper in to the goal and the smile ( or relief ) on his face!! Could be seen in Heywood!!! Just to show it was no fluke he followed up superb strike from the edge of the area into the keepers bottom left hand corner 4-0

Half Time 4-0

Second half Prestwich offered very little and we totally controlled the game all bar a few half chances and the odd cross, but we struggled to break them down as they sat deeper and we had more bodies to try and get through, but after a good through ball from Jacob to Harry Kershaw the Prestwich defender bundled Harry over just outside the penalty area for a free kick, everyone wanted a shot but i decided to let Romano have a try for his hat-trick, I expected him to smash it but he calmly side footed it into the corner, it did take a deflection, but there was no taking his first goals and his first hat-trick away!!! 5-0

We rounded a comfortable win off with Jacob putting an excellent cross in across the face of the goal with players lining up for the tap in, but it was Sam Huszar who got there first 6-0 Full time 6-0

Man of the match - Romano Crawford - superb first goals and hat-trick for the club

Special mention - Charlie Johnson - ran the midfield today and an absolute blinder of a goal My thoughts - Great first half did everything right, thought in the second half lost our shape as everyone wanted a goal but the work was done by then but an overall good performance

13.04.13 Pennine Red v Bridge Hawks Home this week v Bridge Hawks

Games are coming thick and fast now the weather has finally calmed down ( we are even getting home games on!! ) as we hosted our closest rivals Bridge, we have played the already this season in a Sub Cup game which was a tight affair with us coming out winning 1-2 so another tough game???

We started well very confident and soon we started applying a bit of pressure and saw there keeper (a stand in as there first choice keeper wasn't available) pull off a couple of good saves, the first one was from a good shot from Romano Crawford which the keeper somehow managed to keep out one handed, we need a goal though! As we couldn't afford another game like the Hooley Bridge game! but it wasn't long in coming as a bit of a goal mouth scramble, the ball was

Page | 9

cleared to Tom George who crossed the ball back in to the back post where Matt Newstead was and he prodded the ball home ( as he has done quite a few times this season ) 1-0 We were in control of the game and kept pushing forward using the wingers really well and that's where the second goal came from, Taylor James with some good work down the right got to the by line and crossed the ball too close to the keeper but the keeper spilled the ball into his own goal 2-0 The game was still tight but we were in control but a very bad call from the ref let the Bridge forward run straight at goal even though he was at least a couple of yards offside everyone stopped as it was so clear except the bridge player and he slotted the ball home without any pressure 2-1

Half time 2-1

Second half was all ours, we made sure nothing was coming back and there keeper was kept busy ( our keeper had very little to do ! ) but it wasn't until midway through the second half we got our third, which was the pick of the bunch, a well worked goal coming through the midfield out wide to Matt who turned his player inside out then put it on a plate for Jacob Vitti to roll into the corner of the goal 3-1, there were a few more attempts at goal by Matt and Jacob but the job was done! Full time 3-1

Man of the match - Tom George a great display yet again from left back won anything that came his way combined with a good support to the attacking line

My thoughts - a fantastic all round display to come back after a disappointing games last Saturday & Thursday to win what should of been a very tough game, it just goes to show we have the talent and desire to win games !

11.04.13 Hooley Bridge v Pennine Red Away for our first midweek game v Hooley Bridge

In the home game v Hooley we dominated the game but came away with nothing as there keeper and defence managed to keep us out, I hoped history didn't repeat itself!!! We started on the front foot and never really came off it especially down the left with Romano Crawford having probably his best game since joining us beating players with ease and whipping telling balls into the penalty area. We created plenty of chances but we were up against a keeper in form and a defence that never stopped, but we also looked a little short of confidence Chances came to most of the front line but we couldn't manage to get the ball in the net, which wasn't helped by the ref, who wanted to stop the game for every little infringement (especially for the home team!!), the nearest we came to a goal in the first half was Tom George getting forward on to a superb corner from Taylor James and heading it on to the bar Hooley offered very little in attack and Luke only had to pick the occasional ball up that had run through, even when the ref awarded a very soft free kick on the edge of the area to Hooley for a push the ball only ran harmless through to Luke to gather Half Time Second half was just the same, dominated play but struggled to get the ball in the net even the deflections were going just wide of the post, until 10 mins to go a ball came back across the edge of the area straight to Jacob Vitti who had time (for a change!!) and run at the keeper and slotted the ball past the keeper 0-1

Page | 10

Surely the floodgates would open??? no instead we didn't clear a rare Hooley attack ( Luke had nothing to do in the second half ! ) far enough up field and the ref awarded a free kick 30yds out for a high foot, a there player struck it perfectly into the top corner with nothing the keeper could do about it 1-1 We huffed and puffed but went back to being so close but not being too able to score!! Full time 1-1 No Man of the match

My thoughts - I couldn't believe we didn't come away with a comfortable win, some credit has to go to their keeper and defence for never giving up, but we lacked any killer instinct and need to calm down in front of goal and believe we can win if we want to push for promotion

06.04.13 Pennine v Failsworth Villa Home this week (finally!!) v Failsworth Villa ( again!! ) in a league game

It has been a while since we last played at home (16th Feb) and it took a while for us to remember that we were the home team, but we were used to the opposition as this was the 3rd meeting in our last four games! We had come out on top in both the other games but they had been close especially the first which we came back to win 5-6

Failsworth started bright as we expected and Luke Strszewski Pulled off a superb one handed save to keep the score level, we were lucky Luke made the game at all as he had been ill all morning but had decided to battle on. we kept the game very tight and didn't give Failsworth many options upfront and eventually wore them down enough to start dominating the play ourselves as the half wore on, we made a couple of changes and one paid off as we caused all matters of trouble for them and from an attack like this the ball ended up at the back post for Harry Kershaw to bundle over the line to break the deadlock 1-0

We were certainly on top now with Charlie Johnson dominating the midfield and Harry Kershaw and Jacob Vitti causing problems upfront but we couldn't quite get the 2nd goal we deserved Half Time 1-0 We came out confident that Failsworth would tire as they had in the previous games, so if we could just hold them off we could come back towards the end of the half, but they got goal from a ball over the top which we didn't deal with and let them back in, they now had the belief to go on and we had no answer, they managed to score another 3 as we stuttered, although we did have our chances but our shooting boots had been left at home today Full time 1-4 Man of the match - Sam Mac - great support role today and has been excellent all season

Special mention - Luke Strszewski - Had a tough game today, unwell before kick-off, banged his head after an excellent save and then clattered by their big no.14 when trying to stop him scoring but stayed on the field and continued fighting for the team! In all that he also pulled off some great brave saves My thoughts - could of and should of won this game today, we held them off in the first 10mins as I expected we would and then got the goal that put them on the back foot, i think if we would of grabbed a second we would of gone on to win the game, but we didn't quite compete enough in the second half and they deserved there revenge in the end

16.03.13 Failsworth Villa v Pennine Red

Page | 11

Away v Failsworth Villa in Subsidiary Cup Quarter final!!!!! After our last visit to Failsworth which we won in the final minutes a tight game was expected, although we only had a bare 11 last time we had almost a full squad to choose from, only Josh Burke was missing after falling ill overnight. We struggled to get our game going and Failsworth could (and should of) been 3-0 up after 5mins but for some superb keeping by Luke Straszewski and poor finishing from Failsworth's no.11 but we shuffled things around to stop him and that seemed to work a little but Failsworth kept applying the pressure, we couldn't hold on after some poor marking there player found space and pulled a ball back to an unmarked player on the edge of the area who fired them into a lead 1-0

We kept working hard but seemed to be second to the ball, but as the half went on Failsworth started to tire and we started winning more secondary ball and applied pressure ourselves, I did wonder if this was going to be one of them games we couldn't get into and it didn't help when Elliot McBurnie got a ball smashed into his face and had to come off, followed shortly by Harry Kershaw got hacked down and twisted his knee as he landed (good job full squad!!) As the half wore on we got back level via Jake Cunningham, a ball from a Taylor James corner which wasn't cleared properly the ball fell kindly to Jake who kept calm and slotted the ball through all the defenders into the Failsworth net 1-1

Half time 1-1

We felt confident going back out after half time but Failsworth scored an early goal, as a low cross came over and I think it was a slight deflection off a Pennine player, who edged it over the line although Luke did his best to keep out, the ref didn't give it but the linesman did (Craig our coach!!! who is far too honest!!!) and the ref awarded the goal 2-1 ( Luke admitted it did cross the line just!!! ) This seemed to spur us on and Failsworth started to tire again, we now had the upper hand in the game and the momentum was swinging our way, and it wasn't long before we levelled via a superb ball out wide to Matt Newstead who controlled well and ran past the defence and smashed it past the advancing keeper to level the score 2-2

It wasn't long before Matt notched his second of the game as he was found in acres of space inside the penalty area, hit his shot first time and it flew over the goal keeper in and put us in front for the first time 2-3

Failsworth seemed to fold and although they still had a few chances Luke and the rest of the defence held them off, whilst at the other end the midfielders and forwards charged at them running riot, Jacob Vitti had been working hard for others today but still managed to get on the score sheet with a strong and powerful run right through the heart of the Failsworth defence and pushed the ball past the out stretched hand of the keeper into the bottom corner 2-4 There was still plenty of time left with a ball through the middle Tom George couldn't hold off there player and called on Luke to pull off another great save which saw him bang his head and was a bit dazed !! But he carried on with the determination nothing else was going in today!! We finished the game on a high with Matt Newstead scoring a superb 3rd running right through the middle of the defence, then rounding the keeper and rolling the ball home for his hat-trick 2-5

Full time 2-5

Man of the match - Luke Straszewski - Absolutely superb in goal today but not only were his saves great, but his distribution was great as well Special mentions - Matt Newstead - On a different day would have got man of the match, a superb hat-trick

Page | 12

Back line - very tight today worked great as a unit and as individuals My thoughts - held a good team at bay today, then got them tired and then pushed and scored some great goals, roll on semi-finals!!!!

02.03.13 Bridge v Pennine Red in sub cup This is the first time I have ever had a team face our local rivals but quite a few of the lads knew each other from primary and secondary schools, so bragging rights to fight for!! The game kicked off 15 mins late as we let the pitch defrost in the bright spring sunshine, but we struggled to get going on a bobbly pitch, both teams were quite evenly match with the defence being strong for both teams until Matt Newstead pinched the ball off a defender ran at goal holding 2 defenders off and smashed the ball into the nearside corner 0-1 Bridge came back at us but we held them off until midway through the first half as we stood off their no.10 and he hit one from 25yds which bobbled and managed to squirm under Luke Straszewski in goal 1-1 We changed things around but still only matched Bridge in most areas of the game, but i felt we had a little more quality going forward, with a bit of pressure we had a couple of corners and from one of these we managed to get the break through, from a Taylor James corner which came back out to him, he crossed it back in and it got a defection and went in 1-2 ( the goals panel has it down as a goal for Taylor as it was just about to start curling into the top corner and didn't need the deflection !!!!!! ) Half time 1-2 Second half was as tight as the first but bridge had probably the best chances, one was a mistake in midfield and the ball broke loose with only Luke the keeper to beat, but he stood up big and strong and made a great save with his foot and the defence got back and cleared up after him, we had a couple of chances the best was to Jacob Vitti's who's attempt left the keeper stranded but it hit the post and fell kindly to their keeper Full time 1-2 Man of the match - Luke Straszewski - His one on one save was superb but his all round game was very good Special mentions - Romano Crawford - Making his Pennine debut after signing on transfer on transfer deadline day with a good solid performance Dan Nicholls / Sam Mac - Good to see the defence duo back today both were superb Matt Newstead - worked hard today and deserved his 9th goal of the season My thoughts - Didn't play to our best today but got the result against a decent team, but we didn't work hard enough and some of our tackling was poor but we hold no fear from anyone in our league now so next time we WILL play much better!!!!

16.02.13Failsworth Villa v Pennine People were billing this as the biggest game of the season, as Failsworth are second in the league with us above them but they have a game in hand.

Page | 13

It was made difficult as we were down to the bare bones with Luke ill overnight, Sam Mac and Matt Newstead away with the school in Paris (either trying to find love in the city of love or chasing Mickey mouse round euro Disney?? ) Tom George stood in for Luke which meant Sam Blinkhorn (samba) dropping to centre half and Josh Burke playing only his second game of the season at left back

The game was an open affair right from the start as both teams pressed forwards, it was Pennine that had the first clear chance as Jacob Vitti skinned 2 Failsworth players and crossed a ball over to Harry Kershaw at the back post, who couldn't quite get over the top of it and saw it go wide for a goal kick. It was us that went ahead though with good work from Jacob down the right who crossed the ball to Sam Huszar, who smashed the ball home from 8yds 0-1

Failsworth were always a threat with their big lads, but luck was favouring them as the ball bounced kindly to them and they managed 3 quick goals back although we could have and should have cleared better!! 3-1

We steadied the ship a bit but chances were coming for both teams and Tom standing in goal had quite a lot to do as Failsworth dominated in parts, but we stood strong and with a quick counter attack and good work again by Jacob who found Harry who had a bit of space turned and shot at goal only for it to be blocked on the line but Sam Huszar followed up and nodded the ball home between defender and post, just!!! 3-2

Half time 3-2

We came out feeling very positive in the second half but soon had a set back and the ball hit Samba on the arm and the referee awarded Failsworth a penalty, which they smashed into the roof of the net 4-2. Now it was the time for the Harry Kershaw show, after a ball pushed through the middle found both Jacob and Harry, but it fell kinder to Harry who pushed it forward and then prodded the ball past the advancing keeper 4-3

Harry and Jacob were both working very hard running on and off the ball, with such movement between them another goal was a cert, Jacob in more of a supplying mood pushed one for Harry to chase and he beat the last man and smashed it over the keeper in off the underside of the bar 4-4

Failsworth heads were down now and with a few of their players losing their tempers, as with one lad who took a bit of a dislike to Harry and run right through the back of him, in the aftermath the ref had to take the lad aside and give him a yellow card for any of the 3 things he did after 1 - kicking Harry's boot at Harry, 2 - kicking the ball away ( which he did again 10 mins later) or 3- by telling us that we could beat them by one goal ( i think that's what the one finger meant ?? ) it was for no.3 !! With having them rattled a little Sam H received a ball wide on the left, turned his man inside and was then hacked down and the ref awarded us a penalty Jacob stepped and calmly slotted the ball home in the bottom left hand corner with the keeper rooted to the spot!! 4-5

We should of seen the game out at this point but Failsworth are not where they are due to rolling over and playing dead, they threw everything at us and both teams were starting to tire, they managed to find a bit of space down the middle and level the score 5-5

With only a few mins left I would of settled for a point but this team are starting to show a lot of spirit and never say die attitude as the ball broke from defence to Charlie's feet he played a first time ball right through the heart of their defence to Harry who kept his cool turned back across the defender to roll home the winner!!!!!! 5-6

Page | 14

2 minutes left to play I thought they might of really had a go but I think everyone was too tired after a hard fought game ( I know I was !! ) Full time 5-6

Man of the match - Jacob - superb today ran his heart out and deserved the goal Special mentions - Harry - ran there defenders ragged all morning and never let up

Charlie - again brilliant midfield play controlled the game and a wonderful pass for the winner Elliot - work off the ball was superb, chased the ball down and broke up play My thoughts - Tough game with only 11 players and a makeshift back 5, but all the team can be proud of themselves today

09.02.13 Prestwich Town v Pennine Red Back to league action this week, with our first trip to Prestwich Town

The pitch was very heavy and resembled a farmer’s field a little! And with only 11 players a tough day was ahead. We could have gone 1 up after 30 seconds into the game as Harry Kershaw pounced on a loose ball ran straight at goal and lobbed the ball over the advancing keeper, but the slope denied him a goal as the ball bounced of the post an back to the keeper, as we all celebrated on the touch line!!! They then went straight down the other end and pushed the ball wide; this game was going to have a few goals in me thinks!! It wasn't long before we got on the score sheet via Jacob Vitti chasing a through ball and this time making sure the ball went over and in past the advancing keeper 0-1

Next on the score sheet was Tom George after a great corner in from Taylor James the ball fell kindly to Tom who made sure with a low hard shot 0-2, we looked in control of the game now despite the pitch conditions we played some fantastic passing football and looked like it might be a goal fest and it would of been if it wasn't for their keeper! Harry eventually got the goal he deserved after it was him that seemed to suffer the most from great goalkeeping display with a superb individual goal rounding the keeper so he couldn't save it!!! 0-3. We had limited Prestwich to a few over the top balls which hadn't bothered us too much, but they managed a run down the wing and a cross that there attacker met well and headed it pass Luke in goal 1-3, we immediately hit back with Harry scoring his second 1-4

Half time 1-4

All we needed to do in the second half keep calm as i didn't think they would score 4 past us, and with only 11 players ( in now a mud bath in the centre ) we could control the game, but that would of been too easy as Prestwich came right back at us and scored 2 quick goals 3-4

The tackling now got a bit feisty in the middle with Charlie Johnson suffering the most as his was too quick and too skilful for them to handle and to be fair to the ref (also their manager) he did try to calm them down, but this just got us fired up although we were starting to tire a little and needed a goal which Jacob obliged with a terrific run and a powerful strike to make sure that the keeper didn't stop it this time!! 3-5 There were still goals in this game as both teams started to tire and gaps started opening up, Jacob broke free and ran at goal this time managing to beat the keeper but not the bar, but Matt Newstead was on hand to nod the ball home 3-6 this didn't stop Prestwich from attacking though and scored again 4-6

We shuffled the pack around trying to keep the players going (somewhere dead on their feet) and with moving Taylor James up front seem to work as he received the ball on the edge of the

Page | 15

area pushed pass there defender to make a bit of space for himself and smashed it past the keeper 4-7

Prestwich got there final goal via Jake Cunningham's miskick over Luke and into the goal, but he more than made up for it with the ref just about to blow his whistle for the end of the game, Jake came in at the back post and drilled a fantastic header to finish the game 5-8 Man of the match - Charlie Johnson - superb in midfield today, work rate was fantastic but his skill and vision was magnificent shame he didn't score otherwise it would of been a perfect game

Special mentions - too many today My thoughts - tough conditions and really needed some fresh legs today, but every player worked really hard and played some fantastic football it was a great team performance, we deserved to win this match by many, many more if it wasn't for that pesky goalkeeper!!!!!

02.02.13 Pennine red v Pennine white Home this week in the sub cup against our white team The white team would be confident coming into this game after winning their first game last time out, which happened to be Hooley Bridge which are the only team this season to have beaten us in the league!! So a tough game was expected We played on the plateau pitch (not our fav as we often struggle on it) as ours was still frozen, and it was the white team with the first couple of chances as Josh Bowers hitting the post then the same player beat the offside trap (we don't play for offside !! ) for a one on one with Luke Straszewski but the keeper pulled off a fantastic one handed save and the defence cleared the ball! We did strike first however as we started to get our football working, Taylor James played a ball through to Charlie Johnson who hit a first time pass into the feet of Jacob Vitti who smashed the ball home from 10yds. 1-0 The white team stayed in the game as Brandon managed to read a through ball better than anyone else, rounded the keeper and slotted the ball home 1-1 We now started to get our game going and piled the pressure on, after a flurry of passes in and around the area a ball came out to Taylor who hit the ball from 30yds over the keeper into the net! 2-1, the next goal was a bit fortunate, after more pressure we got a corner which Taylor swung in right at the front post, which Brandon from the white team just squeezed into the top of the goal, but after discussing with the goals panel it has been awarded to Taylor as it could of been going in and he was the last Red team player to touch it! 3-1 After this I felt we were in control and started passing the ball with purpose, players where passing and moving like in training and such move ended with Jacob beating his man and passing it through to Matt Newstead to fire home from close range 4-1 the White team still created and managed to pull one back after a bit of a scramble on the edge of the area, the ball bounce free and Josh Bower was the first to react ( although I thought he was offside!!) and squeeze it past Luke in goal 4-2 Half time 4-2 The second half didn't have as much gusto as the first half as we had the wind behind us, we made it very difficult for the white team to get out of their own half, but they pushed forward without many efforts We had to swap goalkeepers mid-way through the second half as Luke had hurt his hand in the first half, tried to continue but his hand was too painful and Tom George stepped up and took the gloves eventually!! as he struggled to get them on !!

Page | 16

Jacob claimed his second goal of the game as he broke free on the left hand side and just over ran himself and had to check back, but he gave himself a narrow angle to shoot but the pace was strong into the bottom corner 5-2 there was one final goal to come, after a determined Harry Kershaw fought and won the ball he skipped past a player in the area only to be brought down, but the ref didn't give anything as Harry was already back on his feet and going after the ball, and a second challenge came in and brought him down again, this time the ref pointed to the spot! (I thought the first was a penalty and the second not so sure?? maybe the ref allowed play on from the first??) Harry sporting gave the ball to Jacob to try for his hatrick and Jacob didn't waste the opportunity by smashing the ball into the top corner 6-2 Full time 6-2 Man of the match - Tom George - played most of the game at centre half today and was immense winning everything that came near him Special mentions - Jacob for his hatrick and he keeps listening and wanting to learn Elliot - a great battling performance again especially the last 10 mins when everyone else was tiring Harry - his unselfishness bringing other players into the game My thoughts - the white team have come a long way since we first played them this season but, so have we!! a good solid performance and a lot of partnerships forming, and positions being sorted out, hopefully over the next few games we can have a real team coming together, really well done to all a deserved win . BRAGGING RIGHT TO THE RED TEAM!!!!!!!

12.01.13 Radcliffe jnrs v Pennine Red

Yes we are back, after a 7 week winter break (although more to come if weather reports are correct !! ) with an away game v Radcliffe Juniors, which was a feisty affair last time!

The ref didn't turn up (must of been too cold for the poor lad !! ) but thankfully we have a Craig a qualified ref in our ranks to step in

The weather was good if not a bit chilly and we struggled to get the ball under control, with the pitch being very wide, i asked the lads play the ball out to the wingers, but that fell on deaf ears as we tried to play down the middle all the time with no luck and could / should of been 1-0 down after 30 seconds as a miss hit shot rolled right through the middle of the defence to their forward but Luke came rushing out to close the angle down and there lad pushed it just wide.

We never got control of the ball, and they used there extra height and strength as an advantage and broke down the play, there were a few chances for either team but Luke again came to the rescue with a superb one on one save, and Matt Newstead at the other end somehow managing to pull his effort wide which we all thought was flying into the top corner!

They managed to get the ball in the net after a thunder shot from 30yds hit the post and they follow it in, but were judged to be off side

Half time 0-0

Page | 17

Second half with the wind behind us we thought we could now take a grip off the game, but it was Radcliffe that reacted quickest after some poor defending we let them take the lead 1-0

We shuffled things around again and put Matt Newstead ( nursing a shoulder injury ) back on but upfront this time, we finally got the ball wide with Jacob Vitti who beat 2 players with pace and skill and delivered a measured ball across the face of goal, for Matt to slam home 1-1 Taylor James almost scored a spectacular goal from 30-35yds out, after the keeper cleared it, it fell to Taylor who saw him off his line, so he tried his luck, but it hit the cross bar but found its way to Jacob following in who smashed the ball home, only for it to be called offside.

This was the point we started to put the pressure on and i'm sure if we could have got in front we could have stayed there, but a solo effort from a Radcliffe player saw him walk passed 3 players and smashed the ball home 2-1

We had our own moment of a ball rocketing towards their goal from 30yds but Tom Georges effort was kept out by the in form keeper for Radcliffe

15mins to go and everything to play for, gaps were appearing everywhere for both teams and the game was on a knife edge when Harry Kershaw managed to get a run at goal and smashed it at the goal, the keeper got 2 hands on it but the power was too much and the ball squeeze through and into the goal 2-2. minutes later harry broke free again as there defence started to tire and could of sealed the game but from a superb save from there keeper and pushed the ball just wide of the post ( the keeper had a fantastic game )

It started to become the Harry Kershaw show now, again the ball was played through for Harry to run onto this time he wasn't going let the keeper stop him from scoring as he turned 2 players inside and out, to give himself space right in front of goal and smashed home what was to be the winner 2-3, he also had a chance for his hatrick but again was denied by the keeper

Full time 2-3

Man of the match - Harry Kershaw - great 2 goals (could of been 2 or 3 more?? )

Great result in a tough game, at times we played superb football, but hopefully a little bit of rustiness left us playing very sloppy football and giving too many chances to the opposition

I think a few might need to soak a few limbs in a hard fought game today, but well done all

24.11.12 Pennine White v Pennine Red Yes we're back after 4 weeks of no games we managed to get a game on at Norden , but this

was an away game as we played the white team. With the winter setting in we started the game

Page | 18

on a white pitch as it was frosty overnight, but playable just not because of the frost more

to do with the fact it was quite soggy. The white team have come on leaps and bound since our meeting earlier in the year and managed to get there first point of the season last weekend, so we knew they would be ready to take us on!!! The game started quite cagey with neither team taking the upper hand until about 10mins in when Harry Kershaw played a fantastic through ball from out on the wing, right into Jacob Vitti's run, who managed to hold off the defenders and toe poke the ball passed the advancing keeper going into double figures for the season 0-1. From that point, we started to get hold of the game better but the white team did have a few chances falling mainly to Josh Bowers who was a constant pain all morning! But it didn't take long to score our second, only moments after coming on Jake Cunningham was the quickest to react after a goal mouth scramble and bang to ball through the crowd 0-2

At this point, it looked comfortable and when Matt Newstead was in the right place at the right time again he claimed his 5th goal of the season scoring at the back post we thought it might be a repeat of earlier in the season. Half time 0-3

Second half started with the white team coming out faster than us ( jaffa cakes hadn't kicked in ) and it wasn't long before they got a goal back through Josh Bowers who latched onto a through

ball and managed to push it placed Luke in goal 1-3. This gave the white team some confidence, we kept our nerve even after a cross come shot looped over Luke in goal and rebounded back across the goal mouth for Sam Mac to clear, we then went up to the other end and after turning the defender inside and out Harry kershaw scored his first for Pennine with a strike just inside near side post to give us breathing space 1-4

The white team kept plugging away and grabbed another via a great corner to which Josh Bowers headed in 2-4

We should of been out of site at this point but Dominic Boothman in goal for the white team made a string of one on one saves all against Sam Huszar who jumped to head a great cross but saw his header go just over the bar, we all started thinking this wasn't Sam's day until another good cross in, and this time he made no mistake with a bullet header passed the keeper

Full Time 2-5

Man of the match - Sam Huszar - great persistence in front of goal, if it wasn't for a very inform goalie would of scored plenty today

My thoughts - Although we did manage a win today we weren't at our best, some credit to the white team who kept us honest but in the second half we thought we had already won the game before kicking the ball, we still need to draw players out rather than just running one way all the time!

Pennine Reds v Rossendale Wasps Home this week in a cup match v Rossendale Wasps (Premier division) This fixture was supposed to be away next week but we're unable to make it next week so we

brought it forward and reversed it. We were expected to struggle in this game and only having 11 probably wouldn't help later in the game, but that didn't matter as we struggled having to play on the plateau which we have had little joy on and only won the odd game as it's too big, work had been done on our pitch and it needs to settle in.

Page | 19

It was as quite cool morning ( some say arctic but it was still shorts weather for me !! ) because of the strong wind which was blowing in our faces for the first half, if all this sounds like excuses you could be right!!!

We started slow and gave Rossendale chance to attack without us getting out of our own half, with the constant pressure ( which until the first goal I thought we coped quite well with ) it was only time before Rossendale scored, after this we fell apart !

Half time 0-6

Second half we had the wind behind us which gave us some respite ( not much ) and we created a couple of chances, Sam Huszar with the best from a scrambled corner which fell to his feet but somehow a Rossendale player got in way and the ball was cleared

Full time 0-11

Man of the match - Sam Blinkhorn - really positive game against a very good right winger Sam controlled him well and his shot from the half way line had everyone opened mouthed!!

My thoughts - Played against very strong opposition today and they deserved there win, but we lacked pride and commitment today and lost shape which left us open and a very good team took their opportunities!

Roll onto the next league game and show we are better than today!!

20.10.12 Pennine Reds v Hooley Bridge Celtic

2nd home game on the bounce with the pitch surprisingly ok!! We were missing a few players today Josh Burke (recovering from broken collar bone) Luke Straszewski (holiday) and Sam Huszar (suspension by his mum for misbehaving at school!!) so we started with 12. We started brighter than Hooley Bridge with a lot of possession but created very few chances which let Hooley bridge into the game, they had a speculative shot from 25 yds which flew over stand in keeper Tom George 0-1. The game continued in this fashion with us dominating play but unable to score or even get a proper shot on target, with Hooley bridge getting the odd chance which they managed to get a shot off from just inside the area after us not clearing the ball well enough and we soon found ourselves 0-2! Half time 0-2 We pressed a lot harder in the second half as Hooley Bridge sat deeper, we created chances but a combination of good defending by the opposition and bad luck as the ball wouldn't fall right We nearly went 3 behind but a fantastic save on to the bar from Tom in goal. Harry Kershaw, Matt Newstead, Jacob Vitti and Taylor James all had chances but it was one of those games where it just wouldn't go in. Full time 0-2

Page | 20

Man of the match - Jake Cunningham - Won m.o.m before half time was outstanding at right back never got beaten and pressed on really well to help the forwards Special mention - Charlie Johnson - outstanding in midfield played a controlled game holding position and making the right choices Jacob Vitti - Listened and took on board that sometimes you have to play different roles as a striker played really well in second half Joe Humphreys - The passion and drive Joe has is brilliant, always trying to get the team back in to the game (controlled this week!) My thoughts - First loss of the season and probably the best football we have played this season and I still can't believe we didn't score!!! Different day and a bit of lady luck it could of been another Unsworth score line, which i think might be the problem, we need to get into the opposition right from the start ( haven't done in the last 2 games ) and then pick them off and control the game. I do think we have the squad to do this, so a bit of work required before our next league game

13.10.12 Pennine Reds v Radcliffe Juniors Glad to be back after not playing for the last 2 weeks due to poor weather, with a home game v

Radcliffe Juniors. We started poorly with the sun ( yes big yellow thing) in our eyes not that it

mattered as we were asleep for the first 10 mins !!! which allowed Radcliffe to get a head as a

ball over the top of the defence was lobbed over the keeper 0-1.

It wasn't long before we got back in the game through a superb flick by Elliot Mcburnie straight

into the path of Jacob Vitti who lobbed the ball over the advancing keeper into an empty net 1-1.

I think it was fair to say Radcliffe played to their strengths which was height and strength and

when I say height they had 4 players near 6ft tall!! and they were very aggressive to say the least

and they started to muscle us off the ball and started winning all the midfield battles, which put

us on the back foot a bit

All there pressure paid off when from one of their corners the loose ball came to one of their

players who hit a screamer into the bottom corner from 30 yards out 1-2.

Again we battled back and earn ourselves a corner, Taylor James swung a great ball in which

Elliot McBurnie smashed into the roof of the net 2-2

Half time 2-2

Their manager got them fired up which meant being more aggressive or down right dirty!! which

the ref seemed to miss!! We kept our cool and tried to play football and it wasn't long before we

went into the lead for the first time, after a bit of a scramble Joe Humphreys managed to

squeeze the ball past the keeper with his knee and then watched the ball roll slowly over the line

3-2. Jake Cunningham scored his 2nd of the season soon after, we applied more pressure with a

superb finish low into the bottom corner 4-2.

I must admit I didn't see build up to last 2 goals as I was seeing to one of our players who had

come off after a Radcliffe player had been shall we say ' over aggressive ' which wasn't the first

or the last time they were ' over aggressive '!!

Page | 21

Radcliffe managed to pull another goal back which meant a tense last 5 mins but we hung

on for our 4th victory in a row

Full Time 4-3

Man of the match - Elliot McBurnie - Great work today, never gave in even though most players

towered over him he set up one goal and a fantastic finish to score one as well, even took a kick

in the forehead ( big bruise already ! ) but dusted himself off and carried on superb

commitment

My thoughts - We at times let ourselves get bullied by a big strong physical team today and

nearly dropped points, we have the speed and skill to play much better and should of cruised to

victory early on, but having said that we didn't play well today but took maximum points so well

done all

22.09.12 Unsworth v Pennine Reds

After a fantastic start to the season we came up against Unsworth, who we knew very little about but looking at the table they had won one and lost one

The lads were very confident going into the game with talk of if we go 3-0 up can Tom George (not a prolific goal scorer) play up front? The confidence was justified as we started the game really strong and it wasn't long before Taylor James scored with a fantastic strike into the top corner giving the keeper no chance. The goals came thick and fast after that with Elliot McBurnie, Sam Huszar, Matt Newstead and Jacob Vitti(2) all before half time. We restricted Unsworth to only one attempt on goal which Luke Straszewski got down well and kept hold of

Half time 0-6

I asked the team at half time not to get giddy and keep the shape and positions and let the goals come which they did and they got there rewards with Jake Cunningham starting the second half

with his first of the season and Jacob scoring his second hat trick in 3 games. As the lads had put us in this position we decided to see if Tom George could play upfront with a bit of a mix around we played him up alongside Joe Humphreys, and with much amazement Tom pinched the ball off Charlie Johnson's toe and rolled the ball into the corner of the net for only his 4th goal in 4 and a bit seasons!!! This was followed up a minute later with his 5th goal in 4 and a bit seasons!! Seems I should listen to the players a bit more!!! After 2 goals I put Tom back in defence as another would cost me too much (10p a goal!!!!!!) but the scoring continued without him as Matt Newstead scored his second which meant 4 in two games and a superb finish from Charlie Johnson who ran the midfield superbly finished the game.

Full Time 0-12 - Second clean sheet on the run as Unsworth never got a shot at goal in the second half

Man of the match - Could have been any of the team as they played brilliantly as a team but it went to Tom George for his 2 goals

Page | 22

Managers summary: Very impressed again today even though the opposition wasn't the strongest we went and worked for each other and got what we deserved. a special mention goes to Harry Kershaw, Jake Cunningham and Sam Huszar for taking one for the Team and playing in defence ( which none of them enjoy! ) as both our normal left backs Sam Blinkhorn (unwell) and Josh Burke (broken collar bone - ouch!!) were unavailable

15.09.12 Derby game Pennine Reds v Pennine White!!!!!!!!!

Not been looking forward to this game but was happy to get it done early in the season as Mike and Steve are the new white team Managers and they have a lot of new players and need them to gel

We started well and took an early lead through a long range effort from Charlie Johnson who squeezed it between the keepers hand and post 1-0

Jacob Vitti grabbed the next to continue his goal scoring run after his hat-trick last week which was followed up with a goal from Joe Humphries which he battled with Jacob for, but got his head just in front to claim his first of the season

Half time 3-0

The white team came out strong for the start of the second half, but after a goalmouth scramble Jacob smashed in his second and killed the game off, we kept pushing which gave Matt Newstead his first goal of the season, sneaking in at the back post to slot the ball passed the keeper. Not being happy with one he scored his second soon after as he followed up a shot from Sam Huszar which the keeper saved but Matt pinched it off the defender on the line to score his second

Full time 6-0 The new lucky away strip was used for the first time today ( and I might use it for the return fixture later in the season !!!!!! )

Man of the Match - Charlie Johnson - Controlled the midfield fantastic today and started us off with a great strike

Managers summary - Good around team performance today from 1 - 45 ( away kit has high numbers! ) with special mentions to Sam Blinkhorn who kept in school mate Josh Bowers quiet and has bragging rights Monday morning at school! Also, Joe Humphries for persistence keep it up Joe and goals will come

08.09.12 Pennine Reds v Rossendale Tigers After last seasons no win in the league it was time to re-address that with a win!!! ***** WIN **** WIN ******* WIN ***** WIN *****

Yes new season but different result ***** WIN **** WIN ******* WIN ***** WIN *****

Page | 23

First league game and first win v Rossendale Tigers

Right from the kick off we looked a sure bet for the win even though they had a 6ft goalkeeper (yes, 6ft and only 12!!!!!). With their defence being quite slow we used a ball over the top for Joe Humphries and Jacob Vitti to chase onto, it was a matter of when rather than if we scored and after a few attempts it was Jacob's turn to have a chance as he ran passed the defence and pushed the ball passed the goalkeeper to give us our first goal of the season. We looked very comfortable creating a lot of chances and because Rossendale didn't learn from the first goal, Jacob ran passed the defenders again and made it 2-0 scoring passed the goalkeeper. We had to change things around just after the 2nd goal as we picked up a few injuries (not the last of today). Dan Nicholls, who had not fully recovered from a knock in the friendly Wednesday night, and Josh Burke who was studded down the back of his leg, both came off and were not able to come back on. Half time 2-0 to Pennine

We started the same in the second half but the Rossendale team talk had worked as the ball over the top was dealt with better but that still didn't stop Jacob from scoring his hat trick. During the second half we had more players struggling with injuries (Matt Newstead and Elliot McBurnie – foot injuries and Charlie Johnson – knee injury) and we were starting to tire which allowed Rossendale back in with a looped ball, Luke couldn't quite keep out. However, the Pennine Reds had secured the win, the game was ours. Full time 3-1 to Pennine Man of the Match - Jacob Vitti - worked hard and kept running all afternoon, deserved all 3 goals and took them with a lot of confidence Managers summary- Played very well against a team that struggled a bit in fitness (as did we at the end) but we did what was needed - the 2 new players Harry Kershaw and Jacob Vitti fitted very well into the team, and I feel very confident for the rest of the season. A big thank you to the defence for staying strong and going right until the end even though they must have been tired! Well done all

***** WIN **** WIN ******* WIN ***** WIN *****