Under
8s Meteors Match Reports
Match 1
AC Hoylake Meteors 1-1 West Wirral Warriors
Team
Cameron Boyd,Michael Cowley,Jamie Sheridan (Captain),Callum Armbruster,Ryan Sides,Jack Edmondson, Fraser Ridgway,Adam Williams,Callum Harrison
Our MOM – Fraser Ridgway, Opponents MOM Fraser Ridgway.
Going in to our first game in not only a new season but a new league we were a little unsure of what to expect but there was no need to worry as our lads stepped up and turned in a good solid performance that should give us confidence for the new season. Kicking off a little late we were immediately on the attack with Jack Edmondson and Fraser Ridgway both showing good early touches. It seemed we had decided early to set up camp in our opponents half with Ryan Sides providing some strong running which really gave us an extra advantage in the wide areas. In the 5th minute we worked a good opportunity for Fraser to shoot but unfortunately it was his weaker foot and the goalkeeper saved well. Our opponents were trying to hit us on the break but were getting no change from Jamie Sheridan and the impressive Michael Cowley. However we did not have to wait much longer for our first goal of the season and what a well worked goal it was with Michael winning a great tackle on the half way line able to feed Jack who in turn played a nicely weighted pass to Fraser who finished with aplomb. The first half closed with us again on top and forcing a couple of corners which we were unable to cash in on.
The second half began the way the first finished with the two Callum’s,(Armbruster & Harrison) driving us forward and with the fresh legs of Adam Williams giving the defenders something new to worry about. In fact it was Adam who nearly added to our tally when he managed to work himself into some space to receive a good pass from Ryan and unleash a fierce shot which the goalkeeper did well to hold. Our desire to go forward was causing us one or two problems as our opponents used their counterattacks well, however when the broke were to find Cameron Boyd in great form between the sticks. The game settled into this pattern and although we were pushing hard the second killer goal was proving elusive. It was at this point that our opponents managed to break away and score a well taken goal that even the impressive Cameron could not keep out. With the scores at 1-1 and time running out Fraser again went close with the goalkeeper producing a good stop from his drive, after a Melee in front of goal the ball fell to Jack who was unlucky to see his drive flash just wide from a tight angle. That would have been a welcome goal however we were once again grateful to Cameron in Goal as he bravely dived at an opponents feet to stop what would have been a certain goal.
Overall I think the boys should be please with their performance as they tried to move the ball around in the long (ok very long) grass and used space well and on another day would have run out comfortable winners.
match 2
Wirral Rangers 9-0 AC Hoylake Meteors
MoM – Alex Ryan
They say a week is a long time in football and this turned out to be the case with the Meteors this week. After our promising start to the season the week before we went into Saturdays game against Wirral Rangers full of hope. After a promising start where we forced a couple of corners, we were unlucky when Jamie Sheridan found himself with a shooting opportunity at the edge of the box, however he was unable to get his shot off quickly enough and the chance was gone. The game turned on the five minute mark when our opponents were awarded what can only be described as a soft penalty, when the young (well they all look young the same as policemen when you get to my age) referee pointed to the spot after a challenge from Callum Harrison. Despite a great attempt Alex Ryan, making his season debut in goal, could only parry the kick into the top corner. However there still seemed to be hope with Fraser Ridgway showing great ball control and causing their defence a lot of problems. This was not to last too long as our opponents who moved the ball around very well were able to add a couple of more before the break.
The second half opened much the way the first ended with most of the action centring around our goal, with some last minute defending and good goalkeeping from Alex saving us on more than one occasion. As the game wore on we were unable to get the ball wide to Jack Edmondson or Ryan sides and Fraser had to come ever deeper looking for the ball. Unfortunately we lost a bit of our shape and the manager has to take the blame for this as he made too many changes which confused the kids. Our opponents on the other hand were well drilled and knew exactly what was expected from them, they moved the ball around well and were a yard quicker in their thinking than our lads. The game finished with a 9-0 defeat but there were some bright notes, Lennon Mather making his season debut showed well with some strong tackling and our Man of the math Alex Ryan never let his head go down even though he had little protection at some points. I was particularly pleased with the attitude of the lads after the game when you could see they did not like to lose and I am sure this passion will help them develop quicker. Essentially we are a new team, having not played many times last year, and I will be looking forward to playing Wirral Rangers again later in the year, as I believe our lads are capable of giving them a good match after we have played a bit more.
match 3
Match report 27/9/08
AC Hoylake Meteors v Upton
Squad: Cameron Boyd, Michael Cowley, Lennon Mather, Jamie Sheridan (capt), Jonny Holmes, Jack Edmondson, Callum Harrison, Adam Williams, Fraser Ridgeway.
For the third game of the season, and the Meteors took on Upton. This time at Rycroft, on a bright sunny autumn day, on a pitch in great condition.
Hoylake started well with good possession and passing amongst the team. An early chance came from a great pass from Jack Edmondson to Callum Harrison, but sadly it was a yard too long and Callum could not quite reach it, before the ball was scooped up by the ‘keeper.
With only the few minutes played, Upton won a free kick midway in Hoylake's half. This proved to be an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the Hoylake goal, which Cameron had no chance of saving.
Despite this early setback, Hoylake, continue to work hard, with Michael Cowley and Jamie Sheridan proving strong in defence, and when Upton did finally breakthrough, Cameron Boyd produced a fine save to deny their striker.
Upton kept up the pressure, and midway through the first half, they succeeded in beating the Hoylake defence and scored their second goal.
The Meteors continue to battle hard, maintaining shape and keeping possession, but Adam and Fraser were frustrated by the good Upton defence. With a few minutes of the first half remaining Jack Edmondson, passed a great ball to Fraser Ridgeway, and this time Upton were unable to close him down and he scored a great goal.
The second half saw some changes, with Jonny Holmes and Lennon Mather coming on, and Callum Harrison, going into goal, allowing Cameron to have a spell in defence.
Hoylake started strong from the kick-off, battled hard in midfield and kept possession but again struggled to get past Upton's big central defender.
Callum Harrison made a great debut in goal for the Meteors and made some fantastic saves from some great shots from Upton.
Upton scored two more in the second half, but despite this the Meteors kept their heads up and battled on, and unfortunately the scoreline was not really a true reflection of their performance on the day, with every player giving their best.
Final Score: Meteors 1, Upton 4
Goal – Fraser Ridgeway
M-O-M Callum Harrison
match 5
Meteors v West Kirby Wasps Amber
Team
Lewis Burrows, Jamie Sheridan,Michael Cowley,Jack Edmondson,Callum Harrison, Ryan Sides (Captain)Fraser Ridgway,Adam Williams,Callum Armbruster
Final Score Meteors 3 – 2 West Kirby Wasps Amber
MoM Fraser Ridgway
This week saw our first local derby of the season against West Kirby Wasps, with Ryan (birthday boy) Sides back in and captaining the team we were looking for our first victory of the year. The game also saw the debut of our goalkeeper Lewis Burrows. Lewis must have thought he was in for a quiet game as we went on the attack from the first whistle and stayed there for most of the first half. Callum Harrison was showing his ball winning skills in midfield and being well supported by the impressive Ryan Sides and strong running of Jack Edmondson and Fraser Ridgway was proving a real headache for the wasps defence. The match was proving quite one sided and just a combination of good goalkeeping, bad luck and a lack of composure in front of goal keeping the score level. After a succession of corners it was a moment of class the finally saw us break through. Following a couple of strong tackles in the middle of the park the ball was knocked up to Fraser who controlled with his left foot while spinning to send a fierce right foot shot screaming past the goalkeeper and into the bottom corner. This was a goal that Rooney or Torres would have been proud of. Shortly after that we were unlucky not to go 2 up when Jack found himself in space in front of gaol but was unable to finish. Half time 1-0.
The second half started seen a slight change of formation 2-2-2 with the lively Adam Williams coming on in attack and the powerful Callum Armbruster slotting in at the back. The change of formation did not change the pattern of the game with Callum H and Ryan dominating the middle of the park we went looking for our second and we didn’t have to wait long for it to arrive. With Adam leading the line, Fraser dropped into a deeper position where he picked up a great clearance from Lewis, took a couple of steps and rifled in his second. This was almost a mirror image of our and Frasers 3rd,although this time the shot went in off the post. The match was going well but after another couple of changes our rhythm was disturbed and we were a little guilty of looking for more goals and leaving the back door opened. West Kirby broke quickly after good pressure from us and after a good finish were back in the game at 3-1. This seemed to drive them on where they quickly got a second. After the second goal Fraser dribbled through 4 men and was highly unlucky to see his net bound shot blocked. Michael, Jamie and Callum A had to defend well and Ryan Sides was popping up everywhere to keep us in the lead. However it was our debutant Lewis in goals who secured the win with an outstanding double save near the end. It has to be said the boys passed the ball well and were unlucky not to finish the game more comfortable winners but winners they were so a big well done to all, this should give the boys a confidence boost for the next few weeks.
match 6
AC Hoylake Meteors 0 v 1 Beechwood Falcons
Team
Lewis Burrows (GK),Lennon Mather,Jamie Sheridan Capt & MoM,Jack Edmondson,Callum Harrison,Ryan Sides,Fraser Ridgway
The Meteors were back at Rycroft with unseasonably good weather to take on Beechwood Falcons this weekend. It was a case of déjà vu for Beechwood who had played our Comets in a Wirral match the weekend before. The game kicked off and quickly developed into a midfield battle with both defences smothering out and threats at goal, Beechwood were proving to be a very strong side and began to push us back into a more defensive formation but were unable to get past Jamie Sheridan and Lennon Mather, who were putting in some fierce tackling. As the half wore on the game really started to open up with Jack Edmondson driving forward to support Fraser Ridgway we were starting to ask more questions of our opponents defence. Midway through the first half Jack found himself in space midway inside the Beechwood half and had no hesitation in having a go at goal however the defender done well to block. We were not having things our own way and had to defend 7 consecutive corners before eventually clearing up field. The fact that we did defend these corners well and comfortably has to be noted and the awareness of Ryan Sides to stop a short corner has to be noted and give us all confidence. The game looked to be heading for a 0-0 score line at half time when our opponents scored a goal that would have deserved to win any game. The goal itself came about as we were attacking down our right and the pass into the box was intercepted, with 5 good passes and some great movement their centre forward found himself 4 yards from goal and in a lot of space before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner to give Lewis no chance of saving. This was a blow to the boys but the responded well and pushed forward looking for the equaliser which almost came immediately. A poor clearance from their keeper fell at the feet of Fraser who immediately drove towards goal, the line jumped expecting to see the net bulge but the ball flew millimetres past the post.
After a chat at half time we really took control and spent 75% of the second half camped in and around the Beechwood area. Callum Harrison was sitting a little deeper for us and this allowed Jack and Ryan to get forward more and ask questions of our opponents. It really looked like the goal would only be a matter of time but a couple of shots from us was well dealt with by the keeper. When we had to defend our Man of the Match Jamie Sheridan was everywhere and nothing was going to get past him. Lewis was almost a spectator at this point but was dealing with everything comfortably when it came and his kicking has really given a new dimension to our play. With time running out Fraser turned the defender on the left wing and cut inside to send a shot towards the bottom corner which the goalkeeper done well to turn round for a corner. The game finished with a 1-0 defeat but the lads should be proud of their performance and attitude that on another day would have seen us win comfortably. The improvement in the team was remarked on by almost all parents. A special thanks goes to Lennon Mather who answered a late call to play and concentrated well throughout the game with some fine tackling. Next week we return to Leasowe with a lunchtime ko.
match 7
AC Hoylake Meteors 1 v 3 Peninsula Comets
Team
Lewis Burrows (MoM),Michael Cowley (Capt),Jamie Sheridan,Callum Harrison,Jack Edmondson,Adam Williams,Fraser Ridgway,Ryan Sides (1 Goal)
With a lunchtime kick off the boys arrived to find the weather had taken a turn for the worse from the relative calmness of early morning, after a good warm up we took the field with a strong wind at our back and some rain in the air. Opting for a more aggressive 2-2-2 formation we were right on the attack with Fraser Ridgway looking to getting off an early shot and the lively Adam Williams stretching our opponents defence. The start was very encouraging with us forcing a number of early corners, unfortunately we could not make them count, although Jamie Sheridan sent a strong drive just wide that would have been a certain goal if it was on target. It looked only a matter of time before we would get the breakthrough but we seemed to lack a little composure and were letting the shots go a little too early. It was totally against the run of play that our opponents took the lead after their first attack. As the moved down our left their striker hit an early shot that Lewis watched comfortably on to the post, however the rebound struck Lewis on the back of the arm and settled just over the line. The boys responded well with Jack Edmondson causing problems for our opponents with some strong running, however we were still letting our shots go too early and their goalkeeper was making some good stops. However we went 2-0 down as we fell for the classic counter attack down our right. This was to happen again to put us further behind, but the boys were still trying to drive forward and it was almost unbelievable to go into half time without scoring.
The second half saw us facing an almost gale force wind and driving rain, however the boys really started to get the passing going with Ryan Sides giving us great momentum down the left. One move where Ryan passed the ball back into our area to Michael, who sent it forward to Callum who then laid it wide to Ryan who had continued his run forward, Ryan then got his head up and played a nice ball up the line to Fraser, who used his strength well to send in a cross to Adam at the back post, who was unlucky to see the defender clear well, was really a joy to watch. Our tackling in the second half was far snappier with both Michael Cowley and Callum Harrison both going through a few tackles to drive our opponents back. It was after one such run by Michael that our goal finally arrived, The usually deadly Fraser found himself at the edge of the box with an open invitation to shoot but delayed slightly too long and the defender just managed to get a block in, the ball spun loose and Ryan Sides pounced like a tiger (thanks Tim) to ram the ball home. We continued to press and went close on another couple of times but just could not get that second goal to put the pressure on. After the Peninsula Stars manager said he can not believe they won as they had been totally outplayed and if it was a boxing match the game would have been stopped well before the end. A special note must go to or MoM and goalkeeper Lewis Burrows who stared into the face of a strong winf d and rain and concentrated well to keep a clean sheet that allowed us to win the second half 1-0.
match 8
AC Hoylake Meteors 0 v 4 FC Spartans
MoM: Ryan Sides
Team: Lewis Burrows,Michael Cowley,Callum Harrison (Capt),Ryan Sides (MoM),Jack Edmondson,Adam Williams,Fraser Ridgway
The Meteors were back at Leasowe to take on FC Spartans this week, with the morning turning out to be bright and sunny, but after the torrential rain in midweek the pitch was exceptionally heavy. The boys were down to the bare 7 this week after a few call off’s with injury and the birthday of Callum Armbruster (happy birthday Callum) reducing our options. The game kicked off with us in a 2-2-2 formation that has worked well in the past for us and it seemed to be doing the trick again as we went on the offensive early on. Our promising start almost brought about the first goal with Fraser Ridgway and then Adam Williams going close. However as the game settled down we found ourselves up against a technically very good Spartans (No there wasn’t 300 of them) side, who moved the ball well and tried to build the play from the back, with their goalkeeper being urged to throw the ball to his defenders. However when the did break forward they found it tough to get past the hard tackling Michael Cowley and the impressive Callum Harrison, who was filling in as a defender. We were starting to get pinned back although Ryan Sides was proving to be everywhere to stop and start attacks for us. Our opponents managed to win a few corners and started to put us under great pressure which Lewis Burrows was dealing with admirably, however even Lewis could not stop the first goal going in. We lost possession of the ball on our right and our opponents broke forward and sent in a good deep cross which went beyond everyone, the danger looked to have passed but we were a little slow to shut down the winger who clipped a lovely shot into the far top corner. So 1-0 down we went looking for the equaliser and were caught again by a good move and an almost carbon copy of the first goal.
So 2-0 down at half time we asked the lads to keep doing what they were doing as we were competing well with a very good side and although they passed the ball better we were not out of it completely. The second half started with Jack Edmondson really coming to life with some good tackling and running with the ball, Adam and Fraser were coming a little deeper to help out our midfield and this nearly paid off twice as firstly Adam and Fraser were released but with almost a full half of the pitch to cover we were unlucky not to score as the defenders got back both times to make great tackles. It was just after this that we conceded again with a long short skidding off the mud and past the unfortunate Lewis. This third goal really gave our opponents confidence and they could have scored a few more if it wasn’t for Lewis in goals pulling off some great saves and coming off his line well. It looked like finishing 3-0 but our opponents saved the best goal till last playing 5 or 6 nice passes before their midfield playmaker sent a fantastic cross field pass to our back post where the striker coolly slotted home. Personally I think the boys can take great credit from the match as we competed throughout and defended well against a very very good team. Every week we seem to get a little better and more confident and it is pleasing to see, although results are going against us the attitude and commitment of the lads has been first class and I am sure it is this that will serve us well in the second half of the season. Two special mentions this week to Lewis Burrows who was given MoM by our opponents and Ryan Sides for the way he ran himself into the ground to receive our MoM this week.
match 9
Meteors 0 v 2 Shaftesbury Tigers sat 22nd Nov
Team
Lewis Burrows,Jack Edmondson,Jamie Sheridan,Ryan Sides,Callum Harrison,Fraser Ridgway,Adam Wiliams,Michael Cowley
Another wonderfully winter day saw us take on a Shaftesbury side for the first time this season at Leasowe. The game also saw Jack Edmondson slotting in at the back and what a fine job he did winning some great tackles and really driving us forward. The game started well for us and we were winning some good possession through Ryan Sides and Callum Harrison in midfield, our front two of Fraser and Adam were working hard and looking to play together to bring the rest of the team into the attacks. As first half’s go it was a very competitive with neither team being able to get on top, however it is worth mentioning that we would could have gone in 1 down had it not been for a magnificent save from Lewis who showed great calmness as he clawed dangerously looping shot from the top corner, which Jamie cleared well for a corner. Going forward we were playing some nice football especially in the wide areas but ere just unable to get the final shot away on a couple of occasions.
The second half started with us really taking control of territory but unable to get past the goalkeeper who was having a fine game. As the half wore on the game really started to move from end to end with some fine work from Jamie, who had moved into the midfield and some strong tackling from Michael, Callum and Jack. Adam Williams was having his best game of the season and causing our opponents problems with his movement and hold up play, giving us hope of the breakthrough. The first goal arrived midway through the half and unfortunately it did not go our way. However it was a very good strike that skidded viciously of the wet grass and into the bottom corner. We still felt that there was something for us and forced a couple of corners but could not make them count. We went further behind almost on the final whistle when our opponents broke down our left and sent in a cross which looked to be going to safety when their forward with his back to the goal spun and curled a magnificent shot into the top corner. So 2-0 it finished but the boys can take great credit as it took 2 really special goals to see us off and we created some chances ourselves. Jack Edmondson was rightly voted man of the math by both the opposition and ourselves.
Match 10
Saturday 17th Jan, v Shaftesbury Tigers, Venue - Rycroft, 9.30 ko, Final Score 0-0, MoM – Jack Edmondson
Team:Lewis Burrows,Jamie Sheridan (Capt),Jack Edmondson,Lewis Burns,Callum Harrison,Ryan Sides,Fraser Ridgway,Michael Cowley
After the Christmas shut down and last weeks postponement due to a frozen pitch it was nice to be back playing again as we took the field in our new long kits. After winning the toss the boys moved the ball about well and 6 passes later without our opponents touching the ball we had a shot at goal. In fact the first time they managed to touch the ball was to deflect the shot for a corner. So an encouraging start which was to continue throughout the game. As the game began to settle down it seemed that both teams were well match physically with some crunching tackles and great commitment from all players. The first half was played at a great pace with Ryan Sides using his tremendous reserves of energy to go from box to box in a blur of colour, Callum Harrison was also working extremely hard and was making tackles when needed but then using the ball well to help us drive forward. They were well supported in the midfield by Lewis Burns who was having a great match both with intelligent passing and a welcome physical side coming in to his game. The action was non stop with our opponents pressing as hard as we were but were finding no change from the dominant Jack Edmondson and solid Jamie Sheridan at the back. Lewis Burrows in goals was using the ball exceptionally well with his decision making on when to kick and more importantly when to throw almost perfect. As this really forced the game to spread out and open up where our superior passing was beginning to tell. As the half drew to a close we were unlucky to see 2 shots from Callum and 1 from Lewis well blocked and after another fine passing move that sent Ryan through on goal we looked to have taken the lead but the goalkeeper went down bravely to save.
Half time saw Michael Cowley come on to replace Jamie in defence and that was not the only change as Fraser Ridgway really got the bit between his teeth and started to show some good feet and strong tackling. We continued where we left off with some fine passing and great tackling and quickly forced a corner where Ryan’s cut back was met by Fraser who never quite got enough on it and saw his effort blocked. Midway through the half Jamie returned to replace Lewis in the midfield and almost made an immediate impact with a fine shot that went inches past the post, however the shot was the result of some fantastic play by Jack Edmondson who after making a fine tackle on the edge of his box strode majestically forward like “der Kaiser” in his pomp, past three opponents to play in Jamie at the edge of the box. On the sidelines we were waiting for that breakthrough but it is at moments like these that you become vulnerable at the back and we had to thank Lewis for two magnificent saves, like any top goalkeeper his concentration had to be top drawer to save both efforts after long periods of in activity. Our opponents almost got through in the final minute but a strong tackle from Michael slowed them enough to let Jack slide in with a perfectly timed tackle to clear.
I think everyone agreed that this was our best performance so far and the boys can be really proud of their display, if we can keep this level of commitment, awareness and attitude up then we will certainly win more than we lose. Our Man of the Match could have gone to any one of the boys as they were all fantastic, however we agreed that Jack Edmondson deserved it for a flawless display, so well done Jack.
match 11
Shaftesbury tigers 4 v 0 AC Hoylake Meteors
Team
Lewis Burrows,Jack Edmondson,Michael Cowley,Jamie Sheridan,Callum Harrison,Ryan Sides,Fraser Ridgway
After some impressive play from the boys since Christmas we went into the match feeling confident, however due to a number of call offs in the morning we were without Lewis Burns who was playing for the Stars in their fine 3-1 win at the same time as this match took place. The team lined up with Jack Edmondson and Michael Cowley at the back with Jamie Sheridan pushing in to midfield to support Callum and Ryan, this left Fraser Ridgway to plough his lonely furrow up front. With conditions underfoot a little on the sticky side we kicked off and were immediately on the attack and forced an early corner which our opponents defended well. After this encouraging start we started to lose our way a little and were giving the ball away too often, this was putting our defence under a lot of pressure but Jack and Michael were coping well. Unfortunately we were to go a goal behind in an unlucky manner, Michael made a strong tackle at the edge of our box which ricocheted back off the forward and left him in on goal, Jack reacted well to this and managed to get across the forward to try and clear but was only able to knock it past the helpless Lewis. We were soon to go 2 behind in even stranger circumstances when the referee stopped to speak to a spectator, he resumed play and Lewis was still distracted when a cross come shot flew towards goal, Lewis managed to get a good hand on it but could only push it into the top corner. It was not all one way traffic as after good work by Ryan and Fraser allowed Callum to have a shot from distance which was well saved by the keeper. Just before halftime we conceded again to go in 3-0 down at the interval.
The second half saw a reshuffle with Jamie dropping back into defence and Jack pushing up into the midfield, this allowed Callum to revert to his deeper role and he started to drive us forward. Fraser Ridgway was putting in a fantastic shift up front and was unlucky not to score when after some good passing down the left he was rushing towards goal, when their keeper sprinted off his line to dive bravely at his feet and the chance was gone. The boys were really getting their passing game going and Jack who has been exceptional in the last couple of months, was getting into some great positions down the right. It was from one of these attacks that he was put through on gaol but again the keeper saved well. It was really end to end which was typified by Ryan who was a blur of movement as he worked to close down space and tried to set up attacks. Jamie and Michael were looking good at the back and we seemed to be more settled all-round. We continued to press and passed the ball much better than the first half, with Jamie winning a tackle on the left hand edge of our box and sending a good ball forward to ryan who found Fraser in space. Fraser looked up and found Jack on the opposite wing to set up another one on one. Jack strode forward but saw his drive slide past the post. It looked like it was not going to be our day and this proved correct as after a few fine saves by our MoM Lewis Burrows in goal he was eventually beaten by a fine goal from Shafts that left him with no chance of stopping. Overall it was a mixed day for us with some good and bad things but the boy’s effort was first class as they kept battling right to the final whistle
match 12
AC Hoylake Meteors 0 v 0 New Brighton Saints
Team : L ewis Burrows,Jack Edmondson,Michael Cowley,Jamie Sheridan,Ryan Sides,Callum Harrison,Lewis Burns,Fraser Ridgway
Having played the weaker of the 2 New Brighton teams earlier in the season and going down 3-2 we knew we were in for a tough challenge, but after our fine performance against an exceptional West Wirral Rangers side the previous week we were confident going in to this one. Especially with our top scorer Fraser returning to the side. After his fine performance the previous week lewis retained his place up frot with Fraser deployed in a deeper midfield position to try and give us more bite in the tackle.
This really turned into one of the classic 0-0 encounters and by classic I mean that in the best sense of the word. With both teams passing the ball well and entering into some crunching tackles it really was a typical old fashioned British game. As the match flowed from end to end both defences were stretched but Jamie and Jack were more than up to the task with Callum shielding them well and winning some fine tackles of his own.
Lewis was having a really good game again up front and his intelligent holding of the ball and good distribution almost got us the breakthrough on more than one occasion. In fact it was a good ball through to Fraser that opened up the defence and left a chase between the goalkeeper and Fraser, Fraser got their first but the keeper produced a fantastic save by diving bravely at his feet to block. Our corners were also causing our opponents some difficulty but we were unable to make that breakthrough.
Our passing game is really coming on and I am sure it won’t be long before this brings us a victory, with the defensive trio of Michael, Jack and Jamie looking strong no matter what pairing we use providing great cover to Lewis who had to pull out a fantastic save in this match to keep the scores level just looking better and better. The midfielders are really starting to move the ball well, with Ryan giving great energy and Callum supplying the drive, supported by our two more attacking players in Lewis and his intelligence and Fraser’s power and goal scoring ability promising great things.
Our MoM was Fraser for his work rate and passion in doing the task asked for him ,our opponents MoM was Callum. Also for the second week running we received glowing pariase from our opponents on how well we have developed as a team, which is also pleasing to hear.
Match 13
AC Hoylake Meteors 3 V 1 Manor
Team: Lewis Burrows,Michael Cowley,Jamie Sheridan,Jack Edmondson,Lewis Burns,Callum Harrison,Dan Balmer,Fraser Ridgway
On a fine and sunny march morning we took the field to face Manor for the second time this season, having drawn the previous encounter 1-1 we were keen to see how much we have developed and try and record a win our recent play has deserved. The team lined up with Lewis in goals, Michael and Jamie at the back with Dan Balmer making his debut alongside Callum and Jack in the midfield with Fraser up top. Having won the toss and changing ends (a first I believe in mini soccer) we kicked off and were immediately on the attack with some great passing putting Manor on the back foot.
The boys use of the ball and ability to find space was really starting to open up our opponents, Dan on the right was giving us a great option and supporting Fraser well. Jack Ed was having another good game and was unlucky not to score after some neat play from Jamie and Callum the ball found its way to Fraser on the left who played in Jack. However the goalkeeper was off his line quickly to brilliantly block jacks effort. It only looked a matter of time before we opened the scoring with Jack being favourite to do this, however it was not to be Jacks day as he saw 2 efforts come back off the post. In between this we had taken the lead and it was Dan who put a fine finish to some great passing play by Callum and Fraser.
It looked as if we would now go on to dominate the match but were quickly pegged back by a goal scored directly from a corner which took a bizarre bounce to beat Jamie and Lewis at the front post. That was only a temporary set back as we soon regained the lead when Fraser smashed a free kick past the goalkeeper after Jack had been fouled at the edge of the box. So we went into the half 2-1 up and made a change with Lewis replacing Callum. This meant a deeper midfield role for Jack who brought his usual endeavour to this. We were not having things our own way and Jamie and Michael were winning some great tackles and defending well to leave Lewis with a pretty quiet morning. Dan was really causing our opponents problems down the right and forced a series of corners for us. We also had another few one on ones which their goalkeeper who was Manors MoM dealt with admirably.
Midway through the second half Callum replaced Fraser in attack and showed he has many strings to his bow, in fact he was given the MoM from our opponents not only for his strength in the tackle but in his intelligent use of the ball and awareness of space, a fine compliment from our opponents. It was with us doing most of the pressing that the scoreline finally reflected our play when Dan who was our MoM scored a second to make a fine debut.
match 14
AC Hoylake Meteors 1 v 1 FC Spartans
Our MoM Michael Cowley
Opponents MoM Fraser Ridgway
Team: Lewis Burrows,Michael Cowley,Jamie Sheridan,Ryan Sides,Callum Harrison,Dan Balmer,Fraser Ridgway
Unusually for us we found ourselves back at Leasowe for the first time this year with an afternoon kick off to face FC Spartans who had defeated us 4-0 earlier in the year. With the ground really starting to firm up and a strong wind blowing don the length of the pitch it didn’t look like one for the purists. However even without Jack and Lewis we were able to field a well balanced team and were quickly on the attack with Fraser causing problems down the opponent’s right flank. After winning a couple of throw ins deep in the corner we managed to force the first corner of the game. Callum and Ryan played a short corner that left Callum with a shooting opportunity at the edge of the box. His first effort was locked but he reacted well to send a second shot towards goal which had plenty of power but unfortunately was too high. Anyway it was an encouraging start with Dan and Ryan trying to get the ball down and kick start our passing game, however as the half wore on we were pushed back and with the strong wind behind them our opponents forced a couple of corners themselves. It was from one of these corners that were being sent in with pace and power that Lewis kept the scores level with a great overhead stop. After this although both teams huffed and puffed there was no real goal line action of note. Credit must go to Michael and Jamie who were solidly defending and also to Lewis who’s kicking was allowing us to cause concern in their back line.
After some encouraging words and reminders at half time we started to come more into the game which was opening up in to an end to end affair. Both sides were wondering if there was going to be a goal, when it nearly arrived from an unlikely source. Our goalkeeper Lewis who has been distributing the ball so well recently saw that Fraser was up front with a one v one situation and launched the ball forward. The ball cleared everyone and it was only a fine save from their keeper that prevented the goal. Encouraged by this after their next attack Lewis almost done it again but this time it went narrowly wide. We were not top be denied though and when Michael played an ball forward to Fraser in the inside left channel, he opened his body up and sent a fierce drive into the far corner. There was a bit of debate on how deliberate this strike was so after the match I discussed it with Fraser who said he was aiming for the keeper. So the fact that he missed him by a foot was certainly lucky for us. It looked that we would steal this by the odd goal which would have been harsh on Spartans who had played well, but with a couple of minutes to go we backed off the ball and allowed a pass to be played between or defenders for their forward to turn a shoot beyond Lewis. Overall not one of our better passing games but we competed well and considering the conditions should be pleased with a draw against a team who defeated us well a few months previously.
