Sat 24th March
TIKI TAKA Pirlo’s vs U7 DEVILS
The devils had 2 fixtures on Saturday at Burnden Park. 2 early morning sickness cry offs left the Devils at the limit but still ready for action.
From the kick off The Pirlo’s team were very direct with the goalkeeper pumping long kicks into the Devils half, not in keeping with their star status name. Some late tackling from the Pirlo’s tested the Prestwich boys ability to avoid contact, the Smith brothers and Ollie doing really well to keep their play levels high. The Devils played much the better football and created numerous good chances with the Pirlo’s goalkeeper making some important saves. Eventually the Pirlo’s long ball tactics prevailed and gained a narrow victory.
WOODBANK vs U7 DEVILS
The second match saw The Devils face Woodbank for the 2nd week in a row. After last week’s draw The Devils played with much more intensity and positional sense and easily brushed aside the newly formed and inexperienced Woodbank team in very one sided contest.
Overall the team had a very good day at the office, with Max Hunt doing a sterling job at goalkeeper, the engine room of Billy, Paddy and Olly worked tirelessly to dominate the middle of the park. Harry played a new position of central defence and was superb in both games, commanding the opposition forwards and with much skill and determination turning defence into attacks with marauding runs that the opposition players simply could not contain. Finn O’Leary showed his ability with some outstanding finishing, and at times showed some wonderful build up play.
Sun 25th February
The u7 Devils and Pumas teams entered into the Bury Bolton District League Winter Festival held at Bolton Lads Club.
U7 DEVILS
The first 2 games were very similar seeing the devils dominating but managing to narrowly lose their first game against Ramsbottom and draw the their second against Moorside. The boys conceded late goals in both against games but showed just how competitive they are. The 3rd match saw The Devils stroll to a straightforward victory against FC Bridgewater. Some very good passing was evident in all 3 matches and notable individual performances from Fynn, Billy & Max.
U7 PUMAS
The newly formed Pumas were playing in their first competitive matches. Their first match was a real baptism of fire against a very good Ramsbottom team, but the boys never let their heads go down despite some strong attacking play from Ramsbottom. Very close losses in their second and third games followed against FC Stikerz & Boothstown, however there were some good performances from Cillian, Aland, Jacques, Tom, James, Ryan, Seb and Charlie – including a wondergoal in the final match.
The future is really looking bright for both teams, well done to all involved.
Sat 24th February
Boothstown Clarets vs Prestwich Tigers
An early morning trip away to Boothstown and on arrival we were expected the game to be called off. However, the referee was very experienced and confirmed the pitch playable, the news all the boys wanted to hear.
The first half was difficult because the pitch was hard. The clacking of studs on the pitch reminded coaches and spectators of a dog running across a laminate flooring!
Boothstown arrived in our box on a few occasions early in the game but we defended with intelligence and determination. Alok was calm and collected in goal and handled a slippy ball well. The Tigers grew into the game and put the opposition on the back foot but it was hard for the boys to keep pace with the ball on the tricky pitch.
In the second half the pitch softened and the Tigers started to take control. The Boothstown goalkeeper had a superb game throughout and without him the score would have been a lot different. The Tigers ran out winners with goals from Tom, Elliot and Matthew with only one against.
Man of the match went to Elliot who showed great ball control, distribution, tackling and communication.
Sat 17th February
Prestwich Tigers vs Beechfield Lightning
The rain held off during the week, enough for the Tigers to welcome Beechfield. Although the pitch was soft we were treated to a great game between two equal teams.
Chances came and went for both teams. Connor was superb again at the back, timing his tackles to perfection. Harry showed great anticipation and tenacity when tackling and distributed the ball well. He may be a year younger than the other boys but he has made so much progress in such a short space of time.
The Tigers eventually took the victory with a rare goal from Pannin, an own goal and a superb 4 goal debut from Matthew who went away with the Man of the Match trophy, a muddy kit and a big smile.
