(Click here to view the 2008-09 season results and match reports)
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06/06/16 Northop Hall Old Boys Supervets 2 Rossett Supervets 4 (at The Airfield, Broughton)
The final match of the Old Boys 2015/16 season was a repeat over 50's "supervets" fixture against Rossett's golden oldies XI, this time on the 3G surface at The Airfield, home of Welsh Premier League side Airbus UK. On a distinctly warm Monday evening, both sides were glad to have more players than the last meeting when each struggled through 90 minutes with a bare eleven, allowing some rotation in the heat.
Northop Hall had to replace Declan Hickey and Pete Dessington who were both unavailable from the previous game, Wilton Evans taking the keeper's gloves and Garry Jones, Richard Smith and Nigel Edwards making their second appearances for the supervets, with another of the Northop hall Nomads over 50's Aidy McEvily made his supervets debut. For centre half Dave Henrys, starting the game meant that he had appeared in every one of the club's 28 fixtures this season.
Rossett were determined to avenge the 5-0 reverse of the previous fixture and had a stronger squad at their disposal this time, putting pressure on the Old Boys defence from the very off, Garry Jones having to track back and make an early last gasp clearance under pressure. With a new defence together for the first time, there were a few teething troubles and Rossett took advantage to take an early lead, a run through the gap creating space to cross for the unmarked striker to slot home.
Northop Hall started to play a bit though and with Steve Buckley and Garry Jones driving from midfield and Pete Dolman always a willing runner in the right channel, several chances were created and missed before Phil Southern found an equaliser capitalising on a low right wing cross from Pete that the keeper spilled and Phil smashed home the leveller right footed from close in.
Rossett continued to press and had a few more chances themselves before half time, particularly a one and one with the keeper after beating the offside trap but shooting wide.
Half time: 1-1
The second half had much the same pattern, Rossett holding the advantage in terms of possession and both sides creating chances. Wilton Evans had to turn a long range shot over while at the other end, Pete Dolman in particular had a number of efforts on goal, some wide of the mark some saved smartly.
The next goal was always going to be critical and it went to Rossett, albeit in very fortunate circumstances. A mazy run from midfield ended with a shot at goal that Wilton had covered until it deflected wickedly past him off the unlucky Nigel Edwards.
Soon after it was 3-1, the right winger cutting in from the right side and chipping into the far corner (giving him the benefit of the doubt that it wasn't a cross but either way nothing the keeper could do about it).
Richard Smith was giving the Old Boys midfield some impetus and a foul on him 25 yards out gave the Old Boys a free kick opportunity. Pete Dolman stepped up to curl an unstoppable shot over the wall to reduce the deficit with his second goal in two over-50's appearances.
As the half wore on, Rossett had further chances, again Wilton Evans producing a good save to keep them out as his side chased an equaliser at the other end. However, with resources committed to attack, Rossett were able to mount a breakaway that proved pivotal, over-running the Old Boys defence to score a game sealing fourth goal.
Irrespective of the result, it was another great run-out for the older members of both clubs, a format that is likely to see expansion with a few more games next season, hopefully at the Old Boys under the management of Steve Buckley (subject to AGM ratification).
Team: Wilton Evans, Nigel Edwards, Craig Starkey, Aidy McEvily (Craig McTavish), Dave Henrys, Phil Southern, Steve Buckley (Richard Smith), Gary Jones, John Edmunds, Pete Dolman, Mel Barnes
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28/05/16 Dublin Northsiders 3 Northop Hall Old Boys 1 (at Cumann Parnell GAA club, Dublin)
Game two of the weekend seemed to come round very fast after the first, certainly too quickly for Damian Molyneux and Nick Harris to recover from their injuries of the previous evening. Lenny McCarthy from Wild Geese FC gallantly volunteered for another 90 minutes this time for the visitors and Jack Atwood started the game up front for the Old Boys to complete a multi-national starting eleven that also included one of the Northsiders to try and balance the teams up.
What the line ups didn't take account of was a very fast striker playing for the hosts who ran the tired old legs of the Northop Hall defence ragged, assisted by some poor marking at times as the full backs bombed on (especially on the right) leaving no cover. As with the previous evening, the Old Boys were reliant on Gaz Pringle in goal, thwarting the Northsiders' striker on several occasions before he was finally beaten by another breakaway.
This prompted a temporary opening of the floodgates and two more goals were conceded in the minutes up to half time as the pacy striker took full advantage of a back four that by this time aggregated well over 200 years between them.
The Old Boys did pull one back with one of the Northsiders scoring against his mates as the Old Boys again made several chances that went begging.
Half time: 3-1
The second half was evened out by the hosts graciously swapping the oldest player on the pitch for the quickest. Darren Molyneux, Mel Barnes and Dave Henrys all had chances they couldn't finish and on a hot Dublin afternoon that was as good as it got.
Gaz Pringle still had to be alert to a couple of long shots but it became much more of a midfield battle, Lenny McCarthy seeing a lot of ball and Darren Molyneux again catching the eye for man-of-the-match for the depleted Old Boys who were not too disappointed to learn that the second half would have to be shortened slightly due to a double booking with a girls hurling match.
The football was always going to be a struggle with such a small and generally fairly old squad. However, many friendships were made and/or rekindled over the weekend and socially the trip was a huge success. We look forward to welcoming a mixture of the two sides coming over to Wales next season for a rematch.
Team: Gaz Pringle, Eifion Jones (Craig McTavish), Pete Dessington, Darren Molyneux, Dave Henrys, Lenny McCarthy - Wild Geese, Phil Ward, John Weaver, Dave - Northsider, Jack Atwood - Wild Geese (Johnny - Northsider), Mel Barnes
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27/05/16 Wild Geese FC (Dublin) 4 Northop Hall Old Boys 2 (at Cumann Parnell GAA club, Dublin)
The first leg of back to back games on this year's Dublin weekender saw a depleted Old Boys squad take on the tournament hosts from the past two visits, our friends from The Wild Geese FC. Ravaged by injury in the build up to the trip, only 11 players made it to kick off on the Friday night, Eifion Jones making it 12 by half time by which time Damian Molyneux's game was over and Nick Harris was struggling with a bad back.
Fortunately, several members of the Dublin Northsiders, Saturday's opponents, came down to lend us a hand and were gratefully included. Unfortunately, the frailties of the aged squad had already been exploited by the pace of one young Irish lad in particular and a four goal burst that included a penalty when Damian Molyneux's mistimed tackle took the kid out was the result.
Gaz Pringle on his first tour came to the rescue with a couple of good saves in the first half but was let down by some sloppy defending and a penalty chip down the middle of his goal from Jack Atwood, just beating Pete Dessington to be the oldest player on the pitch, who had travelled thousands of miles from Indiana in the USA to take part in the weekend games.
Darren Molyneux had recovered his fitness at just the right time and was the best Northop Hall player getting forward down the right, although his radar was off in the first half, as was John Weaver advancing from an unfamiliar central midfield position.
Half time: 4-0
A change in personnel and formation in the second half steadied the ship somewhat and a higher line held by the defence saved the legs a lot more. Space started to open up on both flanks and Pete Dessington also saw plenty of ball down the left as Molly was on the right and the Old Boys soon claimed a goal back when a neat move involving Darren Molyneux ended with one of the Northsiders stroking home from close range.
The Wild Geese had a couple of chances in the second half but it was the visitors who had the better chances again and the home keeper produced a couple of excellent saves to keep the score down.
Eventually, man-of-the-match Darren Molyneux got on the end of a left wing cross to smash home into the top corner and reduce the arrears. It would have been much closer had one of the Northsider's lads shots not struck the angle of post and crossbar soon after only for the ball to bounce away, although there were claims from those closest that it had crossed the line first. Referee John Molyneux, part of the touring party, wasn't able to give the goal though with no goal-line technology available.
The visitors were able to reflect on a better second half showing as they disappeared to the bar to gather themselves for the next game some 16 hours later.
Team: Gaz Pringle, Damian Molyneux (Dave - Northsider), Pete Dessington, Nick Harris (Craig McTavish), Dave Henrys, Darren Molyneux, Phil Ward (Eifion Jones), John Weaver, Keith - Northsider, Martin - Northsider, Mel Barnes
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14/05/16 Northop Hall Old Boys 1 Northop Hall Nomads 5
With Sealand Cup participation over for another year for the two Northop Hall veterans sides, a hastily arranged local derby took place at the Pavilion, the Nomads coming out emphatic winners by 5-1 after a goalless first half of few chances.
After last week's efforts at Halkyn it was a similar looking side that kicked off the game for the Old Boys, Craig Jones returning to replace Mike Maletta in midfield and Mel Barnes moving up to partner Mike Salusbury in attack. There were returns from injury on the subs bench for Phil Ward and Chris Jones looking for game time as they step up their recovery work. The Old Boys were glad to have a bigger squad than usual at their disposal as further injuries saw a number of enforced changes.
Early plans were put aside when a couple of poor tackles saw off Kev Hoyland and Steve Buckley to nasty looking injuries early in the first half and their industry was missed, despite a close fought and generally even first 45 minutes of few chances and no goals.
Mike 'Saucy' Salusbury was looking to increase his recent goals tally and had a chance when he beat Wilton Evans in the Nomads goal to a through ball, but could only lift his effort wide. The Old Boys generally suffered with their final ball, even when some of the build up play was of a decent quality, Darren Molyneux and Dan Hicks again providing useful width to the attack.
At the other end, the Nomads strikers were being kept to distance, former Old Boy Scott Telford the only one to really test goalkeeper Gaz Pringle with a low shot that he turned away diving to his right, the defence continuing their good work from the previous week.
Half time: 0-0
The second half saw a few personnel changes for both sides. Nomads had the advantage of finding a young veteran striker from Shotton for the second half whose pace provided an immediate threat and completely changed the dynamics of the game, with the supply line also opened up somewhat by changes in the middle for the Old Boys.
It didn't take long into the second 45 minutes for a couple of warnings to be fired from the Nomads going forward before they managed to get through on Gaz Pringle's goal and open the scoring.
The Old Boys response was instant as John Edmunds in the left wing position drifted inside to meet a right wing cross and buried his shot into the far corner of the goal for the equaliser and his first goal of the season at the grand age of 62.
However, that was as good as it got for the home side as their opponents continued to exploit their pace advantage up front, scoring at will for the next 15 minutes to take a 4-1 lead. Both centre backs were replaced while Darren Molyneux was also forced to limp off meaning the whole of the starting back four had been changed. However, the new centre half pairing then ended up going for the same ball and allowed the Nomads striker to nip in and make it 5-1.
The score stayed that way thanks to a terrific save from Gaz Pringle to turn a goalbound shot away at full stretch. At the other end, the Old Boys injury woes continued with Saucy flat out after a clash of heads as he contested a header, leaving him blood spattered from the nose and a black eye on the way.
The first half performance of the game of two halves was a polar opposite from the second half capitulation and Darren Molyneux's efforts in the opening 45 minutes caught the opposition eye for their man of the match award.
Team: Gaz Pringle, Kev Hoyland (John Weaver), Craig Starkey (John Edmunds), Nick Harris, Dave Henrys, Dan Hicks, Steve Buckley (Gary Mason), Craig Jones (Phil Ward), Darren Molyneux (Chris Jones), Mel Barnes (Tim Sproston), Mike Salusbury
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07/05/16 Halkyn Veterans 0 Northop Hall Old Boys 2 (Sealand Cup)
The final group game of the Sealand Cup saw a visit to the dandelion and daisy strewn fields of Pentre Halkyn where Halkyn Vets had everything still to play for, while the Old Boys hopes of progressing in this year's competition were extinguished a few weeks ago due to lack of player availability.
Gaz Pringle returned between the sticks and Kev Hoyland's work shifts permitted him a somewhat rare appearance and both contributed to a hard fought win over their local rivals.
Halkyn, as their place in the group tables suggested, had the better possession and spent most of the game on the front foot trying to find an opening in a resilient visiting defence, but nobody was allowed to settle on the ball and Gaz was safely picking off crosses and sweeping up behind to add to the home side's frustration.
Not that it was all one way traffic, a series of neat interchanges down the left involving Craig Starkey, Mike 'Saucy' Salusbury and Darren Molyneux set up a couple of first half chances, the best to Dan Hicks on the right who drew the keeper to his well timed run and dribble but couldn't find the chip to finish it off. Soon after, a calf strain ended Craig Starkey's game and a reshuffle was required that blunted that point of attack for a while.
Steve Buckley, amazingly playing his first ever game at Halkyn despite 8 years with the club, only finally located the pitch after the game had kicked off and having been thrown on as a first half substitute he reacted almost straight away to try and reach a long right wing throw-in from Dan Hicks. Although in stretching he only managed to get a little bit on it, it was enough to set up Saucy whose left foot shot could only be parried into the corner of the net by Gary Griffiths in the Halkyn goal, somewhat against the run of play. However, Steve had injured himself in making the assist and himself had to be replaced by Tim Sproston, necessitating another reshuffle before half time.
Halkyn too had a bit of reorganising to do when their striker had to go off, not before he had narrowly shot over the crossbar, and his rapid, vertically challenged co-striker also wriggled free from the visiting defence twice only to be denied by Gaz Pringle again.
Half time: 1-0
With the advantage of the considerable slope at Pentre Halkyn now turning to the home side, they continued to press for an equaliser in the second half, the Old Boys living on their nerves a couple of times as the ball bounced around the box and Halkyn players lined up to take pot shots, but their radar was somewhat off and they tended to be high and wide of goal, Gaz Pringle picking off anything that was directed goalwards.
The visitors' back line, being well drilled by Craig Starkey from the touchline and well supported from midfield and even Saucy dropping in to help out, were having a good afternoon in the main and as the game wore on the high ball became more prevalent, food and drink to the Old Boys defence.
A couple of breakaways almost set something up at the other end, Tim Sproston close to benefitting twice, one from a terrific piece of play down the right that set Kev Hoyland away, just the final ball not quite finding its target. Where the ball did find its target, it was poor old Richard Millington taking an attempted Halkyn clearance full to the face and poleaxing him and leaving him needing time on the sideline to recover.
Halkyn forced a number of corners as they threw caution to the wind looking for the equaliser they needed, but it was to cost them the second goal ultimately. Tim Sproston completed a clearance from one such kick inside his own penalty area and sent Saucy away on his own, looking offside but for the fact he started in his own half. The foot race was then between him and the Halkyn keeper way out on the left, but Saucy got there first and lobbed the ball goalwards from 35 yards. It looked like the first bounce on the hard surface would see it spring up over the bar but instead it crept underneath to double the lead and land Saucy his second brace on the run, his
12th goal of an increasingly productive season as makeshift striker.
With a two-goal cushion, the visitors looked much more comfortable and were able to see the game out more comfortably to record only their second win of the group matches. For Halkyn it denied them a home semi-final, although they may be glad of that given the uncut nature of their home pitch which was a bit of a leveller at times.
With a well-deserved clean sheet, the back line and keeper took much credit, as in fact did every member of the squad today for their efforts, but it was Saucy who literally ran himself into the ground who deservedly got the opposition man-of-the-match nomination.
Team: Gaz Pringle, Kev Hoyland, Craig Starkey (John Edmunds), Nick Harris, Dave Henrys, Dan Hicks, Mel Barnes (Steve Buckley) (Tim Sproston), Richard Millington, Darren Molyneux, Mike Maletta, Mike Salusbury
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30/04/16 Rossett Veterans 6 Northop Hall Old Boys 2
The Old Boys travelled to Gresford for the second time this year for another fixture with Rossett Veterans at Colliers Park to fill in gap in both teams fixture calendar. Fresh from a 5-0 win in midweek in the corresponding over-50's game at Bebington Oval, this proved to be a different proposition altogether with Rossett able to call on a more youthful squad than their visitors who included six players from the "supervets" in their line-up as the struggle with injuries and other absences continued.
With Gaz Pringle away, Matt Torgersen stepped in to take the gloves for the second time this season having appeared in the opening game of the season at Mostyn but then suffering a lengthy injury lay-off. Craig Starkey who made his first appearance for the over-50's in midweek made his debut for the Saturday team and there were returns for Paul 'Prinny' Roberts and Gary Mason.
Rossett had the edge from the off and put together several attacking moves that had the Old Boys on the back foot but were kept to distance shooting in the main. However, it was an error that cost the opening goal, Matt Torgersen spilling a low cross and none of the defenders reacting quick enough to stop the home striker getting to the rebound first.
It wasn't long before the visitors found an equaliser though as they started to get into their stride. A right wing corner from Prinny was laid back from Dave Henrys to his fellow centre-back John Weaver on the edge of the box and his right foot shot took a big deflection that sent the keeper the wrong way before striking their defender on the arm as it was going in, purely accidental but stopping a certain goal and a penalty was duly awarded. Mike 'Saucy' Salusbury stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way with his 8th goal of the season.
Northop Hall enjoyed their best spell of the game in the minutes following the equaliser and although Saucy and Prinny both shot wide of the mark the visitors should have taken the lead when Gary Mason reacted to a defensive mix up to get himself in the clear only for the oncoming keeper to get his leg in the way of the low shot.
It was a miss that was almost instantly regretted as Rossett scored the first of three further first half goals to effectively put the game to bed before the break. There was nothing anyone could do about the first of them, a blistering shot from 30 yards that arrowed into the top corner of the goal. The next one was controversial though, the ball looped over for the striker who looked several yards offside ahead of the last defender from where he could lob the ball in to make it 3-1.
Matt Torgersen saved very well to push away another drive from distance but when a free kick was awarded on the edge of the penalty box he could do nothing again when the direct shot was lifted over the 5-man wall into the unprotected side of the goal.
Half time: 1-4
The visitors showed some fight in the second half and although Rossett had the greater possession, the visitors held firm for long spells and created a few chances themselves. Saucy was denied from a free kick by a full stretch save from the Rossett keeper when it looked like a goal all day.
In between a good deal of further rearguard action by the Old Boys, mostly orchestrated from the two central midfielders for the home side who were pretty much running the game, Richard Millington headed wide from a corner and Saucy was again denied as the Old Boys looked to get back into it as the half progressed.
As the game entered its closing stages a nice dribble in the inside left of the penalty area and left foot shot into the far corner from Saucy finally cut the deficit and took him into double figures for the season.
Matt Torgersen had a couple of low shots to deal with which he handled well but was undone by another controversial one, Rossett fashioning a chance inside the box which was eventually struck low into the far corner but with the keeper's sight clearly impeded by the striker in a blatantly offside position in front of him.
In the closing minutes Rossett broke through again and the left winger found himself unmarked as he received the ball and made no mistake to make it an emphatic six for the home side and leave the Old Boys well beaten by the better side.
Two-goal Mike Salusbury picked up the opposition man-of-the-match award, his first of the season and the 12th different player to receive a nomination all far too far behind Gaz Pringle for this year's player-of-the-season award again.
Team: Matt Torgersen, Karl Millington (Nick Harris), Craig Starkey, John Weaver, Dave Henrys (Craig McTavish), Paul Roberts, Mel Barnes (Mike Maletta), Richard Millington (Tim Sproston), Darren Molyneux, Gary Mason (John Edmunds), Mike Salusbury
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26/04/16 Northop Hall Old Boys Supervets 5 Rossett Supervets 0 (at Bebington Oval)
The long overdue opening "supervets" game of the season saw the over-50's take on Rossett's over-50's at the Bebington Oval Stadium on the Wirral under the floodlights (for the second half at least). Both sides suffered from a couple of no-shows and late call offs leaving just 10 players per side, plus Richard Millington and Tim Sproston from the Old Boys main squad as under-age additions. They were duly allocated one on each side, Tim adding his "youth" to the Rossett team to make up the elevens with Rossett manager Geoff Mesney forced to take the gloves for them.
Only two of the Old Boys were making their debut at this level, Pete Dolman (erstwhile manager of Northop Hall Nomads) and Craig Starkey who has been a regular at Connahs Quay on Tuesday nights this year. Declan Hickey again took the gloves and put his cricket season catching practice to good effect.
The opening exchanges saw half chances at both ends as the teams got used to the open spaces and the generally slower pace, the Old Boys especially knocking the ball around nicely from the back where they could. For all that, Rossett came closest when one of their regular forages down the left saw a left foot cross shot skim the crossbar.
Northop Hall took the lead, although it took a little while. Pete Dessington had already had a couple of shots wide of the mark when Saturday manager Mel Barnes wriggled clear in the inside right channel. His first effort was blocked but fell nicely to his right foot to slot home into the bottom corner.
With Craig Starkey pulling strings at the back and the hard working Steve Buckley and Richard Millington putting in good shifts in the middle of the park, the Old Boys were able to build on that foundation despite soaking up a bit of Rossett pressure in between, Declan having to make sure he got behind one particularly decent effort.
Pete Dessington and Steve Buckley were instrumental in carving out an opening which Richard Millington raced through to finish, just beating the oncoming keeper to prod home. Rossett almost pulled one back before the break with a long shot that narrowly dipped over the bar.
Half time: 2-0
The second half ultimately saw the Old Boys take control of the game, although it wasn't all one way traffic and it took a little time to grab the decisve third goal that effectively killed off the game. Again Declan Hickey had to palm out a fizzing shot, but it was from distance like much of Rossett's efforts as the defence held very firm, the old McTavish/Henrys partnership keeping things tight.
After a couple of long range efforts, Pete Dessington again coming close, a nicely worked one-two between Mel Barnes and Richard Millington saw the latter break through and finish crisply into the far corner.
Slightly superior fitness in the closing stages allowed the Old Boys to capitalise and they soon added another. Rossett complained about an offside that never came as Phil Southern put the ever-willing Pete Dolman through to lob the keeper for number four.
Mel Barnes squandered a chance when well placed with Craig Starkey on a run from the back looking to be put in. However, Mel made up for it soon after, powerfully heading home Pete Dolman's right wing cross as he stole into the area unmarked for his second goal of the night to complete an excellent all-round team performance.
The Old Boys held out for a deserved clean sheet at the other end on an enjoyable night, even for their beaten opponents, everybody appreciating the chance to play at their own age level for a change and have some time on the ball. The opposition vote for man of the match went to supervets player-manager Dave Henrys, but there were many other good performances on the night.
Team: Declan Hickey, John Edmunds, Craig Starkey, Craig McTavish, Dave Henrys, Phil Southern, Steve Buckley, Richard Millington, Pete Dessington, Pete Dolman, Mel Barnes
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23/04/16 Northop Hall Old Boys 3 Liverpool Ramblers 4 (Sealand Cup)
For reasons best known to the organisers, only the second but already the final home game of this season's six-game Sealand Cup campaign saw the visit of Liverpool Ramblers. The tournament ended mathematically last week for the Old Boys when they were unable to fulfill the fixture at Woolton due to player shortages, a situation that hadn't improved much this week but at least saw a starting eleven. By contrast, the visitors were three wins from three games and hot favourites to qualify from the group, a position they were able to strengthen with a narrow 4-3 win.
A couple of very late call-offs meant a rare 90 minutes for player-manager Mel Barnes and Karl Millington and John Weaver were back to bolster the back four. A late work shift forced Darren Molyneux to miss the first half and left Craig McTavish as the only substitute despite being a long way from full fitness.
The game ended up being a very even affair, particularly as the dried out pitch had the ball bobbling at all angles which added to defensive lapses at both ends made for a high scoring first half that could, and probably should, have been even higher with some chances missed and the ball pinballing around both penalty areas, especially from corners and long throws with the swirling wind also playing its part.
Ramblers struck the outside of the post in the early exchanges, the closest either side came to an opener, before a long throw-in from the left from Dan Hicks was allowed to bounce through the Liverpool box and Steve Buckley reacted quickest at the far post to head home his 4th goal of the season from close range.
A succession of corners at both ends produced the most exciting moments, Dave Henrys at the centre of the home side efforts as Mike 'Saucy' Salusbury picked him out twice, one header saved and another cleared off the line back to Saucy who fired in low and hard and saw his effort cleared on the line as well with the keeper again beaten.
At the other end though, Northop Hall were undone by a low struck right wing corner which they watched motionless as it made its way into the 6-yard box to be prodded home for the equaliser.
Dan Hicks was getting through some work down the left flank and was rewarded with his 7th goal of the campaign soon after, Saucy and Richard Millington having efforts blocked before it rebounded to Dan at the edge of the box, sitting up nicely for him to drill high and direct into the far corner to restore the Old Boys lead.
That was as good as it got for the Old Boys though, despite seeing plenty of the ball and winning a fair amount in midfield, they were their own worst enemy as they switched off at vital times. A speculative through ball was flicked on by the Ramblers giant centre-forward and nobody covered the right winger's run as he ran in unchallenged to slot home a second equaliser.
Ramblers then took the lead from an Old Boys corner, Dave Henrys again Saucy's target but just unable to connect with the low cross. Next thing the visitors had broken at pace, got in behind the back-tracking defenders and found a cross which Pete Dessington looked as if he would intercept. Unfortunately his clearance fell only to the grateful striker who put Ramblers ahead with Gaz Pringle once again unable to get near it.
Gaz did get near to the next two fortunately, getting right behind two dipping long shots to keep the lead a slender one, but once again let down by those in front of him just before half time, John Weaver (who had been solid to that point) underhitting a pass along the centre back line which allowed the striker to nip in again and beat Gaz from close in and leave the Old Boys with an uphill task in the second half.
Half time: 2-4
To their credit, the Old Boys almost completed that uphill task, not without an odd scare at their own end of the field where Gaz Pringle had to be at his best, but producing enough at the other end to keep them in the game, knowing how important the next goal would be. Darren Molyneux replaced Pete Dessington at left back to reduce the average age and was soon marauding forward as his style.
Dan Hicks had a good chance on his right foot that he tried to turn on to his favourite left and was closed down, while Saucy and Mel Barnes both headed powerfully over the bar from set pieces. After knocking on the door so long, the home side eventually got their reward from an end to end move of real quality. Darren Molyneux started it at left back feeding the wide run of Dan Hicks who blazed forward past two defenders before squaring the ball perfectly for Saucy. His crisp low left foot effort was very well saved by the Ramblers keeper but he could only push it out to Mike Maletta who took time to compose himself before slotting in his first goal of the season from 10 yards.
Ramblers thought they had extended their lead soon after when a shot from distance was arrowed at the top corner, Gaz Pringle somehow getting himself over to tip it over the bar at full stretch. From the corner, another low ball bobbled around the box with two attempted clearances striking attackers and eventually forcing Gaz into another close range save to keep the game alive.
Karl Millington again had to leave the action before the end through injury and Dave Henrys also landed heavily from a headed clearance and had to be replaced by the half-fit Craig McTavish ten minutes from the end. Action alternated from both ends but it was the visitors who managed to break the defensive line and force the ball into the home net, this time though ruled out for offside.
The Old Boys pushed for an equaliser they probably just about deserved, but just couldn't force the breakthrough as the game petered out for Ramblers to maintain their 100% run in the tournament. They were given a good run for it though and with better defending when it really mattered the home side might have had a share of the spoils.
Despite seeing four goals go past him, Gaz Pringle earned the opposition man-of-the-match nomination again, just ahead of Dan Hicks and Mike Maletta who would have caught the eye in midfield. Next week sees a break in cup action and another 'friendly' at Rossett before finishing the Sealand Cup group at Halkyn the week after, hoping to have a few more able bodies available.
Team: Gaz Pringle, Karl Millington, Pete Dessington (Darren Molyneux), John Weaver, Dave Henrys (Craig McTavish), Steve Buckley, Mel Barnes, Mike Maletta, Dan Hicks, Richard Millington, Mike Salusbury
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09/04/16 Mostyn Veterans 2 Northop Hall Old Boys 0 (Sealand Cup)
The Old Boys fell to a second defeat of the Sealand Cup qualifying campaign at a muddy Mostyn, but were left to rue a succession of missed first half chances that should have seen them turn round at least two goals to the good at the break.
As it was, a debatable second half penalty ended their opposition in the energy sapping conditions with only a threadbare squad making the road trip again (despite it being just down the road), eventually going down 2-0.
Manager Mel Barnes gave Gary Mason a first start on the right after last week's substitute appearance and Tim Sproston had a deserved start at right back and continued his recent form with a committed performance as part of a busy defence. Mike Maletta made his 100th appearance in an Old Boys shirt becoming the 17th century maker in an ever-increasing recognition of commitment to the cause.
Despite the scoreline, Gaz Pringle had one of his quietest days although the home side probably had the greater possession and were as wasteful in front of goal as the visitors at times. The Old Boys though created the better chances in the first half with Gary Mason and Dan Hicks providing the ammunition from each side and could and should have scored from at least one of them, instead barely testing the Mostyn keeper as the strikers radar went askew, two headers and at least two other chances also put wide of the target.
Half time: 0-0
The heavy conditions started to take their toll after the break, Northop Hall defending the worst areas of the pitch and with legs tiring rapidly the home side were able to rotate their playing eleven at regular intervals while Mel Barnes had only himself back after several weeks out and a semi-retired Craig McTavish to call on.
The game remained goalless for some time, still with neither keeper particularly tested, but turned on a theatrical fall by the Mostyn midfielder as he turned Craig Jones just inside the area that the referee adjudged a foul. The resulting spot-kick was duly dispatched sending Gaz Pringle the wrong way.
The Old Boys never really looked like staging a comeback as chances dried up at the other end, but a defensive error as Nick Harris missed his kick as a left wing cross came in allowed the Mostyn striker to tap home a second.
He made up for it soon after as a loose back pass from Tim Sproston saw the other striker round Gaz Pringle but his shot was cleared off the line in the Nick of time. He very nearly completely made amends in the last few minutes, his powerful header from a right wing corner was tipped over the bar by the home keeper, pretty much the first save he had to make.
As the ball bobbled around the box from the corner it was Nick again turning provider this time, his cross met perfectly by substitute Mel Barnes whose header had already beaten the keeper when Mike Salusbury inexplicably took a final touch as it was crossing the line, only to be called for offside and the goal was chalked off, pretty much summing up a frustrating day.
Some committed performances in the mud, especially from Tim Sproston and Mike Maletta who always loves a tackle in those conditions, catching the eye today, but Tim getting the final vote for a first ever man-of-the-match award. With just four goals in the last five away games, it isn't difficult to see where the problems lie, twin strikers Darren Brierley and Mark 'Sparky' Ray's goals being sorely missed just now.
Team: Gaz Pringle, Tim Sproston, Darren Molyneux (Craig McTavish), Nick Harris, Dave Henrys, Gary Mason (Mel Barnes), Craig Jones, Mike Maletta, Dan Hicks, Richard Millington, Mike Salusbury
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02/04/16 Northop Hall Old Boys 3 Frodsham Barcelona 1 (Sealand Cup)
The second game of the Sealand Cup group stages saw one of only two home games in the competition opening rounds for the Old Boys, this for the visit of first time entrants Frodsham Barcelona. If home is an advantage then Northop Hall have to make use of the two games at the Pavilion and they did just that to take their first three points of this year's competition.
After struggling to raise a side last week, there was a much larger turn-out this time, although with player manager Mel Barnes, his assistant Darren Molyneux and leading scorer Darren Brierley amongst a number of absentees, there was another pull from the Tuesday night games at Connahs Quay to cover all shortages and the defence did have a bit of a makeshift look about it to start with. Striking options were still limited so Mike Salusbury partnered Richard Millington up front again, Andy Carroll and Paul Roberts returned to the midfield and Craig Jones and Steve Buckley (in his 100th appearance for the club) were pushed back to unfamiliar defensive roles as stand-in manager Pete Dessington shuffled the pack.
Inevitably it took a little while for the team to gel and Frodsham started the game the stronger. For the first 20 minutes or so it was pretty much all one way traffic and the home side were indebted yet again early doors to their keeper Gaz Pringle for a top drawer save to keep the visitors off the score sheet, somehow tipping a goal bound shot onto the post and back into his grateful arms.
When the home side did manage to get down the other end, the strikers radars were off and a number of shots went wide of the mark without troubling the visiting keeper. However, that changed when a free kick from Craig jones just inside the opponents half was floated into the penalty area. As Frodsham's keeper came to claim Richard Millington gambled on a run in and it paid off as he met the ball first to head into an open goal.
The Old Boys still needed some good defending and exemplary handling from their keeper to keep Frodsham out but it was a direct free kick at the other end from Andy Carroll that forced the keeper to push the ball out where he got lucky as it evaded three Old Boys players rushing in to follow up.
Half time: 1-0
The second half remained tight at both ends despite plenty of midfield possession for both sides but chances were limited. Mike Salusbury and Craig Jones both shot wide from outside the box at one end, while Gaz Pringle was kept reasonably busy from the same sort of distances at the other.
As with the first goal, a second came from nowhere really. The Frodsham keeper had a fairly straight forward back pass to deal with but under pressure from Mike Salusbury he completely shanked his kick and in the ensuing ruck "Saucy" was able to knock it across goal where Richard Millington kept his cool to slot home past the back pedalling defenders to make it 2-0.
The home side had to soak up a fair bit of pressure after that and the game really opened up. Richard Henshaw and Gary Mason were sent on for their first games on grass for the Old Boys and were soon in to the action on both sides of the pitch.
Gaz Pringle made a couple of low saves and the Old Boys took advantage of the space at the other end to extend their lead when Dan Hicks cut in from the right and chipped left footed over the keeper. It didn't quite have the height but the goalie only got fingertips to it and it dropped despairingly for him just over the goal line.
With the game effectively won, the concentration was on keeping a rare clean sheet, but a succession of corners eventually resulted in the home goal being breached by a far post header. There was still time for a 40 harder from Dave Henrys to dip over the bar and deny an absolute rarity, but in the end it was a hard fought and well deserved win. Gaz Pringle took another man of the match nomination from the opposition putting himself in a very strong position to take the player of the season trophy again as the end of season looms.
Team: Gaz Pringle, Steve Buckley (Gary Mason), Pete Dessington (Rob Downey), Craig Jones (Nick Harris), Dave Henrys, Mike Maletta, Andy Carroll, Paul Roberts, Dan Hicks (Richard Henshaw), Richard Millington, Mike Salusbury (Tim Sproston)
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26/03/16 Radbrooke Hall 5 Northop Hall Old Boys 1 (Sealand Cup)
The opening game of the 2016 Sealand Cup group games saw an Easter Saturday road trip to Knutsford, a distance coupled with some leftover injuries and work commitments that resulted in a severely depleted squad make the journey, so much so that four players were given a first start, three of them (Nathan Molyneux, James Hardwick and Will Leonard) under the age of 20 although no strangers to the Old Boys from Tuesdays at Connahs Quay and the odd Saturday on the 3G surfaces, although this proved to be a wholly new experience for them.
Not that the opposition were aged, matching the visitors youth policy with several very young players of their own as they did on the Old Boys last visit in the Sealand Cup several seasons ago, their "veterans" still giving 20+ years to Old Boys stalwarts like Pete Dessington and Dave Henrys. The Old Boys started Paul "Cooey" Cooper at the heart of defence, his first game for a considerable time by the looks and former Old Boy Matt McGuire helped out wide, also his first game for almost a year. Without a recognised striker in the squad, Tim Sproston was given the unenviable task of leading the line while John Weaver played an equally unfamiliar middle of midfield role.
Mike Maletta's late dash from work not only saw him miss kick off but also an opening salvo from Radbrooke Hall that pretty much ended the game inside the first ten minutes as they took their patched up visitors apart and racked up a three goal head start, the Old Boys at sixes and sevens trying to work out who was playing where and who was picking up who. It would have been considerably worse too without another fine display between the sticks from a frustrated Gaz Pringle.
Gradually the visitors managed to get some sort of grip, Rob Downey often the most involved from the wing and eventually conjured a couple of attacks, Will Leonard coming close when latching on to a stray back pass and Dave Henrys putting a header wide from a corner. However, the generally poor standard of control and inaccurate passing blighted much of the first half for the Northop Hall side.
The pressure at the other end was fairly relentless and it took a couple of substitutions to settle things down a bit back there, acting manager Darren Molyneux despite still carrying an injury joining his son Nathan to add much needed pace to the defence. However, despite more heroics from Gaz Pringle his goal was breached again before the break when their young winger broke in from the right and slotted home.
Half-time: 4-0
The efforts of the first half and the large lead they established saw Radbrooke take their foot off the pedal a little in the second half and the Old Boys finally came more into the game, Dan Hicks and Mike Maletta getting a foothold in midfield, Tim Sproston struggling through the pain barrier with a bad back to give a focal point up front and the young lads seeing a bit more of the ball.
Although Gaz Pringle was still the busier of the two keepers, the Old Boys pulled a goal back during a good period of possession when a mazy run into the box from Dan Hicks was stopped by a trip on him and he dusted himself down to send the keeper the wrong way from the spot.
There should have been a second as the half wore on, the best chance of the game falling to the smallest player as youngsters James Hardwick and Will Leonard combined, the latter heading wide at the far post after the right wing cross left him a great sight of goal.
As the game closed out, Radbrooke completed the rout with a fifth goal, their young winger getting away from the defence once again to slot in past Gaz's despairing dive.
All in all a very bad day. A bad day for the Sealand Cup, a genuine veterans tournament when it was first imagined some years ago, now having so many youngsters involved and a bad day for the depleted Old Boys who at least turned up and had a go when staying at home and forfeiting the result would have been an option. Gaz Pringle conceded five goals and was still a shoo-in for the opposition man-of-the-match award for preventing so many more, Rob Downey the best outfield pick on the day.
The Old Boys must put this one behind them now, with another 5 games to play, but will need a huge influx of commitment over the next few weeks to have any chance of progressing in the tournament.
Team: Gaz Pringle, Matt McGuire, Pete Dessington (Darren Molyneux), Paul Cooper (Nathan Molyneux), Dave Henrys, Rob Downey, John Weaver, Dan Hicks, James Hardwick (Mike Maletta), Will Leonard, Tim Sproston
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12/03/16 Northop Hall Old Boys 1 Wirral Veterans 3
A welcome return to the Pavilion for what has been a rare home fixture this year, even rarer for the weather to have finally turned drier, although there was still some damp patches in parts of the playing surface to contend with. The Old Boys had Gaz Pringle back between the sticks and were thankful for a number of saves in both halves to keep them in contention until late in the game when Wirral Vets finally opened up what proved to be an unassailable two-goal lead.
Never behind in the game, Wirral took full advantage of their goalkeeper's long kick outs to put pressure on the home defence from early in the game and force a number of errors that eventually proved to be Northop Hall's downfall. The home side also had Karl Millington and Paul "Prinny" Roberts back after missing out on last week's win at Rossett and although both played well, the whole team could not replicate the passing game from the 3G of the previous Saturday as the ball bobbled wildly at times and stuck in the mud at others to make life difficult for both teams.
Wirral took the lead from one of a number of corners they earned throughout the game, their big centre half rising unchallenged to head down towards goal where a team mate stabbed it goalwards. Darren Molyneux on the far post looked to have stopped the goal but his clearance then cannoned in off the woodwork.
The home side were able to exert some short periods of pressure and always looked in the game and Mike "Saucy" Salusbury found a first half leveller when he was able to spin away from the visiting defence and drill in a low left foot shot into the far corner past the Wirral keeper. It was also Saucy who came closest to adding to the goal with a free-kick that shaved the crossbar later in the half.
Darren Brierley was also lively and also tested the keeper on a couple of occasions before getting a knock on the knee that would force his half-time withdrawal. Gaz Pringle was the busier of the two keepers though and had to be at full stretch to tip one goalbound effort round the post. When he was beaten at the edge of his area, Dave Henrys was back to cover him with a header off the line.
Half-time: 1-1
The second half bore a very similar pattern to the first with a change in formation to accommodate the change of personnel. Dan Hicks created a chance for himself but couldn't get it back on his favourite left foot with the keeper to beat. Gaz Pringle again had to tip one wide at the other end and the Old Boys had a let off when the Wirral striker put one over from close range.
As the half wore on the home side lost a couple more players to injury, stretching the small squad to its limit. Darren Molyneux was first to succumb, leaving Kevin Hoyland to cover the unfamiliar left side in order to match the pace of a particularly young opponent. Unfortunately, in trying to deal with another huge kick from the goalkeeper and under pressure, Kev saw his header back to Gaz Pringle loop over the keeper's outstretched arms and into his own goal to give Wirral the lead.
The Old Boys managed to manufacture a few close efforts with the ball bobbling around the Wirral penalty area but nobody able to get the final telling touch. Richard Millington became the third player to hobble off, bringing Dave Henrys back into the fray and necessitating another reshape and it was Dave who inadvertently deflected a shot on goal which Gaz Pringle did superbly to get down to but he could only tip it on to the post and the visiting striker nipped in to prod home the rebound for their third and ultimately decisive goal.
The score probably didn't reflect the closeness of the game in the end, although Wirral probably just about shaded it and they made Gaz Pringle their man of the match nomination for keeping the score down, a fifth award for the season in what could be fairly close come the final count.
Team: Gaz Pringle, Kevin Hoyland, Darren Molyneux (Pete Dessington), Karl Millington (Nick Harris), Dave Henrys, Steve Buckley, Craig Jones, Richard Millington, Dan Hicks, Mike Salusbury, Darren Brierley (Paul Roberts)
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05/03/16 Rossett Veterans 1 Northop Hall Old Boys 2
The 3G pitch at Colliers Park, Gresford, training ground for Wrexham FC was the venue again for the away game with Rossett Veterans, fortunate as another bout of overnight rain would have very likely put paid to any attempt to play on grass again. With all the postponements over the winter, the Old Boys have had the chance to practice much more on the 3G surface through a combination of the Goals Centre at Chester and the new pitch at Connahs Quay (the new midweek venue on Tuesday evenings), and it paid off big style with a confident display and a good 2-1 win.
An enforced change to the line-up saw a first game between the sticks for Lee Evans replacing Gaz Pringle who was on a scouting mission to Dublin in advance of our tournament there in May. Mel Barnes again had to start the game before a late arrival, this week in a more familiar central midfield role. There was also a comeback from a few games out with injury for John Weaver in defence, one of several returnees. It was one of these, leading scorer Darren Brierley, who had the best chance to claim the goal that would have been just reward for a confident and competent opening spell, firstly shooting narrowly wide from distance then meeting a pinpoint Richard Millington cross to put a powerful header just over the crossbar.
Lee Evans was fairly quiet in the opening exchanges, although a couple of defensive errors threatened briefly to present an opening for the home side. At the other end, Craig Jones right foot shot from range was the closest effort on goal, narrowly passing the upright with the Rossett keeper beaten.
It was somewhat against the run of play then when the hosts took the lead late in the half, although the left side of the Northop Hall team vanished in the build up to allow the chance to be set up on the break. However, there was a huge element of luck in the finish as the Rossett winger came in to meet the low right wing cross, missing his kick but seeing the ball rebound off his standing leg into the opposite corner wrong footing the debutant keeper.
The Old Boys kept trying to play their football though and were rewarded on the stroke of half-time when Darren Brierley was put through the inside right channel, where so many of his goals have come from over the past few years, and this was no exception as he struck low into the corner for his 14th of the season.
Half-time: 1-1
The second half was more of an even affair with chances at both ends in the opening exchanges again, the best of them falling to a Rossett striker in such a suspiciously offside position in front of goal that he scuffed his shot for Lee Evans to pounce on thinking the whistle would blow against him.
Craig Jones again came close from distance, one of a number of shots from range that failed to test the keeper before substitute Eifion Jones came closest of all with a low shot that rebounded back off the foot of the post.
The game became more of a midfield battle with defences generally on top as the game closed out, John Weaver sweeping up well a couple of times to snuff out potential danger. Out of the blue, the visitors were awarded a penalty, the referee spotting a push on Darren Brierley as he went up for a header at the far post from Craig Jones's left wing corner. Darren converted confidently for his 121st career goal for the Old Boys.
Lee Evans had to keep a couple of shots out as Rossett pressed for an equaliser late on, the Old Boys giving up a bit more ground as the game wore on, especially after Darren Molyneux was forced off with an injury. However, the visitors hung on for a narrow but on balance deserved victory.
In a close vote from the opposition, Craig Jones just pipped John Weaver for their man of the match nomination for his combative performance in the middle of the park.
Team: Lee Evans, Darren Molyneux, Pete Dessington (Eifion Jones), Nick Harris, John Weaver (Dave Henrys), Craig Jones, Steve Buckley (Kevin Hoyland), Mel Barnes (Mike Maletta), Dan Hicks, Richard Millington, Darren Brierley
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27/02/16 Chester Nomads 6th's 4 Northop Hall Old Boys 1
Chester Nomads completed a home and away double over their older opponents at the Garrison Ground with an emphatic 4-1 victory. For some reason, they are reluctant to put their veterans side up against the older of the Northop Hall teams and so we had the bizarre situation of seeing their veterans side take on Northop Hall Nomads on an adjacent pitch while the Old Boys tried to contain an opposition with a sprinkling of youngsters. Inevitably, the home side scored most of their goals from breakaways, utilising their superior pace.
The Old Boys had Andy Carroll making a first appearance, although he started in an unfamiliar centre-back role alongside Nick Harris before reverting to centre midfield in the second half to make an impact. Gaz Pringle was delayed in traffic so Mel Barnes took the gloves for the opening few minutes of the game and was forced to make a decent save early on before making way with his clean sheet intact.
Last week's hat-trick hero Mike 'Saucy' Salusbury kept his striker role, joined this week by Richard Millington in Darren Brierley's absence. The two of them combined twice in the opening half to produce shots off target before Saucy got on the end of a decent right wing cross from his fellow striker but headed well over the bar and then Paul 'Prinny' Roberts found himself clear on goal but his attempted chip over the keeper wasn't enough to beat him.
By that time Chester were already 2-0 ahead, opening their account for the day when they managed to get away from the visitors' defence to give Gaz Pringle no chance with some decisive finishing and then doubling their lead from an indirect free kick which the Old Boys failed to mark up at the back post and a header down gave their striker an easy finish in front of goal. Andy Carroll came close with a well struck shot past the post at the other end, but it was the home side who should have added a third before half time when they again broke away, this time the young striker screwing the chance wide when faced with the oncoming keeper.
Half-time: 2-0
Mel Barnes changed things round a bit second half with Rob Downey and Dan Hicks drafted into the full back positions and Darren Molyneux joining Dave Henrys at the heart of the defence, but even he was outpaced by the young striker who made it 3-0 slotting in low to the corner, Gaz Pringle again helpless to do anything about it. However, the ship did get steadied for a while after that, although the pressure was still mainly one way.
Saucy and Richard Millington might both have reduced the arrears as the Chester keeper was forced into action, eventually Saucy did give Northop Hall a glimmer of hope when he met Andy Carroll's deep cross to volley home at the near post. He nearly returned the favour a few minutes later from a right wing corner but Andy's volley skewed back where it came from and the chance was gone.
The Old Boys tried in vain to press forward to find a way back into the game and had decent possession for a while. However, as the game approached its conclusion, Chester again struck on the break, again outpacing the back line and although Gaz got a good hand on it, the striker was able to shrug off the challenge and prod home the rebound and make the result safe.
Rather than make their way across Chester, the visitors chose to hold their post-match inquest at a hotel on the way home and therefore missed out on a man of the match nomination from the opposition. With several players performing well but only in patches, it would have been a tricky call anyway. Chester Nomads were dropped from the fixture list last season and popular opinion was that they will need to be again if a proper veterans side can be found to take their place.
Team: Mel Barnes (Gaz Pringle), Kevin Hoyland (Rob Downey), Darren Molyneux, Nick Harris (Dave Henrys), Andy Carroll, Steve Buckley, Mike Maletta, Paul Roberts, Dan Hicks (Craig Jones), Mike Salusbury, Richard Millington
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20/02/16 Northop Hall Old Boys 5 St Mary's (Liverpool) 3
The pitch at the Northop Hall Pavilion was finally deemed playable for the first time since 21 November last year, an unprecedented gap of almost 3 months to the day, although the wet weather that had forced so many postponements returned with a vengeance during the game with St Mary's to make life difficult for both sides as the game progressed.
The Old Boys gave a start to new boy Paul ("Prinny") Roberts in midfield enabling Mike "Saucy" Salusbury to be pushed up into attack, justifying the move with a well taken hat-trick that set up a well-deserved 5-3 win. The return of Andy Rooke added steel to the back line which helped Gaz Pringle to have a quieter day between the sticks than the last outing.
Not that the early indications had the look of such a victory. St Mary's were quick out of the blocks, indicative of their having seen more action in 2016 than their hosts for whom this was only the second game of the year. And the visitors were soon ahead as their winger drifted in unmarked to connect with a low cross.
The Old Boys responded well though and attempted to play some football in the increasingly tricky conditions, amidst some committed tackling in the middle of the park. Dan Hicks and Darren Molyneux on the flanks were seeing plenty of the ball and that's where most of the danger was coming as they tried to get Darren Brierley away with his pace up front.
Dan Hicks did manage to weave his way through the defence with one mazy run inside, but with just the keeper to beat put his shot wide of the post. The visiting keeper also made a fine save to tip away a Saucy free kick from 25 yards.
An equaliser eventually arrived from the right side, Mike Maletta feeding Darren Molyneux in with a good ball inside the full back for him to run on to and cross low for Saucy to scramble home his first of the game.
The home side soaked up a bit of pressure and the visitors squandered a good chance when their striker headed wide from a perfect right wing cross. Gaz Pringle also easily dealt with a couple of low shots from distance which held up in the mud.
Northop Hall took a 2-1 lead with the goal of the game. Darren Brierley collecting the ball on the halfway line and playing a brilliant pass to the right behind the full back for Darren Molyneux to run on to and slot coolly home as he beat the oncoming goalkeeper to it.
It was soon all-square again though, a succession of corners saw the opposition winger eventually break free from his marker to meet a low ball to the near post again to net his second.
The home side always carried a threat on the break though and As the half closed out there was controversy as Saucy was played through again. His low shot was saved by the keeper and ran out to the byline next to the post. The Old Boys striker pulled it back for Prinny to slot home, but there were howls of protest from the visitors that the ball had gone out before he could cross it and although the unsighted referee originally allowed it to stand, the home side sportingly declined it.
Moments later and there should have been another home goal, Darren Brierley sent away down the left but one on one with the keeper, spooned his shot wide.
Half-time: 2-2
The home side started the second half well, the introduction of Rob Downey on the right seeing him link well with Darren Molyneux and it wasn't long before they went into the lead again, another combination down the right putting Darren Brierley away from his marker and his low cross squared perfectly for Saucy to slot confidently home his second of the game.
Very quickly it was 4-2, a right wing cross from Darren Molyneux finding Dan Hicks in the area, his shot on the turn striking the visitors centre half and wrong footing his keeper. Not sure if it was heading in but without a dodgy goals panel it was decided by a narrow vote to award the goal to Dan for his 4th of the campaign.
The home side were well in control and could have increased their lead even further, Saucy getting up at the far post to meet another Darren Molyneux cross but heading over the bar.
The midfield battle in the increasingly muddy conditions was suiting Mike Maletta and Paul Roberts, although the latter pulled up with a muscle injury and had to be replaced by Steve Buckley who was soon into the mix too. However, one of the St Mary's midfielders managed a winding run evading several tackles on his way to goal before slotting home giving the keeper no chance as he made it 4-3.
Darren Molyneux had the chance to repeat his first half goal as another cross field pass put him through, but this time he looked for a pass and the chance went begging.
As conditions worsened in the incessant rain, chances were at a premium for the remainder of the game and it was late on that Saucy finally wrapped up the victory, Darren Brierley again the provider for the hat-trick, his co-striker turning on the penalty spot to steer his 6th goal of the season home.
Despite the hat-trick, it was the tenacity of Mike Maletta in the middle of the park that caught the opposition eye for the man of the match award in conditions that suited him more than most. The break between games has left the Old Boys a bit rusty but remarkably they remain unbeaten in 2016 and will hope to defend that record at Chester next week.
Team: Gaz Pringle, Nick Harris (Rob Downey), Pete Dessington (Tim Sproston), Andy Rooke, Dave Henrys, Darren Molyneux, Paul Roberts (Steve Buckley), Mike Maletta, Dan Hicks, Mike Salusbury, Darren Brierley
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06/02/16 Northop Hall Old Boys 3 Shotton Steel Veterans 3
The home fixture against Shotton Steel Veterans almost became the latest in a long line of postponements as yet more rain left the Northop Hall Pavilion pitch again unplayable. However, a late shift to Shotton's Rowleys Drive ground allowed the game to go ahead and end a 2 month enforced absence from action.
Surprisingly, after such a long break, the Old Boys struggled to get a squad together and we're thankful to a couple of stand-ins to make the numbers up, Paul Batt starting on the right of midfield. It was the first game without Mark 'Sparky' Ray who has broken his arm and will miss a big chunk of the remainder of the season. His consistent support is going to be badly missed, this being the first game he's missed in almost 2 years.
Despite the lack of numbers, Northop Hall put up a spirited fight on the day, soaked up a lot of pressure from a younger and fitter opponent, rode their luck at times and were grateful to goalkeeper Gaz Pringle on a number of occasions to keep them in the game. However, their superior finishing at the other end gave them a platform to defend a lead which they had to do for long periods and in the end they were unlucky to be pegged back by two late Shotton goals.
For the first 15 minutes it looked as if Shotton would run away with it making good use of their extra pace up front to produce several early chances which either failed to find the target or gave Gaz Pringle an early insight into how his afternoon would pan out.
The Old Boys did try and get the ball down and play though and after good work by stand-in manager Darren Molyneux, Mike Salusbury was able to send Darren Brierley away on the counter attack where his pace left the defenders in his wake and he finished neatly past the oncoming keeper for the opening goal, against the run of play.
The lead lasted no more than a few minutes though, Shotton hitting back as another attack down their left hand side opened things up for their striker to nip in and slot home the equaliser.
Northop Hall soaked up a bit more pressure with Mike Maletta in typically combative mood in the middle of midfield winning some important tackles to set up counter attacks for Richard Millington and Darren Brierley, the latter again shaking off his marker to latch on to a through ball from midfield to outpace the defence in similar manner to his first goal and slot confidently in to restore the lead with his 13th goal of the season, Mike Salusbury again the provider.
The same pattern continued as the half progressed with Gaz Pringle pulling off a string of further saves, mainly from distance as the defence held as firm as possible. Once again, the Old Boys defied the run of play to extend their lead, Richard Millington turning on the edge of the Shotton box and as it looked like he might lose his footing on the wet surface he produced a right foot half volley into the far corner of the opposing goal.
Half time: 3-1
The two goal cushion, added to the heavy surface and lack of 11-a-side action taking its toll, left the Old Boys sitting deep and digging in for the second half. It was a tactic that worked to a degree, but the counter attacks became fewer and the reliance on Gaz Pringle grew greater as the game progressed.
Rob Downey replaced Paul Batt for his first game for the club on the right of midfield, but there was soon an enforced change as Karl Millington again had to be withdrawn from the centre of defence with an injured knee, Mike Salusbury dropping in alongside Dave Henrys and Pete Dessington joining the action for his first game as a 60 year old as the pressure built.
A trio of stunning saves from Gaz Pringle kept the lead intact for much of the half and the opposition were becoming more and more frustrated as other shots whistled wide of the mark and over the rather crooked crossbar.
Phil Southern joined the fray to raise the average age further but add some strength to midfield as the game drew on. Eventually though the pressure told. One of many corners for Shotton was only half cleared and a shot from the edge of the area found its way through the bodies to cut the gap to one goal.
As the final whistle loomed, Shotton were awarded a free kick around 25 yards out. The direct strike cleared the wall and dipped in front of Gaz Pringle's dive, keeping low and sneaking in underneath him to make it 3-3, a rare error after so much good work.
After such a long absence from the field of play, the Old Boys were very happy to have come through with a hard-fought draw, although a bit gutted to have lost the lead so late. However, it was the least Shotton deserved overall as Gaz Pringle's man of the match performance attested.
There is no fixture scheduled for next week unfortunately and the rain is showing no immediate sign of giving the pitches a chance to recover anytime soon, so it may be a few weeks again before the next opportunity to play on grass.
Team: Gaz Pringle, Kevin Hoyland, Darren Molyneux, Karl Millington (Pete Dessington), Dave Henrys, Paul Batt (Rob Downey), Mike Salusbury, Mike Maletta, Dan Hicks, Darren Brierley, Richard Millington (Phil Southern)
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28/11/15 SMA (Liverpool) 7 Northop Hall Old Boys 0
On an awful day of persistent rain the Old Boys arrived in Liverpool late and under-strengthed and never got going against one of their strongest opponents.
With keeper Gaz Pringle away, Tim Sproston volunteered to take the number one shirt as he did earlier in the season for teh Charity Shield games and once again could not be held responsible despite a glut of goals by the home side. Kieran Whelan made only his second appearance of the season but looked somewhat rusty and brought Jody Hamilton along for his first game of any sort for some time. Both were lost to pulled hamstrings before the end.
Player manager Mel Barnes made his first start for several weeks, but he too was an early casualty with an ongoing calf problem. Darren Molyneux also fell victim to the same continuing injury late in the game and with no more substitutes had to take over between the sticks at the end.
This then was the backdrop to what proved to be a poor afternoon for Northop Hall. In addition to being well beaten by the home side, they also had to put up with a joyless referee, who single-handedly managed to suck any remaining enjoyment from the game for the struggling visitors with a series of marginal decisions that always seemed to favour SMA when in truth they needed no help from him at all.
The home side gave an exhibition of pass and move all game that the Old Boys got nowhere near matching. It started early in the game and saw them carry a threat from the off. However, it was an unstoppable shot from the edge of the area that started the scoring for them and was soon followed by Kieran Whelan turning a cross past his own keeper.
The game was effectively over when the home side passed through the defence to get two on one, however the pass across goal should have been called offside as the striker tucked the chance away.
The Northop Hall side worked hard in the muddy conditions but failed to fashion a single chance of note on the home goal in the first half, although several very tight offside decisions stopped potential breaks on the keeper. They then conceded again before half time from a soft free kick award on the edge of the area from which the kick over the wall dropped in the unguarded corner of the goal.
Half time: 4-0
In the second period, the Old Boys tried harder to shorten their game and managed a five pass move for the first time in the game! They also competed stronger and got a few tackles in that weren't called as fouls to slow the opposition down a bit.
During that time, the home keeper was finally forced into a couple of saves, the best chance falling to Mike Salusbury as he broke through the inside left channel, but his attempted chip wasn't high enough. Mark 'Sparky' Ray and Richard Millington also made the keeper get his hands dirty from half chances.
However, at the other end, it was Tim Sproston who was the busier keeper, making two smart saves to keep the score down. This lasted into the final 15 minutes before the Liverpool side retook control and added a fifth goal, although it was another contentious decision that favoured the home side, the scorer having a free header at goal several yards ahead of the last defender.
The decisions got no better as John Weaver was adjudged to have brought down the attacking midfielder in the penalty box despite no contact being made. In fairness to him he admitted this and asked the referee not to award the penalty but nobody on the visiting side was surprised that he wouldn't and the kick was put away into the corner.
A poor kick out from the visiting keeper let a shot on an open goal that Dave Henrys managed to get back and block but his good work was undone at the end as a pass back to his keeper fell short and allowed the home attacker to nip in ahead of Darren Molyneux to complete the scoring.
With such a poor all-round performance it was decided not to ask the opposition to try and find a man of the match this time. Beaten by a much better team in such horrible conditions, this was one to quickly forget and move on from.
Team: Tim Sproston, Darren Molyneux, Pete Dessington (John Edmunds) Kieran Whelan (John Weaver), Dave Henrys, Jody Hamilton (Chris Jones), Richard Millington, Mike Salusbury, Dan Hicks, Mel Barnes (Steve Buckley), Mark Ray
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21/11/15 Northop Hall Old Boys 5 Rhewl Veterans 4
The Old Boys' leading goalscorer Darren Brierley has broken his hand in an accident at work (injury lawyers alert!) and will be out of action for a while. However, the team managed to find the sort of ruthless streak in front of goal that often deserts them when Darren isn't there and effectively finished this game off by half time.
Not that it was all plain sailing. Rhewl took an early lead when a rather obvious offside call was missed allowing the Rhewl striker several yards of advantage behind the home defence to run on to a through ball and find an easy finish on goal. Soon after they made it two when their tricky winger waltzed round a number of sloppy attempted tackles and slotted home.
It acted as a wake up call for the Old Boys though and a number of neat passing moves followed, before one down the right led to a low cross finding Dan Hicks running in to meet it on the edge of the box and coolly passing it into the net with his left foot.
Gaz Pringle still had to be alert to sweep up a couple of times as Rhewl continued to find a way through, saving at the feet twice of oncoming attackers. Equally though, the defence was getting more of an upper hand and getting their tackles in as the half wore on and this gave the home side the platform for some lethal finishing.
First it was Mark 'Sparky' Ray, not quite as prolific so far this season as his previous campaigns, but taking a ball from Mike 'Saucy' Salusbury into his stride he sidestepped the defender and popped the ball beyond the Rhewl keeper with great aplomb.
The opposition proved more than feisty with some of their challenges and having pulled off a couple of good saves, Gaz Pringle found himself challenged roughly on a cross and landing awkwardly on his shoulder. Fortunately he was fit enough to continue after treatment as the home side pressed hard at the other end, although they did lose Karl Millington to injury again, sexagenarian John Edmunds joining the defence to push up the average age alongside Dave Henrys and Pete Dessington at 50+ each.
It was Phil Ward on his comeback after injury who provided the sublime third, cottoning on to a through ball to chip the keeper from the right side of the penalty area for his first goal this term. Within minutes it was four as Steve Buckley met a left wing cross emphatically at the far post to power home right-footed on the half volley. And there were chances to extend the lead further as the home side took control.
Half time: 4-2
The second half continued with the Old Boys creating chances at one end and increasingly relying on Gaz Pringle's saves at the other, although a fifth goal early on gave them the cushion that would eventually prove just enough. It was 'Sparky' Ray again finding his luck out, fashioning the chance for himself in the inside left channel but striking the underside of the crossbar with his shot. Fortunately, Mike Salusbury was following in to tap home, the fourth of the scorers on the day to bag their third goal of the season.
Increasingly as the half went on, Rhewl started to get a hold of the midfield as the home legs tired. Again, a few naughty challenges went in to try and put the home side off their stride, the combative Mike Maletta coming off worse on more than one occasion.
Some last ditch tackling, notably Craig Jones as his opponent bore down on goal, kept the scoreline at 5-2 for quite a while, but the visitors did eventually find a way through and once they sniffed a chance of a comeback they grew in strength further.
Northop Hall were grateful twice to Gaz Pringle, first for a tip over the bar at full stretch, then a fabulous full length dive to tip a low drive around the post when a goal looked certain. However, the pressure paid off for them and a shot from wide on the left drifted over the keeper into the far corner to bring Rhewl to within one goal again.
As the game drew towards a close, they had the perfect opportunity to draw level when Pete Dessington mistimed his tackle and tripped the winger in the box. Gaz has a good recent record of saving penalties and once again excelled, diving left to parry the spot kick and effectively seal the victory on the day and afterwards the opposition's man-of-the-match vote in a hard fought win.
Team: Gaz Pringle, Karl Millington (John Edmunds), Pete Dessington, Nick Harris, Dave Henrys, Steve Buckley (Tim Sproston), Craig Jones, Phil Ward (Mike Maletta) (Mel Barnes), Dan Hicks, Mike Salusbury, Mark Ray
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14/11/15 Northop Hall Old Boys 1 Woolton Veterans 1
In complete contrast to the previous week's blinding sun, a return to the Pavilion for a home game against Woolton brought non-stop rain, not heavy enough to cause too many pitch problems fortunately, but not very pleasant for those involved. With manager Mel Barnes away this week, it was the first chance for his deputies Darren Molyneux and Pete Dessington to take command, although again not with an especially large squad to work with and rather top heavy with defenders for a change with the returns of Karl Millington, John Weaver and Andy Rooke. Craig Jones was back in midfield allowing Richard Millington to start in his more favoured position up front with leading scorer Darren Brierley absent.
Woolton for their part let themselves down by fielding a young lad in midfield and he was soon using the advantage of his youth to good effect to get on the ball, although with a tendency to overhit the forward ball which more often than not zipped through to Gaz Pringle in the home goal.
The Old Boys continued their form from Upton the previous week and were quickly at their opponents not giving them time to settle, Darren Molyneux and Dan Hicks on the flanks finding Richard Millington a willing runner for them in the first half, whilst the defence kept the opposition attack to shots from distance which didn't trouble Gaz Pringle.
The best chance of the opening exchange followed a neat exchange between Dan Hicks and Mark 'Sparky' Ray, the ball eventually played across to Darren Molyneux coming in from the right, but he failed to hit the target with the goal gaping. Dan's long throws were causing a few problems with Richard Millington getting his head to a few into the box and eventually it was that combination that produced the opening goal of the game, Richie flicking his near post header past the Woolton keeper for his third goal of the campaign.
The keeper did make a good save to divert Craig Jones's effort around the post just before the half hour mark, but that was as near as the home side came to extending their lead before the young Woolton lad at the other end produced a bullet of a left foot shot from all of 25 yards, Gaz Pringle left with no chance of saving it as it powered past him for the equaliser.
Half time: 1-1
There was no further score in the second half as the rain continued relentlessly, but there was a plethora of chances at both ends. Woolton were twice wasteful when their striker dribbled through only to shoot over the bar, while their keeper was extremely lucky twice dropping the ball, firstly to John Weaver who found the angle too tight and shot wide and then right onto the foot of Dan Hicks as he ran in to challenge but unable to check his momentum to steer it the right side of the post.
Gaz Pringle then pulled off a brilliant one handed save to tip over a goalbound effort, again from distance, which was followed almost immediately by a sweeping move across and up the pitch involving a number of passes before Tim Sproston was unable to apply a suitable finish. He also volleyed wildly wide as a crossfield ball from Pete Dessington almost put him in on goal again, but the best chance fell to John Weaver on the right again as he was put in by Mike Maletta who might have taken on the chance himself and probably wished he had when John's shot was hit straight at the keeper.
Northop Hall's resources ended up a little stretched when Karl Millington and namesake Richard both succumbed to injury, but a competitive game stayed in the balance right to the end, although neither side really looked like adding to the score after that and with honours ultimately even on a particularly horrid wet day, Richard Millington took the man-of-the-match award from the opposition for his threat up front, particularly in the first half, ahead of Nick Harris and John Weaver who impressed their team mates and another solid performance from Gaz Pringle between the sticks.
Team: Gaz Pringle, Karl Millington, Pete Dessington (John Weaver), Nick Harris, Dave Henrys (Andy Rooke), Darren Molyneux, Craig Jones, Mike Maletta, Dan Hicks, Richard Millington (Tim Sproston), Mark Ray
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07/11/15 Upton Magnets 0 Northop Hall Old Boys 4
Another numerically thin Old Boys squad arrived at Chester's County officers Club on the back of three successive defeats and needing a pick-me-up performance against Upton Magnets. They got it in spades as they pressed the game from the opening minutes, despite Nick Harris needing a sat-nav to get from the changing room to the pitch almost in time for kick off! Gaz Pringle was back in goal, one of five changes to the last starting line-up and a minute's silence in the rain for Remembrance weekend preceded the start.
However, the rain cleared quickly to be replaced by an unbelievably bright low sun that caused havoc for both teams when they defended against it, starting with Upton in the first half. And the visitors took full advantage, Pete Dessington and Dan Hicks forging a partnership down the left flank to break up Upton's early play and set the Old Boys going forward with intent, Darren Brierley and Mark 'Sparky' Ray both guilty of squandering good early chances, setting the pattern for too much of the first half.
With Gaz Pringle handling competently behind them despite the wetness on the pitch, the Northop Hall defence kept chances for the home side down to a minimum and created a platform for going forward that eventually reaped reward when following a neat interchange of passes from defence and through midfield the ball dropped invitingly on the edge of the penalty box for Dan Hicks to lash home spectacularly on the half volley; played two, scored two for Dan now after recovering from the back problems that delayed his start to the season.
Darren Brierley shot narrowly wide across the keeper as his pace once again caused problems before another good move down the left saw Steve Buckley power home a far post header for his own second goal of the season. It should have been three soon after, another pacey run from Darren stopped illegally with a trip just inside the box. 'Sparky' Ray, a little short of confidence in front of goal at the moment was given the spot kick but saw his shot saved as the home keeper guessed the right way.
Eventually he was able to make amends, although it owed much to his co-striker Darren Brierley, set on his way down the right by Nick Harris's long ball and cutting in to cross along the six yard line for Sparky to have a simple tap home at the far post, the third player to double his goals tally on the day.
A couple of inviting crosses into the box narrowly missed their target before leading scorer Darren Brierley finally got on the scoresheet himself, sent away down the inside left channel this time and firing left footed low past the keeper at his near post for his 11th goal of the season.
Half time: 0-4
The second half saw the introduction of Chris Jones, another appearance for the Wednesday night stalwart and significantly saw the visitors facing an increasingly lowering sun. Although this gave Upton the opportunity to come more into the game, they found the defence still resolute and Gaz Pringle pulling off a series of saves behind them.
Chances still went begging at the other end, Richard Millington and Sparky again particularly might have done better with a couple of decent openings.
As well as sweeping up a short backpass that caused a few flutters, Gaz Pringle was as determined as his defenders to secure a first clean sheet of the season, but had to do it the hard way when Mike Maletta tracked back into his penalty area to cover a break and found himself handling the left wing cross as it was hit hard at him. The penalty award was somewhat harsh but Mike's guilty look didn't help his case. However, the spot kick was superbly saved by Gaz diving low to his left to secure a modicum of justice.
Manager Mel Barnes returned to action for a brief run out at the end, having missed a few weeks through injury and helped see the game out at 4-0, a very pleasing performance and result for him, even though there was a general feeling that it should have been a few more.
The opposition man-of-the-match award was given to the oldest player on the pitch, Pete Dessington turning back the clock again to pip goalkeeper Gaz Pringle and centre half Dave Henrys for the final vote, although there were a number of other excellent performances that would also have been worthy of mention.
Team: Gaz Pringle, Darren Molyneux, Pete Dessington, Nick Harris, Dave Henrys, Steve Buckley, Richard Millington (Mel Barnes), Mike Maletta, Dan Hicks, Darren Brierley (Chris Jones), Mark Ray
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24/10/15 Northop Hall Old Boys 4 Rossett Veterans 5
With the cancellation of last week's fixture at Shotton, this proved to be a second successive defeat, both at home in a match that lacked much quality, especially from the home side after what was a good opening salvo. In the end, individual errors and missed chances led to a 5-4 scoreline that ended up being closer than it probably should have been.
There could be no blame on a lack of players, a decent sized squad was available although manager Mel Barnes was sidelined by injury. There was even another cameo appearance for Richard Moore one of his northern visits from Kent. The absence of goalkeeper Gaz Pringle was a big loss but Mark Keen donned the gloves as an adequate replacement in just his second game for the club. At the other end of the spectrum, Dave Henrys appearance after 30 minutes was his 200th in an Old Boys shirt as he continues to set the bar for most turn-outs. Dan Hicks was also back from injury for his first game of the season.
The home side started extremely brightly and bossed the game for the first 20 minutes or so, first to the loose ball, winning challenges all over the field and creating several excellent chances that they lived to regret squandering, the best of them falling first to Dan Hicks in an unfamiliar advanced right channel and on his wrong foot. Instead of taking on the clear shot he tried to play in Mark 'Sparky' Ray for who the offside whistle proved superfluous as he put the ball wide anyway. Sparky then turned provider for leading scorer Darren Brierley with a terrific left wing cross that put his co-striker in at the far post, but his effort was thwarted by a good save from Alan Jones (who had a few appearances for the Old Boys in the past) in the Rossett goal.
However, the Old Boys did manage to put the ball in the Rossett goal with a quarter of the game gone, Dan Hicks' long throws had already caused a couple of problems and this time a thin flick from the head of Craig Jones was enough, although the visitors were complaining the ball had gone straight in from the throw even though a defender on the line completed the job by only clearing on to his own crossbar and in.
Mark Keen had been fairly quiet in the home goal until then, comfortably commanding his area, but he was soon picking the ball out of the net after a right wing cross was volleyed in against the run of play. With a foothold in the game, Rossett began to exert some pressure and a mix up on a goal kick taken short to Darren Molyneux and not delivered back to Pete Dessington with enough vigour allowed one of the Rossett strikers to nip in and chip the ball into the far corner.
Half time: 1-2
After the break, another goal for Rossett came from a Northop Hall goal kick, Mark Keen this time unable to get any distance on it and the ball pinging between the surprised centre backs before landing perfectly at the feet of the striker to fire home into the bottom corner.
Although the Old Boys managed to get a goal back to make it 3-2, Mike Salusbury bundling the ball over the line for his first goal of the season after a strong header in midfield from Mike Maletta had put Darren Brierley on his way to eventually cross low into the six yard box, it was Mark Keen who was the busiest of the keepers, not helped by some sloppy passing from the home side (although the visitors were just as culpable) and he was forced to make a couple of decent saves to keep the score down.
However, more poor defending as Rossett poured players forward from midfield enabled them to score twice more as the half went on, punishing the mistakes with some clinical finishing.
Chances were few and far between for the home side, but late in the game with Richard Moore on for his latest appearance, a good run from Mike Salusbury ended with Dan Hicks calmly slotting home to give the Old Boys a late lifeline. Mark Keen made an excellent save to turn a goalbound shot away and as the game reached its conclusion, the home side brought the scores back to just one in it when Darren Brierley again finished a good run by squaring across the box for "deadly" Mike Salusbury to finish from a couple of yards out.
Time was fast running out as the Old Boys pressed for an unlikely equaliser in the context of the game and one last chance fell to Mike Salusbury at the far post, but from much further out than his goals he blasted his shot high and wide and the last chance had gone.
In a very poor outfield performance, it was fitting that Mark Keen took the opposition man of the match vote, despite shipping five goals. A big improvement is required as the early season form appears to have completely deserted the old Boys at the moment.
Team: Mark Keen, Kevin Hoyland (Pete Dessington), Darren Molyneux, Nick Harris, John Weaver (Dave Henrys), Dan Hicks, Craig Jones (Richard Moore), Mike Maletta, Mike Salusbury (Steve Buckley), Darren Brierley, Mark Ray
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10/10/15 Northop Hall Old Boys 0 Chester Nomads 6ths 2
The return to the Pavilion after last weekend's double header away from home brought about a frustrating performance in a game that would have been a poor one for any neutral watching, with chances at a premium and both defences mostly on top. In the end, it took two thirds of the game for a scrappy goal to put Chester ahead and a mistake at the back to allow them to put the game to bed soon after.
The Old Boys gambled on the returns of two players injured last weekend, defenders Karl Millington and Darren Molyneux lining up hoping their respective injuries had cleared up. Unfortunately, both suffered recurrences leaving a patched up defence with Craig Jones dropping back to partner Dave Henrys and Eifion Jones replacing Darren Molyneux on his first appearance of the season.
Kevin Hoyland returned at right back to add some much needed pace to the side especially as he was up against some very young opponents down the Nomads left flank with last week's debutant Chris Jones pushed up on the right to assist him.
The Old Boys cause wasn't helped in the first half by a knee injury sustained by keeper Gaz Pringle as he sprang from his line to close down an attach over the top of his defence, colliding with the striker in the process and coming off second best and needing a kicker for much of the remainder of the game.
Fortunately, as with the home side, the visitors struggled to fashion any real openings in the first 45 minutes and the injury wasn't tested too much. Both defences were dominant and both teams suffered from being unable to string a series of meaningful passes together, Chester having slightly the better of play if anything, their youngster goalkeeper able to launch a few attacks with some long kicking.
The best chance for the home side came unsurprisingly to leading scorer Darren Brierley, fashioning a chance for himself using his pace to spin down the right channel unopposed but skewing his shot wide of the near post.
Half time: 0-0
The game didn't improve much as a spectacle after the break, both sides huffing and puffing in front of the respective goals to fashion any real chances. Both sides won plenty of corners and throw ins around the box without getting too near to an opening goal, although Mel Barnes did put a free header at the far post over the bar from Mark 'Sparky' Ray's right wing corner.
The best chance of the half for the Old Boys also came from a 'Sparky' cross, this time from the left, dropping perfectly for Mike Maletta on the edge of the six yard box, his unmarked header a certain goal if he had put it anywhere except where he did, straight into the grateful keeper's arms.
It was to prove a costly miss as the Nomads grabbed an opening goal at the other end, their striker running behind the defence to latch on to a throw in, his shot on the turn parried away by Gaz Pringle. However, the Chester right winger reacted quickest and stabbed at the rebound scuffing his contact but getting enough on it to loop it in to the unguarded goal.
The game was effectively up moments later when striker Darren Brierley had to retire from the pitch to protect a muscle twinge and moments later a defensive lapse let in the visitors to finish off the challenge. Gaz Pringle tried to start a move from the back, but his roll out to Craig Jones put the defender under pressure and his attempted return pass fell well short and allowed the visiting striker to nip in and finish the easiest of chances.
It was bad luck on the home defence who had been busy all afternoon but had coped fairly well with most threats. This was backed up by the man-of-the-match nomination going to full back Kevin Hoyland. A second successive defeat then, but more concerning for the manager at the moment will be the spate of injuries that are hampering his team selections.
Team: Gaz Pringle, Kevin Hoyland, Darren Molyneux (Eifion Jones), Karl Millington (Mike Maletta), Dave Henrys, Chris Jones (Phil Southern), Craig Jones, Mel Barnes (Tim Sproston), Mike Salusbury, Darren Brierley, Mark Ray
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03/10/15 Wirral Veterans 3 Northop Hall Old Boys 2
The second game within 24 hours saw a small squad of surviving players take on Wirral Veterans at Plymyards. Karl Millington's injury from the previous evening ruled him out, while Darren Molyneux started but quickly succumbed to his. Fortunately, the fresh legs of John Edmunds, Mike Maletta and Mike Salusbury were able to be added to the starting line-up, along with a debut for Wednesday night stalwart Chris Jones.
Wirral had a few early chances but fell repeatedly for a well-marshalled offside trap and were becoming increasingly frustrated. The Old Boys developed a few decent moves themselves in the early stages, but Darren Molyneux's withdrawal meant Mark 'Sparky' Ray dropping back as emergency left back. This was negated somewhat by Darren Brierley coming on as substitute and again causing havoc with his pace up front.
However, it was the home side who took the lead, a move down their right enabling the winger to pick out a striker with pinpoint accuracy to head home past Gaz Pringle.
Craig Jones and Mike Salusbury both tried their luck from range before Darren Brierley again beat the defence to a through ball to slot home an equaliser to go into double figures already for the season.
Half time: 1-1
The second half saw the game stretch out and Wirral again took the lead when their striker got himself goal side of Nick Harris who couldn't recover in time to avoid the slot home at the finish.
Both keepers were called into action as the half progressed, Gaz Pringle turning a low shot round the post. At the other end, the Wirral keeper dropped a costly clanger as they played the ball around the back, his attempted clearance charged down by Richard Millington and ricocheting into the open goal to level things up again, his second goal of the season.
And Rich was denied a spectacular third just moments later when he controlled a ball dropping over his shoulder and lashed home the half volley from 25 yards into the top corner, the referee though responding to shouts of handball from the Wirral defender and ruling out the goal even though he was in no position at all to see if it actually was.
As the game went on, Wirral continued to press, the exertions of the past 24 hours catching up on a few legs but the Old Boys gamely held on and then created the chance of the half for Mike Salusbury running through free on goal into the penalty area, just the keeper to beat but putting his shot over the crossbar.
It was to prove a costly miss as Wirral were awarded a free kick at the other end, again a controversial one on the edge of the box. The wall maybe should have done better to try and stop the ball going narrowly over them and into the far corner of Gaz Pringle's goal.
The unbeaten start to the season looked as if it was over with time running out, but again Darren Brierley raced through the home defence and with the keeper again the only thing between the ball and the goal got his body in the way to deny the last chance of the game and with it the chance to rescue the unbeaten run.
Darren Brierley took the opposition vote for man of the match, despite his late miss which would have been just reward for the team's substantial efforts, in particular those who played both games, and special mentions in that respect to Gaz Pringle, Dave Henrys and Craig Jones who played every minute of the two matches and will have certainly known about it the following day!
Team: Gaz Pringle, Chris Jones, Darren Molyneux (Darren Brierley), Nick Harris, Dave Henrys, John Edmunds, Craig Jones, Mike Maletta, Mike Salusbury, Richard Millington (Mel Barnes), Mark Ray
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02/10/15 Buckley Veterans 1 Northop Hall Old Boys 3
Despite the obvious logistical problems of fulfilling two fixtures in less than 24 hours, the Olds Boys accepted an invitation from Buckley Veterans to play under floodlights at Buckley Town's Globe Way ground, the novelty originally attracting a large squad, but this had dwindled to 14 by kick off. The opposition were not as match fit but boasted some decent players that had played a good level of football and would produce a stern test. However, the visitors produced a first half of such quality that they blew their opponents away with a three goal haul and one of the best performances they have ever produced.
Anyone watching the first 10 minutes wouldn't have seen coming what followed in the remainder of the half. Gaz Pringle had already had to be out smartish to deny a couple of one on ones as the Old Boys struggled to keep possession unused to the effect of the lights. Eventually they got into their stride however and some smart football from the back to front started to lead to chances at the other end. Karl Millington was the architect of much of it, combining well with Darren Molyneux down the right to be at the heart of most things good.
A fine move set Darren Molyneux away to open the scoring midway through the half, doubling his season tally with a controlled finish at the end of a pacy run. It was soon 2-0 with Mark 'Sparky' Ray turning to his favoured left foot on the edge of the penalty area and slotting home his first goal of the regular season.
The defence was holding up well at the other end, despite losing Karl Millington to injury, although Gaz Pringle still had to react well to parry one long range goalbound effort. The pressure continued at the other end and a Craig Jones right wing corner picked out leading scorer Darren Brierley evading his marker to power a header into the corner.
Half time: 0-3
Further injury problems beset the Northop Hall side in the second half, Darren Molyneux succumbing, as Buckley changed their formation round after the break and started to boss the midfield areas. The Old Boys held firm for long periods, although they remained grateful to Gaz Pringle for a string of fine saves, a couple at full stretch.
At the other end, Darren Brierley again went close as his pace caused no end of problems but it was the home side who scored the game's final goal, albeit in controversial circumstances. The striker beat the back line to bear down on goal, his lob over Gaz Pringle as he came hurtling out flying high over the bar, but the keeper's momentum that saw him collide with his opponent was adjudged illegal despite the ball having gone dead and the penalty kick sent Gaz the wrong way.
As the game went on, the Old Boys legs started to tire and Buckley's attacks became more sustained but still unable to find a way through a solid defensive line until a run across the edge of the box drew a mistimed challenge from player manager Mel Barnes. It took the striker a while to realise he'd been clipped and the tumble then looked very theatrical, but amid the jeers the referee again incredulously pointed to the spot again. This time, the same penalty taker saw Gaz Pringle go the right way and save his kick.
Although the second half had been more "backs to the wall", the overall performance was one of the Old Boys' best for some time with a number of standout individual efforts. However it was keeper Gaz Pringle who took the opposition's man-of-the-match vote for the second successive game. With a very short recovery period to the game at Wirral the following afternoon and numbers diminishing all the time, it would be interesting to see whether Mel Barnes' team could keep the unbeaten start to the season going.
Team: Gaz Pringle, Karl Millington (Nick Harris), Pete Dessington, Andy Rooke, Dave Henrys, Steve Buckley, Craig Jones, Mel Barnes (Richard Millington), Darren Molyneux, Darren Brierley, Mark Ray (Scott Telford)
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26/09/15 Northop Hall Old Boys 2 Sefton Veterans 2
The Old Boys had goalkeeper Gaz Pringle most to thank for keeping the new manager's unbeaten run going as Sefton were held to a 2-2 draw at the Pavilion. A man of the match performance from the stopper in a battling performance kept a good opposition side at bay for long periods as the visitors shaded the game.
Kevin Hoyland returned from injury to make his first appearance of the season in a fairly strong line-up on a glorious autumn afternoon. The opposition rotated through a small travelling squad of 12 while Mel Barnes had problems of a different kind in juggling 17 players, although at least benefitted from his squad keeping fresher. Sefton were soon at it testing Gaz Pringle from the off with a couple of long rangers and controlling much of the game, the Old Boys reliant on using Darren Brierley's pace up front on the break.
Sefton struggled to break down a well-marshalled defence early on, although Nick Harris was grateful to Mike Salusbury for heading off the line after a misplaced clearance let the opposing striker in to shoot past Gaz Pringle. At the other end, Darren Brierley and Dave Henrys both went close with headers from a couple of Mark 'Sparky' Ray corners.
Sefton had been having a fair bit of success down their right side where they looked particularly strong, however a loss of concentration by the Old Boys allowed them to open the scoring from an attack down their left side, a speculative ball over the top finding the home side exposed and the winger cut in unopposed to slot home.
Northop Hall were level before the break however, a long kick from the back flicked on, first by Sparky, and then by Darren Brierley to put Steve Buckley in past the offside trap to fire home the equaliser and his first goal of the season amidst complaints to the referee from the opposition.
Half time: 1-1
Early in the second half, Sefton were back ahead. Their striker cut in from the right and Tim Sproston missed his tackle but not the man and conceded the penalty kick which the visitors duly converted.
The home side huffed and puffed but struggled to create many chances as the half developed. The Merseyside visitors on the other hand continued to test Gaz Pringle and another goal looked increasingly on the cards as the defence looked more and more makeshift.
The manager changed things in an effort to find an equaliser, reintroducing Darren Brierley as a third striker and going to three at the back and it had an immediate effect, Darren latching on to a through ball down the middle and leaving the defence in his wake as he converted for his 8th goal in 4 games this season rather against the run of play.
This served to increase the pressure from the opposition and the Old Boys had to work hard to keep the scores level, none more than keeper Gaz Pringle who pulled off a string of saves to deny them, one of which he somehow tipped away as it looked to be finding the top corner.
In the end, it was a stroke of luck that proved the decisive factor, as a Sefton corner was cleared to the edge of the area. The low shot beat Gaz but took a slight deflection off player manager Mel Barnes that turned it on to the post and cannoning back into play straight into the grateful arms of the keeper. They probably realised at that moment that it wasn't going to be their day and it could have got worse, Steve Buckley denied a second goal at the death from an offside position.
Player of the season in the last campaign, Gaz Pringle took the opposition vote for man-of-the-match, somewhat unsurprisingly. A hard fought and maybe fortunate result for the Old Boys but Mel Barnes' unbeaten run since taking over as manager goes on. Next weekend will be the biggest test yet though as teh club has arranged two games in two days and will be hoping that the sizeable squad are all available across Friday evening at Buckley and Saturday afternoon at Wirral.
Team: Gaz Pringle, John Weaver (Kevin Hoyland), Pete Dessington (Tim Sproston), Nick Harris, Dave Henrys (John Edmunds), Steve Buckley, Mel Barnes (Mike Maletta), Mike Salusbury (Craig Jones), Darren Molyneux, Darren Brierley, Mark Ray (Scott Telford)
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19/09/15 Eastham Veterans 2 Northop Hall Old Boys 5
The Old Boys travelled across the border for the first time this season looking to continue their unbeaten start on the Wirral at Eastham. The afternoon didn't start well with several players delayed by an accident causing the closure of the M53 and subsequent heavy traffic on the A41.
However, Mel Barnes had his largest squad yet to choose from so was able to reshuffle for kick off. Andy Rooke was in for his first game of the season while Scott Telford also played his first game of the season for the Old Boys having volunteered to make up the numbers for the Nomads last week. John Weaver made his "official" debut and Mike Maletta his first "official" appearance of the season after both had already been part of the winning Charity Shield squad two weeks earlier while Andy Baker, one of our Wednesday regulars, also played his first game of what will be a short-lived career as he emigrates to Perth in Australia in a couple of weeks!
The first half saw the hosts play down the slope on a big pitch on Higher Bebington Road and they had the better of the early exchanges with lots of possession in the middle and wide areas but met with solid resistance from the Old Boys as they tried to advance that kept them at bay for long periods and led to a fairly quiet half for Gaz Pringle in the visitors' goal, just a few comfortable saves and confident handling from any crosses that got closer to him.
Northop Hall had several forays of their own with the pace of Darren Brierley causing problems, but similarly not testing the home keeper too much. Things changed after the half hour reshuffle, Eastham opening the scoring with a move down their left that led to their striker turning in on the edge of the penalty area and curling a right foot shot that Gaz could do nothing about.
However, the Old Boys were back on level terms soon after with an even better strike. Darren Molyneux has certainly found his shooting boots this season and after a ball was cleared from the penalty area for him to run on to, his sweet right foot strike from 25 yards arrowed into the top corner giving the Eastham keeper no chance at all.
Half time: 1-1
The advantage of the slope and being able to shuffle the pack more than the opposition as the large playing surface and autumn sun took their toll made the second half a different affair as the visitors peppered the Wirral side's goal from the off, John Edmunds and Scott Telford with a couple of early chances before a second goal arrived, Andy Rooke venturing forward down the right and putting a perfect cross on to the head of leading scorer Darren Brierley to beat the keeper from 8 yards unchallenged.
The Old Boys continued to drive home their advantage, Mark 'Sparky' Ray seeing the keeper deny him with a fine save before Scott Telford's flick header put Darren Brierley in behind the defence with a clear run on goal. With the Eastham keeper advancing, Daz produced a sublime little lob over him and into the goal for his 7th strike of the season.
Replaced before he could complete another hat-trick, Daz then watched as his replacement Richard Millington was pushed into the attack and immediately rewarded the manager's decision with his first goal of the season after good work again from Scott Telford. Soon after, Scott thought he had one of his own as Richie turned provider from the right goal line but this time the referee ruled that the ball was out before he could pull it back.
However, it didn't take long before Scott had a legitimate goal to celebrate as an excellent clip ball from Steve Buckley cleared the far defender and allowed Scott to run in behind and strike home his own season opener. There was still plenty coming the other way in fairness and a couple of sticky moments at the back eventually resulted in a late consolation for the home side to make it 2-5.
Another solid hard working performance all over the pitch had brought its reward and there were many potential nominees, however for the second week running the opposition's man-of-the-match nomination went to 2-goal Darren Brierley.
Team: Gaz Pringle, Karl Millington, Pete Dessington (Damian Molyneux), Andy Rooke (John Weaver), Dave Henrys, Mel Barnes (Mike Maletta), Richard Millington (Andy Baker), Mike Salusbury (Steve Buckley), Darren Molyneux (John Edmunds), Darren Brierley, Mark Ray (Scott Telford)
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12/09/15 Northop Hall Old Boys 2 Northop Hall Nomads 1
The first "proper" home game of the season (after last week's Charity Shield success) brought about a hard fought first victory for new manager Mel Barnes in the local derby with Northop Hall Nomads, despite the opposition turning up short again, this time their 10 men being supplemented by Old Boy Scott Telford on his return to 11-a-side football after injury.
The home side were boosted by the return of keeper Gaz Pringle and midfielder Mike Salusbury, while Karl Millington made his first "full" appearance. There was also a late cameo at right back for former chairman Phil Southern that helped to keep the score to 2-1 at the end.
Darren Brierley was making his 100th appearance for the club and became the 16th player in just over 7 seasons to pass that milestone, having already recorded his 100th goal six months ago. His double in this game not only enabled the Old Boys to record the win but also took his overall tally as all-time leading goalscorer to 111.
Mark 'Sparky' Ray is still chasing with 92 strikes of his own and was unlucky to see an early shot well saved as the Old Boys started the game well, Karl Millington and Steve Buckley linking well on the right flank, Pete Dessington and Darren Molyneux likewise on the left to give plenty of service to the strikers and the centre midfield pair joining the attack.
However, there was a tendency to over commit a bit in the first half which offered the Nomads their own opportunities and Gaz Pringle, who collected his Player of the Season trophy from last season prior to the game, had a couple of smart saves of his own to make.
Working the ball neatly out from the left side of defence, the ball fell for Karl Millington to fire up the line. Darren Brierley turned his man and left him for dead as he bore down on goal and slotted home neatly into the far corner of the goal.
The Old Boys might have had another when Craig Jones long shot was touched on to the crossbar by the Nomads keeper and fell away to safety and a few other chances came and went before the visitors struck with a sucker punch. It came via a long punt from the keeper that opposite number Gaz Pringle looked favourite to collect at the other end. However, a moment's hesitation let in the Nomads striker to poke the ball goalwards and the ball crossed the line before covering defender Karl Millington could hook it out.
Half time: 1-1
The second half was a fairly equal affair with both sides again making chances, the Old Boys defence getting some good blocks in to keep the ball away from goal and Gaz Pringle showing good hands on anything that did come his way.
Mike "Saucy" Salusbury and Criag Jones both had a couple of shots come close as the home side pushed for a winner but eventually it was Darren Brierley who completed a fine day for himself and his team with another break away goal, his fifth in the opening two games.
Karl Millington had a solid game at the back but succumbed to injury for the last 20 minutes requiring Phil Southern to make a rare appearance at right back, but proving just as resiliant as his team mates as the clock wound down without further scoring at either end, although a couple of free kicks awarded to the Nomads close to goal caused a late scare before coming to nothing.
A good hard working team performance overall but the opposition's man-of-the-match nomination fittingly went to 2-goal Darren Brierley on his 100th outing.
Team: Gaz Pringle, Nick Harris, Pete Dessington (Mel Barnes), Karl Millington (Phil Southern), Dave Henrys, Steve Buckley, Craig Jones, Mike Salusbury, Darren Molyneux, Darren Brierley, Mark Ray
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(Click here to view the 2009-10 season results and match reports)
(Click here to view the 2010-11 season results and match reports)
(Click here to view the 2011-12 season results and match reports)
(Click here to view the 2012-13 season results and match reports)
(Click here to view the 2013-14 season results and match reports)
(Click here to view the 2014-15 season results and match reports)
Date Opposition Venue/Score Scorers 29/08/15 Mostyn Veterans drew 3-3 Brierley (3) 05/09/15 CHARITY SHIELD - 3 team tournament at Northop Hall N/Hall - 12/09/15 NORTHOP HALL NOMADS won 2-1 Brierley (2) 19/09/15 Eastham Veterans won 5-2 Darren Molyneux, Brierley (2), R.Millington, Telford 26/09/15 SEFTON VETERANS drew 2-2 Buckley, Brierley 02/10/15 Buckley Town Veterans (7 pm k.o.) won 3-1 Darren Molyneux, Ray, Brierley 03/10/15 Wirral Veterans lost 2-3 Brierley, R.Millington 10/10/15 CHESTER NOMADS lost 0-2 - 17/10/15 Shotton Steel *** OFF *** - 24/10/15 ROSSETT VETERANS lost 4-5 Craig Jones, Salusbury (2), Hicks 31/10/15 St.Marys (Liverpool) *** OFF *** - 07/11/15 Upton Magnets won 4-0 Hicks, Buckley, Ray, Brierley 14/11/15 WOOLTON VETERANS drew 1-1 R.Millington 21/11/15 RHEWL VETERANS won 5-4 Hicks, Ray, Ward, Buckley, Salusbury 28/11/15 SMA Veterans (Liverpool) lost 0-7 - 05/12/15 Rhewl Veterans *** OFF *** - 12/12/15 LIVERPOOL CONVOCATION *** OFF *** - 19/12/15 NO GAME - - 02/01/16 Northop Hall Nomads *** OFF *** - 09/01/16 Frodsham *** OFF *** - 16/01/16 UPTON MAGNETS *** OFF *** - 23/01/16 EASTHAM VETERANS *** OFF *** - 30/01/16 Ruthin Veterans *** OFF *** - 06/02/16 SHOTTON STEEL (at Shotton) drew 3-3 Brierley (2), R.Millington 13/02/16 NO GAME - - 20/02/16 ST MARYS (LIVERPOOL) won 5-3 Salusbury(3), Darren Molyneux, Hicks 27/02/16 Chester Nomads 6ths lost 1-4 Salusbury 05/03/16 Rossett Veterans won 2-1 Brierley (2 (1 pen)) 12/03/16 WIRRAL VETERANS lost 1-3 Salusbury 19/03/16 Woolton Veterans *** OFF *** - 26/03/16 Radbrooke Hall (Sealand Cup) lost 1-5 Hicks (pen) 02/04/16 FRODSHAM BARCELONA (Sealand Cup) won 3-1 R.Millington (2), Hicks 09/04/16 Mostyn (Sealand Cup) lost 0-2 - 16/04/16 Woolton (Sealand Cup) *** OFF *** - 23/04/16 L'POOL RAMBLERS (Sealand Cup) lost 3-4 Buckley, Hicks, Maletta 26/04/16 SUPERVETS - v. Rossett over-50's (at Bebington Oval) won 5-0 Barnes (2), R.Millington (2), Dolman 30/04/16 Rossett Veterans lost 2-6 Salusbury (2)(1 pen) 07/05/16 Halkyn Vets (Sealand Cup) won 2-0 Salusbury (2) 14/05/16 NORTHOP HALL NOMADS lost 1-5 Edmunds 22/05/16 Mold Alex 6-a-side Tournament Mold - 27/05/15 Wild Geese FC (Dublin) (at Cumann Parnell GAA club, Dublin) lost 2-4 guest, Darren Molyneux 28/05/15 Dublin Northsiders (at Cumann Parnell GAA club, Dublin) lost 1-3 guest 06/06/16 SUPERVETS - v. Rossett over-50's (at Airbus UK) lost 2-4 Southern, Dolman
(switched to Rowley's Drive, Shotton)