28/10/2006 10:30am - LEAGUE (A) Upton JFC 5 Hoylake Athletic 2
MoM: Nathan Demetrios
Scorers: Upton JFC (6, 16, 25, 39, 41 mins) Hoylake: James (14 mins), Demetrios (22 mins)
Squad: Oliver, Ben, Dan, Callum, Sam, Luke, Nathan, Gareth, James, Joe
Match Report By: Julian Higgs
A depleted Hoylake team with only 10 players were defeated by Upton despite putting up a spirited display in the first half. Two superb Hoylake goals were the highlight of a difficult game for Athletic on a soft, tiring pitch. After losing an early goal direct from a free kick Hoylake produced one touch football from their own half before Nathan released James to finish with a first time left foot shot to the far corner. A goal worthy of any match. After Upton had scored a fortunate second from a deflected own goal a clearance by Dan found Nathan who sprinted clear of the defence before finsihing with a cool chip over the keeper. But Hoylake were not to go in at half time level thanks to a lofted chip that left Oliver stranded. Half time 3-2.
Upton dominated the second half and soon punished Hoylake with two quick goals. It was really hard work now but a resilient Hoylake came back strongly towards the end of the game and created pressure and chances but to no avail. In the end a tired Hoylake were beaten 5-2 and suffered their first defeat of the season.
Match 5
04/11/2006 12:30pm LEAGUE CUP (H) Hoylake Athletic 1 Chester Nomads 3
MoM: Oliver Higgs
Scorers: Hoylake: Jake Jackson (19 mins) : Chester Nomads: Cartwright (6), Hopwood (34, 45)
Squad: Ben, Oliver (51), Dan, Callum, Sam, Luke, Nathan, Gareth, Tom, Jake, Mackenzie Subs: Chris (51)
Match Report By: Julian Higgs
A spirited and determined Hoylake side produced a battling display in defeat against strong opposition in Cup-holders Chester Nomads.
Missing two players including striker Joe Gorman Hoylake were forced to change their shape with Sam Braid once again slotting into defence with another accomplished display. Hoylake eventually conceeded to a physically strong and skillful Chester side who were able to regalarly freshen their team during the game by rotating their four available substitutes.
Chester began the brighter and soon had Hoylake goalkeeper Ben Holmes needing to be alert twice in the opening minutes in clearing the danger. It was the visitors who took the lead on six minutes when their striker flicked a long throw over the advancing Ben 0-1. However Hoylake soon settled and started to gain a grip on the game as they halted the opposition with their free flowing football. After two attacking corners Hoylake efforts were rewarded when a lively Jake intercepted a short back pass and blasted home the equaliser 1-1. The rest of the first half was an even affair although the visitors came close when some confusion in defence resulted in a shot hitting the post. Half time ended level with Nathan and Luke linking particularly well with Mackenzie and Jake down the right flank.
The visitors began the second half brightly forcing a series of corners with Ben Holmes outstanding as keeper. Eventually the away side's pressure told on Hoylake's gallant defence when a left wing cross eluded all defenders and was coverted at the back post. 1-2. Athletic were giving their all to break down a strong Chester back four with their number 5 proving a class act. Eventually the game was put beyond reach when a Chester forward nodded in a dangerous cross at the far post.1-3. Oliver who had played tenaciously in his first appearance out of goal was replaced with ten minutes to go by Chris who also did well in the right back position. Hoylake cheered on by a vociferous home crowd threw everything at Chester with long shots from Jake and Gareth and despite forcing a couple of corners it was Nomads who went through to the next round when the final whistle blew. It was a terrific performance from our lads, every player contributed and played well and this clearly bares well for the next games. Come on Hoylake!
Match 6
11/11/2006 13:30- LEAGUE (H) Hoylake Athletic 9 Hope Farm Hotspurs 1
MoM: Callum Macmillan
Scorers: Hoylake: Jake Jackson (2, 13, 30 mins), James (12, 14, 18, 46 mins), Luke (11 mins), Gareth (49 mins): Hope Farm Hotspurs (22 mins)
Squad: Oliver, Luke, Chris, Callum, Ben, Sam, Nathan, Jake, Gareth, Tom, James, Subs: None
Match Report By: Julian Higgs
A strong home performance by Hoylake ensured a return to winning ways against an improving Hope Farm Hotspurs at Sandringham Avenue.
With a strong wind to contend with on a difficult and uneven pitch Hoylake coped the better with the conditions and were able to quickly dominate the opposition with some clinical finishing and determined play especially in the first half.
Manager Paul Holmes shuffled the side putting Oliver in goal and naming a strong back line bringing in Chris to play alongside captain Callum at the centre of defence. Luke and Ben took the full back berths while Sam took up his usual position on the right side of midfield with Gareth taking the left side. Nathan and Jake completed the midfield and Tom and James made up an interesting forward duo. Hoylake soon began to take control of the game and opened the scoring in the third minute when a determined Jake arrived late to first control and then beat the keeper with a well placed shot. Hope Farm then enjoyed their best passage of play but were kept at bay by an excellent back four with Chris and Callum combining extremely well in the first half. Hoylake then took a firm grip of the game with four goals in five minutes. First Luke finished excellently after good work from Sam and then James coolly slotted in number three and Jake hammered in number four. After a drop ball on half way Tom laid on the ball for Jake who beat two players before putting James in the clear. The new striker then rounded the last defender before slotting in. James then completed a fine hat-trick by finishing well after good work on the left from Gareth. 6-0!
However Hoylake were not to have it all their own way as Hope Farm came back and after a cross was only half cleared by Oliver the ball then bounced unluckily off Chris who tried to clear and a Hotspurs player took advantage to score on 22 minutes. 6-1. On the stroke of half time Jake became the second Hoylake player to complete a hat-trick when he converted after Hope Farm failed to clear another Hoylake attack. Half time came with score an impressive 7-1.
The second half began with Hope Farm taking advantage of the wind from behind and forcing three corners. Hoylake held out well and once again their superior fitness began to tell as they took hold of midfield. Nathan and Luke in particular were battling well and the whole team kept their composure in the face of a series of tough challenges. Hoylake now took control of the flanks as both Gareth and Ben combined well on the left and Sam and Luke formed an effective partnership on the right. James then added his fourth and Hoylake’s eight goal from Tom’s left wing cross and Gareth then took advantage of a Callum free kick on halfway by springing the offside trap and running thirty yards before coolly finishing. 9-1. Hope Farm were prevented from getting their second when Oliver bravely blocked an advancing forward’s run before recovering well to save the rebound. In the closing minutes man of the match Callum took control of the ball on halfway beat two players and then as he shaped to shoot was brought down by a Hope Farm defender. Callum stepped up to take the penalty but his cool chip for the corner drifted agonisingly wide to prevent a tenth Hoylake goal.
This was an excellent performance from the team again without the luxury of any substitutes and sets up an intriguing fixture at Newton next Saturday in what will be one of the toughest games of the season.
match 7
The next match report will appear here shortly.
match 8
20/1/2007 12:15pm - LEAGUE (A) Hope Farm Rangers 0 AC Hoylake 16
MoM: Dan Edwards
Scorers: Hoylake: Dan (7,25,35,49,56), Gareth (12,28) Joe (18,23,30) Tom (31,50), Own Goal (40), Nathan (41), James(59), Luke(59):
Squad: Oliver, Chris, Callum, James, Sam, Nathan, Luke, Gareth, Ben, Tom, Dan
Hoylake dealt with a mud bath of a pitch at Cheshire Oaks School to hand out a sixteen goal beating to Hope Farm Rangers. Given the position of the opposition in the league manager Paul Holmes shuffled the squad and played Dan Edwards upfront alone (until he was joined by Joe halfway through the first half). Luke burst clear in the fourth minute but was brought down as he closed in on goal. The resulting free kick was deflected for a corner. Two further Hoylake corners came before Dan Edwards stretched out to score from a goalmouth scramble. 1-0 Hoylake. Gareth showed some silky skills to put Hoylake in command at 2-0 in the 12 minute as Rangers defence soon began to crumble. In the 14th minute a firm header from Dan from another Tom corner went just over. Then as Joe ran on to the pitch to join the action he didn't have to break stride as he took the ball on, beat a defender before slotting in 3-0. This could be a league record as he had been on the pitch for no more than 5 seconds before scoring. Luke then took another haymaker tackle and had to go off for a short while but even without the skillful midfielder Hoylake continued to dominate. After just missing in the 22nd minute Joe scored his second and Hoylake's fourth and then after having had one disallowed Dan scored the fifth after again finsihing well from close in. A superb header from Gareth direct from Tom's corner made it six before Joe completed his first half hat-trick after super work from Tom and James down the left flank. Half time Hope Farm 0 Hoylake 7.
Within a minute of the second half Hoylake were back on the scoresheet when Dan set up Tom to score and then Dan getting accustomed to his centre forward role finished expertly after Hope Farm failed to clear the ball. Hoylake were in compete control and Joe went close before Luke headed just wide from Gareth's corner. The tenth came courtesy of a deflected own goal before Nathan got on the score sheet after neat play from Sam and Luke had stretched the Rangers defence. Dan scored a fourth with a fine finish from the edge of the area after excellent build up play. Nathan turned provider himself when his cross was hammered in by Tom on 50 minutes to make it 13-0. A series of corners followed before Dan grabbed his fifth and in the last two minutes first Luke finished well and then James deservedly drove the ball home into the bottom corner after a well judged through ball from Gareth beat the Rangers offside trap.
The defence should be mentioned for not putting a foot wrong :Callum, Chris and Ben all assisted in the attacking play linking up well with the midfield and Oliver in goal probably only touched the ball twice! Sam took on his central midfiled role well in the game and he, Luke and Gareth tackled well and prompted many Hoylake attacks. An excellent game for everyone and a welcome win for Hoylake after a long time without a victory.
Match 9
20/1/2007 12:15pm - LEAGUE (A) Rossway United 1 AC Hoylake 14
MoM: Joe Gorman
Scorers: Hoylake: Callum (5 pen, 10 pen, 44 pen), Luke (7, 31), Gareth (20), Tom (25, 37), Ben (27, 42), Oliver (46), Nathan (47, 52), Joe (58) : Rossway United (16)
Squad: Oliver, Mackenzie, Jake, Callum, Sam, Nathan, Luke, Gareth, Tom, Ben, Joe Subs: Chris (30 mins)
Hoylake put up a superb display on a very windy afternoon at Rossway United to record their second successive victory and perform the "double" against Rossway at Whitby Park. On a pitch that resembled a chocolate pudding and with a strong gale blowing down the hill Hoylake kicked off against the elements. Manager Paul reverted to a 3-5-2 formation with Oliver in goal and a back three of usual strikers Mac and Jake alongside captain Callum Macmillan. Ben and Joe formed a pacey and skillful two pronged attack.
As the game began Hoylake soon adjusted to conditions and began to take control and in the fifth minute a Gareth pass to Tom sent the winger clear but he was tripped in the area and the referee awarded a penalty. Captain Callum stepped up and cooly executed from the spot. 1-0 Hoylake. It was soon evident that Hoyalke's passing game was going to trouble the home side and another good move and cross from Tom set up Luke to convert from close range. 2-0. Within three minutes another Hoylake penalty when Joe was brought down by a tackle that would have been more acceptable on a Rugby pitch. Callum seized the ball and converted once more. 3-0. Rossway then began to get in the game and after one good break their striker was sent clear and after beating Callum to the ball lofted over Oliver to score. 3-1. This seemed to stir Hoylake into action and they never again looked in danger of conceeding in the whole match. Two more magnificent goals followed. Gareth took the ball from just inside the Rossway half beat two players cut inside and sent a superb chip over the keeper into the top corner. 4-1. Then it was Tom Billington's turn to get into the action as he beat the right back and sent another chip past the keeper into the far corner. It was super stuff now as Hoylake turned on the style against a team who had no answers to their play. When the ball was played into the area Ben who had already hit the bar with a rising shot cut inside the last defender and cooly slotted in number six. 6-1 at half time and Hoylake in command.
The second half saw manager Paul make some changes bringing on Chris into the back three and moving Oliver out of goal to the right of midfield: Jake taking the gloves. Sadly for Jake he never got to touch the ball in open play! The match stats would have shown the ball in the Rossway half for 99% of the second period as Hoylake dominated proceedings. Within a minute Luke had made it seven after great work from Tom and Mackenzie who was playing with real determination driving forward from defence. He never lost a fifty-fifty challenge! Indeed he could have added the eighth after a great run but Tom rammed home from close range as the ball spun loose off the goalie. Rossway were really feeling the pressure as they changed goalies to no avail. It was Ben's turn to add a ninth and his second with a really good finish when put clear by Gareth. Then an unusual occurence as the first penalty hat trick fell to Callum after another spot kick was awarded for a foul on Joe. Callum growing accustomed to this role finished with real style to take Hoylake into double figures. Shots were raining down on the Rossway goal now as Hoylake poured forward at every opportunity. But it was from a corner that the eleventh goal came when Oliver smartly ran to the near post to flick home a Gareth corner with his head. 1-11! Hoylake were turning the screw now with Joe linking up and proving a real handful for the Rossway defence with his poise and jinking play. Joe set up Nathan who added number 12 and then a Gareth shot was parried by the goalie for Nathan to add his second and the thirteenth in all before with just two minutes left Joe's persistence paid off as he buried the final goal.
A great performance that Hoylake will now need to display against tougher opposition in the coming weeks.
Match 10
27/01/07 10:30 am AWAY Princes Villa Colts 1 AC Hoylake 5
Hoylake Goals: (Naylor 22min, Gorman 26min, Braid 41min, Billington 48min, Macmillan 49min (pen))
Princes Villa Goal: (55 min)
Team: Goalkeeper: Ben Holmes,
Defence: Oliver Higgs, Mackenzie Newton-Jones, Chris Duddleston
Midfield: Sam Braid, Luke Naylor, Nathan Demetrios, Gareth Bond, Tom Billington
Forwards: Jake Jackson, Joe Gorman
Subs: Alex, Callum Macmillan
Man of the Match: Mackenzie Newton-Jones
Hoylake put up one of their best games of the season against mid table Princes Villa Colts away at Whitby. It was an excellent team performance with all players contributing to a convincing win that propels AC up the league and heading for the top six. Manager Paul Holmes opted for a 3-5-2 formation and this appears to be a formula well suited to the all round skills of the Hoylake team. One of the best “finds” of this season is the manager moving Mackenzie into a back three where his vision, leadership and vocal encouragement of his fellow team mates is reaping rewards. Let’s hope this strategy continues in the next two games when AC will play two teams (Shore Villa and Chester Nomads) that are higher in the league table.
On a long pitch Hoylake soon began to control the game. But it was five minutes before Hoylake were to fashion a meaningful chance when after a Jake corner fell to Mackenzie twenty yards out; the new defender shot well over. On 8 minutes Luke created himself a good chance that also went begging. As Hoylake began to dominate the shots on goal started to increase and on nine minutes a Jake thunderbolt just went wide and on ten Gareth went even closer with a super free kick that clipped the top of the bar. Chris Duddleston, who was having a fine game in the back three, then cleared well from a rare Villa attack before the defender had to limp off after straining a calf. Chris was replaced by club captain Callum. It wasn’t long (22 minutes) before Hoylake broke the deadlock when after good build up play an Oliver through ball fell to Luke who judged his shot well from the edge of the area to give the keeper no chance. 0-1 Hoylake. The goal appeared to spur Hoylake on and after excellent persistence from Sam on the right, the winger sent Jake free who ran to the by-line and after drawing the keeper set up fellow striker Joe to stab the ball home: 0-2 Hoylake. In first half extra time Nathan had a great shot agonisingly go just wide while a well flighted corner from Sam was headed over the bar by Luke.
In the second half Paul sent on Alex for his debut up front with Jake and it wasn’t long before Hoylake’s new striker was involved in the action jinking past two defenders before being tackled as he was about to shoot. Princes Villa began to apply some pressure as Mackenzie did well to clear an attack while at the other end Alex had a shot well saved by the Villa keeper. An excellent Hoylake one touch move with Alex, Tom and Gareth was denied once more before Alex had another shot well saved. Eventually Hoylake’s pressure told as Sam netted from outside the area following a good move started by Oliver and Luke on the right. 0-3 to Hoylake. A minute later Luke, also having a fine game in midfield, fired a fierce shot just over the bar before Chris came back on for the excellent Jake and Joe came on for the industrious Nathan. On 48 minutes a fine Hoylake goal from Tom Billington who was starting to trouble the Princes Villa defence down the left. He beat two players and slotted home a trademark goal. 0-4! Within a minute another fast Hoylake break saw Chris beat the defender only to be then fouled inside the area. Up stepped the Hoylake penalty king Callum who coolly slotted in the fifth (and his fourth penalty in a week!). On 50 minutes Oliver went off for Jake and against the run of play a three on two breakaway resulted in a Princes Villa consolation goal – Ben who had little to do was left with no chance. In the closing minutes a superb driving run from Mackenzie set up Alex to shoot but the debutant was denied once more by a fine save from the Villa goalie who had a very good match. The game ended with a fine 5-1 victory for Hoylake with excellent performances from all thirteen players.
Match 11
The next match report will appear here shortly.
Match 12
Saturday february 17th 12:30 pm vs upton jfc (Home)
ac hoylake 4 : upton 1
Hoylake Goals: (Naylor (2 min), Demetrios (11, 30), Billington (46))
Upton Goal: 21 minutes
Team: Goalkeeper: Ben Holmes,
Defence: Luke Naylor, Callum Macmillan, Dan Edwards
Midfield: Sam Braid, Nathan Demetrios, Gareth Bond, Oliver Higgs, Tom Billington
Forwards: Jake Jackson, Alex
Man of the Match: Luke Naylor
Another superb all round team performance from Hoylake saw them to a comfortable 4-1 victory in a home fixture that was played at Upton's Dale Camp in fine weather. The win saw Hoykake to five successive victories and become the top form side in the league with Chester Nomads defeat to Christleton. The team looked up against the odds with just 11 players and two (Callum and Jake) not 100% fit following illness but on a good pitch that suitated the passing game of Hoyalke they ran out comfortable winners after a superb first half performance that atoned for the defeat to Upton earlier in the season. Missing Joe, Chris and Mackenzie (who will have a five game ban followin his sending off at home to Shore Villa) manager Paul played a 3-5-2 formation. Ben in goal and Luke, Callum and Dan making a very strong back line. Sam and Tom played wingback with the three midfielders of Gareth, Nathan and Oliver. Jake and new signing Alex made the front pairing.
Hoylake started very brightly and were soon on the attack creating a great first minute chance that Nathan just missed. But it wasn't long before the Upton defence was breached when a superb Gareth Bond corner from the left was met by a bullet header from Luke Naylor in the second minute. 1-0 Hoylake. Hoykake were finding gaps all over the pitch as each player won their individual battles against physically bigger opponents. Jake and Alex combined really well when Alex had a shot that just went wide and then a superb run from Luke set Sam free who crossed dangerously only for Oliver to miss his kick when a goal looked certain. Another good run from Jake down the left forced a corner that Upton scrambled clear before Tom sent Nathan through and the Hoylake midfielder showed his attacking prowess to score and make up for his earlier miss. 2-0 Hoylake. The reds were playing some really excellent football and could have gone three up when Alex was put through but his goal bound shot was directed straight at the keeper. Then against the run of play Upton scored when their left back beat Jake and then took on Dan to lob over Ben who had no chance from the edge of the area. This was harsh on Hoylake who had dominated the game with Gareth, Nathan and Luke outstanding but In the dying seconds some further excellent play from Luke forced an attacking throw in and Sam's cross was defelected for a corner. Tom Billington sent it in to the penalty area where Nathan volleyed home superbly from waist high to make it 3-1 at half time.
The second half saw Upton come back into the game as the Hoylake lads who had given everything began to feel the effects of their efforts. However it was Hoylake pressure that resulted in an Upton defender handling the ball. The referee, somewhat harshly, pointed to the spot and awarded a penalty. Callum, who had played really well despite being not match fit stepped up to take it only to see his shot go just wide of the posts. Shortly afterwards a brave Callum went off for 10 minutes suffering from his sickness and Jake slotted into the back three and continued to have a magnificent game from defence. The Hoylake midfield began to exert their superioty with Tom and Oliver enjoying success down the left that Sam and Nathan had enjoyed in the first half down the right. Dan Edwards came to the fore with two really excellent headers and defensive clearances that snuffed out the Upton attacks. Hoylake created more chances than their opponents with Tom and Alex going close before Tom wrapped up the match with a signature goal. The winger beat two players and then from his own half ran clear of the defender before chipping in a superb goal. 4-1 Hoylake. Upton tried hard to attack and some fine keeping from Ben and a superb volleyed clearance from man of the match Luke kept them out.
Once more a superb performance from the whole Hoylake team who had outbattled their opponents all over the pitch and with no shortage of skill and pace to run out convincing winners. The team now look forward to making it six out of six when they go to Cheshie Oaks to meet Hope Farm Hotspurs away next Saturday.
Match 13
Saturday february 24th 10:30 pm vs hope farm hotspurs (away)
hope farm hotspurs 0 : hoylake 5
Hoylake Goals: (Barria-Norton (16, 55min), Macmillan (20, 36), Billington (53))
Team: Goalkeeper: Ben Holmes,
Defence: Chris Duddleston, Callum Macmillan, Dan Edwards
Midfield: Sam Braid, Luke Naylor, Nathan Demetrios, Gareth Bond, Tom Billington
Forwards: Alex Barria-Norton
Man of the Match: Gareth Bond
Hoylake extended their winning run to six with a well deserved 5-0 victory away at Hope Farm Hotspurs. The opposition were no pushovers and with a quarter of the game gone and the score 0-0; Hoylake, with only ten available players, had to dig deep to find their stride and overcome a determined Hope Farm.
Hoylake were quickly on their game with their slick one touch football soon evident. Hoylake were the first to create a clear cut effort when Alex struck a low shot after a five man move that was saved by the keeper. Hoylake began to force corners and a superbly flighted second one from Tom was scrambled clear as Hoylake sniffed a chance. The Hoylake defence looked rock solid with Chris, Dan and Callum repelling every move Hope Farm had to play and it was the Hoylake midfield that began to take control of the game. Gareth was taking hold of play in the middle with some excellent interceptions and neat passing. In the first half Hoylake found more joy on the right hand side with Sam stretching the Hope Farm left flank with his pace and skill. On twelve minutes good work by Luke and Alex set up Nathan who just mistimed his shot when he had cleverly worked an opening. But the visitors were soon ahead on sixteen minutes with an excellent team move. Terrific work from Gareth set up Nathan who found Alex. The speedy Hoylake striker then cooly set himself up before placing hs shot in the far corner leaving the useful keeper no chance. 1-0 Hoylake. A nasty foot injury to Luke meant that manager Paul shuffled the team putting Luke back into defence and pushing Callum into midfield and the move paid off within minutes as a fine through ball from Dan allowed Callum to take control beat one man hold off another with body strength and bury a firm shot into the bottom corner. 2-0 Hoylake. In the closing minutes Hope Farm came back into the match and a fierce shot was blocked superbly by an alert Ben in goal. From the resulting corner Hoylake cleared their lines and went in at half time two goals to the good.
Hoylake were again on their marks in the second half and were repeatedly first to the ball and able to dominate their opponents with some lovely football in very muddy conditions. On 32 minutes a superb shot from Dan from twenty yards sailed agonisingly wide of the goal as Hoylake slipped through their attacking gears. On 36 minutes the match was as good as over as Hoylake scored a superb third. It was Tom who was beginning to trouble the defeders down the left who played a neat one-two with the excellent Alex and then sent over a teasing cross past the goalkeeper for Callum to score his second with a bullet header. In defence Hoylake stood firm with Chris once again to the fore putting out a dangerous Hope Farm break with a no nonsense tackle. Within seconds Nathan was sent clear on goal by Gareth but the luckless number eight could only direct his shot inches wide of the goal. Hoylake keeper Ben was clearing everything that came through the defence and this must have been disheartening to a spirited Hope Farm who tried every key only to see the Hoylake lock hold firm. On fourty six minutes, Luke who had moved into attack, though only half fit, saw a fine shot clip the post and then Sam sent in a terrific strike that struck the same post three minutes later! But Hoylake pressure soon told when Tom challenged well for the ball then beat a defender and stroked home number four! Within two minutes Hoylake made it five when Tom stretched the Hope Farm defence and Alex shot home with Luke closing in to make sure.
The game ended with Hoylake running out 5-0 winners in a keenly contested and sporting contest. Once again every player had played their part in an excellent team performance: Ben and the defence with Dan Edwards to the fore looked really strong. The midfield dominated proceedings and won their tackles while as an attacking threat the excellent forward advances from Tom, Sam, Nathan and Luke all helped Alex to repeatedly unlock the Hope Farm defence. But it was Gareth's quality ball winning and passing delivery that made the team so effective and he well deserved his man of the match. With Hoylake now out of the league cup the team are due to meet Princess Villa Colts at home in the league at Sandringham Park on Saturday 3rd March at 12:30 as they look to a club record seven straight wins!
Match 14
Saturday march 3rd 12:30 pm vs princes villa colts (home)
hoylake 7 : 1 princes villa colts
Hoylake Goals: (Braid (6 min), Barria-Norton (16), Demetrios (23), Jackson (29), Newton-Jones (38), Billington (41), Macmillan(57))
Princes Villa Colts Goal: 58 minutes
Team:
Goalkeeper: Oliver Higgs,
Defence: Mackenzie Newton-Jones, Dan Edwards, Callum Macmillan (capt)
Midfield: Sam Braid, Nathan Demetrios, Luke Naylor, Gareth Bond, Tom Billington
Forwards: Jake Jackson, Alex Barria-Norton
Subs: Ben Holmes (8 mins for Gareth Bond, Chris Duddleston 9 mins for Luke Naylor)
Man of the Match: Callum Macmillan
On a clear, sunny spring day Hoylake swooped to land a seventh straight victory with a seven goal haul at home to Princes Villa Colts at Sandringham Avenue last Saturday.
Their recent winning run clearly put Hoylake in confident mood and they were soon able to establish an attacking rhythm on this most difficult pitch that doesn’t make playing good football easy.
Manager Paul Holmes had a rare luxury of a near full squad of 13 and deployed the usual 3-5-2 formation. However the advantage of having two spare players was soon lost as injuries to key midfielders Luke Naylor and Gareth Bond sustained prior to the match meant they were both replaced in the first ten minutes. Both substitutes Ben Holmes and Chris Duddleston had fine games and the temporary loss of the two influential midfielders was soon diminished. .
The match began well for Hoylake with joint leading scorer Nathan starting most brightly and having the first shot just wide in the second minute and then two minutes later a Tom Billington cross shot just evaded onrushing Hoylake forwards. But Hoylake didn’t have to wait long to break their duck after another dangerous cross from Tom saw Sam cleverly sneak in at the first post and core from a tight angle. 1-0 Hoylake. Within a minute a shot from Jake from a sweet volleyed pass by Alex just went wide as Hoylake pressed hard to increase the lead. On eleven minutes Princes mounted their first meaningful attack as Oliver parried a long range shot and the danger was cleared.
On sixteen minutes a super goal saw Hoylake double the advantage. Sam and Nathan worked well on the right wing to create a chance for Jake to cross and then Alex to finish superbly from just inside the box. It was the Hoylake striker’s third goal in two games as he continued to impress the home crowd. On twenty two minutes Jake shot just wide twice in succession after first an excellent Callum through ball and then a poor clearance almost let the dengerous Hoylake striker in. Sam, who was once again working hard down the right with his pace and skill sent a cross in that just eluded Jake as number three looked certain but Hoylake didn’t have to wait long as Nathan then scored with a fine shot after excellent work from Alex had won possession close to the Princes Villa area. After another shot from Nathan was saved it was Jake’s turn to join him on ten goals as he finished clinically following a poor defensive back pass. Princes finished the first half well when a free kick was volleyed just over. Half time: Hoylake 4: Princes Villa Colts 0.
Paul reshuffled the team at half time sending on both Luke and Gareth for Sam and Nathan and pushing Mackenzie into attack and the new striker almost scored on 35 minutes but for a good save after an excellent Luke cross from the left. However Mackenzie was soon on the score sheet after netting a rebound from a Tom strike to make the game comfortable for Hoylake at 5-0. Then Tom capitalised on a rebound himself after Luke had twice been denied by first the post then a block from the keeper. 6-0. It was Tom who now joined Jake and Nathan on 10 goals for the season. On 43 minutes Jake rescued Hoylake from conceding by a clearing header from a corner before he then broke up another Princes counterattack after a forward run from Callum. Luke was then denied for a fourth time by the post again after being sent through by another superb Callum through ball. Fine defending from Dan particularly in the air was combating a physical Princes side while Ben and Chris were winning a physical match in midfield with strong performances. Hoylake scored their seventh when Sam’s cross was only cleared as far as Callum who had just come back on after a nasty kick to the heel and the Hoylake striker coolly fired home. On 57 minutes Hoylake conceded when a Mackenzie mistimed tackle felled a striker and the penalty taker beat Oliver cleanly to his right hand side. Hoylake held out as Princes Villa rallied late on with Oliver rushing out to thwart another attack. The game ended with a well deserved 7-1 Hoylake victory.
That's win number seven in a row but now the Hoylake face their biggest test of the season next week when they meet league leaders Newton Athletic at home. Both teams have the best recent form in the league so a fascinating encounter awaits us next Saturday at Sandringham.
match 15
Saturday march 10th 11:00 am vs newton (home)
newton 2 : 0 hoylake
Match was rearranged to Newton’s pitch, Plas Newton, near Chester
Newton Athletic Goals: 21 min, 51 min
Hoylake Team: Holmes, Newton-Jones, Edwards, Macmillan, Braid, Demetrios, Bond, James, Billington, Jackson, Barria-Norton: sub: Higgs (for Braid 54 mins)
Man of the Match: Dan Edwards
On a pleasant spring morning league leaders Newton Athletic brought the seven game winning run of Hoyalke to an end last Saturday at Newton’s home ground. On an excellent pitch Hoylake tried valiantly to blow the Newton house over but their efforts came to nothing against a very organised and solid team.
Boss Paul Holmes opted to attack by playing two wide men (Sam and Tom) in a five man midfield and moving James into an inside left role and Nathan to inside right. Try as Hoylake did they simply couldn’t crack open the Newton four man defence who possessed an excellent guard and a very capable keeper. Hoylake chances were few despite having the bulk of possession particularly in the first half and it was the Hoylake defence that was breached more times with a quick Newton forward line.
Newton were first to threaten and hit the post on ten minutes when a fast breakaway following Hoylake losing midfield possession rang the alarm bells. Ben Homes then had to be quick to block a through ball that beat the Hoylake defence. Despite the pressure Hoylake’s back three of Mackenzie, Dan and Callum battled bravely with Dan Edwards outstanding as central defender. Hoylake found more success on the left side with Tom and James combining well to set up crosses that came to little as Jake and Alex frequently were dealing with two defenders apiece. Two corners from the left by Gareth were dealt resolutely by Newton and Hoylake had little to show for their efforts, On 21 minutes Newton opened the scoring when after a misplaced Hoylake pass the home side broke quickly three on two and their striker fired home an unstoppable shot from just inside the left corner of the penalty area.
Half Time: Hoylake 0 Newton Athletic 1.
Hoylake pressed in the second half and after a good run from Jake and a cross Newton cleared their lines. A free kick on 36 minutes from James beat the defensive wall but was saved comfortably by the keeper. Hoylake nearly conceded again when a through ball beat Callum and Mackenzie only for Ben to block and Dan to hack clear. Hoylake’s best chance came when a long clearance from Dan sent Jake sprinting clear but the game Hoylake striker blazed high and wide of the target. Newton asserted and then Hoylake were made to pay for some poor play when giving away possession on the right then failing to tackle the left sided player who set up the Number 10 to score well with Ben once more given no chance. Newton were showing their class as they pinned Hoylake back in the last few minutes. Oliver came on for Sam in the closing minutes but Hoylake were unable to fashion a real clear cut chance for a goal that their tenacity deserved.
The game ended 2-0 and Hoylake witnessed how difficult a good side with a very solid formation are to play against. It was a great effort from the boys with excellent performances all round.
Full Time: Hoylake 0 Newton Athletic 2.
match 16
Saturday march 24th 12:30 pm vs whitby rangers (home)
hoylake 12 : 0 whitby
Hoylake Goals: Billington(5, 30) James (12,18, 27,38,48,51,56) , Naylor (31), Demetrios (39), Macmillan (60 pen)
Hoylake Team: Holmes, Naylor, Edwards, Macmillan, Braid, Higgs, Duddleston, Bond, James, Jackson, Barria-Norton: subs: Braid, Demetrios
Man of the Match: James
On Hoylake's tricky and bumpy pitch manager Paul Holmes shuffled the team positions to give everyone a turn at various positions against a team in Whitby who were big and quite strong but no match for Hoylake's skill, pace and individual strength.
Hoylake were soon in control and after two minutes great work from Gareth set up Tom who just shot wide. On four minutes Oliver was set up but missed when taking the shot on the right foot when the left would have been better. On five minutes Tom had the presence to chip the keeper from the edge of the box and Hoylake were on their way to a comfortable win. James who once again superb and bagged a remarkable seven driving home his first in the twelfth minute. Then the Whitby keeper denied him his second when he turned and shot well from close range. The keeper denied James once more in the 17th minute but wihtin a minute the Hoylake striker bagged his second and the team's third with a cool finish after further good play from Gareth. Hoylake had further chances thanks to their neat passing build-up play and James completed his hattrick on 27 before Tom scored on half time with a good left foot finish. 5-0 Hoylake.
The second half opened with a possible club record. Hoylake kicked off and after a neat one two Luke ran clear to with score 6.5 seconds gone! This seemed to puncture the Whitby belief and Hoylake stormed forward lookingfor more. A fine header direct from a Luke corner from james made it eight-nil. Two minutes later Nathan scored his eleventh of the season after great wing play from Sam and was denied a second by the keeper after another good Sam cross. James then hammered in from the edge of the area to make it nine and then completed his sixth with another header after neat play from Callum on the right. A Luke free kick was met once more by James to get his seventh and a hat trick of headers and the match concluded after a foul on Luke who broke clear. Callum cooly obliged to make it twelve and three more points for Hoylake who moved back to fifth in the table.
match 17
Saturday march 31st 10:30 am vs neston nomads (away)
neston 0 : 7 hoylake
Hoylake Goals: James (9, 26) , Jackson (16, 24, 41), Demetrios 43, Macmillan 51
Hoylake Team: Higgs, Naylor, Edwards, Macmillan, Braid, Demetrios, Gorman, Bond, James, Jackson, Barria-Norton: subs: Duddleston, Holmes
Man of the Match: Ben Holmes
Hoylake once again turned on the style to run out comfortable winners by 7-0 away at Neston at their recreation ground pitch. Without Mackenzie and Tom, the 3-5-2 formation had Luke teaming up with Dan and Callum in the back three and Jake playing alongside Alex up front. Hoylake were soon on the attack and good work from James created a chance for Jake who shot just went over. A further shot from Joe was well saved by the Neston keeper after excellent work from Alex. Gareth's corner was cleared before a fine shot from Jake was deflected and this time a superb corner from Gareth was met by James who powered his header home 1-0 Hoylake. Hoylake were now in firm control and were able to make regular substitutes when Joe and an injured Luke were replaced by Chris and Ben in midfield. It wasn't long before Jake hammered a second and then after great build up play from James, Gareth and Sam the Hoylake number 9 hammered a second. In between times a fine break from the Neston striker Oscar saw Oliver standing firm to beat out his shot. Hoylake made it four on half time when James hammered home with his left after excellent wing play from Sam and a surging run from deep by Luke. Half Time: 4-0 Hoylake.
With Dan leaving early Chris moved into a back three and Joe moved into attack alongside Jake. Hoylake were looking comfortable with Ben and Callum impressive defending and repelling any rare Neston attacks. James was having an excellent game again on the left and was linking up well with Luke and Garet but it was Jake who sored his hatrick with a pin-point finish after excellent work again from Nathan and Alex. Then after excellent work again on the left by James and a fierce Joe shot blocked well by the keeper the extra alert Nathan was on hand to shoot home to make it six. In the closing minutes Jake dropped back to swap wiht Callum and the Hoylake captain capped a great performance scoring neatly with a right foot shot after more good work on the right from Sam. Oli made a good claearance to keep out a rare Neston attack and then in the last five minutes Ben Holmes was denied by poor referreing decisions. First he headed in cleanly beating the keeper at the near post but was adjudged wrongly to have touched the keeper. Then he bundled home after a Gareth corner only for the ref to cancel the goal with a Neston player down in the Hoylake half. It was exceptionally bad luck on the midfielder who had a fine game.
match 18
tuesday april 10th 18:15pm vs neston nomads (home)
hoylake 7 neston nomads 1
Hoylake Goals: Gorman (4) , Naylor (8, 48), Bond (18), Barria-Norton (27), Macmillan (55 pen, 58 pen)
Hoylake Team: Higgs, Naylor, Edwards, Macmillan, Braid, Demetrios, Bond, Billington, James, Gorman, Barria-Norton:
Man of the Match: Luke Naylor
Hoylake completed a quick "double" over Neston Nomads with a fine 7-1 home win on Tuesday evening at Sandringham Avenue. On a firm pitch Hoylake were able to get control of the game early and with their quick inter passing and skill brushed aside their opponents who were left ragged in the end.
Hoylake Boss Paul Holmes kept to a 3-5-2 formation in preparation for Thursday's cup match at Chester Nomads and all players quickly adapted to their positions as they took the game to Neston. After the opening minutes when no team was able to dominate Hoylake winger Sam Braid crossed to Joe Gorman and the skillful striker superbly controlled then swept the ball home for the opener. Hoylake were in command and after a fine header from James was well saved Luke was able to sneak through and lob the keeper from an acute angle to make it 2-0. Nomads then came back well; they forced a corner and then a quick break had the home team on the back foot and after a cross from the left Callum was unfortunate to divert the ball passed the advancing Oliver 2-1. Hoylake were then spurred into producing their best football soon after when Gareth chipped superbly to make it three and then after great work from Nathan and Luke, Alex Barria-Norton cooly slotted home the fourth. Half time Hoylake 4 Neston 1.
The second half saw Neston start well and force a couple of free kicks that were dealt well by the defence with Callum and Dan to the fore. Hoylake nerves were eased when Luke cleverly slotted in a fifth when the Neston team were appealing for offside. Luke was making terrific runs from deep and his presence together with the energetic runs from Sam and Nathan in particular were putting the opposition on the back foot. Neston were beginning to find the going tough as their players began to weaken, their tackles became mistimed and trickery from Joe saw him brought down and a penalty awarded. Callum scored sending the ball to the left of the keeper. A terrific run from Luke and a one-two with Alex then Joe saw him close in on goal only for the keeper to bring him down. Callum stepped up to score his second from the spot and Hoylake seventh and the game and three more points were won!
match 19
thursday april 12th 18:15pm vs chester nomads (away) Cup game
chester nomads 5 hoylake 0
Chester Goals: 1 min, 8, 10, 30, 37
Hoylake Team: Higgs, Duddleston, Edwards, Macmillan, Holmes, Braid, Demetrios, Naylor, Billington, Gorman, Barria-Norton: subs: none
Man of the Match: Nathan Demetrios
A depleted Hoylake team were soundly beaten in the cup away to league leaders Chester Nomads. It was a tough draw for the team who had drawn Chester in the league cup earlier in the season.Manager Paul Holmes deployed a 4-4-2 formation to try to shore up the defence but unfortunately it was to no avail.
On a dry and bumpy pitch Hoylake were stunned in the first minute when failing to clear a Chester counter. There was a clear handball that when unpunished and Chester took advantage with a shot from the edge of the box that Oliver failed to get down to. This was a disappointing start for Hoylake who stood off the oppostion allowing them time and chances to control and take aim at the Hoylake goal. On eight minutes Hoykake failed to clear a corner and as the cross came in a second goal was hammered passed a helpless Hoylake defence. Before Hoylake could counter the ball was given up again and a fine shot was hammered home to wrap the tie up in the first 10 minutes. Gradually Hoylake came into the game and Joe had a good chance when put through by Alex and then a Luke break just failed to create a clear shot at goal. Hoylake began to compete when a fourth goal on the stroke of half time ended the mini revival. It was a fine effort from the home team who broke quickly and after four man move the striker was on hand to leave Oliver no chance. Half time 4-0.
After a strong talking to at half time Hoylake competed far better in the second half and began to control the play but few rea chances were created. Joe again looked lively and with Alex dropping deep Hoylake enjoyed more success with better link up play between midfield and attack. Nathan was giving an inspired performance fdriving forward on the right with real purpose and Sam was also getting more of the ball and linked up well with both Luke and Joe. Callum was looking assured at the back and twice intercepted dangerous Chester attacks. Oliver came to the fore to rush and deny a Nomads advance and Ben was getting some impressive challenges in down the left. Dan headed clear from two dangerous corners but Hoylake conceeded a fifth when a cool lob over Oliver from the Nomads striker finished the match. Hoylake rallied well but their efforts were too late despite a long range shot from Luke and fine move that resulted in Joe having his shot parried away for a corner. Final score 5-0. Hoylake will know that they must start with purpose if they are to make an impression in such games. Their second half performance was very spiriited and they will know that they must have that belief at the first whistle.
match 20
tuesday april 17th 18:15pm vs shore villa (away)
shore villa 4 ac hoylake 5
Hoylake Goals: Billington (21) , Jackson (25, 30), Gorman (37, 59)
Shore Villa Goals: (15, 28, 33, 53)
Man of the Match: Jake Jackson
Hoylake Team: Holmes, Duddleston, Edwards, Macmillan, Braid, Demetrios, Gorman, Naylor, Billington, Jackson, Barria-Norton Sub: Higgs (35 for Barria-Norton)
Hoylake won their penultimate match of the season with a late winner from Joe Gorman in a nine-goal thriller against Shore Villa at Mayfields New Ferry on Tuesday evening. On a very dry, sloping, bumpy and difficult pitch Hoylake had to dig deep into their reserves to record this victory against a team they really should have beaten more comfortably. Hoylake's normally solid formation was tested by Villa who resorted to the long through ball that Hoylake struggled to deal with all evening and which nearly cost the team two points. The win puts Hoylake in with an outside chance of snatching fourth spot from Princes Villa next Tuesday when they visit Princes needing to win the game to stand a chance.
Hoylake had the luxury of twelve players with Paul selecting a 3-5-2 formation and playing Alex and Jake as twin strikers with Oliver on the bench. The early exchanges were even as both sides tried to get used to the long grass on the wings, a soft ball and a very hard pitch and it was Villa who openened the scoring on 15 minutes as Hoylake reacted slowly to a through ball that beat the midfield and defence as the most dangerous Villa young striker placed cooly placed an advancing Ben. This was the wake up call for Hoylake who began to apply the pressure especially down the right flank with Sam and Nathan especially prominent. A free kick was awarded to Hoylake on 20 minutes 25 yards out. Up stepped Tom who curled a superb shot over the wall and just under the crossbar leaving the keeper no chance. 1-1. Hoylake began to take the game to their opponents though Ben did well to save from a free kick to keep the scores level. Nathan fired in a shot that was well saved by the Villa keeper before Shore Villa were dubiously awarded a free kick for pushing on 25 minutes. From the kick Hoylake reacted sluggishly to a block where the Villa midfielder was able to control , set himself and then shoot past Ben with no one puting in a challenge! 2-1 Villa. Again Hoylake were spurred into action and within a minute Jake scored a superb break away goal withstanding a tough challenge to keep his feet and blast home 2-2. Incredibly two minutes later Jake broke free again and then beat the keeper from the edge of the box with a fine shot to put Hoylake ahead. In the closing seconds a fine cross from Sam saw Nathan volley just wide. Half time came with Hoylake happy to be 3-2 up.
Hoylake's sloppiness appeared to give Shore Villa hope and within three minutes of the restart some more slack defending allowed the Shore Villa No 8 to steady himself and score past Ben from a tight angle. 3-3. Paul then replaced Alex, who had done well but was suffering from a slight injury, with Oliver and moved Joe upfront to partner Jake with Oliver moving to a defensive midfield position. It was end to end now as the game opened up and then Joe showed his vision and awareness netting from 20 yards when the keeper had come out to clear and was way off his line. Hoylake were back in front and then were forced to defend desperately to hold on. With six or seven minutes left the pressure told as Hoylake cleared two successive corners only for a Villa striker to pick up a through ball beat Chris and Callum and slot past a diving Ben. 4-4! The crowd were now urging both sides to go for the win andit was Hoylake who were beginning to take control. After a corner that was not cleared Luke picked up the ball on the right turned a neat pass inside to Jow who finsihed sweetly to bag the winner. A terrific game that Hoylake just about deserved to win though they will have to defend far better next week in the final match of the season if they are to get anything from Princes Villa. Jake Jackson gave a superb display up front shaking off defenders running tirelessly and scoring two magnificent goals but the whole 12 deserve a mention for showing their fighting spirit and keeping going right to the end to get the points. This was a tribute to their determination, fitness and willingness to commit themselves right to the end. Well done boys!!
match 21
tuesday april 24th 18:15pm vs princes villa (away)
princes villa 5 ac hoylake 2
Hoylake Goals: Jackson (18), Braid (36)
Princess Villa Goals: (17, 20, 28, 41, 49)
Hoylake Team: Holmes, Naylor, Macmillan, James, Braid, Demetrios, Gorman, Barria-Norton, Billington, Jackson, Newton-Jones Sub: Higgs (21 for Billington), Duddleston (38 for Barria-Norton)
Man of the Match: Christopher Duddleston
The curtain came down on the league season for Hoylake with a disappointing defeat against Princes Villa with a somewhat undeserved 5-2 beating. The result hardly befitted the display and Hoylake can think themselves unlucky not to take points from the game. However our boys will have to learn that to win games we have to keep the defence tight and in recent weeks our weaknesses have been shown. This is not to say that our defence or keepers have been the weak link but that defending is a team responsibility and the best and most successful teams defend well from the front and in midfield.
Hoylake took the field with 13 and played their now customary 3-5-2. The interesting changes were Luke, Callum and James lining up the defence with Alex in centre midfield and Mackenzie back from suspension up front with Jake. The early moments saw Hoylake take time to get into the game and twice Princes broke through but missed their opportunities. Soon Hoylake got their bearings and Mackenzie and Jake looked to be through on goal but were prevented by some good last minute Princes defending. The game was finely balanced with Alex, Joe and Nathan beginning to get to grips with the Villa midfield. Unfortunately for Hoylake some poor play resulted in a quick Villa break and a smart finish by their big striker that gave Ben in goal no chance. Within a minute Hoylake were level when Tom won the ball on the left showed . excellent strength to beat two players and lay the ball through for Jake who ran on to it, outpaced the defence and drove home a deserved equaliser. But on 20 minutes Hoylake went from winning a corner to conceeding a goal within 20 seconds. Jake's corner was cleared and with Hoylake carelessly sending too many players forward Princes raced clear with a five on two situaton that they buried. There was a clear offside that went unseen to add insult to injury. Oliver came on for Tom briefly before half time but Hoylake were soon 3-1 down when not clearing a corner and as the ball was played back in Hoylake failed to get to the loose ball and a third Villa goal was lashed in from close range. half Time Villa 3 Hoylake 1.
After a stern talking to Hoylake came out like possessed demons and were soon dominating the play. Every player was winning their challenges and Hoylake forced three quick corners a series of shots on goal with two from Mackenzie and eventually a seserved goal back when when Sam drove home a clearance from the edge of the box Jake started the move on the left beat two players and squared to Alex who's shot was parried by the keeper and cleared by a defender but only as far as Sam and the Hoylake winner made no mistake. Unbelievably Shore Villa scoredwithin five minutes to seal the points when a hopeful clearance found ther striker one on one with Callum. The Hoylake captain lunged to tackle but to no avail as the striker raced on to hammer home the fourth. Hoylake battled bravely on with Chris playing a fine role in the back three and Nathan and Luke becoming prominent in midfield. A Joe break won a free kick and James shot straight at the keeper from distance. Jake beat two men ronded the keeper only to shoot wide when off balance when a goal would have been deserved. On 49 minutes a long range volley from a Villa midfielder looped over Ben to make it five and despite trying to the end Hoylake couldn't add to their tally. It was a fine second half performance in which the lads dominated the play but failed to get heir rewards. In the end the game is about scoring goals and keeping them out and that is where Hoylake fell down. Thanks for all your efforts boys - we have enjoyed a fine season nonetheless.
