The new football season finally kicked off last Saturday for our eight junior teams. Each week we’ll be rounding up the weekend action with news and match reports from Prestwich FC Juniors.
Results
PFC Under 15 9-3 Mossbank Blue Sox
PFC Under 10 Meerkats 5-1 Phoenix Thunder
PFC Under 10 Panthers 2-2 Prestwich Marauders Saints
PFC Under 9 Rhinos beat Turton Tigers *
Bolton Lads & Girls Club drew with PFC Under 9 Pythons *
Roach Dynamos Black beat PFC Under 8 Scorpions *
Chadderton Park Phoenix beat PFC Under 7 Pumas *
PFC Under 7 Tigers lost to Radcliffe Juniors Minions *
* Results are not to be recorded for U7, U8 and U9 matches as per league/FA rules.
Reports
Prestwich FC U10 Meerkats 5-1 Phoenix Thunder
This was the first match of the season for the Meerkats after gaining promotion following a brilliant season last time out.
All the boys were superb and they totally deserved this win with goals coming from Finn (3), Lewis (1) and Oliver (1).
Well done to all the lads and thanks for the great support on the sidelines too.
— George Marsh
Prestwich FC U10 Panthers 2-2 Prestwich Marauders Saints
Today we started our first season in the top section and the boys were fantastic.
Although the game ended 2-2, we were by far the better team, creating more chances and but for their ‘keeper, we would have won by 2 or 3.
Every one of the lads worked their socks off and gave 100% and I couldn’t of asked for more.
Goals were scored by Matthew and Reece and the Man of the Match was Sami.
Well done boys. Proud of you and keep it up!
— Al Steele
Bolton Lads & Girls Club v Prestwich FC U9 Pythons
New season and a new start after a summer of hard work and our first game was against our bitter rivals Bolton Lads Club.
To be fair, the scoreline was flattering for the Lads Club as the Pythons totally dominated the game and but for their keeper it should have been 5 or 6.
But the result didn’t matter as the performance was top drawer but even though we dominated, the Pythons found themselves a goal down due to a mistake at the back.
However, this only spurred us on and it was new boy Glebs who equalised for the Pythons. Then it was a story of missing chance after chance which would of seen us comfortable winners.
Well done to the boys anyway for a great team performance. It was a joy to watch.
— Brian Ahern
Prestwich FC U7 Tigers v Radcliffe Juniors Minions
First game of the season and we’re off and running.
The Tigers played really well at times against a well organised Minions team. The Minions had 2 or 3 strong and talented players who really made the difference in the end. Thanks to the parents and managers for all their help and good luck for the rest of the season.
Joe started his first game as our No 1 and he had an excellent debut in net, distributing the ball well, commanding his area and showing great courage when collecting the ball. Thomas put in some great tackles in defence and showed great awareness when marking up at the back.
Kieron put in some strong tackles and forward passing and showed real speed in full stride. The same goes for Sam who made a great tackle at one stage and then went on a really strong run down the right showing great speed and power. One particular moment I remember involved Sam when he tracked back during a Minions attack. The ball broke down the right and rather than get drawn towards it Sam looked over his shoulder, noticed an opponent in our penalty area and tracked back to mark him. The ball quickly ended up in our penalty area but Sam was already there to sweep up and he saved a certain goal.
Alex showed his usual bravery in the tackle and was always looking to find a team-mate to pass to and he shows a really good understanding of the game. At the start Jack showed a few nerves but as the game went on he really grew into it and showed what he is capable of – putting in tackles, marking up and running into good spaces. Bodhi and Elliot were full of running and strong throughout the game both in attack and at the back and have a good awareness and understanding when passing the ball to each other. I also noticed Elliot trying to organise the players by telling them to mark up and giving Joe praise for good saves – it was great to see.
Luke also showed a few nerves in the first few minutes. At one stage I thought he looked upset so I checked to see if he was ok. His reply ‘I’m ok, I’m just hungry’! But, again, as the game moved on he really grew into it and he showed good technique and awareness of his team-mates. Next time though, I’ll be taking a banana, just for Luke!
It must be a daunting task playing on such a stage in your first game of the season and there were signs of nervousness and confusion early on but all the boys really grew into the game the longer it went on. Unfortunately, they could not find that elusive first goal of the season and should perhaps have had a few goals for their endeavour and good play. Never mind, we’ve only just begun.
Thanks to all the boys and their parents and a special thanks again to Rick for refereeing the game.
— Craig Short
Chadderton Park Phoenix v Prestwich FC U7 Pumas
Another team making their ‘competitive’ football debut on Saturday, the Under 7 Pumas were greeted with a mammoth of a pitch at Chadderton Park – more suited to 7-a-side football for older children rather than the little legs of a bunch of 6 years olds!
But they were unfazed and eager to get their season under way following a couple of really positive wins in pre-season.
Despite falling behind to an early goal for the home side, the Pumas fought back well and showed glimpses of what they are capable of which bodes well for the season ahead.
The Pumas equalised through Leo when he picked the ball up on the half-way line, raced forward and just about had the energy left (when he finally got in to the box) to get his shot off and find the back of the net.
But unfortunately that was to be as good as it got for the Pumas who from then on struggled to get out of their own half as the home side took control of the game.
As it was, the end result probably flattered Chadderton slightly, but the Pumas can take heart from the football they played and the fact that most of the pitches they’ll play on won’t be the length of the M6.
Team: Charlie, AJ, Sam C, Sam H, Adam, Ashley, Umair and Leo (1)
— AlanM
• Prestwich FC Juniors are looking for players aged 5 years old to join our Development sessions on Tuesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Contact George Marsh on 07979 903 090 for more information.
Match Photo’s – Chadderton Park v U7 Pumas
Match Photo’s – U7 Tigers v Radcliffe Juniors
