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23/05/09 Northop Hall Nomads 2 Northop Hall Old Boys 2 (Charity Shield 2nd leg)
The climax of the first season for the Old Boys was the return leg of the Northop Hall Charity Cup, with the Nomads holding a slender one goal advantage coming into the game. Injuries and holidays robbed the Old Boys of several players again and left Dave Pritchard taking the goalkeeper gloves once more (making way for Phil Elder in the second half) and Darren Molyneux and Eifion Jones in rare centre midfield and striking roles respectively, John Edmunds covering Molly's usual left back berth. The Nomads also had a few years advantage through their team.
With that and the benefit of the slope and the wind in the first half, Nomads had all the early pressure and it took a while and several long range efforts on their goal before the Old Boys established a foothold in the game. After just 15 minutes though, a pulled calf muscle meant the end of Mel Barnes afternoon and Phil Elder was pressed into an emergency striker role. Soon after, the Old Boys first real shot in anger saw Craig McGorian fizz a shot over the bar from just outside the box.
Nomads took the lead in the softest way, a tame shot from the edge of the area bounced awkwardly in front of Dave Pritchard and slipped under his body and in to extend the aggregate score to 4-2. They weren't ahead for long though. First Paz Maletta won a 50-50 ball at the back, then Craig McGorian's follow up sliding tackle on the halfway line set Eifion Jones away on the right. He in turn picked out Darren Molyneux's surging run from midfield into the inside left channel where he fired left footed across the Nomads keeper and in off the far post for his second goal of the season.
It was almost followed by another too. Phil Elder met a right wing cross before his marker and couldn't have hit his shot sweeter, but having beaten the keeper it was somehow kept out by a defensive header right under the crossbar. The remainder of the half saw Old Boys get their passing game going, Matt McGuire putting some very useful ball forward and the ever-willing Steve Buckley chasing everything down the right. At the other end, the back four were watertight and, helped by the middle of midfield, kept the Nomads well at bay for the remainder of the half.
Half-time 1-1
Dave Pritchard came out of goal for the second half vowing to atone for his earlier error and it wasn't long before he did just that. Matt McGuire's cross to the far post found Eifion Jones in space and he dribbled an opening for himself before unselfishly squaring for Dave Pritchard in front of goal. For a horrible moment the ball seemed to get stuck under his feet, but he was able to slot home his first goal of the season to make it 2-1 on the day and all-square on aggregate.
Nomads increased the pressure and Phil Elder made one particularly fine stop to keep out a blistering drive. He also survived a scare when a shot similar to the one that deceived Dave Pritchard in the first half threatened to squirm through, but he had managed to get something behind it to keep it out this time. The Old Boys continued to play some neat football in patches and forced several free kicks and corners that would unfortunately come to nothing.
Still the defence were holding firm, even though a bit of tiredness was running through the older legs, especially in midfield where it had been a good contest all afternoon. For all that, extra time and potentially penalties were looming when an overhit cross from the Nomads left back to the far post held up in the wind and dropped into the far corner of the net for a bizarre equaliser, a sickener for the Old Boys that they were unable to respond to so late.
So the Nomads retained the Charity Cup which they won last year against the now defunct Northop Hall Veterans. Man of the match awarded by the opposition was Kieran Whelan for yet another solid performance at the heart of the defence. Once again, the whole team did themselves great credit on the day working really hard for each other, especially with the reduced manpower once Mel Barnes went off. The performance and the way the game was played typified the way this first season has gone and it was good to finish on a high note, albeit an aggregate defeat.
What's more, money raised over the two matches by the two teams totalled a superb £300 for Russ Jones' "Mold-Born-Boy" fund (more details on the homepage).
Team: Dave Pritchard (Steve Bodey), Paz Maletta, Kieran Whelan, Dave Henrys, John Edmunds, Steve Buckley, Darren Molyneux, Craig McGorian, Matt McGuire, Eifion Jones, Mel Barnes (Phil Elder)
09/05/09 Northop Hall Old Boys 2 Northop Hall Nomads 3 (Charity Shield 1st leg)
The first leg of the Charity Shield (all proceeds are going to a fund for former Rhydymwyn Vets player Russell Jones who has motor neurone disease) took place between Northop Hall's two teams, the Old Boys being the designated home side for this one. The charitable intentions didn't diminish this local derby as a contest though with both sides very much playing to win. Dave Pritchard once again stood in between the sticks (he has now made more appearances in goal this season than Steve Davies, the designated keeper!). Mel Barnes, Eifion Jones, Matt McGuire and Craig McGorian all returned to the team, the latter sporting a beauty of a black eye from an accidental clash at 6-a-side in midweek (or at least that's what he told us!). Other absences again reduced the number of substitutes available at a time of year when they are most needed.
Despite a decent start, the Old Boys conceded an early goal when Darren Molyneux lost a rare tackle as last man and the opposition striker scored what was the first chance of the game. The home side were quickly into their stride though, knocking the ball around nicely down the wings and giving Anthony Woosey plenty of early sighters at goal, although his radar was slightly off. Dean McGuire and Craig McGorian had a good grip on the middle of midfield and Matt McGuire and Pete Dessington on the wings were getting good ball in. One resulted in a clash for the ball between Mel Barnes and the opposition centre half that saw the defender have to leave the field with a nasty cut lip. With the wind at their backs, the Old Boys pressed hard for an equaliser, a few long kicks from Dave Pritchard causing the most problems at the other end.
A number of corners were earned by the home side and from one the ball broke to Craig McGorian but he narrowly missed the target with his sidefooted shot. It was to prove a costly miss at the time. A long ball from the Nomads backline was inadvertently flicked on by Old Boys defender Kieran Whelan catching his team mates on their heels and allowing the striker in to score an unchallenged second, again giving Dave Pritchard no hope.
Still the Old Boys played the ball around well and chances continued to present themselves. Anthony Woosey was again on the end of most but still unable to hit the target. Eventually the pressure told though. Good work from Anthony in the box ended with a fine swivel and volley from Mel Barnes to keep up an impressive scoring record for the season, now 6 goals in 10 games. Other than a few corners and long shots, the Nomads were being kept pretty much at bay by the home defence and by half time it was still a very even game.
Half-time 1-2
Despite the wind advantage being with Nomads for the second half, they were still being kept at distance, Dave Pritchard continuing to be relatively untroubled. Chances were still being crafted at the other end, Craig McGorian putting a header just wide from a corner and Dean McGuire and Anthony Woosey again coming close. In the end, it was left to Kieran Whelan to come up from the back and show them how to do it. There have been a few occasions this season when Kieran has picked the ball up on the run at the back and dribbled upfield on promising looking forays, so far only to be denied at the last. This time though, another mazy run ended with a fine cross shot that hit the far post and ran back just behind the line to nestle in the opposite side netting for a terrific equaliser.
The game may well have finished in a draw from that point as chances were at a premium at both ends and the home side would have rued missed chances that cost them victory. As it was, a nothing ball into the penalty area struck Old Boys player manager Dave Henrys on the shoulder only for the referee to adjudge it as a handball offence and point to the spot, much to the defender's chagrin (to put it mildly!). Although there was mixed opinion on whether it was a handball, we can confirm that TV replays clearly show the penalty shouldn't have been awarded! No matter, as the Nomads striker completed his hat-trick sending Dave Pritchard the wrong way.
So Nomads take a narrow 3-2 lead into the second leg in a fortnight's time. Most importantly, £150 has already been raised for the nominated charity and it is hoped to at least double that sum. Man of the match voted by the opposition was split between Anthony Woosey and Kieran Whelan with the former getting the narrowest of nods.
Team: Dave Pritchard, John Edmunds, Kieran Whelan, Dave Henrys, Darren Molyneux, Matt McGuire, Craig McGorian, Dean McGuire, Pete Dessington (Eifion Jones), Mel Barnes (Steve Bodey), Anthony Woosey
02/05/09 Warrington Croft 5 Northop Hall Old Boys 3 (S/CUP)
The final game in the Sealand Cup round-robin pitched two teams together still harbouring hopes of progressing to the semi-finals of the competition. As it turned out, they were also two well-matched proper veterans sides too and they provided a thoroughly entertaining match for the home spectators in Croft village. Northop Hall Old Boys have a large squad of players to call on usually, but a combination of valid reasons and poor excuses left us with just a travelling squad of 12, including three players in their mid-50's.
The difficult task seemed more daunting on arrival to find a large and uncut playing surface that was going to sap the energy from the legs with no substitute rotation to call on, which the home side had and used to good effect over the game. Dave Pritchard had to stand-in again in goal, John Edmunds taking the right midfield berth and Steve Buckley pushed up into an unfamiliar striking role alongside the returning Anthony Woosey.
Both sides started well and knocked the ball around getting players involved on both sides of the pitch. Anthony Woosey signalled his intentions for the day with an early run and shot and combined well with Steve Buckley to cause the home defence problems, assisted by crosses from each side that just failed to find a target. Dean McGuire and Phil Southern in the middle of midfield were making things happen and the defence were keeping the opposition to long shots that weren't troubling the goal.
So it was rather against the run of play when Croft opened the scoring, although it was of the Old Boys making. A poor goal kick from Dave Pritchard was headed straight to the home striker to turn in before Dave could make his ground back up. Northop Hall continued to play the football though and forced several corners on both sides as Anthony Woosey and Steve Buckley tried to get in behind. Then at the other end a long speculative cross from the Croft left wing sailed over Dave Henrys and the striker he was marking. As Kieran Whelan turned away to run the ball out, it struck the back of his heel and couldn't have fallen more nicely to the striker if he'd placed it there himself and he gave Dave Pritchard absolutely no chance.
It would have been easy for heads to go down at that stage but instead the Old Boys dug in deep and had a real go. Dean McGuire set off on a mazy run that took him through on goal. Electing to play Pete Dessington in to his left for a great looking chance, the referee whistled for an offside that was contentious at best. Before long he was whistling in the Old Boys favour though as Anthony Woosey won a free kick 25 yards out on the inside right channel. He brushed himself down then curled a superb direct free kick left footed over the three man wall and into the top corner.
Galvanised by the goal, the Old Boys poured forward again and grabbed an equaliser when good interplay again put Anthony in, this time down the left channel. His strike with his favourite left foot was absolutely unstoppable into the far corner, one of the goals of the season that even had the opposition players applauding. Totally on top now Northop Hall continued to press the advantage and just before half time Steve Buckley got a reward for his hard work up front. Darren Molyneux's long ball caused confusion in the home defence and as Steve nipped in his legs were unceremoniously taken from under him and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Anthony Woosey quickly took the ball and, as those who remembered that he had missed his last two could hardly watch, calmly stroked it home for his fifth hat-trick and 30th goal of the season.
Half-time 2-3
After the break, the home team introduced another big striker which immediately put the Old Boys on the back foot and struggling to get out of their own half for the next fifteen minutes, not helped by a bit of a wind that seemed to come stronger into their faces. A series of corners to the home side had just about been seen off when another was met unmarked at the back post for the equaliser that seemed to be coming. The game settled back into the pattern of the first half after that with expansive play across the big pitch, plenty of crosses being well defended and long range shots at both ends, Kieran Whelan and Dean McGuire both coming close with ones that dipped just over the bar.
Croft continued to rotate their substitutes wisely and the Old Boys without that luxury were visibly tiring. Eventually it told as the home side played themselves in on goal with a flowing passing move that the defence couldn't get near and left a simple finish past Dave Pritchard who had still been fairly untroubled but seen four goals go past him. He had to be sharp to stop another similar attack soon after with good use of the legs to block a goalbound effort and keep the game alive.
As the clock ticked down, Northop Hall peppered the home goal with long range shots but couldn't trouble the goal enough and with Croft still causing problems at the other end the big striker eventually got in and finished the game at 5-3. The Old Boys were out on their feet at the end but had given everything to the cause and given it a real go against the odds.
Man-of-the-match was uncontestable on the day. Anthony Woosey has put in some great performances this season, but probably none better than this. The whole team deserves a commendation for the application and effort on the day though. The ones who let the team down were not those on the pitch.
Results elsewhere may mean that Warrington Croft don't go through either, but we wish them luck as a genuine veterans team who played the game in the right spirit and we hope to add them to our regular season roster for 2009/10. In the other group, a late equaliser by Sandbach Utd. Vets at home to Halkyn Vets has finished off the chances of Northop Hall Nomads, which will at least leave both the village teams to concentrate on the "Charity Shield" over the next couple of weeks and to raise a bit more money for a good cause.
Team: Dave Pritchard, Paz Maletta, Kieran Whelan, Dave Henrys, Darren Molyneux, John Edmunds (Steve Bodey), Phil Southern, Dean McGuire, Pete Dessington, Steve Buckley, Anthony Woosey
25/04/09 Northop Hall Old Boys 2 Rock Ferry Veterans 1
In a break from the Sealand Cup group matches, Northop Hall Old Boys used their free week to fit in a friendly with Rock Ferry whose Veterans side included a number of under-age players. The home side welcomed back keeper Steve Davies as he continued his recuperation from an elbow operation (allowing Dave Pritchard to return to defensive duties), but were without all three regular strikers. There were unexpected returns for Ken Price and Richard Moore though, as well as comebacks for Dean McGuire who hadn't played since the Sandbach game in November and Phil Southern.
The visitors started the match at 110 miles per hour and had the Old Boys on the back foot and chasing shadows for much of the first half. Fortunately, their strikers were having problems locating the target and, for all their possession and threat, Steve Davies was relatively untroubled other than from the wind blowing towards him.
In between, Northop Hall created very little by way of chances at the other end, despite a few good balls from Ken Price from midfield and interplay between the McGuire brothers. Pete Dessington got a break from the left wing but his hurried shot was wide.
Rock Ferry continued to threaten and eventually took the lead, soon after hitting the home crossbar. It was certainly deserved on the pattern of play, with their midfielders again breaking through their older counterparts to get on the end of a good passing move and leave Steve with no chance. Some solid defending kept the score down, in particular a last ditch tackle from Paz Maletta when their striker was clean through.
Half-time 0-1
The second half was a slightly more even affair with the Old Boys having more of the ball in attacking areas, Steve Buckley particularly busy down the right, although the home defence had to stay strong to keep their younger opponents at bay at the other end, Kieran Whelan and Darren Molyneux especially having to be alert against their markers. It was still a bit of a surprise when the equaliser came and given the age of the opposition it was an unlikely source. Richard Moore played Pete Dessington in on the inside left channel to outpace the defence and poke the ball home, the oldest player on the pitch rolling back the years again.
The Old Boys survived a turn and snapshot from the opposition player-manager that came back off the post while Ken Price at the other end fashioned a chance for himself but saw his shot go straight at the keeper. Soon after though, Ken turned provider to lay Richard Moore through on goal. Taking the ball around the keeper it looked as if he'd gone too wide left but Richie did very well to slot in from the narrow angle.
Rock Ferry, clearly shaken by losing the lead, threw everything forward (including their goalkeeper at the end!) and Steve Davies had to be alert to mop up behind the defence and then make an excellent diving save to his left to maintain the lead. With a number of other shots from distance landing well off target the defence completed another strong performance to ensure a rather unlikely victory.
Man of the match voted by the opposition again went to Kieran Whelan who is a model of consistency at the heart of some much better defensive performances at the moment. The Old Boys go into what may yet be a decisive Sealand Cup group match next weekend in good spirits.
Team: Steve Davies, Paz Maletta, Dave Pritchard (Kieran Whelan), Dave Henrys, Darren Molyneux, Steve Buckley (Phil Southern), Dean McGuire, Ken Price (Richard Moore), Pete Dessington, Matt McGuire (Steve Bodey), Craig McGorian
18/04/09 Northop Hall Old Boys 2 Waterside Old Boys 2 (S/CUP)
The third group match in the Sealand Cup for the Old Boys saw the visit of a strong Waterside Old Boys team from Liverpool, still with several young players but not as many as for the two regular season friendlies that had seen them score 15 times against Northop Hall. For the Old Boys it was bad news for Graham Wilks whose ankle injury last week had been confirmed as a fracture - we wish him a speedy recovery. Dave Pritchard returned to keep goal, both Matt's - Lucas and McGuire - were back and Anthony Woosey was available again after missing the previous week. An injury doubt had hung over centre back Kieran Whelan all week but he was able to take his place in an unchanged back-four.
The visitors started the game very strongly and it took Northop Hall a long time to settle, Waterside in particular able to use the younger midfield legs to their advantage and the Old Boys were living off scraps on the break, unable to get any sort of passing game going. Chances were at a premium at both ends with some good defending and a procession of corners being kept out. Craig McGorian saw a shot go narrowly over while Mel Barnes got clear but could only poke the ball just wide.
At the other end, Dave Pritchard was handling long range efforts well but could only get a hand to one left footed cross shot across him and it unluckily went in off the post before Paz Maletta could clear off the line. Matt Lucas had a weaving run at the defence soon after and was disappointed to see their keeper get a toe to the shot to deflect it just wide.
Half-time 0-1
Waterside continued to edge the game in the second half although a cross field ball from Matt McGuire put Anthony Woosey in a good position in the left channel that he was unable to make the most of. With the visitors young right midfielder particularly influential, Waterside eventually extended their lead with a close range shot that bobbled in front of Dave Pritchard and crept in as he tried to claw it away.
Although Kieran Whelan headed over from a corner and a couple of other long range shots made the keeper do some work, Waterside should have put the game beyond reach after that. A last ditch foul on the edge of the box by Kieran broke to the other striker's advantage and was put narrowly wide. Kieran became the first player to be cautioned this season as the referee called him back to show a yellow card!
The game turned in the last twenty minutes. Northop Hall earned a series of corners and from one of these a number of efforts on goal were blocked before the ball broke to the edge of the box. Darren Molyneux has threatened all season from distance without reward but this time he made no mistake with a pile driver that finally beat the visiting keeper. Two minutes later it was all square. Matt McGuire's corner was allowed to run across the box and Craig McGorian tapped in his first goal for the Old Boys to complete a remarkable turn around.
Both sides threatened a winner in the last ten minutes but the game ended two each to earn a vital point in the competition. Kieran Whelan was rewarded for another solid performance with the opposition's man-of-the-match vote, although again there was some great battling in all areas to keep us in contention. The result leaves us heading Group B on goal difference from Waterside, although all the other teams have games in hand.
Team: Dave Pritchard, Paz Maletta, Kieran Whelan, Dave Henrys, Darren Molyneux, Steve Buckley (Matt McGuire), Matt Lucas, Craig McGorian, Pete Dessington (John Edmonds), Mel Barnes (Steve Bodey), Anthony Woosey
11/04/09 Liverpool Convocation 4 Northop Hall Old Boys 3 (S/CUP - at Northop Hall)
The Sealand Cup group matches continued with a venue switch. Liverpool Convocation's university pitch was unavailable due to the Easter break so the game reverted to Northop Hall. Home advantage was added to the opposition only having 10 players making the journey, although this was somewhat nullified by the young age of a number of their players.
As it was Easter Saturday, the Old Boys were also missing a few players, including top scorer Anthony Woosey and recent stand-in goalkeeper Dave Pritchard who had kept so well in the absence of Steve Davies. Steve was due to make his long awaited return but was a very late call-off on the day leaving Phil Elder to take the gloves this time. On the plus side, following a couple of operations on his injured leg, Craig McGorian was finally available to make a long awaited debut.
As is often the case of late, the opposition started strongly and had the better of the opening exchanges without creating anything of note while Northop Hall were content to get their passing game going and build quickly from the back when the opportunity arose. One such move led to Darren Peters shooting narrowly wide but eventually a long ball from Darren Molyneux into the box dropped nicely for Mel Barnes to fire home his fifth goal of the season.
A flowing move down the right involving Richard Moore saw a far post cross set up Mel for a second soon after, but this time he was only able to knock a left foot shot back across goal and the chance was gone. However, it was temporary respite for Liverpool as another fine passing move saw Darren Peters fed in just inside the penalty area and he made no mistake with a slot in. Unfortunately, the two goal advantage wasn't to last very long at all. Convocation were employing the long ball regularly, attempting to hit their big target man. The defence was dealing well with most of these until a rare mistake from Paz Maletta, caught in two minds as the ball dropped and allowing the striker in to score.
Both sides had further chances from range before an opposing midfielder was given too much time to line up and curl an equaliser in from the edge of the area. There was still time for Convocation to have a penalty appeal turned down as Paz put in a last gasp challenge to deny a run on goal.
Half-time 2-2
The second half followed a similarly even pattern with corners at both ends causing most problems for the respective defences. However, two goals in fairly quick succession allowed Liverpool to open a crucial two goal lead. The first followed a corner which was initially cleared. As the ball was knocked back in, the Old Boys seemed to be rooted as one of the young opponents ran through to head in unopposed. And worse was to follow as a routine hack forward over the defence headed to the Northop Hall goal. Phil Elder came quickly to collect but totally misjudged the bounce over his head and couldn't make up the ground quickly enough to keep it out.
Northop Hall rallied well though determined to keep up the fight. Shots rained in from all angles from Darren Peters, Craig McGorian and a close range header was bulleted just wide by Kev Higgins from Darren Peters' corner. A header from Craig bounced back off the crossbar and Richard Moore collected the rebound but his cross shot was cleared off the line. Eventually, the pressure told although it was a stroke of fortune that provided it. As the ball bobbled around the away team's penalty area following a Pete Dessington corner the ball bobbled up off the pitch and struck an arm. Darren Peters dispatched the penalty left footed to the keeper's left to narrow the lead to one.
As the game wore on, the Old Boys laid seige to the Liverpool goal. Graham Wilks saw a near post flick come back off the post and another couple of shots beat the keeper at close range only to be cleared off the line. The younger opponents were still dangerous on the break though and Phil Elder had to be alert on a couple of occasions to make a save or a clearing challenge. Eventually, Phil himself was thrown forward at a corner in a final desperate attempt to force home the equaliser but it just wouldn't come and Liverpool Convocation were able to record a narrow victory.
On a day when the defence again performed well in the main, despite being breached four times, the opposition gave the man-of-the-match to centre back, Kieran Whelan. Overall a disappointing result against an admittedly younger 10 man opposition but we had enough chances to have sealed the win and paid for mistakes at the other end. One win and one defeat so far then, so everything still to play for over the next few weeks.
Team: Phil Elder, Paz Maletta, Kieran Whelan, Dave Henrys, Darren Molyneux, John Edmunds (Steve Buckley), Richard Moore, Darren Peters, Pete Dessington (Craig McGorian), Graham Wilks (Kev Higgins), Mel Barnes
Northop Hall Old Boys 6 Sandbach Utd Veterans 2nds 0 (S/CUP)
The opening weekend of this season's Sealand Cup saw both Northop Hall sides (Nomads and Old Boys) hosting Sandbach United Vets 1st and 2nds in their respective qualifying groups. Both sets of visitors arrived short of players on the day and able only to field a bare eleven with no substitutes. It certainly cost the 2nds dearly against the Old Boys, although another great performance already had the game sewn up.
A couple of forced changes (not least to cover the absence of last week's man-of-the-match Darren Molyneux) saw the return of Matt Lucas, Richard Moore and Mel Barnes. Dave Pritchard is having an excellent run in goal and kept the gloves again. He was soon in action as the opposition started strongly but only watching shots go wide of his posts, Sandbach choosing to adopt a 5-3-2 formation that overran the Old Boys midfield at first.
However, that was always going to leave them vulnerable against the speed of the home strikers and supporting midfield and the Old Boys had soon carved out a few half chances of their own without success with some excellent one touch football at times. Once again, the back line was having a strong game, particularly in the air, but it was a breakout from defence from centre back Kieran Whelan that led to the opening goal as he raced down the inside right channel to the byline before standing up a splendid cross for Richard Moore in the middle to nod home - a second headed goal of the campaign!
A second was soon to follow on the day as a throw in from the left deep in Sandbach territory was inadvertently helped on by a defender to Phil Southern. His turn and volley was sweetly struck into the far corner to leave the keeper helpless. Further chances fell to Phil, Graham Wilks and Anthony Woosey, the latter unfortunate that each seemed to fall to his right foot rather than the more lethal left.
With the option to rotate substitutes, the Old Boys were able to introduce Matt Lucas and Mel Barnes halfway through and both were quickly in action to keep the pressure on with Richard Moore switching to the wing to provide more problems for the Sandbach defence. A right wing corner was won and Darren Peters delivered another great cross for Mel Barnes this time to head powerfully home.
Sandbach had few chances, just an odd longer range effort, the closest of which whistled over the bar. As the half came to a close, one of their strikers came off worse in a challenge for the ball and although he came back on second half, effectively Sandbach were down to ten men.
Half-time 3-0
Northop Hall continued to dominate in the second half with the defence firmly holding out, Dave Henrys and Kieran Whelan dealing with everything through the middle and Paz Maletta getting license to support the attack down the right more than usual. Going forward, the Old Boys were still knocking the ball about really well and more chances were always going to come with Matt Lucas becoming more and more influential.
Following a good effort just wide from Darren Peters and a couple of shots from Phil Southern looking to add to his tally, the Old Boys struck again, this time Anthony Woosey did get hold of one with his right foot and again the keeper had no chance. It was 5-0 soon after as Anthony turned provider. A break down the middle saw him play a perfectly weighted pass left to the supporting Richard Moore who steered home his second of the game and fifth of the season.
Dave Pritchard was keeping well again but only having to deal with long shots that lacked accuracy in the main. Further changes saw Mel Barnes drop into centre midfield for the latter part of the game and dominate in the air against the smaller opposition. More good interchanges put Graham Wilks through inside left and although his well struck shot hit the post, the rebound bounced in off the back of the luckless keeper's head for number six. From there, the Old Boys were able to see the game out comfortably for a well-earned result.
Man of the match was awarded by the opposition to two-goal Richard Moore who was a constant threat. Again any of the unsung defence can also consider themselves unlucky not to have had the nod for keeping the first clean sheet of the year. Another excellent hard-working performance from everybody involved to give the perfect start to the competition. In the other match, Nomads beat Sandbach 1sts 1-0.
Team: Dave Pritchard, Paz Maletta, Kieran Whelan, Dave Henrys, Pete Dessington, Phil Southern (Matt Lucas), Richard Moore, Darren Peters (Steve Bodey), John Edmunds, Graham Wilks, Anthony Woosey (Mel Barnes)
28/03/09 Wirral Veterans 1 Northop Hall Old Boys 2
Both sides fielded almost complete veteran status players for this one and were well-matched as a result. The biggest factor was again the weather with the wind making this very much a game of two halves, the first of which, along with a slight downward slope, was to the advantage of the Old Boys.
With Dave Pritchard retaining the goalkeepers gloves that he's started to make his own and a welcome return in midfield for Ken Price, Northop Hall were short on numbers today and that didn't help the cause as a few legs got tired later on, but they were quickly into their stride to try and break the offside trap that Wirral set close to the halfway line and in Anthony Woosey and Graham Wilks the Old Boys have the pace to exploit those tactics.
As was the case when Anthony broke free down the left channel and slid in Graham supporting in the middle, but the ball just held up enough to stop him getting a clean strike at goal. It was a warning for Wirral that they didn't heed and although they got the benefit of one or two close offside calls, there were some that were bound to go the other way and several other chances were created for the strikers and for Darren Peters supporting behind them before the deadlock was finally broken.
It came from a right wing corner, swung to the far post by Darren Peters and met solidly by the head of Anthony Woosey to add another to his impressive season's tally. At the other end, the defence were collectively having a strong game and keeping Wirral to shots from distance that weren't troubling Dave Pritchard behind them.
The second goal came from another break down the left. Darren Molyneux played Anthony Woosey in again with a delightful ball over the top and again Anthony had time to square it to Graham Wilks running down the centre. This time Graham met it perfectly to power an unstoppable shot into the top corner. Wirral pressed on at the other end but were still being kept to shots from long range, although one of these dipped under the bar and forced a fine tip over from Dave Pritchard to keep it out.
There was almost a comedy third goal from Phil Southern whose long range shot appeared to be running harmlessly to the goalkeeper before it turned into a classic leg break off the pitch and span past the bewildered keeper but wide, to much amusement all round.
Half-time 0-2
The second half was a different story although to start with the wind had dropped a little in strength and there were periods when Northop Hall played some really good football from back to front to create a couple of openings, Graham Wilks unfortunate not to get better bounce on a couple of occasions. However, the home side were coming stronger as the wind was and it needed some good defending at times to keep them out with Dave Henrys putting his body painfully in the way of a couple of shots and Dave Pritchard being forced into action a lot more. On the one occasion he was beaten, Darren Molyneux was perfectly placed to clear off the line at a corner.
As the game went on, legs were tiring and with only one substitute today there was no team rotation to help us out. Inevitably, the home side made their pressure count eventually with 10 minutes left. A rare mistake from Kieran Whelan, having another solid game at centre back, created the opening. Trying to dribble the ball out from the back he was tackled by the striker who went on to score under pressure.
The last ten minutes was played almost exclusively in the away team's half and Dave Pritchard made a couple of fine saves behind an increasingly solid back four to maintain a winning margin.
Man of the match could have gone to several players today, but it was left back Darren Molyneux who got the opposition's vote, with Dave Pritchard's fine goalkeeping display particularly worthy of note too. Once more, another very strong all-round hard-working performance from everybody on the day, particularly defensively when it was needed.
Team: Dave Pritchard, Paz Maletta, Kieran Whelan, Dave Henrys, Darren Molyneux, Phil Southern (Steve Bodey), Ken Price, Darren Peters, Pete Dessington, Graham Wilks, Anthony Woosey
21/03/09 Northop Hall Old Boys 6 Saint Seniors (Liverpool) 2
Early in November, our visit to Liverpool to play Saint Seniors had established that they weren't as senior as their name suggested and so it was for the return fixture at Northop Hall. However, our form has been good of late with just a slight blip last week to recover from. Dave Pritchard continued as stand-in goalkeeper with Steve Davies still a couple of weeks away from a return.
Saint Seniors started the brightest and were soon on the front foot applying early pressure, a couple of shots from decent positions being scuffed wide and creating other promising openings that the defence managed to snuff out. At the other end though, the warning signs were there for the away team as Darren Peters and Richard Moore drove a few midfield breakaways to create half chances for Anthony Woosey and Graham Wilks up front.
It wasn't long before one such break led to to the opening goal. It started with a corner for the opposition but ended with Anthony Woosey tearing away down the left away from the defence and squaring for Graham Wilks to score a simple tap in, his seventh in the last seven games. Soon after it was two, Anthony leaving the defence standing in his wake again and following up well as the Saints keeper got a hand to his original attempted chip finish.
Saint Seniors came into it again soon after as Dave Henrys misjudged a long high ball from the back allowing the striker to nip in and score. They were pushing hard for an equaliser, winning a succession of corners and pressing hard only to concede another breakaway goal. This time it was Graham Wilks who got clear, timing his run from his own half as the last defender inexplicably stopped looking for an offside. Graham's cross left the supporting Darren Peters with as easy a tap in as he had himself earlier.
Again it was shortlived though. Saints had already sent a few troubling long throws into the box that were being carried on the wind and making life difficult. Richard Moore could only head one such throw backwards and the Saints player rounded Dave Pritchard and prodded goalwards only for Paz Maletta to be in the right place on the line for the umpteenth time this season. Unfortunately on this occasion he couldn't prevent the follow up shot hitting the net to make it 3-2.
Despite more pressure on the home goal, the Old Boys continued to play the better football on the break and another goal was always likely. This time it was Richard Moore making up for his defensive error to drop a perfect right wing cross onto Anthony Woosey's head at the far post. Just before half time it was five. With the ball crossed in again the ball struck a Saints defender on the hand on the edge of his area. The referee pointed for a penalty and Anthony Woosey, looking to atone for last week's miss stepped up again. The shot was put in exactly the same place as last week, only this time the keeper got a fingertip to deflect it onto the post. Anthony was then able to complete a first half hat trick on the follow up past the luckless keeper.
Half-time 5-2
After such a high scoring first half, the second settled into more of a stalemate with the home defence tightening up very well and dealing comfortably with the high balls the opposition tried to hit them with, ably abetted by the heads of Steve Buckley and Darren Peters in midfield. The best chances, one at each end, resulted in good saves by the respective keepers, Dave Pritchard from point blank with a reflex stop to push a shot over the bar and a fine diving save at the other end to tip a goalbound effort round the post.
Mel Barnes came closest though with a powerful header to meet a left wing corner cannoning back off the crossbar and being cleared. Finally, the Old Boys broke the second half deadlock to complete the rout. Dave Henrys long ball forward set Anthony Woosey through the inside right channel again. His chip over the keeper might normally have sailed over the bar but this time it held beautifully on the wind to drop in for a remarkable 25th goal of the season for him.
Chances were at a premium for the remainder of the game as the defence stood extremely firm and the rest of the team worked hard to keep the opposition at arms length and complete a very satisfactory triumph for experience over youth.
Man-of-the-match awarded by the opposition for the second week running was Darren Peters, although on this occasion four goal Anthony Woosey would feel unlucky not to have got the nod. Again, a really good team performance with every player contributing and working hard for each other.
Team: Dave Pritchard, Paz Maletta, Kieran Whelan, Dave Henrys, Darren Molyneux, Steve Buckley (John Edmunds), Richard Moore, Darren Peters, Pete Dessington, Graham Wilks (Mel Barnes), Anthony Woosey
14/03/09 Northop Hall Nomads 4 Northop Hall Old Boys 2
Following last week's demolition of Upton, hopes were high of a repeat performance in this first derby match for the Old Boys against the Northop Hall Nomads. Dave Pritchard covered in goal again but the younger legs of Matt Lucas, Richard Moore and Matt McGuire (until half-time) were missing. There was also a significant wind blowing down the slope that was going to make it hard for whoever defended the bottom end in the first half, which unfortunately turned out to be us.
From the first whistle Nomads exerted pressure and had several chances to open the scoring in the first part of the game. It took a long time for the Old Boys to get going but when we did, a couple of chances were created. Firstly, Eifion Jones found Anthony Woosey in space but with more time than he thought his shot was rushed and high. Soon after though, Nomads keeper Robbie Bellis could only parry a cross shot to the edge of the area and Darren Peters was on hand to finish well with a low shot.
Nomads were quickly back on the attack though and several long balls were testing the defence as they carried on the wind. Crosses into the box were also bouncing precariously without being cleared and it wasn't long before the equaliser came. A short corner wasn't picked up and a curled left foot shot found the top corner. And soon after, they made it two. A good move put them in on the keeper, but Dave Pritchard made a fine block at the near post. The ball then bounced fortuitously off the post and was scrambled over the line in the ensuing melee.
The Old Boys were still creating chances of their own though, with Pete Dessington getting some great crosses in from the left. One of these set John Edmunds up at the far post but he shot straight at the Nomads keeper. Anthony Woosey was also denied by a good save and headed narrowly wide from a corner before a golden opportunity to equalise came along. As another attack developed into the box, the ball struck a Nomads arm and a penalty was awarded. Once the arguments died down, Anthony Woosey stepped up to take it and sent the keeper the wrong way, only to see the ball come back out off the inside of the post. The keeper saved his rebound shot but it wouldn't have counted anyway as nobody else had touched it first.
Shortly before half time, Nomads made their pressure tell further by extending the lead. A good passing move split open the defence and their midfielder slipped through to score.
Half-time 3-1
Matt McGuire came on for the second half and with the wind now behind the Old Boys the pressure started to swing the other way. A number of chances were created, but again Robbie Bellis in the Nomads goal was keeping his sometime team-mates at bay. A succession of corners led to the ball being fed back to Matt McGuire on the left wing. Only he will know if his cross/shot was deliberate, but it sailed beautifully into the far corner to bring us right back in the game.
Nomads continued to make chances of their own and some good last ditch tackling at the back, some solid keeping from Dave Pritchard and some wayward shooting kept the scores close. Robbie Bellis at the other end denied Anthony Woosey with a diving tip around the post and Kieran Whelan headed over from a free kick but the equaliser just wouldn't come.
Kieran was sent up front at the end to add weight to the attack but it was the Nomads who finally scored with almost the last kick of the game. Again, there was an element of good fortune as a shot deflected back off the crossbar straight to the waiting Nomads player who scrambled in under pressure.
Man-of-the-match awarded by the opposition was Darren Peters for another fine performance in the centre of midfield. Paz Maletta and Kieran Whelan also had solid games at the back again. Not the best performance by the Old Boys overall but we probably did enough to earn a draw on the day and were made to pay for the missed penalty and a couple of other good chances.
Team: Dave Pritchard, Paz Maletta, Kieran Whelan, Darren Molyneux, Pete Dessington, Eifion Jones (John Edmunds), Dave Henrys, Darren Peters, Phil Southern (Phil Elder), Graham Wilks (Matt McGuire), Anthony Woosey (Steve Bodey)
07/03/09 Upton Magnets Vets 4 Northop Hall Old Boys 10
On the back of three very good wins, the Old Boys travelled to Chester in confident mood to take on Upton Magnets Veterans. Phil Elder took the gloves with Dave Pritchard returned to defensive duties and Pete Dessington back from injury. Upton are always strong opposition and they started brightly putting Northop Hall straight on to the back foot, but with just a couple of harmless long range efforts to show for it. On the break, the Old Boys had already looked dangerous with the referee's whistle pulling back two good openings as the home team kept a high line. The first goal was still slightly against the run of play, but a good move nonetheless. It started with Darren Molyneux in defence and finished with Anthony Woosey squeezing the ball home at the other end. Minutes later it was two. Matt Lucas's strong challenge in midfield set another move going and Graham Wilks was on hand to finish well from the right.
Northop Hall were playing some great football and Pete Dessington saw a fine long range effort come back off the crossbar as Upton continued to be smothered through midfield and kept at bay by another fine defensive performance. However, they pulled themselves right back into the game when a speculative long through ball was misjudged by Phil Elder coming from his goal and the home striker nipped ahead of him to tuck into an open net.
The away side made three substitutions half way through but were still looking the better team and a crucial third goal was well deserved. Darren Peters left wing cross from a short corner was met well by Phil Southern's header for his first goal of the season, well enjoyed judging by the celebration! Further half chances were crafted as the half came to a close, Darren Peters firing just over from distance and the two Matts, McGuire & Lucas, keeping both strikers well fed. On the stroke of half time, Northop Hall had a fourth goal, Anthony Woosey again squeezing one past the home keeper who probably should have done better but was being regularly exposed.
Half-time 1-4
If there was still a doubt about the result at half time it was dispelled in the first eleven minutes of the second half as the Old Boys added four more goals in a pulsating spell that the home side had no answer to. Darren Peters started the rout with a nice finish from range before Graham Wilks finished off the move of the match after great play down the left, superbly meeting Darren Peters cross to volley in at the far post.
Moments later, another left wing move and low ball fired across the six yard box saw Graham convert in the same place for his hat-trick. The eighth was put away by Darren Peters for his own second of the game and the game was well and truly over with still more than half an hour to go.
More chances came and went, John Edmunds and Matt McGuire both shot high before the Old Boys, with the luxury of the big lead, made four further substitutions and reshuffled the midfield and defence for the final quarter. Upton immediately seized their chance to pull a goal back only for Matt McGuire to take a nice one-two off Anthony Woosey at the other end to make it nine with a neat finish of his own.
Both sides traded shots in the closing stages. Phil Elder made a fine save with his feet when left one on one with the oncoming striker. Eventually Upton's pressure told with another well taken goal but there was still time for another breakaway at the other end to get Anthony Woosey in the clear and his clinical finish for his own third goal brought up double figures. With the last action of the game, a right wing cross from Upton struck Darren Peters arm in the penalty area and a rather harsh penalty was awarded and well hit past Phil Elder to give them a flattering fourth goal.
Man-of-the-match was awarded by the opposition to one of the hat-trick scorers Anthony Woosey, who again led the line superbly, but on the day the award could have gone to any one of the squad, such was the strength of every performance. Well done everybody - a great game to play in and a great game to watch.
Team: Phil Elder, Paz Maletta, Kieran Whelan, Dave Pritchard, Darren Molyneux, John Edmunds (Phil Southern), Dave Henrys (Steve Bodey), Matt Lucas, Pete Dessington (Matt McGuire), Graham Wilks (Darren Peters), Anthony Woosey
28/02/09 Northop Hall Old Boys 4 Stationmasters (Buckley) 1
Sandbach Vets 2nds called off their visit to Northop Hall the day after last week's comprehensive victory over their 1st XI (probably as a result!) so the young lads from Stationmasters (Buckley) who drew at Northop Hall last December, agreed to step in for the fixture, with the Old Boys keen to keep up the momentum of current form.
Without a number of recent regulars though, the squad that assembled looked rather thin on the ground and Paul (son of Declan) Hickey came along to help out. Phil Southern nursing a back injury took over from Dave Pritchard as replacement keeper with Dave a late call-off through illness while up front saw a return to action for Mel Barnes after almost four months out with injury. Stationmasters were faring worse by kick-off having only 10 players, so the game started 10-a-side until spectator Robbie Bellis from Northop Hall Nomads could change and stand-in as the away goalkeeper.
However, the Old Boys continued their fine form of late straight from the off and before Robbie got onto the pitch had already created some decent openings, one of which was a flowing move from midfield and right wing that was well finished off by Matt McGuire for his first goal for the club. No sooner had Robbie took over and the game been restored to 11 v. 11 than the Old Boys had a penalty. Richard Moore turned his defender only for the ball to strike his hand as he lay on the floor to deny the goalscoring opportunity. However, you can quickly go from hero to villain in this game and Matt McGuire stepped up to take the penalty himself only to see Robbie Bellis diving to his right to save.
Once again the back four were having a solid game and Phil Southern wasn't having too much to do. With Matt Lucas driving the midfield and the Old Boys knocking the ball around nicely, it was just the final pass that was lacking to enable the lead to be extended. Robbie Bellis made a smart save to deny Dave Henrys and one or two more shots were off target before the deserved second came along. Richard Moore received the forward pass and left his marker grounded as he turned. Stationmasters were left appealing in vain for a foul as Mel Barnes slotted in Richard's cross on his return to action.
The young opposition started to come into the game more as the half developed and may have had a penalty themselves for an unseen handball in the box, but most of the time they were hitting a solid wall in the home defence well marshalled by Kieran Whelan again.
Half-time 2-0
With a further volunteer from the sidelines, Stationmasters replaced Robbie Bellis at half-time but Northop Hall started the second half in fine style, furthering the lead almost immediately with an excellent solo goal from Matt Lucas, dancing through a number of defenders before unleashing a left foot strike from a narrow angle past the new keeper. It was Matt's first goal for Northop Hall (no surprise for those of us who face him on the astroturf on a Wednesday evening!).
The game opened up from there, but with only half chances at both ends. Kieran Whelan went on a surging run from the back that ended with a shot that the away keeper tipped around the post. At the other end, a cracking shot from distance left Phil Southern rooted only to come back off the crossbar and the follow-up chance wasted with a shot over the bar. It was beginning to look as if a rare clean sheet might be on the cards, the defence restricting the opposition to further long range shots that were going harmlessly wide. However, they finally managed another well hit effort from 25 yards and this time Phil had no chance as it arrowed into the top corner.
The Old Boys weren't finished though. Richard Moore, Paul Hickey and Steve Buckley had all been raiding down the wings all afternoon (with good overlapping support from full back Paz Maletta) and their crosses had been generally well dealt with the two Buckley centre backs. Eventually, a cross from the left side dropped into a really dangerous area and although their keeper did well to push it out Matt Lucas was well placed on the edge of the area to chip the ball back into the unguarded goal for his second of the game.
As in the previous game against Stationmasters the young legs held longer than the Old Boys and they put a bit more pressure on towards the end, but this time the home team held firm to record a third successive victory again with a good deal of style.
Man-of-the-match was awarded by the opposition to Kieran Whelan, reward for a series of solid performances of late, with Matt Lucas a close second today. Again, it was a really good all round team display, even more pleasing for being without a number of regulars.
Team: Phil Southern, Paz Maletta, Kieran Whelan, Darren Molyneux, John Edmunds, Steve Buckley, Dave Henrys, Matt Lucas, Richard Moore (Paul Hickey), Mel Barnes, Matt McGuire
21/02/09 Sandbach United Veterans 1 Northop Hall Old Boys 4
Hoping to follow up last week's performance at Eastham, the Old Boys welcomed back Darren Molyneux at left back with Dave Pritchard continuing to fill-in between the sticks while Steve Davies recuperates from his operation. A second sortie into Cheshire in a month, this time to play the Sandbach Veterans first XI at Congleton, pitched us against one of the best opponents from the first half of the season in what had been one of Northop Hall's best performances in 2008.
Both sides squandered early chances, with Graham Wilks and Anthony Woosey failing to beat the keeper when put through, whilst the defence was fortunate not to be be breeched as the home striker shot over when given a good sight at goal himself. The Old Boys were also thankful to hear the referee's whistle for offside when the ball was knocked over the line from close range. However, with the defence holding firm despite an early injury to Kev Higgins, some good flowing football was being played by the away side that was often just a whisker away from the final ball that would have broken the deadlock.
When the opening goal did come, it was rather out of character with the performance. Anthony Woosey got good purchase on his left wing cross but was as surprised as everyone to see it dip over the home keeper into the far corner of the goal, but they all count.
Half-time 0-1
The second half began disastrously for Northop Hall. A long kick from the Sandbach goalkeeper caught the wind and sailed over the defence to leave their striker one on one and Dave Pritchard with no chance with the finish as he narrowed the angle. Heads didn't go down though and, if anything, the Old Boys started to play even better football, both Anthony and Phil Southern shooting over as we looked to re-establish the lead. It was no surprise when it came, Darren Peters finishing another good move with a strong left foot finish to register his first goal for the Old Boys.
Richard Moore came on and was instantly presented with the chance to extend the lead but shot wide and then was unlucky to see a curled shot come back off the crossbar and even more unlucky to have a perfectly timed run stopped by the referee's whistle for offside as he was put clear through. Sandbach continued to press at the other end, but without hitting the target too often, threatening another equaliser while the score stayed at 2-1. It was with a little relief that Anthony Woosey finally extended the lead with a delightful left foot chip over the keeper and realistically end Sandbach's resistance.
Several more half chances went begging before Darren Peters put the icing on the cake, a neat finish with practically the last kick of the game to round off another excellent passing move and make it a deserved 4-1 win, rounding off probably the best all-round team performance of the season.
Man-of-the-match for the Old Boys, voted by the opposition, was two-goal Anthony Woosey (that's 18 for the season now), again getting the nod ahead of the solid defence and the other goalscorer Darren Peters. However, just like last week there were excellent performances from every one of the fifteen players who took part.
Team: Dave Pritchard, Paz Maletta, Darren Molyneux, Kieran Whelan, Kev Higgins (Phil Elder), John Edmunds (Phil Southern), Dave Henrys (Richard Moore), Matt Lucas, Darren Peters, Graham Wilks (Steve Bodey), Anthony Woosey
14/02/09 Eastham Veterans 3 Northop Hall Old Boys 4
With the Pavilion pitches at Northop Hall getting another soaking from the melting snow, it was decided to switch this game back to Eastham (or Port Sunlight Rugby Club to be exact) where we had drawn earlier in the season. Eastham had not lost for the last 11-12 games and after the Old Boys abject performance at Waterside the week before, the signs were ominous. However, galvanised by the returns of Anthony Woosey, Darren Peters and Kev Higgins, the rallying cry going into the game was to put last week behind us and get playing again.
And that's exactly what happened as Northop Hall raced into a two-goal lead within the first 10 minutes as they hit their straps early and caught the home side out. Firstly, a mazy run from Matt Lucas almost produced a deserved first goal for the club, but the keeper got a hand to it to tip it away, only as far as Graham Wilks who held off the surrounding defenders to record his second goal in two games. It was Graham again minutes later doubling the lead as he chased a good through ball down the inside right channel, again showing good strength and a clinical finish off the far post.
The "St.Valentines Day Massacre" could have been well and truly completed in that opening half hour, with Anthony Woosey cottoning on to a ball down the left and chipping the oncoming keeper but seeing the ball bounce agonisingly over the bar and seeing an almost identical effort cleared off the line by the defender racing back. Pressure was all with the away side as Darren Peters and Matt Lucas controlled the middle of the park and the rest of the team put some great moves together leading to a few good efforts on goal.
Finally, the home side clawed their way back into the game and started to pressure the Old Boys goal a little. Dave Pritchard, standing in for injured goalkeeper Steve Davies this week, handled well and the defence stood firm. At the other end, another break by Anthony Woosey finally reaped dividends as he arrived at another through ball ahead of the oncoming keeper to loop his header into the unguarded net for his 16th goal of the season.
Half-time 0-3
Several changes at the break to give everybody even playing time led to a slowing of the Old Boys charge and with the slight advantage of playing down the slope, Eastham came much more into the game second half. Several chances fell their way before they were awarded a penalty for a trip by Richard Moore in the box. Although Dave Pritchard dived the right way, the spot kick was struck well and just out of reach. Eastham continued to apply pressure, but the defence coped well with Kieran Whelan in particular in the midst of it.
The pressure was eased considerably by a fourth Northop Hall goal and one of the best of the season to date. Darren Peters put a cracking ball down the left for Anthony Woosey to run on to. His excellent left foot cross was met crisply on the run by Steve Buckley as he arrived at the far post with a defender all over him for a superb finish. However, Eastham weren't finished and reduced the deficit again, albeit controversially, with a breakaway goal. As the ball was run out from midfield, the defence held its line just inside their own half allowing their striker to run yards offside before receiving the pass. The referee was still a long way behind play and decided to allow the resulting goal despite Old Boys' protestations.
The game then opened up as the home side went on the attack and chances fell at both ends with some good last ditch defending from Northop Hall keeping the lead intact but chances spurned at the other end to extend it. One through ball down the middle was chased into the penalty area by Graham Wilks who looked on for his hat-trick before a challenge from behind just put him off his shot and the ball got away. Hard to call, but it would have been interesting to see what the referee would have given if Graham had gone down under the challenge.
Eventually the away defence cracked, a rare Kieran Whelan mistake allowing Eastham to profit as he mis-hit his clearance allowing their player the opportunity to finish and give Dave Pritchard no chance. Still the Old Boys had chances to settle it before the end, Darren Peters and Anthony Woosey both clipping left foot shots wide while the defence kept the opposition down to long range shots at the other end that didn't trouble Dave Pritchard's goal. The scoreline was close at the end, but it wasn't a true reflection of Northop Hall's dominance, particularly in the first half.
Man-of-the-match for the Old Boys, voted by the opposition, was once again Anthony Woosey who caught the eye on his return. As tends to happen in these awards, the strikers seem to make the biggest impression on the opposition, so a special mention for the luckless Kieran Whelan at the heart of defence who was the referee's nomination on the day. There were good performances all over the park on the day though, with everybody working hard for each other and getting just desserts with the result.
Team: Dave Pritchard, Paz Maletta, Dave Henrys, Kieran Whelan, Kev Higgins, Steve Buckley (John Edmunds), Matt Lucas, Darren Peters (Richard Moore), Matt McGuire, Graham Wilks (Declan Hickey), Anthony Woosey (Steve Bodey)
07/02/09 Waterside Old Boys 9 Northop Hall Old Boys 3
As they did when they visited Northop Hall earlier in the season, Waterside Old Boys propped up their side with a number of youngsters. They had the excuse last time of it being derby day in Liverpool, but whatever the problem was this time, it makes it difficult for us genuine old boys. We keep saying it, but why do these youngsters want to play against veterans? When we were that age, we tested ourselves against our own age group.
When you play a younger team, it needs a good all-round team performance with everybody on their game to counteract the young legs and try and keep them pegged back in their own half. Unfortunately, apart from one or two short bursts, this was an abject Northop Hall display, with far too many of us off form. The passing game, particularly through midfield, never got going and everybody was guilty of giving the ball away far too often.
In fairness to Waterside, they had a couple of very good players in midfield who took full advantage of the time and space that their team mates were creating for them right from the off. Northop Hall had to cover the goalkeeper position again as Steve Davies had a cycling accident during the week that required stitches in his chin. Declan Hickey was dragged off the injury list himself to take the gloves and his lack of mobility was unfortunately also a factor on the day.
The home side started well and had us on the back foot from the off, although they were kept to shots from range in the opening stages that didn't cause too much trouble. However, it didn't last too long and one shot proved too strong for Declan, the ball slipping through his hands and dropping in to open the scoring. A second followed soon after from a left wing cross, with their central midfielder losing his marker to head home unchallenged.
With Kieran Whelan and Graham Wilks getting a few runs at the opposition defence, the Old Boys created a few chances themselves and pulled themselves right back in it when those two combined well to set up Richard Moore. His right foot curling shot was just out of the reach of the home side's young goalkeeper. Graham also had a chance to equalise when he beat the opposition keeper to a ball into the left corner. With the lad retreating, Graham's chip went agonisingly wide with Steve Buckley just unable to latch onto it at the far post. The Old Boys best spell of the game was ended by another shot from range by Waterside, Declan Hickey this time cruelly unsighted as the ball curled past Dave Henrys.
Half-time 3-1
The second half started with the Old Boys very much still in the game, but that didn't last long. The break seemed to galvanise the opposition and they took full advantage of some poor defending to increase the score twice more. They did seem vulnerable at the back though and Phil Elder, pushed up front with Kieran Whelan dropping to defence, was guilty of a glaring miss from close in as he stabbed at a Steve Buckley flick on from a corner but got too much on it and put it over the bar.
However, he made up for it soon after, getting a run clear of the defence from a fine through ball from midfield and calmly slotting past the keeper for his first goal of the season. A good left wing break from Steve Buckley was ended cynically by his marker and another day might have been a sending off. This was evened up at the other end though. A fine shot beat Declan Hickey and was heading for the top corner when Paz Maletta instinctively tipped the ball over the bar with his hand. A stonewall penalty and sending off usually, but the referee was lenient and the spot kick proved punishment enough sending Declan the wrong way for 6-2.
Northop Hall continued to press as the opposition took their foot off the gas a little and a good run through the inside right channel from Graham Wilks was finished with a low shot that went in off the post for his first Northop Hall goal. Not long after, Graham was again through, down the left this time, but couldn't get his foot around the ball to force his lob over the keeper goalwards instead of wide of the post.
Other than a Pete Dessington shot into the side netting and a number of long range efforts from Matt McGuire that failed to really trouble the keeper, it was the opposition that dominated the closing stages and scored three more times to make the scoreline comprehensive, despite a number of gritty tackles from Kieran Whelan. The final whistle was welcome as we hung on to avoid the embarrassment of double figures, although it probably wouldn't have been undeserved.
Man-of-the-match for Northop Hall Old Boys, voted by the opposition, was Kieran Whelan, one of the very few players who did himself any justice on the day and an easy vote. Overall, a poor performance that I don't expect will be repeated in future whatever the circumstances.
Team: Declan Hickey, Paz Maletta, Phil Elder (John Edmunds), Dave Pritchard, Dave Henrys, Matt McGuire, Richard Moore, Matt Lucas, Pete Dessington (Steve Buckley), Kieran Whelan, Graham Wilks
31/01/09 Northop Hall Old Boys 0 Shotton Steel Vets 2
For the second successive week, the Old Boys struggled through the mud at the Pavilion in vain. Conditions were better than the previous week and better football was possible, the home team benefitting from the return of Darren Peters after injury, although missing the influential Anthony Woosey up front for the same reason. Shotton Steel Veterans, who we beat on their ground in the opening fixture of the season, brought a strong side with revenge very much in mind.
It took a while for Northop Hall to get into their stride but Darren Peters was soon knocking the ball around nicely, assisted by Matt Lucas and Matt McGuire in midfield. The early chances fell to the visitors though, albeit from distance with Steve Davies handling well (although struggling to get his kicking game to the same level) and the two full-backs seeing plenty of action as Shotton sought to exploit the dryer areas on the wings.
With the versatile Kieran Whelan getting more into the game up front and linking well with Graham Wilks, the home side carved out a couple of decent chances themselves, Kieran especially thrusting through the defence more than once but unable to find a finish to match the approach. However, it was Shotton who took the lead when the right winger got clear and with Steve Davies trying to guess on a resulting cross or shot he was beaten inside the near post, Paz Maletta just unable to execute one of his trademark goal line clearances on this occasion.
Both sides enjoyed spells of possession in the remainder of the half but it was the home team who should have equalised with the best chance of the game. Kieran Whelan again got behind the Shotton defenders but bearing down on the keeper watched as his shot went agonisingly wide.
Half-time 0-1
The second half was a lot more open as the legs started to tire on both sides in the heavy conditions. Steve Davies made a series of excellent saves and interceptions to deny Shotton and the defence held firm under increasing pressure. At the other end, a couple of breakaways got the Old Boys into decent shooting positions but they were unable to capitalise.
The all-important next goal came halfway through the second period and it was a rare error from Steve Davies as Shotton effected another breakaway. The home keeper looked favourite as he came to collect but decided to try and clear feet first, the ball bouncing unfavourably to allow an open goal tap-in for the striker.
The home team made a few changes late on, Steve Buckley returning after injury for a cameo role, Steve Bodey making his customary substitute appearance and coming close to reducing the deficit with a header from a Darren Peters corner. Graham Wilks also came close and will think he should have done better when put through on goal. The Old Boys probably deserved a goal for the considerable effort put in by the whole team on the day, but were undoubtedly well beaten by a strong Shotton side.
Man-of-the-match for Northop Hall Old Boys, voted by the opposition, was goalkeeper Steve Davies who kept us in the game with a string of fine saves in tricky conditions.
Team: Steve Davies, Paz Maletta (Phil Elder), Darren Molyneux, Dave Pritchard, Dave Henrys (John Edmunds), Pete Dessington (Steve Buckley) Matt Lucas, Darren Peters, Matt McGuire (Steve Bodey), Kieran Whelan, Graham Wilks (Kev Higgins)
24 January 2009 - Northop Hall Old Boys 1 Chester Nomads 4
Despite a couple of preceding dry days, heavy rain earlier in the week had left the home pitches sodden but both teams were keen to get the game on, even if they might have later had some regrets as they sloshed around in the mud. However, for much of the match the scoreline remained close and both sides created chances to ensure it stayed interesting.
Chester Nomads started the game brighter than the Old Boys and put quite a bit of early pressure on, testing Steve Davies (back in the Old Boys goal again) early on as the home side looked to establish some rhythm. Matt McGuire was soon pulling strings down the left though and set up Graham Wilks for a run on goal that finished with a shot just wide. More good play down the right ended with a Phil Southern effort hitting the woodwork as the home team looked to gain the early advantage but it was the visitors who continued to threaten down their left side leading to several last ditch tackles and interceptions. However, one break through the middle split the Northop Hall defence and Steve Davies only managed to take out last defender Dave Henrys as he rushed out to deal with it leaving a simple tap in for the Nomads striker.
The introduction of Darren Molyneux and Anthony Woosey mid-way through the half gave fresh impetus and a couple of half chances were created which Anthony put wide or at the keeper with both sides by now getting used to the conditions and keeping the ball out of the mud better.
Half-time 0-1
It didn't take too long for the old Boys to level things up after the break. Starting the second half brightly, Anthony Woosey had already tested the away keeper when another attack was cleared to Kev Higgins on the edge of the box. He hit his shot well to register his first goal of the season.
For a spell, the game was very even and the next goal was always going to be important. Unfortunately for Northop Hall it fell to the opposition when they were allowed a free header at a corner which was well met to give Steve Davies no chance. At the other end, Anthony Woosey just failed to get on the end of a Graham Wilks cross to finish the best move of the half.
Chester continued to threaten though, taking advantage of the low afternoon sun to cause problems from their right side. So it was that they eventually extended their lead. A long throw was headed on at the near post and with everybody blinded by the sun, Kev Higgins turned unwittingly from hero to villain as the ball hit him and rolled in.
The home team weren't finished however and put some good late pressure on, Darren Molyneux especially unlucky to see a well-hit long range shot come back off the corner of post and crossbar. Then with the last move of the game a long ball over the home defence found a Nomads striker looking well offside but he was allowed to go on and finish to give them a rather flattering 4-1 scoreline.
Man-of-the-match for Northop Hall Old Boys, voted by the opposition, was once again Anthony Woosey who continues to make things happen up front for us, but with Kieran Whelan a very close runner-up on the day.
Team: Steve Davies, Paz Maletta, Phil Elder (Darren Molyneux), Kieran Whelan, Dave Henrys, Eifion Jones (John Edmunds), Dave Pritchard, Phil Southern (Kev Higgins), Matt McGuire, Declan Hickey (Steve Bodey), Graham Wilks (Anthony Woosey)
17 January 2009 - Sandbach Utd Veterans 2nds 2 Northop Hall Old Boys 4
The long trip over to Middlewich to take on the Sandbach Vets 2nd team, having already drawn at home to their first eleven earlier in the season, had previously fallen victim to wet weather before Christmas, but the rearranged game went ahead in fairly decent conditions for the time of year apart from a headwind that got steadily stronger into the Old Boys faces in the second half.
Northop Hall had to play a reserve keeper with Steve Davies unavailable and Phil Southern stepped in again. They also welcomed back John Edmunds for his first run out since injury in the pre-season game with MoneySupermarket back in August, had a debut for Paul Williams and a return to the centre of defence after four months of filling in other positions for Dave Henrys.
The opposition had not had a fixture since November because of the weather and the Old Boys took advantage of that and a breeze behind their backs to start the first half very strongly, creating openings for Anthony Woosey in particular right from the off from a succession of through balls from Richard Moore and Matt Lucas in the middle of midfield and some surging right wing runs from Eifion Jones and overlapping full-back Paz Maletta.
However, apart from a few comfortable saves from the home keeper, the early dominance was resulting in shots wide of the mark and increasing frustration until finally another good move ended with Richard Moore stabbing home from close range. Shortly after that the lead was doubled, Anthony Woosey had been peppering the home goal to no avail but a long clearance from Dave Pritchard put him through again. This time he took it early and the straighter shot squirmed under the keeper and in.
Sandbach fashioned a few half-chances of their own, mainly dealt with well by the Old Boys defence and decent handling from Phil Southern. However, they were unlucky to see Phil fingertip a shot onto the post and away to safety. Northop Hall continued to dominate though and soon Anthony had his second with a left foot strike to finish another nice move up front.
The 3-0 cushion allowed a first switch and a welcome return to action for John Edmunds and he was soon involved in creating chances at both ends, making up for a miscued clearance that resulted in a near-miss at one end with a ball through for Anthony narrowly missing the target at the other.
Half-time 0-3
A few more changes at half-time and turning round into the wind that was to become much stronger as the half progressed evened up possession in the early part of the second half. Chances came and went at both ends with Anthony again much involved, coming close himself on a number of occasions and setting up far post chances that first Steve Bodey was inches away from getting on to with a diving header then Richard Moore was guilty of squandering the clearest chance of the game as he miscued his close range volley.
And the Old Boys were made to pay for those missed chances, although in most controversial circumstances. A left wing cross was chased in by their striker and left-back Pete Dessington. Pete had the run on him to clear but was given a mighty shove in the back that pushed him into the ball to deflect it in. Unfortunately the referee must have been unsighted (benefit of doubt!) and allowed the goal to stand.
For a while, the home team exerted a degree of pressure with their two centre midfielders becoming increasingly effective and the strong wind carrying their clearances deep into Northop Hall territory. However, a breakaway set Anthony Woosey through in the inside right channel and this time his right foot chip was exquisite to restore the three goal advantage and complete his hat-trick.
The Old Boys dealt fairly comfortably with several more waves of attack before the margin was reduced again. A right wing corner hung right under the crossbar in the wind and Phil Southern could only get fingertips to it and deflect it in. We also had to swap and change the line-up as the game wore on to cover injuries to Richard Moore and Pete Dessington. Debutant Paul Williams showed his versatility covering front to back and Eifion Jones also in the centre of midfield.
Sandbach continued to create chances, the best of them when their striker beat Phil to the ball just three yards out but somehow scooped his shot over the bar. The defence had been solid all game and continued to hold firm to see the game out for a deserved victory that had been a few months in coming.
Man-of-the-match, voted by the opposition, was deservedly given to Anthony Woosey for his hat-trick and striking performance, but a big well done to everybody on the day who contributed to a really good performance.
Team: Phil Southern, Paz Maletta, Pete Dessington, Dave Pritchard, Dave Henrys, Eifion Jones (Steve Bodey), Richard Moore, Matt Lucas, Graham Wilks (John Edmunds), Declan Hickey (Paul Williams), Anthony Woosey
3 January 2009 - Bedford Argyle (Bebington) 2 Northop Hall Old Boys 1
The first fixture of the new year, most welcome to start to run off the indulgences of Christmas, was the rearranged fixture with Bedford Argyle at the Bebington Oval. The conditions were not the best, both sides struggling from the start with a pitch that had thawed somewhat in the winter sun, but still had some hard patches that made the ball bobble up wickedly at times.
The Old Boys welcomed back Steve Davies in goal after a three month lay-off, his first appearance since his heroics at Chester Nomads in October. A few changes were needed to plug gaps in the defence from a few absentees, but we had one of the largest squads we've had for a while and everybody was given plenty of playing time, even though that meant disrupting the team a fair bit.
It took both sides a while to get going in the tricky conditions, with both goalkeepers handling well from long-range efforts, Anthony Woosey again keeping their's on his toes. Slowly, Bedford started to establish a foothold in the game though, particularly with their two central midfielders running things and getting forward. It was therefore a bit of a surprise when the Old Boys took the lead. Matt McGuire had been feeding Anthony Woosey down the inside left channel regularly and another ball over the top had him away again. Despite a strong suspicion of offside, the whistle never came and Anthony calmly slotted home his 12th goal of the season.
The lead was held for a while, mainly thanks to Steve Davies in goal, keeping out a number of shots (including an attempted clearance from Dave Henrys!) and sweeping up well behind the defence. Northop Hall made three changes and still looked dangerous on the break, but failed to craft any real chances, just a few long range efforts that didn't trouble the goal, but the home side continued to dominate play and in the end the pressure told and they got in behind to equalise.
Half-time 1-1
Further changes at half-time took an immediate toll and the Old Boys found themselves under siege straight from the kick-off. With better finishing, Bedford could have been well ahead. Steve Davies and his defence were kept busy, one shot rattling the crossbar, but they were holding firm somehow.
Anthony Woosey returned to play after a rest but was injured shortly afterwards which restricted the attacking options a bit. The pressure continued on the Old Boys goal and eventually the home side got their reward, albeit in rather bizarre circumstances. A tame shot on the turn went through a defender and caught Steve Davies completely unsighted and unable to react as the ball trundled through his legs.
The latter stages mirrored the rest of the game as the Old Boys tried in vain to launch a fightback, even with Pete Dessington pushed up front and getting stuck in. Steve Davies kept out everything else that was hit at him and the game finished in a narrow defeat that probably flattered us a little.
Man-of-the-match, awarded by the opposition, was unsurprisingly Steve Davies in goal, but credit to Kieran Whelan and Matt McGuire for their performances. Lots of changes didn't help the team settle today, but everyone was going to get a decent outing in this first fixture of the year and with a few returning from injury it was a good run out and a good test against a decent side.
Team: Steve Davies, Dave Henrys (Eifion Jones), Kieran Whelan, Darren Molyneux, Pete Dessington, Richard Moore, Phil Southern (Steve Bodey), Matt Lucas, Matt McGuire, Declan Hickey (Graham Wilks), Anthony Woosey
13 December 2008 - Northop Hall Old Boys 3 Stationmasters (Buckley) 3
In a break from the norm for veterans football we agreed to fill a blank fixture with a game against a team of youngsters who play in the 6-a-side league and for whom, this was their first 11-a-side match. Needless to say, their fitness and younger legs caused problems, especially towards the end when the Old Boys had a couple of injuries to key defenders. However, the majority of the football was played by the veterans to show that you never lose it!
The visitors started energetically and exerted the early pressure as Northop Hall adjusted to yet more team changes late in the day. Phil Southern took over in goal for the first time, Steve Bodey started on the right of midfield and Matt Lucas came into the centre for his debut. Soon though, the ball was being pinged around nicely by the hosts and chances started to be created, notably to Anthony Woosey looking sharp up front.
The breakthrough came when a through ball got Anthony one on one with the keeper and he tucked it away nicely for his eleveth of the campaign. Soon after it was two, with Anthony turning provider, a sweet left wing cross that begged somebody to get a head to it and put it home. Strike partner for the day, Declan Hickey, duly obliged for his third of the season.
Both sides created chances as the half developed and conditions underfoot started to worsen, not ideal for touch players like Ken Price and Matt Lucas in the middle but they worked hard to carve out openings for the team. However, the keepers at both ends and their respective defences held firm, with Paz Maletta and Darren Molyneux in particular enjoying the conditions for tackling, the former also enjoying some space to get things moving down the right side.
Half-time 2-0
Some early second half pressure saw the visitors mount an attack on goal. Their striker failed to connect well with his shot and the ball was making its way harmlessly goalward only to catch Phil Southern going the other way. Undone by a fatal slip as he tried to readjust, there was an agonising wait and helpless looking on as the ball trickled into the corner.
Straight after that a pulled muscle saw the end of Paz Maletta's involvement and another change at the back. However, the home side continued to create a number of opportunities, particularly down both flanks with the final ball in being cleared last ditch in some cases. Eventually it all fell into place for the simplest of finishes. A free kick from Matt McGuire into the left channel found Anthony Woosey and he picked the perfect pass for Ken Price as he arrived to clip it home.
However, as the game went on, the heavy conditions began to take their toll on the old legs and Stationmasters came more and more into the game, finding the long ball over the top a particularly useful weapon with Darren Molyneux forced into several sliding tackles and blocks and Phil Southern having to mop up in and around the edge of his penalty area.
As the light began to fade, the visitors got themselves back in it when another long ball through stuck in the mud deceiving Darren and allowing the away striker this time to nip in and score. It still looked as if the Old Boys would be collecting the victory though, even with Darren Molyneux forced to succumb to a muscle strain himself towards the end.
It was with the game in its final moments that the young lads were awarded a free kick to launch a late offensive. A complete breakdown in communication defensively saw three attacking players take on one defender at the far post and in the resulting melee the ball was stabbed in for a disappointing equaliser.
Man-of-the-match, awarded by the opposition, was Paz Maletta in a close run thing with Darren Molyneux. Despite a bit of disappointment wth the result, the performance against a young side in the conditions was most heartening. Matt Lucas had a more than decent debut and will be a good addition to the squad and several players carrying injuries earlier in the season are starting to get fitness back. Hopefully this can be taken into next week's game with Bedford Argyle.
Team: Phil Southern, Paz Maletta (Dave Henrys), Darren Molyneux (Eifion Jones), Dave Pritchard, Pete Dessington, Steve Bodey, Ken price, Matt Lucas, Matt McGuire, Declan Hickey, Anthony Woosey
29 November 2008 - Northop Hall Old Boys 2 Woolton Veterans 5
On a bitterly cold afternoon, the Old Boys again struggled with injuries and other absences and had to make a few switches to their line-up. Robbie Bellis took over in goal while Eifion Jones and Dave Henrys occupied the full-back positions with neither being fully fit. However, Northop Hall started strongly and created a number of chances early on, with Anthony Woosey back and peppering the away goal.
Steve Buckley narrowly failed to get on the end of a ball across the six yard line before making amends to finally open the scoring. Anthony's chip in to the box set up both Steve and Declan Hickey but it was the former who nipped in first to tuck home. However, the lead lasted barely a few minutes. Woolton hadn't really threatened until then but a corner into the box was poorly defended and their striker had a free header to equalise.
The Old Boys were still creating chances at the other end, but the game was getting stretched. Both keepers made decent saves before a long ball from the visitors left wing evaded everyone and was smartly volleyed in at the back stick.
Half-time 1-2
As the second half began, the mist started to envelop the ground. The game took up the open pattern of the first half and again both keepers made decent saves to keep the score down. Anthony Woosey was a constant threat with Richard Moore and Matt McGuire linking with him on more than one occasion to no avail. However, it was Woolton who scored the crucial next goal, again taking advantage of some sloppy defending.
Half way through the second half though, the Old Boys were back in it. Richard Moore doesn't claim that heading is his strongest asset, but he rose well to meet a left wing cross from Anthony to head the ball over the keeper and in off the underside of the bar. For a spell, the Old Boys were dominant despite losing Steve Buckley to injury. His replacement Steve Bodey came close with a couple of long range shots and a few other efforts went wide or over but it was all undone by a horrendous moment at the other end. A long punt through from Woolton seemed overhit but as Robbie Bellis ran out of goal to clear from the oncoming striker, he completely missed his kick and left an easy goal scoring opportunity that wasn't wasted.
When Richard Moore then had to leave the field to leave the Old Boys with 10 players, including Steve Buckley who had to limp back into action to replace another injury victim, Phil Southern, the game was up. Northop Hall pressed again but were leaving themselves exposed at the back and Robbie Bellis made several fine saves including a one-on-one to make up for his earlier error. However, one break too many saw the visitors spring forward to score a fifth in the fog and wrap up the result.
Man-of-the-match, awarded by the opposition, was Anthony Woosey.
Team: Robbie Bellis, Eifion Jones, Howie Austin, Dave Pritchard, Dave Henrys, Steve Buckley (Steve Bodey), Phil Southern, Richard Moore, Matt McGuire, Declan Hickey, Anthony Woosey
22 November 2008 - Irby Cricket Club Veterans 3 Northop Hall Old Boys 1
With a number of absentees and a couple of late withdrawals, the Old Boys were thankful to Robbie Bellis from Northop Hall Nomads and Paz Maletta's sons Nat and Tony for standing in and making up the numbers for the trip to the Wirral. As usual Irby had a strong side out with a couple of youngsters of their own always making it likely that this would be a lively affair.
The home side started the stronger but apart from a few long range shots that did nothing to trouble Declan Hickey in goal, they had nothing to show for their early domination. The Old Boys, with Matt McGuire and Richard Moore lively on the ball and Nat Maletta and Pete Dessington raiding down the flanks created the better chances on the break and were desperately unlucky not to take the lead when Richard chased a punt down the middle and arrived just ahead of the home keeper. As his lob rolled agonisingly towards the unguarded net, one of the home defenders lunged in to clear off the line.
At the other end, Irby were denied a goal themselves when the referee ruled that Declan had been fouled in the build up to them putting the ball in the net, another one for those who debate that goalkeepers receive too much protection! For the rest of the half, the Old Boys defence stood firm and kept Irby well at bay.
Half-time 0-0
Nat Maletta made way for his younger brother Tony for the second half, while Steve Bodey had a go up front hoping to repeat his wonder strike at Liverpool a fortnight before. The game opened up a bit and it was Irby who took advantage, although the Old Boys may have had a case for a foul on Kev Higgins as the striker went through to slot home.
Again, Matt McGuire and Richard Moore were linking well to open up the home defence but the finishing wasn't clinical enough to beat the keeper as several decent openings were created. Eventually, the Old Boys paid for those misses as Irby scored a second as the back-four got moved left and a far post ball into the space that had been created was well met.
Northop Hall restructured to a 3-4-3 formation in a bid to get back into the game and continued to create chances, eventually putting one away as Irby failed to clear their penalty area. Pete Dessington reacted quickest and stabbed the ball home.
With Irby struggling to adjust, the Old Boys were well on top for a spell and an equaliser looked a distinct possibility, especially when a perfect Pete Dessington cross from the left was met by a powerful diving header from Robbie Bellis. Unfortunately, it ended up just the wrong side of the post and turned out to be the last real opportunity. Irby were popping long range shots all round the goal without ever troubling Declan, but late in the game they fashioned a better chance for their strikers on the break and Declan had no chance again as they made the game safe.
Man of the match was awarded to Richard Moore, although once again there were a number of gritty performances that would have run him close.
Team: Declan Hickey, Paz Maletta, Dave Pritchard, Kev Higgins, Darren Molyneux, Nat Maletta (Tony Maletta), Richard Moore, Dave Henrys, Pete Dessington, Matt McGuire, Robbie Bellis (Steve Bodey)
15 November 2008 - Northop Hall Old Boys 1 Sandbach Utd Veterans 1
A bit of a reshuffle was required again for Northop Hall, with Declan Hickey becoming the fourth stand-in to take the gloves while regular goalkeeper Steve Davies recovers from a broken toe. With several defenders missing too, Darren Molyneux moved into the middle of defence and brothers Dean and Matt McGuire were lined up for their debuts.
The late arrival of the opposition allowed the Old Boys ample warm up time and they put this to good use to hit the ground running from the first whistle, unlike last week's stodgy start. With Richard Moore getting forward at every opportunity and Ken Price popping passes up from midfield, Sandbach had to defend stoically from the off, which they did. And when they started to play a bit themselves they ran into a wall at the other end with a well-marshalled back four offering good protection to Declan Hickey.
Chances were at a premium at both ends though. Anthony Woosey found himself in fairly decent positions on occasion only to be thwarted by the muddy conditions as much as anything else. Steve Buckley had a couple of long range shots which didn't really test the opposition keeper unduly whilst Declan Hickey managed a comfortable save at the other end. Sandbach did come closest to breaking the deadlock towards the end of the first half, but Pete Dessington's excellent positioning on the far post kept the ball out twice in quick succession when Declan was beaten from headers at corners.
Half-time 0-0
The second half took up the pattern of the first with both teams playing some good football in the conditions and both carving out decent chances. Ken Price's long range shot was straight at the keeper, then Anthony Woosey was set up by a smart Steve Buckley header but his lob went just over. At the other end, a lucky ricochet fell to the Sandbach right winger but his shot went narrowly wide.
Three quarters of the way through, Anthony fashioned the best chance of the match, all his own work as he span away from the last defender to bear down on goal only to see the keeper smother his shot. The game seemed to open up a bit from there. A right wing cross was met on the volley by the Sandbach striker and had goal written all over it until Declan dived full length to his left to fingertip the ball round the post and keep the scores level.
Anthony set up Richard Moore at the other end but his poked right foot shot found the wrong side of the side netting. Anthony then rapped the keepers fingers with a direct free kick which was grabbed at the second attempt, but eventually the deadlock was broken. Ken Price superbly played Anthony into the inside left channel where, with great relief, he ran on and cracked a left foot shot low into the far corner for his tenth goal of the season.
The lead was short-lived however. Sandbach fashioned another cross from the right which was met at the far post, despite pressure from Steve Buckley, with a bullet header that gave Declan no chance. Although Anthony had a smart turn and shot towards the end which went over, an excellent game finished level as it had been for most of it.
Man-of-the-match, awarded by the opposition, was Anthony Woosey with his goal just giving him the edge over Declan Hickey's efforts in the home goal. Home opinion also put Darren Molyneux close for his excellent stand-in performance at centre back, along with a number of other solid displays that caught the eye.
Team: Declan Hickey, Paz Maletta, Dave Pritchard, Darren Molyneux, Phil Elder (Steve Bosey), Steve Buckley, Richard Moore, Ken Price (Robbie Bellis), Pete Dessington, Matt McGuire (Dean McGuire), Anthony Woosey
08 November 2008 - Saint Seniors 4 Northop Hall Old Boys 2
Apart from Howie Austin, for whom the game at the Bill Shankly Playing Fields in West Derby represented a "home" game, the rest of the Old Boys trekked over to Liverpool for a first fixture against new side Saint Seniors, only to find they weren't quite as senior as their name suggested!
It didn't help Northop Hall's case to suffer a shaky start, taking a long while to settle. As a result, much of the first half was spent on the back foot, at times being overrun from the home team's surging midfield and although they were guilty of a few glaring misses in front of goal, it wasn't a surprise when they finally took the lead with a far post header.
And a second goal was soon to follow, a very ugly one from the Old Boys point of view. A corner from the left was headed up at the near post and amidst a melee of gathering players stand-in keeper Dave Pritchard could only palm the ball over the line. More chances went begging for the home side, with a couple of one-on-ones going wide as Dave closed down the oncoming strikers to put them off well. There was also the obligatory goal-line clearance from Paz Maletta (fast becoming his speciality) to keep the Old Boys in the game.
At the other end, chances were sparse despite several good pieces of football in the build-ups. Fine work from Mel Barnes in the penalty area led to a good parry from the home keeper, but the follow-up went begging. More good work led to a Declan Hickey shot being blocked as it headed goalwards and one of a number of good runs and crosses from Pete Dessington almost found Declan unmarked only to be denied again by a last-ditch clearing header.
Half-time 0-2
The Old Boys made several changes at half-time in an attempt to claw our way back into the game. Unfortunately, Saint Seniors snapped up their very first chance of the half with a smart finish that Dave Pritchard could do nothing about. Losing both Mel Barnes and Graham Wilks to injury and Phil Southern to referee the second half left the options rather limited and despite some good crosses from Paz Maletta and Pete Dessington on the flanks chances continued to be hard to come by. Pete's cross shot was the best of those that were created, only a fine full length diving save tipping the ball round the corner preventing the goal.
The home side continued to press and mid-way through the second half they scored a fourth goal that should have put the game to bed, again a good finish on a day when they had been rather wasteful. However, with nothing to lose, Northop Hall switched Dave Pritchard and Phil Elder in goal, continued to play the ball around well and with the Austin brothers pushing forward a bit more, a consolation goal came. Howie's first attempt to get the ball into the box was cleared straight back to him. With his second attempt he chipped the ball into the space between the keeper and his defence. Only Declan Hickey reacted and as all stood still around him he ran in to finish smartly for his second goal of the season.
The goal seemed to galvanise the away side and with the younger home players seemingly starting to fade a little, a second goal was going to make things interesting. It came from a most unlikely source but in the finest style. Supersub Steve Bodey picked the ball up just inside the opposition half and took it on. At around 25 yards out the ball sat up nicely for Steve to lash it into the top corner for the goal of the game (and a contender for goal of the season!)
Despite pressing hard late in the half, the Old Boys ran out of time to make further inroads, but took great heart from the confidence boosting comeback. The home victory was the right result on the day but the way the game closed was much more pleasing for Northop Hall.
Man-of-the-match, awarded by the opposition, was Pete Dessington who was a constant threat with his surging runs down the left and was unlucky not to get his name on the scoresheet.
Team: Dave Pritchard, Paz Maletta, Howie Austin, Russell Austin, Phil Elder, Eifion Jones (Steve Bodey), Richard Moore, Phil Southern (Dave Henrys), Pete Dessington, Declan Hickey, Mel Barnes (Graham Wilks)
25 October 2008 - Eastham Veterans 1 Northop Hall Old Boys 1
A depleted Old Boys team ground out a hard fought draw with Eastham at Port Sunlight Rugby Club with the strong wind a major factor for each side. Winning an important toss-up, Northop Hall started the game with the wind behind them and despite being a bit thin on the ground for players worked hard to put the advantage to good use.
Eastham Vets were reduced to a few long range strikes to try and beat stand-in keeper Robbie Bellis, particularly as an early pulled calf muscle saw him hobbling around his area until having to succumb at half-time. Despite the injury, Robbie still got well behind a couple of shots and watched as another sizzled over the bar.
However, Northop Hall were making their own chances with Anthony Woosey back up front to cause panic amidst the home team's back line, with good support from Eifion Jones. After a couple of early sighters, a long ball from the back set Anthony through his favourite inside-left channel and his left foot shot flew across the home keeper to nestle into the far corner of the net.
A real family affair for the Old Boys saw Russell Austin make his first start, joining brother Howie to add some much needed steel and young Jamie Elder helping us out as a first half substitute and soon displaying the same metal we've come to expect from dad, Phil, over the years. The young legs were a good outlet on the right but the swirling wind tended to send play down the other flank and it was an interplay between Anthony Woosey and Pete Dessington that produced the best chance of the half, unfortunately blazed over by the latter.
At the other end, the back-four were having a fine game again, but still needed a stroke of fortune as a good home move ended with a shot against the post and a follow-up that Paz Maletta cleared from right under his own crossbar to maintain the lead.
Half-time 1-0
The second half saw Phil Elder take over from Robbie between the sticks and the home side with the wind advantage enjoyed a good share of possession, a number of corners and a few shots, again from range, that Phil coped with comfortably.
With further injuries to Anthony Woosey and Dave Henrys that would ordinarily have led to more substitutions, Northop Hall's attacking options were more limited, but even on one leg, Anthony was causing problems for the home defence and setting up a couple of half-chances for himself and Eifion Jones.
Play tended to be more condensed to the other end though and a really hard working effort from the back-four with Pete Dessington subbing in for Phil Elder at left back this half was keeping the home team at bay and shots from distance weren't unduly troubling the new goalkeeper.
Eastham did finally produce a move of real quality to split open the Old Boys defence but Phil Elder got the better of the resulting one-on-one to make a fingertip save. Unfortunately though, Phil was eventually beaten following an error of judgement in coming for a high cross to the far post which just went over him, the home striker behind bundling the ball towards the undefended goal and Kieran Whelan agonisingly unable to get back to it in time.
Despite further pressure from Eastham in the closing stages, the Old Boys held firm to secure a well-earned share of the spoils.
Man-of-the-match, voted by the opposition, was given to Anthony Woosey in spite of being hampered in his effectiveness in the second half, but again a number of performances across the team would have had others close behind, particularly from the defence.
Team: Robbie Bellis, Paz Maletta, Howie Austin, Kieran Whelan, Phil Elder, Steve Bodey (Jamie Elder), Russell Austin, Dave Henrys, Pete Dessington, Eifion Jones, Anthony Woosey
18 October 2008 - Northop Hall Old Boys 3 Wirral Veterans 0
Without Steve Davies between the sticks and Anthony Woosey to knock in the goals, there might have been a few doubts before today's game, but these were quickly dispelled by a very competent first half performance, albeit with the wind behind us, but with the defence rarely troubled and some good flowing football going forward at times.
For a while it looked like the old failing of being unable to put away the chances away was going to haunt the Old Boys again. Several opportunities came and went as Mel Barnes and Graham Wilks raided up front. The Wirral goalkeeper needed all his considerable height to catch efforts from Richard Moore and Mel and to turn another goalbound effort from Richard aside for a corner. A few other efforts from the wings sailed wide of the posts as well, particularly one from Steve Buckley when nicely played in.
In between, Wirral showed what a useful side they are and put some good moves of their own together, but constantly ran into a solid wall across the back line. Eventually though it was Northop Hall who took a well-deserved lead when another strong run and cross from Graham Wilks was met by Pete Dessington racing into the middle to lunge in ahead of the defender and turn the ball home.
The second wasn't long coming either. A number of corners from either side had failed to trouble the Wirral defence so Richard Moore provided a bit of variety when Pete Dessington offered a short opportunity. His cross from a different angle caused a bit of panic and Phil Southern's blocked effort fell sweetly for Steve Buckley to calmly stroke the ball home.
Half-time 2-0
The second half saw the home team put under immediate pressure as Wirral made use of the wind at their backs, but again, the back four with help from the rest of the team covering back (yes, even Mel!), held firm. Eventually Wirral managed a decent shot on goal but stand-in keeper Dave Pritchard dived low to smother well.
The Old Boys continued to make chances though, with Graham Wilks put through on goal on a couple of occasions only to find the opposition keeper in the way. However, following a breakaway down the inside right channel by Graham and a low cross shot across the face of goal, Mel Barnes slid in at the far side to score with an in-off the post and make the game virtually safe. Although Wirral continued to exert pressure with the advantage of the wind, they didn't really come to close to breaching the dogged Northop Hall resistance and although the final 3-0 scoreline probably flattered the Old Boys a little, the victory and clean sheet certainly didn't.
Man-of-the-match, voted by the opposition, was Richard Moore for his energetic midfield contribution, but he would have been closely followed by any of the back four and goalkeeper in what was a really good team performance where everyone worked really hard for each other - a great effort.
Team: Dave Pritchard, Paz Maletta, Kieran Whelan, Kev Higgins, Darren Molyneux, Steve Buckley, Richard Moore, Dave Henrys (Phil Southern) Pete Dessington (Steve Bodey), Mel Barnes, Graham Wilks
4 October 2008 - Chester Nomads 5 Northop Hall Old Boys 0
Ravaged by injuries and absences, the Old Boys were unable to call on eight or nine of their 'regular' squad and ended up with a surplus of defenders having to fill midfield positions and Declan's son Paul Hickey kindly helping to make up a bare eleven starting line-up. It was always going to be a tough ask against a fresh Chester Nomads team playing their first game of the season and so it proved. On the plus side, the Old Boys welcomed Howie Austin and Kev Higgins for their first games in yellow and green.
The cause wasn't helped early on by another contentious penalty decision going against Northop Hall following a Kev Higgins tackle, the spot kick sending goalkeeper Steve Davies the wrong way. And soon after it was two, the Nomads captain hooking the ball spectacularly over his shoulder from distance into the far corner of the goal.
The Old Boys fought back, although struggling to make anything of possession. A couple of half chances fell the way of Mel Barnes and Graham Wilks, whilst some speculative shots from distance from Kieran Whelan and crosses from Paul Hickey and Pete Dessington kept the home keeper interested. Nomads always looked dangerous on the ball and came close to extending their lead on a number of occasions but the Old Boys held firm to the break.
Half-time 0-2
The second half can only be likened to the Alomo as the home side laid seige on the Old Boys goal, assisted by injuries to Eifion Jones and Kev Higgins who gamely carried on in the absence of substitutes but whose contributions were clearly affected. However, the real hero was Old Boys keeper Steve Davies who time and again kept the Nomads at bay as wave after wave of attacks produced a succession of shots that were turned away and one-on-ones that he just wouldn't let past, assisted by some desperate last-ditch defending at times. For half an hour or so he kept the Old Boys in it and a breakaway goal, without looking too likely, would have made it an interesting finish.
As it was, the pressure finally told with around ten minutes remaining when the barrier was finally breached, quickly followed by two more despite some brilliant defensive goal-line blocking, the luck eventually running out as the ball fell kindly for the home team to wrap up a comprehensive victory.
Man-of-the-match by a country mile was Steve Davies who definitely didn't deserve to have to pick the ball out of the net five times, almost single-handedly keeping the score down. Verdict: It could have been much, much worse! Credit to the players for their efforts against a good Nomads side with the odds stacked so heavily against us.
Team: Steve Davies, Eifion Jones, Howie Austin, Kev Higgins, Darren Molyneux, Pete Dessington, Dave Henrys, Kieran Whelan, Paul Hickey, Mel Barnes, Graham Wilks
27 September 2008 - Northop Hall Old Boys 5 Waterside Old Boys 6
Northop Hall Old Boys had a few enforced changes from the last game and started sluggishly, taking a while to begin to gel. Unfortunately by that time Waterside had established a two goal advantage with well placed finishes. It was the home team who had the best of the play in the first half though, creating a number of chances for the strikers only to find Anthony Woosey surprisingly off radar and Mark O'Neil desperately unlucky to see his turn and shot come back off the far post.
With Darren Peters spraying passes all round the opposition half and Pete Dessington rolling back the years down the left wing and coming mighty close with a long range effort that whistled just wide it was only a matter of time before one went in and it finally arrived through debutant Kieran Whelan, timing his run to meet a Darren Peters corner unchallenged.
The advantage didn't last long though, Kieran turning hero to villain to concede a penalty late in the half. He can consider himself mightily unlucky though as he certainly made contact with the ball in the tackle and not the man. However, the referee had a different view and the penalty sent keeper Steve Davies the wrong way.
Half-time 1-3
The home team started slowly again after the break, playing uphill into a slight breeze and again the visitors soon took full advantage to slot in a fourth. As with the first half though, Northop Hall were soon creating chances of their own with some excellent football being played, again with Darren Peters at the hub, but without testing the young Waterside keeper too much, the closest being when a low cross from Pete Dessington found Declan Hickey in a great position at the far post but his close range shot hit the crossbar. Eventually though, the ball was finally scrambled in by Anthony Woosey to cut the deficit.
Northop Hall were to rue those misses though as Waterside enjoyed two huge slices of luck to open up a four-goal advantage. Firstly a long range effort took a huge deflection off Dave Henrys shoulder and sailed beyond Steve Davies into the top corner. This was followed almost immediately by an even bigger fluke as a mis-hit cross from the left touchline caught the wind and sailed into the other corner with the keeper stranded.
It should have been game over, but Northop Hall Old Boys have a good attitude and didn't let their bad luck stop them playing football and soon had another goal of their own, Declan Hickey rising to meet a Dave Henrys cross, the ball hitting the post before rolling in slow motion over the line. Both teams had chances after that, with the young legs of Waterside keen to add to their tally rather than shutting up shop and this let in Anthony Woosey down the inside left channel to finish another neat move, having by now definitely worked out where the goals were. With six minutes left, it was Anthony again, this time from the opposite channel catching his left foot shot perfectly to find the far corner for his hat-trick and bring the home team back to within one goal.
Despite some spirited play from Northop Hall and a couple of half chances going begging, Waterside held on to deny the home team from deservedly getting something out of the game.
Man-of-the-match, voted by the opposition, was Darren Peters for his midfield contribution. There were a number of encouraging performances and with a bit of luck going for us instead of against, the outcome could (and should) have been different.
Team: Steve Davies, Paz Maletta, Dave Pritchard, Declan Hickey, (Kieran Whelan), Darren Molyneux, Steve Buckley, Phil Southern (Dave Henrys), Darren Peters, Pete Dessington, Mark O'Neil, Anthony Woosey
17 September 2008 - Northop Hall Old Boys 2 Halkyn Veterans 7
The home side started the brightest and had several attempts on goal before a free-kick from Dave Henrys swung in from the right beat the Halkyn offside trap to leave Declan Hickey totally unmarked to head past the keeper, but somehow he headed too high and the chance was gone. And the Old Boys were to rue that golden chance soon after when Halkyn took the lead. However, this is a team that continues to make chances and later in the half, good work from Mark O'Neil set up Anthony Woosey for what is fast becoming his obligatory goal, his fifth finish in three games.
With both teams rotating their squads during the half to give everybody good playing time, a 1-1 half-time scoreline would have been fair but a Halkyn corner was met by a thunderbolt shot from their influential midfielder, the ball striking the underside of the bar and bouncing up off the line into the net. The bar was still wobbling at half-time! Not a lot that anybody could do to keep that out.
Half-time 1-2
The second half started disastrously as Halkyn attacked, Eifion Jones pulled up injured and the visitor's striker took advantage to bear down on Steve Davies' goal. Despite a great block from the first shot, the ball rebounded kindly for him to score at the second attempt. Again, things were fairly even for a while and the Old Boys were guilty of wasting a few half decent chances before another cracking shot from the Halkyn midfielder effectively sealed the game, Steve Davies having no chance as the ball arrowed into the bottom corner.
The Old Boys to their credit kept going though and when Richard Moore headed against the post following a corner, Steve Buckley nipped in to make it 2-4 with a close range header. Any chance of a comeback was severely hampered soon after though when a sickening clash of heads between team mates Phil Elder and Dave Henrys saw them both off to hospital for stitches (Phil winning the count by five to three!) From there, Halkyn took full advantage of the makeshift home back-line and scored three more times in the closing minutes, including from the penalty spot after Phil Southern was adjudged to have fouled.
Despite also losing Richard Moore to a pulled hamstring, the Old Boys still made another couple of chances, not least for Graham Wilks who shot wide when well placed, but in the end a deserved victory for the visitors, but by a rather flattering margin that doesn't tell the story.
Man-of-the-match, voted by the opposition, was Darren Molyneux for a sterling performance at left-back that helped keep the score from being worse. All round though it was still a decent performance and plenty to build on over the coming season, particularly if we can build up the fitness levels a bit more.
Team: Steve Davies, Phil Elder, Eifion Jones (Dave Pritchard), Dave Henrys, Steve Bodey (Darren Molyneux), Steve Buckley, Phil Southern (Ken Price), Richard Moore, Anthony Woosey, Declan Hickey (Mark O'Neil), Graham Wilks
13 September 2008 - Northop Hall Old Boys 3 Upton Veterans 2
The opening home fixture of the season proper saw the visit of Upton's senior team to Northop Hall, with both sides having a thin squad of just 12 players each on the day.
However, it was the home side who were out of the blocks first, completely dominating the first half and but for the Upton keeper and some sharper finishing it would have been over as a contest by half time. Mark O'Neil leading the line superbly, scored his second goal in two games when he took a pass from Anthony Woosey on the edge of the box, turned the defender and slotted in the opener in style. Pete Fielder-Shaw alongside him saw two goalbound efforts brilliantly saved by the keeper as the Old Boys peppered the Upton goal looking for a second goal that the incisive football deserved.
As it was, the second came from an unlikely source. A long punt downfield from keeper Steve Davies wasn't dealt with and went all the way through to the onrushing Anthony Woosey. His right foot shot wasn't his cleanest strike but it found its way under the opposition keeper nonetheless. Other chances came and went, including a Phil Southern header that flashed wide from a Richard Moore cross.
A really good first half performance from across the whole team as Upton were kept busy defending and kept from a sight of the home goal by some stoic defending.
Half-time 2-0
Upton changed their formation at half time and produced a much better second half performance, although not before Northop Hall added a third goal. A deft flick from Richard Moore sent Mark O'Neil away and although his chip shot was clawed out by the keeper, it fell nicely to Anthony Woosey to score his second goal of the day.
It took an hour for Upton to muster their first shot of the match, but it was followed by a number of others as Northop Hall legs began to tire and Steve Davies was called into action several times as the pressure built. Eventually it told late in the game as Upton pulled a goal back from their left side. An injury to Eifion Jones saw a cameo appearance for Martin Richardson in the last ten minutes and although the home team had a couple more chances it was the opposition who finished the strongest. With just a couple of minutes remaining a Northop Hall attack broke down in the left corner and a swift counter-attack ended with an emphatic finish by the Upton striker at the other end. The Old Boys dug deep though and kept Upton at bay to the final whistle to record a victory that had been well-deserved on the first hour's play.
Man-of-the-match, voted by the opposition, was again given to Anthony Woosey for his second two-goal haul in a row, but a close run thing with centre forward Mark O'Neil. Again though, credit to all the lads for a really good team performance.
Team: Steve Davies, Dave Henrys, Dave Pritchard, Eifion Jones, Darren Molyneux, Steve Buckley, Phil Southern, Richard Moore, Anthony Woosey, Mark O'Neil, Pete Fielder-Shaw (sub) Martin Richardson
06 September 2008 - Shotton Steel Veterans 3 Northop Hall Old Boys 4
The opening fixture proper of the new season and the first for Northop Hall Old Boys and it couldn't have been much tougher than a visit to Shotton Steel Veterans. With the rain relenting for the first time in days conditions were a bit damp underfoot but the Old Boys opened brightly and had the better of the first half, scoring twice and soaking up a bit of pressure from the opposition but keeping them at bay.
Mel Barnes continued his rich vein of early season scoring form to bag the first after good work down the wing by Richard Moore. The second goal started with good work across the whole back-four of Dave Pritchard, Eifion Jones, Phil Elder and Darren Molyneux before Anthony Woosey crossed for Mark O'Neil to head home a debut goal.
Half-time 0-2
A few changes at half-time possibly upset the concentration at the start of the second half, although this is an important part of the ethos of the club to give everybody playing time regardless of ability and we'll need to learn to cope with it over the coming season. On this occasion it led to a defensive lapse that let Shotton in to pull a goal back.
However, almost straight from the restart a cracking left foot shot from Anthony Woosey restored the two goal advantage and helped install new confidence in the Old Boys. In the latter stages, Shotton pressed hard and got another goal back for 3-2, only to see Anthony Woosey again cap a fine display with a chipped second goal.
Late in the game, Shotton pulled a goal back for the third time but the old Boys held on for an opening day victory that the performance deserved.
Man-of-the-match, voted by the opposition, was deservedly given to Anthony Woosey for his two-goal starring role, but a big well done to all the lads on the day.
Team: Steve Davies, Phil Elder, Dave Pritchard, Eifion Jones, Darren Molyneux, Ken Price, Darren Peters, Richard Moore, Anthony Woosey, Mark O'Neil, Mel Barnes (subs) Phil Southern, Steve Buckley, Geoff Barker, Brian McManus, Steve Bodey
11 August 2008 - Northop Hall Old Boys 3 Moneysupermarket FC 8
The first match for the newly-formed Old Boys was a pre-season friendly against some decidedly "young boys", the Ewloe-based Moneysupermarket.com FC, themselves preparing for an opening season in the Cheshire Leagues.
Due to holidays and work commitments, the Old Boys were deprived of a few players and a large squad for the game, but with several new faces quickly settling into the team, it was the veterans who took the lead as early as the first minute when some hesitant defending left Mel Barnes to tap in at the far post after a goalmouth scramble. Moneysupermarket were soon into their stride and although there was a bit of luck with their deflected third goal, the two that came before were down to good finishing. But it was the Old Boys who finished the half strongest and after good work down the left by Richard Moore, Mel Barnes cooly stroked in his second of the night.
Half-time 2-3
It was nip and tuck at the start of the second half before the visitors added a fourth. It was then, during Old Boys best spell of the half that Mel Barnes, again set up by Richard Moore, completed his hat-trick with a tremendous cross-shot that beat the opposition keeper all ends up. Richard Moore then had a golden opportunity to equalise after a mix-up in the opposition defence, but the ball wouldn't sit as kindly as he'd have liked and he dragged his shot just wide.
That proved to be a bit of a defining moment in the match with the Old Boys losing John Edmunds to injury soon after and shipping four late goals to the sprightly Moneysupermarket attack to give them a rather flattering final scoreline.
For the Old Boys, some valuable pre-season playing time and some good football against a team probably averaging half their age. Some encouraging signs for the season ahead.
Man-of-the-match, voted by the opposition, was unsurprisingly, Mel Barnes!
Team: Robbie Bellis (Wilton Evans), Brian McManus (Geoff Barker), John Edmunds, Dave Pritchard, Dave Henrys, Declan Hickey, Martin Ellis, David Hull, Richard Moore, Graham Wilks, Mel Barnes
** home game switched to Eastham