Under
12s Match Reports
Match 1
Postponed
Match 2
Sun 14th Sept A C Hoylake 1 Glenavon 2
Played at The Glen 2.30 KO
Squad Williams, Eyre-Jones, Mcrudden, Corkill, Whate, Stone, Lamb, C Smith, Allen, Caffrey, Haste, Richardson, Mclelland, Johnson,
Goal Sam Allen
Hoylake managers Motm Joe Corkill
Oppositions Choice Joe Lamb
After our first two games being postponed, at last today we could get on with the season. We faced a Glenavon side that we had beaten twice last season but only by a single goal each time. The first ten minutes where fairly even with both teams trying hard to push forward. On eleven minutes Joe Lamb went close with a header from a lovely floated in corner by Harry. Sam Allen put a great ball through and Cal Stone just beat the keeper to the ball and managed to get a shot in but it just went wide. A few minutes later we fell a goal behind, it was a lovely glanced header from a corner that nestled in the corner of the net. We continued to work hard but we seemed to be making the wrong decisions with some of our passing. We fell two behind after a penalty was rammed home for a very dubious hand ball and felt a bit hard done to. Ht 0-2
With the slight slope with us in the second half we were confident of getting back into the game.
The passing was coming together and we were getting more of the ball and pressing hard. We pulled a goal back after Nathan found Caffers with a throw and he threaded a ball through for Sam Allen to coolly slot home. At the other end we were under no real pressure all of our defenders were playing exceptionally well. Sean found himself in some space but a Glenavon defender made a great last ditch tackle. Harry made a good run down the right and powered a shot in but the keeper made a good save. We ran out of time but had thoroughly deserved something from the game after a solid second half display. It is going to be a tough season this year with the top eight teams put in one division there will be no easy games
Match 3
Sun 21st Sept A C Hoylake 2 Higher Bebington 3 (Aet) 1-1 60mins , Wirral District Cup
Played at Newton Park 2.30pm KO
Squad Williams, Corkill, Mccrudden, Lamb, McClelland, Whate, Stone, Haste, McDonnell, Caffrey, Richardson, Allen, Johnson
Goals Cal Stone 2
Hoylake managers Motm Harry Whate
Oppositions Choice Luke Williams
Today the sun shone brightly on Newton Park with excitement in the air, as it was a first for us playing in the Wirral District Cup. We faced an unknown quantity in Higher Bebington from the Eastham League. We started the brighter of the two teams with Caffers and Harry threading some nice passes for the front two of Cal and Sam to keep the Bebington defence very busy. Beb had a few breaks but we were in control at the back with Joe Lamb as usual bossing the show. We continued to put pressure on them and finally took the lead on 20 minutes when Sam Richardson took a quick throw and the ball ended up at Cal Stones feet and he slotted home, 1-0. In the next five minutes we had three more great chances With Harry and Sam both having shots that just rose over the bar, and Sam had another chance that just deflected wide. It was a busy end to the half and Beb had a long-range effort that hit the bar and a few minutes later Luke had to make an excellent diving save to keep them out. A minute before half time they equalised with a well-taken lob to make it 1-1 at half time. They say that a goal just before the break can change a game and it seemed to, as after all our great play in the first half it was Beb’s turn to dominate in the second half. We lost Nathan to injury but Toy came in and filled his place. We were stretched in the second half due to players not being available we were unable to rest players in the heat and it told .Our defence were much busier this half Joe Lamb having to turn a ball over his own bar. Luke was called on twice to make excellent saves to keep us in the game once with a good save with his feet and another when he tipped the ball round the post from a free kick We had two good chances in the second half a shot from the excellent hard working Harry and another shot from Cal that went narrowly wide. Full Time 1-1.
Extra time ten minutes each way. Cal Stone had a great chance but just put his shot wide. Within a few minutes we fell behind when we failed to clear a loose ball. Then it was two! A lot to do and the boys were shattered. Second period we managed to get one back after some good work from Caffers and Harry flicked it on into the path of Cal’s feet and he popped it in. Two minutes left it was just not enough time to take it to penalties!!
A good hard working performance from all the boys we just lacked in spare bodies on the bench to bring on.
Match 4
Sun 28thSept A C Hoylake 2 Delta Colts 4
Played at Newton Park 1.00pm KO
Squad Eyre Jones, Corkill, Mccrudden, Lamb, McClelland, Whate, Stone, McDonnell, Richardson, Allen, Johnson, W Smith, C Smith
Goals Cal Stone 1
Cal Smith 1
Hoylake Managers Motm Sam Allen
Oppositions Choice Cal Smith
Today we were entertaining the Delta team that finished one place above us in the league last season. With Luke injured Ben volunteered bravely to go in goal, we also missed Caffers and Jo H who were both away, so we had a few players in slightly different positions to start. On five minutes we fell a goal behind to a well taken shot. We then had some great possession creating good chances, Cal Smith shooting wide on six minutes and then on eleven he burst his way through the middle but his final shot just rose over the bar. At the other end Joe Lamb was kept busy by the very pacy number ten. All the defenders Joe, Joe, El and Toy were dealing with most things thrown at them. Harry made a great run but his final shot also rose over the bar. Sam Allen chased everything and closed the defenders down well. Harry then turned provider sending a lovely pass to put Will through but he shot over. Will then had a header saved after Joe C had sent a lovely ball through. Unbelievably after all our efforts we fell two behind after a free kick was awarded it was a powerful shot that Ben did well to get a hand to. Cal Stone managed to find some space on the left but his dangerous cut back into the box was scrambled away. Harry then had another effort well saved. A minute before half time we had a couple of corners the second of which was half cleared and it fell to the very busy and effective Sam Allen who struck an amazing shot ,but the keeper was in the right place at the time. Half Time 0-2 yet we had created lots of chances.
Second half Nathan came on for Joe C and Sean for Sam R.We battled on and Cal Stone had a good chance early on. Delta got three up after a bit of a scramble the ball was rammed home. They were then awarded a dubious free kick one of many; it was slammed home into the top corner. It seemed bizarre that we found ourselves four down as we had been playing some good football, luck was not on our side and all the decisions were going Delta’s way. We got one back with ten minutes to go after Harry looped a ball over the top and Cal Stone ran onto it and banged it into the roof of the net. With five minutes to go we at last got a free kick. It was just outside the area up walked Cal Smith and duly rifled it past the keeper to make it 4 -2.We felt a bit hard done to nothing went our way, we are playing good football but not getting any luck at all.
match 5
Sunday 12th Oct A C Hoylake 2 Olympic 2
Played at Linksview 1.00 Pm KO
Squad Williams, Eyre-Jones, Lamb, Corkill, Whate, McClelland, Marsden, McDonnell, C Smith, Caffrey, Richardson, W Smith, Allen
Goals Sam Allen
Harry Whate
Hoylake managers Motm Joe Lamb
Oppositions Choice Calum Smith
Today we faced Olympic on a glorious sunny afternoon. It was good to get a game on after a break due to the weather and the lads were all looking up for it. We started well, passing the ball round nicely and battling hard for every ball. Our first chance fell to Sam Richardson who shot narrowly wide with a left footed half volley after Harry had sent a ball over the top.
Caffers then slid a ball through for Cal Smith whose shot just rose over the bar. Caffers was the provider for Sam Allen who made good space and slotted the ball to the side of the keeper to put us one up. Olympic are a good side and have a lot of pace going forward, they kept our defence very busy, Joe Lamb was exceptional and rarely put a foot wrong. All the defenders played well and our debutant Mathew fitted in well and made some excellent forward passes.
Olympic’s best chance of the half came when the pacey striker got through and shot but Luke made an excellent save tipping the ball wide with a diving save. Caffers then went close after Harry sent in a lovely corner and he headed narrowly wide. We were then awarded a free kick that Cal Smith blasted into the net, only for the goal to be disallowed due to the keeper being obscured by one of our players, a bit harsh but probably the right decision. Harry then went close but his shot was blocked and deflected onto the bar. Half Time 1-0.
Early in the second half we got two up, Nathan sent a dangerous ball in the box and the keeper failed to get a good hand on it and Harry followed up and buried it, 2-0. Olympic then had their best spell of the game and managed to pull a goal back, we seemed to let them come at us for ten minutes. Then there was a huge scramble at the other end, Nathan shot and the keeper blocked it, the ball fall to Elliot whose shot was also saved, the ball finally fell at the feet of Cal Smith and his shot hit the post and then fell behind, It was remarkable that the ball didn’t end up in the net. Cal Smith had an excellent shot on the turn but the Olympic keeper made a good save. It was a nervy last ten minutes and Olympic managed an equaliser after a failed clearance at the back. We had thrown away our lead, but we pushed to get back in front. Will was making some good runs but we just failed to get that killer pass through. In the last minute we won a corner that Harry floated in, and Cal Smith nodded it goal wards but a defender was equal to it and headed it off the line. Full Time 2-2 a little disappointing after being two up and creating a lot of good chances hitting a bar and post, but pleasing as the lads are playing some good football.
match 6
Sunday 19th Oct A C Hoylake 3 Wallasey Wanderers 1 Knockout Cup
Played at Newton Park 2.30 Pm KO
Squad Williams, Eyre-Jones, Lamb, Corkill, Whate, Mccrudden, Marsden, McDonnell, C Smith, Caffrey, Richardson, Haste, Stone, Allen
Goals Calum Smith
Sam Richardson
Callum Stone
Hoylake Managers Motm Luke Williams
Oppositions Choice Joe Corkill
Today we faced Wallasey Wanderers in the cup; we had a couple of close encounters with them last season. We got off to a fantastic start considering we had been forced to play into the strong wind after losing the toss, but it didn’t matter as on two minutes Stoney held the ball up well and laid it off for Cal Smith, who connected beautifully, the keeper got a hand to it but couldn’t keep it out.Wallasey came straight back at us and rattled the bar. Soon after wards they were awarded a free kick which took off with the wind behind it, but Luke caught it well. On eight minutes Wallasey beat our offside trap and placed a shot nicely into the corner of the goal to make it 1-1.We continued to create the better chances Harry sent a lovely ball over and Sam Richardson volleyed just wide. Harry himself had a good effort on fifteen minutes that just went wide. Cal Stone had an effort well blocked after some good work from Sam Richardson on the left. They then reversed roles, this time Cal put Sam through and he poked the ball in the net to put us 2-1 up.
Cal Smith had a long range free kick and was looking for another goal but this time the keeper denied him with a good save. We made some good chances in the first half and when Wallasey did come at us but Joe C, Joe L, Ben and Matty Marsden were well in command at the back. Just before half time Joe L and Luke combined well to keep us in front after Joe had half blocked and Luke followed up with a good save. Half Time 2-1.
We lost Caffers due to injury so Joe Haste who had already limped off earlier in the game came back on to fill in at the centre of midfield.Matty M was replaced by Toy who was strong and sent some lovely passes forward. Elliot came on wide for Harry and looked lively. We hoped for more goals in the second half but it was more of a physical battle .Luke was called on yet again to make a good diving save. We then edged further ahead after Joe Lamb then sent a lovely ball forward for Cal Stone to chase. He controlled well and sent the ball over the keepers head to put us 3-1 up. We then lost Cal Smith also through injury, so Sam Allen dropped back into midfield and Harry pushed up front. We came under pressure for a ten minute spell but were strong in battling for the ball; Ben made an excellent diving tackle to halt a Wallasey player from running through. Wallasey were strong at the back and defended well, our best final effort was a long range shot from Sam Allen. Final score, 3-1 and through to the next round of the cup. Another good performance but at last the result went our way. The lads worked well considering we suffered a few injuries during the game and people were playing outside of their normal roles.
match 7
Sunday 2nd Nov A C Hoylake 1 Beechwood Falcons 3
Played at Newton Park 2.30 Pm KO
Squad Williams, Eyre-Jones, Lamb, Whate, Mccrudden, Mcclelland, Marsden, McDonnell, C Smith, Haste, Stone, Allen, Neville, Johnson,
Goal Callum Stone
Hoylake Managers Motm Ben Eyre-Jones
Oppositions Choice Joe Lamb
Today we faced Beechwood Falcons on a dry but cool afternoon. We started well Matty Marsden H and Cal Smith were linking together well making some good forward passes. Our first real chance came after Toy thumped a long range shot but the keeper was equal to it. Joe H also had a good shot that just drifted wide. Some more good work down the right and Joe H threaded a ball through for Stoney to shoot but the keeper got down well to deny us the lead. We did squeeze in front a few minutes later after we chased a loose ball and Elliot and Sam Allen worked the ball into the box and Cal Stone prodded it home , one nil ! Well deserved after lots of good attacking play. At the other end we were kept busy and the back four of Matty Marsden, Toy, Ben and Joe L battled well chasing every ball. Joe Lamb made an excellent goal line clearance to keep us in front. Luke was called on a couple of times to make excellent saves, one diving bravely at a strikers feet. At one stage the very fast Beechwood number 18 broke through but his shot went high and wide. Towards the end of the half Cal Smith had a long free kick saved and we just missed out on the follow up. Half Time 1-0.
In the second half Sean came on for Cal Stone, Dom for Elliot and Nathan for Joe H. We came under a lot of pressure in this half. Our best effort came after Sam Allen Played Dom through his shot ended up being half cleared and Harry rammed a beautiful rocket of a shot but the keeper was stood in exactly the right spot and held on to the ball well.Beechwood pulled a goal back and looked a different team in this half. Our midfield battled for everything with Nathan Joe H and Elliot all having a good go in the middle. We soon fell two behind when the 18 got onto a loose ball and looped the ball over Lukes head. Cal Stone came back on in a last ditch effort to get something from the game but we struggled to find that killer ball. Beechwood got a third goal in the dying minutes with an excellent long finish. A disappointing result after playing some lovely football in the first half. On the other hand there were some very pleasing performances right through the team.
match 8
Sunday 9th Nov A C Hoylake 1 Beechwood Falcons 4
Played at Arrowe Park 1.00 Pm KO
Squad Williams, Eyre-Jones, Lamb, Corkill, Whate, Mccrudden, W Smith, Marsden, Richardson, C Smith, Haste, Allen, Neville,
Goal Calum Smith
Hoylake Managers Motm Joe Lamb
Oppositions Choice Harry Whate
Today we faced Beechwood Falcons for the second week in succession on a cold, wet, blustery afternoon on Arrowe Park. It was a fairly scrappy start with neither team passing freely.Beechwood took the lead when Luke missed the ball from a back pass and scrambled back to keep the ball out but just failed.Beechwood got through again minutes later and should have scored but the final shot went wide. Our first good effort on goal came from a Toy shot that the keeper blocked and Dom was unlucky from the follow up. A few minutes later Luke saved well on the edge of his area .We did manage to equalise on 15 minutes, Harry cut back beautifully and Cal Smith powered a shot into the back of the net. We continued to come under pressure but Joe L was solid at the back, and was ably assisted by Joe C, Ben and Toy. Going forward we passed the ball well with the impressive Will, Joe H and Harry getting plenty of the ball. We just failed to find that killer pass in the final third. Cal Smith had another good effort well saved as did Sam Allen. We fell two behind with a chipped shot over Luke’s head. Half Time 1-2.
Second half we had the wind on our backs, Matty M came on for Joe H and Sam R for Dom. Matty made an impression straight away linking up well with the excellent Harry, the ball fell at the feet of Sam A but his shot was blocked, Cal Smith followed up with a shot that went over the bar. For the first fifteen minutes of this half we had great possession with the ball not going in our half. Harry had a low shot well saved and a couple of minutes later floated a corner in and will rose well but yet again the keeper denied us. We won a free kick and with the wind Joe Lamb struck it sweetly but the Beechwood keeper was strong and tipped it over the bar. Sam R also had a shot well saved. Our good play in this half led to us having 7 or 8 corners. Then after all our hard work, we conceded another Beechwood goal. We still pressed forward but not with quite as much enthusiasm, Sam Allen went close and Matty M had a shot that went narrowly over the bar after Harry had threaded the killer pass. Beechwood started to press again and Luke was forced into an excellent diving save to tip the ball over .A few minutes later they got their fourth goal after a nice move and shot from just inside the area. A disappointing result after good spells of pressure, 4-1 didn’t justify it really but at the same time you have to put the ball in the back of the net and we didn’t do that today.
match 9
Sunday 16th Nov A C Hoylake 1 Future Stars 1
Played at Newton Park 2.30 Pm KO
Squad Williams, Eyre-Jones, Lamb, Corkill, Whate, Mclelland, W Smith, Marsden, Richardson, C Smith, McDonnell, Allen, Neville, Stone
Goal Sam Richardson
Hoylake Managers Motm Joe Lamb
Oppositions Choice Calum Smith
Today we faced Future Stars on a sunny afternoon at Newton Park. We started well getting the ball forward quickly and on two minutes poked the ball home only for it to be disallowed as the keeper had two hands on it and a free kick was awarded. Most of our efforts were long range; Sam Allen had a shot over the bar. Cal Smith had a free kick, which too rose over the bar. Joe Lamb had a free kick that went narrowly wide. We battled hard in midfield with Elliot, Harry, Will and Cal kept busy by Future who fought hard for every ball. A shot from Ben was probably our best effort of the half, one of our corners was cleared and Ben ran onto the ball and struck it well but the keeper was equal to it. We found ourselves a goal down after Future were awarded a penalty for a foul and the ball was well placed into the corner giving Luke no chance. Soon after Will floated a shot in that brushed the Future post. Half Time 0-1.
Second half Future started quickly trying to get the ball forward but we didn’t look in any great danger and Dom who came on for the injured Luke was quick to pounce on anything that came his way and the defence of Joe, Joe ,Ben and Nathan dealt with just about everything.
We pushed for a goal but our normal sweet passing was none existent it just wasn’t clicking. We had a Sam Allen shot tipped onto the bar. A Harry shot went wide, and then a Stoney shot also went wide. We tried to get Sam Richardson into the play and a nice move between him and Harry led to Stoney going close. We were getting closer, Cal Smith had a shot well saved and Matty Marsden went close but the keeper tipped his shot round the post. Sam Allen had a shot tipped onto the bar again! They were all good shots but we couldn’t get that close to the Future goal, they defended excellently. Our equaliser came after a nice move between Will and Sam Richardson and it was Sam’s shot that finally beat the keeper to make it 1-1, it was a lovely sweet strike and the keeper got a hand to it but just couldn’t keep it out. With only two minutes to go that was just about it. Probably our worst performance of the season due to the lack of passing, and we were limited to long range shots, but Future fought hard and were worthy of a point.
match 10
Sunday 23rd Nov A C Hoylake 1 Manor Athletico 4
Played at Leasowe Road 1.00 Pm KO
Squad: Williams, Eyre-Jones, Lamb, Corkill, Whate, McClelland, Mccrudden, McDonnell, C Smith, Neville, Richardson, W Smith, Stone, Haste.
Goals: Dom Neville
Hoylake managers Motm: Joe Haste
Oppositions Choice: Luke Williams
Today we faced last season’s league runners up. The pitch was very boggy but both managers agreed to go ahead with the match. The manor captain won the toss, resulting in us having to play into a strong wind. Manor started brightly and had a shot which went narrowly wide after 2 minutes. A few minutes later, Cal Stone broke through and finished with a beautiful chip over the manor keeper but was adjudged off side. Manor were putting us under huge pressure as we battled against the wind. Our defence of Joe, Joe, Ben and Toy fought hard to keep them at bay. Luke was forced into an excellent double save. Against the run of play, a nicely worked move between Cal Smith and Cal Stone resulted in the ball falling at the feet of Dom and he slotted home to put us 1 up. Manor equalised a couple of minutes later with a shot from the right. Five minutes later they took the lead. The game was interrupted twice due to hailstones; conditions were awful. The midfield of Harry, Cal, Elliott and the very impressive Joe Haste worked tirelessly and it was Joe who had our next opportunity, with a shot that was well saved. Just before half time Manor went 3- 1 up. Half time 3 – 1.
Second half we had the wind behind us. Will and Sam were introduced up front and Nathan came on at the back. Our earliest opportunity came after Elliott cut the ball back into the path of Joe Corkill, whose shot was saved. We soon found ourselves 4 down and had our work cut out. Cal Smith had an effort well saved and another shot from him went narrowly wide. Luke was called on again to make an excellent diving save low down to his left and when the ball fell loose, he dived bravely at the feet of an oncoming striker. As time ticked by we struggled to find that killer touch. Ben made a good run beating a couple of men but his final shot was saved. Sam went close and Joe Lamb had a free kick, which rose just above the bar. The final whistle blew and our green away strip worn for the first time was black! Disappointing result but the lads worked hard in very difficult conditions against a strong Manor side.
match 11
Sunday 30th Nov A C Hoylake 1 Olympic 3
Played at Newton Park Pm KO
Squad: Williams, Marsden, Lamb, Corkill, Whate, McClelland, Mccrudden, McDonnell, C Smith, Richardson, Stone, Allen, Caffrey
Goals: Cal Stone
Hoylake managers Motm: Joe Corkill
Oppositions Choice: Harry Whate
Today we faced Olympic who had only lost one game in the league. We had played them a few weeks earlier and managed a 2-2 draw with them. We welcomed Caffers back after a long lay off due to injury. We missed Ben today so Jo C filled in at centre back. We fell a goal behind on two minutes after some good work down the left. The ball was whipped into the box and slotted home. Our first effort came from a Cal Smith free kick that was well saved. We soon found ourselves 2 down. We dug in to fight our way back into the match and Cal Smith headed narrowly wide from a Harry corner. Our goal came after Joe Lamb sent a long ball over the top and Cal Stone did well to shrug off a couple of defenders and slot it home.Ht 1-2
Second half Nathan came on for Toy and Elliot for Sam R.We dominated this half but couldn’t find the net, we had lots of the possession but similar to other weeks struggled in the last third but Olympic did defend very well.Caffers shot narrowly wide as did Cal Stone.Matty Marsden had a long effort that was tipped onto the bar. We defended well when needed at our end and Luke was mostly untested in this half. The midfield worked hard to keep the ball. Nathan had a shot that went close. We swapped Sam A and Cal Smith round to try and force a goal. With only a few minutes left Olympic got their third which was the best of the game. Cal Smith had a shot well saved .Time ran out but another good battling performance from all the boys. We just need that finishing touch!!
match 12
Sunday 14th Dec A C Hoylake 3 Delta Colts 1
Played at Newton Park 2.30 Pm KO
Squad: Williams, Marsden, Eyre -Jones, Corkill, Whate, McClelland, Caffrey, Neville, W Smith, Richardson, Stone, Allen,
Goals: Sam Richardson, Sam Allen, Harry Whate
Hoylake managers Motm: Mathew Caffrey
Oppositions Choice: Luke Williams
Today we faced Delta; they had beaten us earlier in the season 4-2 and were going well in the league so it was sure to be a tough encounter. We had a slightly different team out today with the new partnership at centre back of Joe C and Ben with Matty Marsden on the right and Nathan on the left. For the first ten minutes Delta had most of the play we battled well but Luke was forced into as couple of early saves. Our first effort on goal was a shot from Harry that was well saved. Delta continued to press and a shot came in but Luke dived brilliantly to tip it round the post. We then got more into the game creating lots of chances, with Cal Stone, Will, Matty and Harry all going close with shots. It was good end to end stuff our defenders were all playing out of their skins! The midfield of Caffers, Harry, Will and Sam R fought for every ball and up top Cal and Dom didn’t stop chasing every ball Ht 0-0.
The second half continued in a similar fashion, Sam Allen went close with a shot. We then fell a goal behind after a nice move from Delta. The striker ran through and finished beautifully in the corner, it was looking like the same old story falling behind but we got stuck in and should have scored when Delta struggled to deal with one of our corners.Caffers who seemed to have magnetic boots on today, as he was winning everything in the middle of the park, had a shot that kept low. The keeper parried the ball and Sam Richardson ran in at the far post to slide it between two defenders into the net for a well deserved equaliser. We were pressing well Matty was getting forward at every opportunity sending some lovely balls through. Joe C, Ben, Matty and Nathan all battled well at the back. Harry who also had another fine game made a good charge through the middle and his final shot was well saved.Caffers went very close with a shot that went narrowly wide. We then got in front with a fantastic goal ,another lovely ball sent through from Sam R found Cal Stone and he squared for the forward running Sam Allen who hit it first time and slammed it into the corner for a really well worked goal. Could we hang on with fifteen minutes to go, Delta were pressing hard and Luke was called on a couple of times to come flying out of his goal to clear. We then found ourselves further in front after Sam R sent in another lovely corner; the ball fell to Harry who poked it in the net. With ten minutes left we hung on well for a great win. It was by far our best performance of the season with every single player doing their bit. A well deserved win after a great battling performance against one of the best teams in the league
match 13
Sunday 21st Dec A C Hoylake 1 Olympic 5
Played at Leasowe Road 2.30 Pm KO
Squad: Williams, Marsden, Mccrudden, Corkill, Whate, McClelland, Caffrey, Neville, W Smith, Richardson, Stone, Allen,
Goals: Mathew Marsden
Hoylake managers Motm: Mathew Marsden
Oppositions Choice: Dominic Neville
Today we faced Olympic, we had previously played them twice this season with those games both being very close, one ending in a draw and the other a loss. We had only 12 players available today and were forced into a make shift centre back partnership of Dom and Matty Marsden.We were playing into a very strong wind and bright sun in our eyes for the first half. We struggled to get the ball forward and had to battle very hard as Olympic were all over us. We managed to hold on for 15 minutes but very quickly found ourselves three nil down. Our best efforts of the half were shots from Caffers and Will. Just before half time Olympic got a fourth goal. We were relieved to hear the half time whistle. It was going to be very hard to turn round a four goal deficit. Half Time 0-4.
In the second half we were like a different team the wind was playing a strong advantage. Joe C had a shot that went just wide of the post. We battled harder for the ball in this half in particular Caffers and Harry in the middle of the park and at the back we seemed more solid with Joe C and Dom putting in some good tackles. We managed a goal after some good play between Sam Allen and Cal, the ball was spread wide on the right to Matty Marsden who shot firmly and beat the keeper to the right hand corner of the net, it was a cracking finish and it spurred us on. Toy had a shot that was well blocked and Caffers got to the re bound but the keeper was well on his game today. Olympic managed another goal, all five were excellent finishes. We continued to press hard and Caffers had a shot tipped over the bar and Harry went very close with a header from a Matty Marsden corner. In the dying seconds Luke managed an excellent reaction save to deny Olympic another goal. It was a disappointing performance today with a handful of the boys not quite on their game today. We played well in the second half but it was hard to try and pull back four goals and the wind had a helping hand in this game as well.
Match 14
Sunday 11th Jan A C Hoylake 1 Glenavon 2
Played at Newton Park 1.00 Pm KO
Squad: Williams, Marsden, Eyre-Jones, Corkill, Whate, McClelland, Mccrudden, McDonnell, Smith, Richardson, Stone, Allen, Caffrey, Neville
Goals: Cal Stone
Hoylake managers Motm: Joe Corkill
Oppositions Choice: Mathew Caffrey
Today we faced Glenavon, they had beaten us 2-1 earlier in the season and it was sure to be another tight affair. It was very much a midfield battle and the pitch was heavy so it was difficult for free flowing football. Our best opening opportunity came after Matty Marsden found some space and charged through the middle, he threaded a ball through for Cal who went close. Five minutes later Matty himself went close with a well struck free kick that the keeper did well to stop on the goal line. Our goal came after Caffers made a great run and put Cal through. He ran on to it and finished beautifully.Glenavon kept coming at us but we held our line well. There were a lot of tight off side decisions and it was very stop and start.Glenavon equalised after a slip at the back and the striker found some space, Luke came out to clear and he and the striker connected with it together and it spun up onto the inside of the post and into the net. Half Time 1-1.
The second half followed a similar pattern with neither team creating clear cut chances. Both lines were very vocal as there were lots of tight decisions. Cal Stone went close after Elliot had sent a good ball forward. Elliot then had to come off after he was clattered on the knee. Caffers went close with a shot that rose over the bar. Harry sent a lovely pass through for Cal and he stayed on his feet brilliantly with a defender pressing him and his final shot hit the post. We were coming under a lot of pressure at the back but we battled well, with Joe Corkill shining in particular. Glenavon almost scored after a corner was bobbling around the box but we managed to get it clear. We too went close after a corner was pounced on by their keeper after a scramble in the box. Dom had a great chance in the last few minutes he rocketed a shot and somehow the keeper managed to tip it over the bar.Glenavon were reduced to ten men but squeezed a winner in the last minute after everybody seemed to stop as the Glenavon line screamed for a handball. A disappointing result after a good battling performance from all of the team.
match 15
Sunday 18th Jan A C Hoylake 1 Upton 5
Played at Lingham Park 1.00 Pm KO
Squad: Williams, Marsden, Eyre-Jones, Corkill, Whate, McClelland, Mccrudden, McDonnell, Smith, Richardson, Stone, Haste, Caffrey,
Goals Mathew Marsden
Hoylake managers Motm: Mathew Mccrudden
Oppositions Choice: Luke Williams
Today’s test was against Upton, league winners from last season, so we were in for a tough afternoon. The wind was blowing hard and although the sun was out it was bitterly cold. Upton started brightly and put us under lots of pressure. We played five in midfield to try and stop them getting through and although it took us a while to get used to the formation, the lads battled well. We fell a goal behind on ten minutes when after a corner the ball fell loose and was stabbed home. We got more into the game and Will worked the ball well on the left to Cal a couple of times but Upton were strong in defense.Cal did break through the defence after Elliot played him through, but the ball was cleared off the line by a defender. Toy who worked tirelessly in the first half sent a free kick into the box and Harry laid it off for Caffers, but his shot was well saved. Upton continued to press and kept our defenders busy, but as usual they all worked well as a unit and continued to deal with most things thrown at them. We managed to hang on until half time without conceding anymore. Half Time 1-0.
Upton started as they had left off and Luke was forced into an excellent save when he was unsighted by two players but managed to turn the ball round the post. We were soon to concede again though, Upton had two skilful strikers who both had incredible speed and they kept us busy. We soon found ourselves four down although we were battling well for the ball and Luke made a couple more good saves. Our breakthrough came after Harry sent a ball through and Matty Marsden playing as striker in this half ran on to it, controlled well and drilled it beautifully over the out coming Upton keeper for a fine finish, at last we had something to celebrate. This seemed to give our midfield a new lease of life and with Sam R, Harry and Joe H all linking well on the right hand side getting the ball forward at every opportunity. Will had an excellently struck shot well saved. Sam Richardson also had a shot well saved by the Upton keeper. Harry went close with a shot as did Toy. Upton did break again and added a fifth in the last few minutes.
We were well beaten by a very good side but the lads didn’t give up and all performed to their best. It was pleasing that we scored a good goal and created some good chances after being well behind.
match 16
Sunday 25th Jan A C Hoylake 0 Beechwood Falcons 2
Played at Newton Park 1.00pm ko
Squad Williams, Eyre-Jones, Neville, Mccrudden, Corkill, Whate, Marsden, Haste, McDonnell, Smith, Caffrey, Richardson, Allen
Hoylake managers Motm Jo Corkill
Oppositions Choice Mathew Caffrey
Today we faced Beechwood on a sunny afternoon at Newton. We had a couple of major changes today with Dom starting at centre back and Mathew Marsden up front. Beechwood started the brighter of the teams. It took us a few minutes to get going but we created the first good chance when Matty Marsden flicked the ball on from a throw into the path of Harry, who went close with a shot. We fell a goal behind on ten minutes, we were caught out at the back when a long throw sneaked through and the striker ran on to it and finished well. A few minutes later Joe Haste had a good effort that rose over the bar. We came under quite a bit of pressure in this half but defended well with Joe C shining, Dom performing well along with Toy and Ben. Luke was forced into a couple of decent saves diving at the feet of the striker. We struggled to get the ball moving around. Sam Allen limped off with a hamstring injury this was a big loss for us. We fell two behind when a corner fell loose and Beechwood stabbed the ball home. Half Time 0-2
In the second half Will played up front in support of Matty and we had a lot more of the ball. Caffers had a shot well saved. Harry who looked our most dangerous player broke through on a couple of occasions and forced good diving saves from the keeper. Elliot also had a good effort saved. All our efforts were long range and although we had a lot of the ball we struggled to get it through the strong Beechwood defence. The movement in midfield was much better with Harry, Caffers, Joe H, El and Sam R all doing their bit to get the ball forward. At the other end we were relatively untested in this half with Beechwood only breaking through on a couple of occasions. We continued to press but to no avail, Will did go close with a shot that went into the side netting. A disappointing performance, a lot of the boys were not on their game today and we seemed to lack the winning instinct.
match 17
Sunday 1st Feb A C Hoylake 1 Future Stars 1
Played at Newton Park 1.00pm ko
Squad Williams, Eyre-Jones, Neville, Mccrudden, McClelland, Corkill, Whate, Marsden, Haste, , Smith, Caffrey, Stone, Allen,
Hoylake managers Motm Jo Corkill
Oppositions Choice Mathew Caffrey
Today was a league match against Future; on our previous meeting we drew 1-1.The first half was very even with most of the game being battled out in midfield. It was a very physical game. Future took the lead on 15 minutes when a ball fell loose after a corner and was slotted home. Minutes later we equalised after some strong play from Caffers, he threaded the ball through for Harry who finished beautifully with a well-struck shot into the corner of the net. Ht 1-1.
The second half was more eventful with lots more chances in front of goal. Caffers threaded a ball through for Cal who steamed away with the ball but his final shot hit the post. Sam forced a great save from the Future keeper with a good shot after Harry had played a lovely through ball. Joe C had an effort that just rose over the bar after one of our many corners. Future had good periods of play as well in this half but yet again we were equal to them in particular Joe C and Toy who were outstanding.Luke was largely untested in goal this half. Cal had a shot that went narrowly wide after Caffers had played him through. Then another nice move involving the very impressive Joe H who sent it up the line for Matty Marsden and he played it through to Cal who had another effort that went close. Harry had a shot well saved by the keeper after another nice ball from Caffers. Cal shot wide again this time after some good work from Sam. Future battled well at the back closing us down quickly restricting us with our efforts on goal. Caffers made some space and cracked a stormer of a shot that just went over the bar. In the dying minutes Cal rammed the ball home only for it to be disallowed with the ref judging that the keeper had both hands on the ball before it fell loose, a harsh decision. Time ran out but we had played much better than previous weeks getting the ball forward a lot and creating lots of chances. It was a very physical game and Future battled well for the draw.
Match 18
Sunday 8th Feb A C Hoylake 0 Delta Colts 2
Played at Lingham Park 1.00pm ko
Squad Neville, Eyre-Jones, Mclelland, Mccrudden, McClelland, Corkill, Whate, Richardson, Haste, Smith, Caffrey, Stone, Allen,
Hoylake managers Motm Joseph Haste
Oppositions Choice Mathew Caffrey
Today we faced Delta on an awful boggy pitch. We started the game poorly and Delta had a close range shot that drifted wide in the first few minutes. We came under a lot of pressure for the first quarter but weathered the storm and managed to get the ball clear and created some openings ourselves. Our best chance of the game came after some great work from Sam Allen wide on the right, he sent a lovely ball through for Cal and he rounded the keeper and sent the ball goalwards but his shot was brilliantly cleared off the line. Delta did manage a goal but it was correctly judged to be off side. The big striker also went very close after breaking through our back line but Dom deputising in goal today did enough to put him off and his shot drifted wide. The ref was making some bizarre decisions that had both lines puzzled at times, Elliot fell in the Delta penalty area and was penalised for diving! Delta did manage to squeeze in front just before half time after a ball was cleared but richoted back nicely in line for the striker to poke it home just beating an outstretched Dom. Half Time 0-1.
Early in the second half Delta managed a second goal; the striker appeared to be marginally off side but ran through strongly and finished with a good shot into the roof of the net. Our champagne moment of the game had to be when Harry made an incredible run weaving in and out past 4 delta players with the ball stuck to his foot, but he ran out of steam and his final shot was well saved. This half was more a midfield battle with the ball sticking in the mud it was hard to play proper football, Joe Haste had a particularly good game never giving up the chase. Joe C made a good rare run through the middle and was unlucky to have his shot saved. Cal Stone also went close near the end of the game. It was a hard fought game with the two Joe’s, Elliot and Harry shining the most. Full time 0-2.
match 19
Sunday 15th Feb A C Hoylake 3 Future Stars 4 (aet)
Played at Woodchurch 1.00pm ko
Squad: Williams, Eyre-Jones, Neville, Mccrudden, McClelland, Corkill, Whate, Marsden, Haste, McDonnell, Abraham, Stone, Allen,
Scorers Matty Marsden 2, Harry Whate
Hoylake managers Motm Joseph Haste
Oppositions Choice Mihal Abraham
We had already had two hard fought draws against Future in the league, so this cup quarter final was sure to be evenly contested. The pitch was in poor condition and it was going to be difficult to play nice passing football. We fell a goal behind as early as two minutes when the ball was only half cleared and then rammed home 0-1. We had some good spells of play with the midfield of Sam, Matty, Elliot, Harry and Joe H moving the ball round well but we were missing that finishing touch. Future went close again this time hitting the post. One of our best efforts of the half came after Matty Marsden sent in a free kick and Dom put the ball narrowly wide. Our defenders Dom, Ben, Joe and Toy were having a real good go at keeping Future out but conditions were poor for defenders to deal with the ball and we soon found ourselves 3-0 down, the latter of which was clearly off side. We still created chances and Matty Marsden had a shot that went narrowly over after great work from Harry. Luke was forced into an excellent diving save to stop the score from getting worse. Half Time: 3-0.
After being asked whether it would be possible for us to get back into this game, the lads all seemed still up for it, despite trudging off like a defeated team. We must have wound the boys up into a frenzy as we played like a different team in this half. Mihal was introduced up front for his debut and made some excellent runs. He had a great effort early on, but his shot just went wide of the post. We got a goal back after a lovely through ball by (the ever battling never giving up anything) Joe Haste, he found Matty Marsden who ran through and slotted home beautifully. 3-1.We were on top this half and Joe H and Mihal both went close. We were then awarded a penalty after a hand ball and Matty Marsden rammed it home to make it 3-2.Cal Stone came back on wide out on the left and got very involved in the play and Harry was superb creating havoc. Joe once again went close as did Matty. Our defenders were largely untested this half and with the addition of Nathan it freed Joe C to make some forward runs and it was he who sent a lovely ball in the box for Harry to finish and make it 3-3 with four minutes to go, what a come back ! Full Time Score: 3-3.
Seven minutes each way extra time and we had the momentum after such a good half but Future battled well and made some good last ditch tackles. They edged ahead when clearly there was a foul but the striker ran through and poked home. It seems unsporting to go on about referees but again today we did not get a fair rub of the green, too many inconsistencies with decisions cost us yet again. We continued to work hard and make chances but Future battled well and time ran out. We were out of the cup despite an incredible come back. I was very proud of the fight the lads showed to get back into the game but we just need to start playing a bit earlier and not when we are well behind. Final Score: Future 4-3 Hoylake
Match 20
Sunday 22nd Feb A C Hoylake 3 Future Stars 1
Played at Woodchurch 1.00pm ko
Squad: Williams, Eyre-Jones, Neville, Mccrudden, McClelland, Corkill, Whate, Marsden, Haste, McDonnell, Caffrey, Abraham, Stone, Smith,
Scorers Matthew Caffrey, Matthew Marsden, Cal Stone,
Hoylake managers Motm Harry Whate
Oppositions Choice Matthew Caffrey
Today we faced Future again and we were right up for this one after they dumped us out of the cup only last week. For once we won the toss and changed ends so we had the wind with us. The lads were told to get going from the off and they certainly did. On only three minutes Joe Haste had a shot blocked and it fell to Caffers who shot brilliantly into the roof of the net to put us 1-0 up. We created lots of good chances in this half with Harry, Mihal, Caffers and Cal all linking well together. Harry had a shot saved after Ben floated a free kick in the box. Caffers then had another shot saved. Joe C was surging forward and went close after a good move involving Will and Joe H. Caffers then chased a ball that was looking like it was going out, but he did well to keep it in and forced a fantastic save from the Future keeper, who somehow managed to knock it over the bar. At the other end we were largely untested. Future did get a few free kicks in dangerous areas but failed to make the most of them. Ben, Nath, Toy and Joe dealt with everything pumping the ball forward. Harry forced another good diving save from the keeper. Joe C again went close with a shot. Yet again Harry weaved his magic and pulled the trigger but again the keeper saved brilliantly diving low to his right to deny us another goal. Luke was forced into his first touch of the half just before half time when Future broke through and were one on one, but Luke tipped the ball brilliantly onto the post to keep the score intact. Half Time 1-0
It was bound to be a more difficult half with us playing into the wind. Future managed an equaliser, they looked brighter this half. Elliot and Dom were introduced at the back and fought well for every ball. After a succession of pressure and corners from Future, Caffers was unfortunate to direct the ball into the corner of the net after rising well to get to it. We kept going and Matty Marsden found himself in space and with his sweet shot knocked it into the roof of the net to put us back in front.2-1.Future did press more and more and Ben was forced into an excellent tackle to deny Future a very good chance. Dom then went close at the near post after a nice corner from Will. Cal burst into the box was bundled over it looked a clear penalty but nothing was given. Harry then made a great run down the right and cut inside to find Cal, whose shot was well saved. Cal then had another good chance after he blocked a Future goal kick, but his shot went narrowly wide. Future then had a player sent off for dissent and we took full advantage. Toy sent a lovely ball down the line and Matty Marsden controlled it well to find Cal who this time found the net to put us 3-1 up. Full Time 3-1. Today we were like a different team it helped us for once having a bit of wind with us in the first half and getting in front early gave the lads a different confidence had it not been for some great saves from the Future keeper the score line could have been bigger. A well over due win!
match 21
Sunday 1st March A C Hoylake 1 Manor Athletico 4
Played at Newton Park 2.30pm ko
Squad: Williams, Eyre-Jones, Mccrudden, Corkill, Whate, Marsden, Haste, McDonnell, Caffrey, Stone, Smith, Richardson, Allen,
Scorer Cal Stone,
Hoylake managers Motm Matthew Caffrey
Oppositions Choice Matthew McCrudden
Today we faced Manor on a glorious afternoon and the pitch was looking fantastic. The first ten minutes were fairly even with both teams playing some nice passing football. Manor had a couple of early free kicks, the first just rising over the bar and the second Luke did well to keep out. On 12 minutes Manor took the lead when the striker broke through and under pressure finished well. We soon found our selves three down! The second goal was another cool finish and the third was a rocket shot after a half clearance. Our best chance of the half was a good shot from Harry that just rose over the bar. Half Time 0-3.
The lads were given a hard time during the break, as the first half performance was poor with the lads not giving their all. What a transformation was to occur in the second half, same old story, we looked like a different team. The lads battled for everything. Our goal came after Matty Marsden chased a ball down on the touch line and fired a cross in, Caffers got up well and nodded it forwards, Will then flicked it into the path of Cal who finished well from close range. This spurred us on for a really good spell. Matty Marsden then went very close after beating the keeper to the ball but his shot went narrowly wide. Sam Allen sent some lovely corners in the box one of which Harry headed really well but it was cleared off the line by a defender and another that he headed just over the bar. Manor scored again in the closing seconds. Full time 1-4. It was always going to be difficult going three behind to some excellent finishing. As usual a good second half performance but all alittle late.
match 22
Sunday 8th March A C Hoylake 0 Glenavon 0
Played at Newton Park 2.30pm ko
Squad: Williams, Eyre-Jones, Mccrudden, Corkill, Whate, Marsden, Haste, McClelland, Caffrey, Stone, Smith, Richardson, Allen, Neville,
Hoylake Managers Motm Matthew Marsden
Oppositions Choice Matthew Caffrey
Glenavon had beaten us twice this season but both games were close, ending 2-1. We were hopeful of a good performance today with all the lads looking up for it.
We started the game very brightly; Matt Marsden was making a right nuisance of himself chasing everything. The movement of our midfield and strikers was excellent. Our best opening came when Sam Allen sent a lovely ball in and Caffers rose well but his header was cleared off the line. Will was getting forward and had a couple of good efforts one just wide and one well saved. Matt Marsden went close after Cal Stone had played a lovely ball through for him. Glenavon battled well but didn’t create a lot in this half, our defence and keeper dealt with everything thrown at them. Glenavon’s best chance was a shot that flew over the bar. Matt had another great chance but his shot was saved well by the keeper. Harry won a free kick on the edge of the area and took it himself but the keeper got down well to save it. Half Time 0-0.
In the early stages of the second half Glenavon had their best spell of pressure but we managed to limit their efforts on goal. Dom had a good chance when his shot was saved but as it was cleared it deflected off Dom again but was scrambled clear off the goal line. Caffers who was winning everything in the middle of the park had a shot well saved. We still pushed forward and Matt Marsden had another chance saved as did Sam R.Caffers hit a thunderbolt of a shot but the excellent keeper yet again saved well. With the addition of Joe H battling hard in midfield it gave Harry freedom to push forward. Matt yet again went close after Sam R had played a lovely through ball. Glenavon had a much better half and came at us towards the end but on the couple of occasions that they looked like they were going to get through Luke was quick to fly off his line and clear things up. Final Score 0-0.
Pleasing first clean sheet of the season for Luke in goal and the back four of Joe C, Ben, Matty and Nathan who have been working tirelessly and deserved this today. It was an excellent performance today; we actually started a game well for a change. On chances created we probably deserved the win
match 23
Sunday 15th March A C Hoylake 2 Upton 4
Played at Newton Park 1.00pm ko
Squad: Williams, Eyre-Jones, McDonnell, Corkill, Marsden, Haste, McClelland, Caffrey, Stone, Smith, Richardson, Allen, Neville,
Hoylake Managers Motm Ben Eyre Jones
Oppositions Choice Elliot McDonnell
Today we welcomed last years league champions Upton to a sunny Newton Park. We started very brightly and Matty Marsden was played through twice early on, the keeper beating him to the ball first time and the second time pulling off an excellent save. We sneaked in front when Elliot sent a long throw into the Upton box, Will ran on to it and flicked it past the keeper, 1-0 Hoylake! Our lead disappeared minutes later after a quick counter from Upton for a well-worked goal after some slick passing. They then went close again after a free kick hit the post. We also had a couple of free kicks that went close Matty Marsden had one that just rose over the bar and Sam R had one that went wide. Sam R was spreading the ball round well and he sent a floated cross in and Cal went close with a header. It was a great well contested game, although we created some good chances, Upton were very dangerous. Our defenders were playing well to keep Upton out, Ben in particular with a couple of excellent challenges and Elliot was playing really well to. Upton did edge in front just before half time. We still responded well and Matty Marsden was unlucky with a shot that went desperately wide. Upton had a couple of other very good chances with one hitting the bar but we kept them at bay and were happy with a very good first half display. Half Time 1-2
In the second half Sam A and Dom were introduced on the flanks and both caused Upton problems. Dom going close with a shot early on in the half. We fell further behind when a free kick squirmed under Luke, very unlucky and on another day he would have kept it out. Pretty quickly it was four, Luke saved a shot but the ball was slipped in after the rebound. Dom was unlucky with a shot that went over the bar. We then got our second goal Sam R who had come back on for the injured Caffers sent a lovely through ball for Cal, with his back to goal he flicked it past a defender and slipped past two more and slotted home for a cracking goal. Time ran out, full time 2-4.Not a bad result against a very good side. The effort today was excellent from the whole team.
match 24
Sunday 22nd March A C Hoylake 0 Manor Athletico 6
Played at Leasowe Road 2.30pm ko
Squad: Williams, McDonnell, Mccrudden, Corkill, Marsden, McClelland, Caffrey, Stone, Smith, Allen, Neville, Abraham,
Hoylake Managers Motm Joe Corkill
Oppositions Choice Luke Williams
As usual the wind was swirling on Leasowe Road. With several players injured we only had 12 players available, so we were up against it today. We started quite well and the first five minutes managed some good possession. Pretty soon Manor took control and took the lead on ten minutes. Manor were putting us under a lot of pressure Luke was called upon to make an excellent diving save. We had another spell of good football but struggled to put real pressure on the Manor goal. Manor managed a second goal which was a superb finish. Our defenders managed to keep them at bay for the rest of the half with Joe C and Toy on top of their game. We only tested the keeper once in the half; it was a shot that went wide from Matty Marsden. Half Time 0-2.
The second half wasn’t much better we managed to concede another four goals, one was great finish, two looked like they may have been slightly off side and one was a clear penalty after a frustrated rash challenge. Luke made a couple more good saves to keep the score down. Our best efforts were a good shot that rattled the post from Dom, a shot from Cal Stone and a free kick that went close from Mat Marsden. We were poor today with only a handful of players giving their all. The passing and control of the ball was poor. There were too many boys that did not seem interested, but with us restricted to 12 in the squad we had no real options to change things around much. Manor did play well and scored some good goals. We just failed to create much at all, with the Manor keeper only getting a handful of touches in the whole game. Easily out worst performance of the season.
match 25
Sunday 5th April A C Hoylake 1 Upton 4
Played at Lingham Park 1.00pm ko
Squad: Williams, Eyre-Jones, Mccrudden, Corkill, Marsden, McClelland, Caffrey, Stone, Abraham, Whate, Allen, Neville,
Hoylake Managers Motm Jo Corkill
Oppositions Choice Dominic Neville
Today the sun shone brightly on Lingham Park and we started the game quite well with some good early possession. We were working hard to win the ball and the midfield of Harry, Caffers, Sam Allen and Dom were battling well. Upton are very dangerous on the attack and took the lead on five minutes. We kept on pressing and Dom broke and had an excellent effort well saved. Minutes later Harry and Matty M linked up well together after Nathan had sent in a lovely forward throw, Harry squeezed through the defence but yet again the keeper made a superb save. Upton then got a second when the tall midfielder got above everyone to nod in from a corner. Their third was a fantastic solo effort from the number 9 who ran from the half way line rounding two players with his fantastic pace and slotting the ball past Luke. Half time 0-3.
In the second half Dom went in goal for the unwell Luke. He was very vocal which was one thing we were lacking on the pitch today. He kept screaming at his defenders and had an excellent half being very alert every time Upton attacked. We yet again started the half well and Cal Stone was very unlucky with a shot that was well saved. Caffers went close with a header. We were playing some good football and the back four of Nath, Toy, Jo and Ben were in control at the back. Matty Marsden broke through but again the keeper pulled out an excellent save. Matty also rocketed a free kick that the keeper did well to keep out. We managed to pull a goal back after the impressive Sam Allen sent a ball through for Mihal to run on to and he hit the ball early and it nestled in the corner for his first goal for the club. It was well deserved as we had created some good chances with Cal, Matty and Harry causing Upton some problems. Caffers made a charge through the middle and his final shot went narrowly wide. Upton managed a fourth goal in the last few minutes. The effort today from all the team was excellent we were just undone by some good finishing and Upton’s keeper kept them well in the match with a string of fine saves.
match 26
Friday 24th April A C Hoylake 4 Delta Colts 4 aet, 3-3 at full time, Hoylake Won 4-1 on pens
Played at Newton Park 6.00pm ko
Squad: Williams, Eyre-Jones, Mccrudden, Corkill, Marsden, McDonnell, Caffrey, Stone, Haste, Whate, Allen, Neville, Smith,
Hoylake Managers Motm Ben Eyre-Jones
Oppositions Choice Elliot McDonnell
A cup semi final, easily our biggest game for years; we had trained hard the previous two weeks leading up to this game and the lads knew the importance of the game and were right up for it. We started brightly with Toy, Ben and Matty M having efforts on goal. Then Delta rattled our bar, which was a wake up call. Slightly later Matty M shot narrowly, following a lovely through ball by Caffers. Luke was called upon to make a couple of fine saves. Then Delta took the lead, they floated a ball back in the box, we had moved out, and our defenders all stopped and yelled off side but nothing was given and we were behind. Minutes later Ben struck a beautiful free kick into the net from just in front of the half way line, 1-1.Joe H, Will and Harry all had shots on goal during the rest of the half. Half Time 1-1.
In the second half Delta edged in front again with a rocket shot into the roof of the net, it was a cracking strike, 1-2. We didn’t create quite as many chances in this half but Ben went close with a shot after Harry had sent a corner in. Sam Allen who had come on was busy and went close with a shot. Caffers went close as well. We managed an equaliser when Harry sent a ball through and Dom was first to react and prodded home, 2-2.Our back four were kept very busy but were playing out of their skins, as was Luke in goal. We conceded a penalty, which was slammed into the net, 2-3.Not long left now but we battled on and Cal went close with a shot. Luke then got injured and was carried off and Dom deputised in goal.20 seconds left on the clock and Sam sent a dangerous ball in to the box and Harry heroically got up and nodded home, a last gasp equaliser to take us into extra time.
Fist period of 10 minutes was deadlocked. Second ten and Delta took the lead, 3-4. We thought our luck had run out. Then with two minutes remaining Harry was brought down and we were awarded a penalty. Up stepped Ben under enormous pressure and slammed it home. With a minute left on the clock we had saved ourselves yet again in this match, four times behind and four times we fought back. Penalty shoot out, could we take any more of this drama? A large crowd watched with great tension. We won the toss and went first Ben 1-0,Dom looked a big presence in goal, Delta missed, Matty Marsden 2-0,Delta missed, Elliot 3-0,Delta scored 3-1,Will stepped up and slammed it into the top corner. 4-1,Game Over. The lads and everyone went wild. We had made the cup final. Fantastic result and Delta were very sporting in defeat. It was one of the most amazing matches I have ever witnessed and was extremely proud of the incredible fighting spirit that the boys showed. Roll on the final against Olympic at Ashville’s ground in a few weeks time!!!
match 27
Sun 10th May A C Hoylake 1 Olympic 1 aet, 1-1 at full time, Olympic Won 3-2 on pens
Played at Ashville 11.00am ko
Squad: Williams, Eyre-Jones, Mccrudden, Mcleland, Corkill, Marsden, McDonnell, Caffrey, Stone, Haste, Whate, Allen, Neville, Smith, Abraham, Richardson
Goal Ben Eyre-Jones
Hoylake Managers Motm Luke Williams
Oppositions Choice Joe Corkill
Today was the biggest game in its history for this team, a cup final. We were on neutral ground at Ashville and the pitch was perfect. The boys seemed quite calm unlike the parents and management. The game started fairly evenly with both teams trying hard to break the deadlock. It was us who struck first, a great free kick from Ben that the keeper got his hand to but its pace took it into the roof of the net. We had another good chance a few minutes later but this time the keeper tipped it round the post. In the second half we knew Olympic would come at us, but we battled well. Our back four were outstanding along with Caffers and Joe H who stood out in midfield. Up front Cal Stone worked tirelessly to increase our lead. Dom was unlucky not to score with a long-range effort. With five minutes remaining Olympic equalised with a strong shot into the roof of the net. Extra time was fairly close. Luke who was outstanding in goal kept us in the match with a great save when the striker broke through.
Time ran out and penalties were upon us once again. Fantastic drama and entertainment with hearts in mouths. Both of the keepers made good saves in the shoot out but it was Olympic who triumphed in the end 3-2.It was a great battling performance from all the Hoylake boys they all did their bit and we are all extremely proud of them all.
