Here’s the results and reports from the last few weeks around Prestwich FC Juniors.
SAT 21st FEBRUARY
UNDER 11 PFC PANTHERS 3 Farnworth Hurricane 3
UNDER 10 PFC RHINOS beat Aspull Juniors
UNDER 8 PFC PUMAS lost to Deans Sports
UNDER 8 PFC DRAGONS lost to Unsworth
SAT 28th FEBRUARY
UNDER 11 PFC PANTHERS 1 CMB 0
UNDER 10 PFC PYTHONS drew with Farnworth Hurricanes
UNDER 10 PFC RHINOS lost to Boothstown Rockets
UNDER 8 PFC PUMAS lost to Barr Hill
UNDER 8 PFC DRAGONS lost to Unsworth
UNDER 8 PFC TIGERS drew with Radcliffe Bulls
SAT 7th MARCH
UNDER 11 PFC MEERKATS 0 Leigh Utd Predators 3
UNDER 11 PFC PANTHERS 4 Boothstown Sharks 1
UNDER 10 PFC PYTHONS lost to Bolton Lads and Girls Club
UNDER 10 PFC RHINOS lost to Adlington
UNDER 8 PFC TIGERS beat Radcliffe Borough Crusaders
UNDER 8 PFC DRAGONS lost to Elton and Walshaw
UNDER 7 PFC SCORPIONS beat Ladybridge Pumas
SUN 8th MARCH
UNDER 8 PFC PUMAS beat Maccabi
U8 TIGERS MATCH REPORTS
24th January – Tigers vs Wardle Black
We’ve had a few close games this season starting with the first match after the winter break at home to Wardle Black. Debut goals from Louis, Malich and Adrian kept the score tight, with the Tigers losing by the odd goal. It was a great display by all, with Man of the Match going to Malich for a tireless display.
7th February – Elton and Walshaw vs Tigers
Second up came Elton and Walshaw away. We’ve had some close games against E & W and this was the closest yet. The Tigers found it difficult at first with the more established Elton team retaining possession at the start but the Tigers grew in confidence as the game wore on.
With 10 minutes remaining the Tigers were 3 goals down but up stepped Adrian and Malich with great goals to bring the scores level. A goal from a corner was tucked in at the near post by Malich and two from Adrian, the first a beautiful direct free-kick from near the touchline, and the second a powerful right-footed strike on the run.
With time already gone and the referee about to blow the whistle, the ball broke to an E & W player just outside the box and he finished it in style. Seconds later the game was over with the result another loss for the Tigers by the odd goal. Again, another great display but Man of the Match went to Adrian for his amazing strikes to bring us back level.
14th February – Santos vs Tigers
Our third game saw us travelling to Santos in Oldham. The last time we played Santos the Tigers won convincingly and did so again with hat-tricks from Adrian and Louis, and doubles from Tom and Malich. The pitch was a lovely 3G surface which allowed for some great passing at times (with particular mention going to Malich and Elliot for playing some lovely through-balls). Santos had improved considerably since our last encounter and their passing play at times was great to see. They thoroughly deserved their two goals and could have had more. That said, the Tigers could have also had a few more, with some close moments in front of goal and the ball hitting the post several times. There were some great performances again with particular mention going to Bodhi for his excellent wing play, and to our unsung hero at the back and Man of the Match, Alex ‘Sweeps’ Holmes.
28th February – Tigers vs Radcliffe Borough Bulls
What a game!
The Tigers started well, kept it tight and created chances, finally taking one with Adrian sticking a nutmeg through the ‘keepers legs. The first 10 saw the Tigers hold their lead. The second 10 saw the Tigers concede a goal but they were still creating plenty, with Elliot creating a couple of chances to take the lead. Half-time and all square. The third 10 was the busiest with the Tigers drawing, then winning, then drawing, then losing before finally drawing – Tom scored a beauty. The last 10 was equally as tense, with both teams going close, and both adding a goal each to their tally. Towards the end Louis was floating some lovely balls up front but the ball didn’t quite break for the Tigers to take the lead. In the end it was all-square and a fair result.
There were some great performances again today but a special mention to Marcus who had an excellent debut for the Tigers. Steady in goal, tenacious in defence and showing good close control and dribbling skills in midfield. I must also mention Connor who scored his first goal for the Tigers. He’s been desperate to score and finally it happened, tucking one away beautifully. After closing down the defender quickly, he won the ball and set himself before striking a great goal and deserving of his Man of the Match.
7th March – Radcliffe Crusaders Vs Tigers
A close game at Close Park!
The 5th game for the Tigers since the Winter break and it was their best performance yet.
With Alex missing today, the role of the sweeper was shared between the team but it was played in exemplary fashion by Elliot in the first quarter, showing great composure, holding his position, cutting off danger and passing the ball intelligently into midfield. This seemed to set the tone for the first quarter with some great passing and movement from all of the boys.
Connor’s first goal last week seems to have unleashed the beast as, once again, he picked the ball up deep and made a great run towards goal, finishing beautifully and treating us all to his proud, beaming smile. The Tigers were rarely troubled at the back and came close to extending their lead when Malich hit a goal-bound shot that was handled in the area. Up stepped Malich to convert his penalty but he was denied by a great save from the keeper – hard luck Malich. It didn’t put him off though as, once again, his tireless running made things happen. The Tigers continued to get in good positions but could not extend their lead and then the Crusaders broke and scored a good goal with one of their few chances.
The game continued in that fashion with most of the good attacking play coming from the Tigers, and some excellent recovery tackles from the Crusaders, but no further goals were added in the second quarter.
In the third quarter the Tigers put the pressure back on and extended their lead with two goals. The ball broke in the Crusaders half. Tom sniffed the chance for a goal and chased the ball down. With the goalie hesitating to come out Tom seized the opportunity and smashed it in. The second came by way of a tidy penalty from Elliot, after his neat turn and lofted shot was handled in the box. Penalty number 2 and Elliot tucked it away.
The Tigers were finishing the game stronger but were still coming under some pressure from the battling Crusaders. The final quarter saw the Crusaders pull a goal back to make it 2-3 but the Tigers quickly extended their lead again with a fantastic run and shot from Bodhi. After picking up the ball deep he drove towards goal at great pace and showing fantastic ball control before smashing it in. When he gets on a run like that there are not many players that can keep up with him. Keep it up Bo!
The Crusaders scored again with a long range effort that caught Tom out at the near post, his last ditch-dive almost reaching the ball, but the Tigers continued to press. With Adrian showing great determination and speed to win the ball and create chances, and with Louis showing some fantastic ball control in the opposition box, and both of them putting in some lovely corners – not easy on such a wide pitch – the Tigers were on top.
With the Tigers looking for more goals and the Crusaders a danger to break, Elliot again showed great composure and ball control to fashion another chance in front of goal. It was hard for us to see the shot from our side but the ball went over the keeper and was dropped into the net. Adrian may have got a toe to it on the line, without the benefit of instant replay, the goal was awarded to Elliot.
Another great display from the Tigers who are now showing great determination, better movement and passing, and are starting to make the right decisions at the right time – all of which will help the team to progress and move us onto the next stage in their development.
Man of the Match was a close call but after a couple of weeks on the treatment table Bodhi came back with a bang. Showing good cover at the back in an unfamiliar role as sweeper, great closing down and battling in midfield, topping it off with a fantastic run and goal.
He also showed bravery at the end when he was asked to take the ball deep and look for a pass or go on a run. After a couple of attempts that didn’t quite work he was brave enough to try it again and this time went on a great run down the right before crossing to Louis in the centre, almost creating another goal. Well done mate.
Big thanks to Rich for your help at the side and for warming the boys up in my absence. Well done boys and thanks to all the parents.
— Craig Short
