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AUGUST 2010
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2011/12 SEASON - FIXTURES OUT / NEW KIT
Another season looms large and the fixture list is almost completely filled. You can download a copy from the website now. The season kicks off with the revamped Charity Cup on August 27th (more details soon). Prior to that we will have a couple of pre-season games to shake off the cobwebs and introduce a couple of new faces to the squad. One of these games will be between ourselves, as we did last season - watch this space.
The website has been updated, use the menu bar left to navigate around; 'Profiles' now include last season's statistics and 2010/11 details now come under 'last season'.
Many thanks to Eifion Jones who has agreed to sponsor us a new kit for the coming season. A green shirt has been chosen (see below) which will be paired with black shorts and socks as a contrast to the yellow/green of previous seasons, which will continue as a change strip as required.
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MONEY HANDOVER TO 'SAVE THE FAMILY' INCLUDES A FOOTBALL LESSON FROM THE KIDS
Several members of the Old Boys joined a few of the Northop Hall Nomads team at the Plas Bellin centre to handover the £350 raised in the Charity Cup to the 'Save the family' charity. Steve Bodey, Mark 'Sparky' Ray, Ady Binnersley and Dave Henrys joined the "cheque handover photo pose" before getting stuck in with a kickaround with the kids, a number of whom displayed more than a few deft touches and an eye for goal and definitely gave us a runaround. Fundraising Officer Angella Rawsthorne said "I didn’t realise how much our children were going to enjoy the football match, as I sat on the bench watching them play and have so much fun – I was really touched. Thank you so much again." Photos from the night will be posted soon and we will definitely be trying to organise another visit in the near future.
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COMMITTEE NOMINATED TO DECIDE FUTURE ISSUES
Senior members of the football club met to formalise a few issues on June 30th. Phil Southern (below) has been officially voted in as Club Chairman for 2011/12, a role he has been unofficially performing during the past year. Dave Henrys will continue to combine secretarial duties with those of Treasurer, as well as organising the playing side (with assistance from the other senior players). Other decisions taken included the capping of annual player subscriptions for 2011/12 at £10.00 each player to cover the pitch fees for the year, a tour to be undertaken on the weekend of March 24th and a new kit to be purchased for the 2011/12 season. Fixtures are sorted for the majority of Saturdays already, a couple of pre-season games will be added to get sharpness back. The website will be updated soon for the new season - WATCH THIS SPACE!!
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BLOODIED BUT VICTORIOUS, OLD BOYS TAKE CHARITY CUP TO END SEASON ON HIGH NOTE
Steve Bodey was the unlikeliest of heroes, grabbing the winner minutes from time to give the Old Boys a 2-1 win on the day and a 5-1 aggregate to take the Charity Cup from Northop Hall Nomads for the first time. Having laid on the winning header, Paz Maletta's day ended in blood as a nasty clash of heads left him a wound needing 20 stitches. All told though, it was a fine end to a fine season with a deserved victory and a performance that would have yielded more goals but for a number of saves from Wilton Evans turning out for the opposition this week. Click here to view the match report.
There are a number of new photos on the gallery. Click on the images below from the Charity Cup 2nd leg.
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The hastily arranged fixture with Carmel Veterans at Holywell proved a one-sided affair by the end, as the hosts young legs enabled them to run out 6-1 winners. The unbelievable youth of the opposition made the game look more like a "lads and dads" game and despite a spirited first half that saw Mark 'Sparky' Ray add to his tally for the season and a 2-1 half-time turnaround, the second half was backs against the wall and a non-contest in many ways. Not helped also by the excesses of the previous evening's Presentation Night it should be added, this was no more than a prelude to the last game next week, the second leg of the Charity Cup, making sure we got a run out to keep fit. With little else to tell, there will be no official match report this week. Carmel Vets claimed to have had drop outs on the day and had to draft in young players whose own seasons have finished, but there was barely a member of their squad who fell into veterans category. Needless to say, this won't be a repeated fixture, although they did ask if they could play us twice next season too. Come on boys, you can do better than that! Click here to view the line-up.
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2011/12 season - Fixtures out / New kit
Money handover to 'Save the Family' includes a football lesson from the kids!
Committee nominated to decide future issues
Bloodied but victorious, Old Boys take Charity Cup to end season on high note
Carmel kids take the mickey
Player award winners announced for 2010/11
Kieran return helps put Old Boys in Charity Cup driving seat
Old Boys rue missed chances in cup disappointment
Warrington Croft set up Sealand Cup decider
Late equaliser gives Old Boys deserved share of the spoils with Woolton
Waterside drop out of Sealand Cup
Seven up as Old Boys gallop away in Liverpool on Grand National day
Sealand Cup campaign starts with a stalemate
Ref shocker signals end of cup hopes
Shotton Steel Cup squad announced
Congratulations! John joins the growing legion of Grandads!
Old Boys show their mettle at Upton Magnets
Five star win for the second week in succession
Sportsmans Night raises a ton of cash for Mel's charity
Dinner at Northop Hall Country House Hotel a roaring success
Away win at St Marys Liverpool reward for battling performance
Narrowest of defeats as late own goal proves decisive
Keeper curse strikes again
It's raining goals at Northop Hall. Eight more against Chester!
Nine goals see off Rossett as strikers find their radar again
Brave second half comeback in vain at Bedford Argyle
Overnight frost does for Wirral fixture
Nomads snatch late 'derby' victory after Wilton double
Revenge in the mud for Halkyn
Shotton Steel Veterans Cup draw - Old Boys away to Saltney.
Stylish return to action sees off British Steel again
Another postponement in winter of discontent
No game on December 11th
Eastham game off as winter weather takes hold
Honours even as winter gets a grip at Chester
Four-goal haul sees off St Mary's
Back to winning ways at Wrexham after early scare
Injury problems mounting
Bedford Argyle bring Old Boys back to earth with a bump (or seven)
Buckley on the comeback trail
Another Brierley hat-trick as second half comeback sees off Rhewl
Seven-up at Halkyn caps awesome display
Upton seen off in five-goal style
Unbeaten run ended by Rock Ferry "youngsters"
Injury curse of the goalkeepers strikes again
Keeper heroics sets foundation for derby win
Old Boys hang on for narrow Croft victory
Follow the Old Boys on Facebook
Late winner puts British Steel to the sword
Broken finger agony for keeper Steve
Last gasp leveller is just reward at Eastham
Honours even in stern Stationmasters test
Eifion hopeful of full recovery for charity pedal to Paris
Boar's Head sign up to replace Black Lion for-post match refreshment
Much to please despite friendly defeat
Breast Cancer Care benefit from Old Boys fundraisers
Get Well Soon's - Eifion & Mel to miss season openers
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PLAYER AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR 2010/11
Another hugely successful Presentation Night at Northop Hall Cricket Club saw the awarding of this season's trophies, the big winners being Kieran Whelan (Player of the Season), Anthony Woosey (Players' Player and Top Goalscorer), Mark 'Sparky' Ray (Managers Player) Declan Hickey (Club Man) and Will Gordon (Wednesday Night Player). Players making sufficient appearances during the season collected their merit trophies from former Veterans manager Martin Richardson. More photos will be uploaded shortly, but there are a couple below from the night.
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KIERAN RETURN HELPS PUT OLD BOYS IN CHARITY CUP DRIVING SEAT
Kieran Whelan returned to the Old Boys line-up with a man-of-the-match performance and a first goal of the season to set up a 3-0 lead in the first leg of this season's Charity Cup against Northop Hall Nomads. There will still be a lot to do in the second leg on May 28th if the Old Boys are to get their hands on the trophy for the first time, but two further goals from Ady Binnersley provided a handy buffer and a clear advantage going into the game. However, given that Nomads secured an 8-2 victory in the second leg of last season's event, we will be taking nothing for granted. Click here to view the match report.
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OLD BOYS RUE MISSED CHANCES IN CUP DISAPPOINTMENT
It was a case of the 'same old story' as Warrington Croft ran out 4-1 winners in the final group game of the Sealand Cup. The Old Boys required just a draw to progress and went ahead through Darren Brierley in the first half. A host of missed chances went begging in front of goal though as Croft clawed their way back to run out comfortable winners. Click here to view the match report. (The tournament is being run by Liverpool Convocation this year and you can follow it on their website by clicking here.)
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WARRINGTON CROFT SET UP SEALAND CUP DECIDER
Warrington Croft have set up a last game showdown with the Old Boys on April 30th, having beaten Liverpool Ramblers 6-2. It is a re-run of two years ago when we travelled to Croft needing a win to progress, but were beaten 5-3 despite an Anthony Woosey hat-trick. This time around, with a draw and a convincing win under our belts, it is Croft who come to Northop Hall needing the three points. A draw will be enough for the Old Boys but this will be a stern test. Croft have already beaten Waterside Old Boys 7-2 in the competition only to see their result expunged when Waterside dropped out. Halkyn visit Ramblers in the other game in this last round of ties and would expect to win there given the results in the group so far.
Sandbach have already secured a home semi-final from the other group having completed their matches with 3 wins and a draw. Northop Hall Nomads still have an outside chance of making second place and they will also be at home this week (to Rhewl) necessitating staggered kick-off times at the Pavilion. The Old Boys v. Warrington Croft will kick off at 2:00 pm with Nomads v. Rhewl half an hour later. Nomads need to win and hope that Wirral Vets slip up at home to Convocation. (The tournament is being run by Liverpool Convocation this year and you can follow it on their website by clicking here.)
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LATE EQUALISER GIVES OLD BOYS DESERVED SHARE OF THE SPOILS WITH WOOLTON
With the Old Boys having dominated for huge periods of the game, Anthony Woosey finally headed home an equaliser to earn Northop Hall a 3-3 draw at home to Woolton. A ruck of chances went begging in both halves unlike last week's finishing, while at the other end the opposition showed how it was done, making the defence pay for three lapses to clinically put away their few chances. Click here to view the match report.
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WATERSIDE DROP OUT OF SEALAND CUP
Waterside Old Boys have announced their withdrawal from this season's Sealand Cup as four of their players were involved in an accident at the weekend that has left them with injuries that will keep them out for 4-5 weeks. We extend our sympathies to them. Their 3-7 defeat at Warrington Croft on the opening day will not now be counted in the competition. (The tournament is being run by Liverpool Convocation this year and you can follow it on their website by clicking here.)
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SEVEN UP AS OLD BOYS GALLOP HOME IN LIVERPOOL ON GRAND NATIONAL DAY
It was a classic game of two halves for Northop Hall at Liverpool Ramblers in the second of the Sealand Cup group games. With the Grand National being run just down the road there was a slow start by the Old Boys, trailing 1-0 at half-time, but coming on strong in the second half to win comfortably by seven goals to one, some cracking finishes putting us in a good position in the competition after the second round of games. Click here to view the match report. (The tournament is being run by Liverpool Convocation this year and you can follow it on their website by clicking here.)
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SEALAND CUP CAMPAIGN BEGINS WITH STALEMATE
The opening round of matches in this season's Sealand Cup saw Halkyn visit Northop Hall. The two previous games this season ended in a victory apiece so the resulting 1-1 draw could perhaps have been predicted between two evenly matched sides. The Old Boys had the better of a goalless first half and should have been ahead by the break but it was only a late Halkyn penalty that denied the victory. Click here to view the match report. (The tournament is being run by Liverpool Convocation this year and you can follow it on their website by clicking here.)
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REF SHOCKER SIGNALS END OF CUP HOPES
The Old Boys hopes of progressing through the Shotton Steel Veterans Cup were again dashed at the first hurdle, this time at the hands of Saltney in a competitive cup-tie switched to Northop Hall. The opposition still provided the referee and it was to prove a key decision as his complete over-reaction to a tackle by Craig Jones on half-time, with the scores level, led to him being sent-off (later reversed to a substitution). Saltney added three goals after half-time against their weakened opponents and they now face Shotton Steel in the semi-finals after they put out Northop Hall Nomads last week. Click here to view the Old Boys match report.
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SHOTTON STEEL CUP SQUAD ANNOUNCED
A 14-man squad has been announced for the Shotton Steel Veterans Cup quarter-final on Saturday against Saltney. What might have been a difficult selection for manager Dave Henrys has been made easier by a number of players declaring themselves unavailable. However, with the need to take a slightly more competitive stance for this tie, Dave is happy not to have the major juggling exercise that 16 and 17 players requires. Saltney are an unknown quantity as far as the Old Boys are concerned. Two previously arranged fixtures with them have both been called off, although they were a more than useful outfit a few years back when Northop Hall Veterans used to play them. A reminder that kick off is 12:00 noon on Saturday at the Pavilion to avoid clashing with the Wales v. England international kicking off at 3:00 p.m. in Cardiff.
SQUAD:- Jeff Britton, Paz Maletta, Neil Sparrow, Darren Molyneux, Kevin Higgins, Dave Henrys, Pete Dessington, John Edmunds, Phil Ward, Craig Jones, Anthony Woosey, Darren Brierley, Mark Ray, Graham Wilks.
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CONGRATULATIONS! JOHN JOINS THE GROWING LEGION OF GRANDADS!
There is a wide range of ages amongst the Old Boys, given that veteran status begins at 35. Some of the younger guys have babies and young children of their own but at the other end of the scale you can fast forward some 15 to 20 years and find a growing band of the next generation whose children are grown up and having kids of their own. Most recent inductee into this group is John Edmunds whose daughter Gemma gave birth to a baby boy Joseph last Sunday morning. Congratulations to all concerned!
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OLD BOYS SHOW THEIR METTLE AT UPTON MAGNETS
After a very even first half at Upton, Northop Hall ran out 4-1 winners thanks to a sturdy second half display and "TV star" Anthony Woosey completing another hat-trick for the club. (Picture below shows Ant and son Adam captured celebrating the City goal at last week's FA Cup quarter final on ESPN). Click here to view the match report ... from the Upton game!
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FIVE STAR WIN FOR SECOND WEEK IN SUCCESSION
Goals from Graham Wilks, Phil Ward, Ady Binnersley, Anthony Woosey and Darren Brierley gave the Old Boys five for the second week on the run, but it was heroics from Jeff Britton in goal (pictured below), including a penalty save, that made the victory safe in a hard-fought game at home to Rhewl Veterans, 5-2 the final score. Click here to view the match report.
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SPORTSMAN'S NIGHT RAISES A TON OF CASH FOR MEL'S CHARITY
Several members of the Old Boys team went along to the Sportsman's Night at Flint Golf Club to hear ex-Liverpool player Tommy Smith and Liverpudlian comedian Frankie Allen entertain a packed room with some great stories and jokes. The event was held to raise funds for the Glan Clwyd Cancer Care Centre at Bodelwyddan where Mel's wife Jayne was recently treated. The Old Boys have been able to contribute £200 to the fund in total (including the raffle held at last week's Dinner).
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DINNER AT NORTHOP HALL COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL A ROARING SUCCESS
After months in the offing and a false start in January, the post-Christmas social night went ahead on the 4th of March at the Northop Hall Country House Hotel. Everybody reported it a great night with excellent food and service and everybody looking forward to the next event. Thanks to everybody who came along and supported it - photographs from the night are on the Gallery - click here or on photo below to view them. A raffle was held with money raised going to Mel Barnes's Cancer Care charity and thanks to Mike thwaites of Key2Mobile Disco for also providing prizes as well as great music through the evening!
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AWAY WIN AT ST MARYS LIVERPOOL REWARD FOR BATTLING PERFORMANCE
A see-saw game on Merseyside against a good, proper veterans side saw the Old Boys come away with a 5-3 victory courtesy of a brace apiece for Darren Brierley and Graham Wilks and a first strike for Neil Sparrow on the back of a battling performance that wasn't always the easiest on the eye. Click here to view the match report (apologies for the delay this week!).
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NARROWEST OF DEFEATS AS LATE OWN GOAL PROVES DECISIVE
With the goalkeeper crisis striking even deeper as the latest stand-in Alan Jones was called into work, it was left to player-manager Dave Henrys to take the gloves for the visit of Rock Ferry. His call for maximum protection was answered in spades as the Old Boys put in a terrific performance in the mud and only an unfortunate own goal close to full time denied them a share of the spoils, going down 2-1 at the death. Click here to view the match report.
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Another set of goalkeeping injuries has left the Old Boys without a shot stopper again. Steve Woosey has tweaked his knee playing tennis last weekend, but far more serious is the news that Jeff Britton has torn his groin muscle and developed a hernia as a result, which looks like it may need surgery. Having lost first choice keeper Steve Davies on the opening day of the season to a broken finger that needed several operations, defender Dave Pritchard gamely stood in for a run of games up to Christmas before he himself had to keep a long-standing appointment with the surgeon's knife in January, to repair a dodgy knee. Midfielder Phil Southern has stood in on previous occasions, but he is also unavailable this weekend to face Rock Ferry Veterans. Fortunately, the emergency call has been answered for the second time in as many months by Alan Jones who will be joining ex-Brickfields colleagues Mark 'Sparky' Ray and Ady Binnersley in Saturday's line-up. The outlook for future weeks is looking a little bit bleak unless we can get one of the walking wounded back to fitness quickly.
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IT'S RAINING GOALS AT NORTHOP HALL. EIGHT MORE AGAINST CHESTER!
Another tremendous display from the Old Boys put Chester Nomads to the sword in a one-sided contest dominated by the home strike force. That's seventeen goals in two games now, as the return of Darren Brierley has seemingly inspired the players around him to rediscover their accuracy and but for the Chester keeper it would have been more. The smart performance followed the official handover of the new training tops by club sponsor Eifion Jones (Green Thumb) to Phil Southern who sorted all the orders out (see photo below). Click here to view the match report.
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NINE GOALS SEE OFF ROSSETT AS STRIKERS FIND THEIR RADAR AGAIN
Another muddy pitch failed to stop the two teams from producing an excellent game of football, with the Old Boys running out 9-3 winners as the strikers rediscovered where the goalposts are! The squad was hugely boosted by the returns of Darren Brierley and Dave Bradley after injury and a very welcome first game of the season for Mel Barnes after his wife's illness. We're all delighted that Jayne is much better now. Before the game, Mel finally received his season medal for 2009/10 from Declan Hickey (see photo). There was also the luxury of having two first-choice keepers sharing duties and also making telling outfield contributions. Click here to view the match report.
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BRAVE SECOND HALF COMEBACK IN VAIN AT BEDFORD ARGYLE
A debut goal from Ady Binnersley and a debut man-of-the-match performance in goal from Jeff Britton couldn't prevent the Old Boys from falling to a third successive defeat, although a brave second half effort and a cracker from birthday boy Darren Molyneux brought the 3-0 deficit to 3-2 before a late fourth from Bedford Argyle finally settled things in wet and muddy conditions. Click here to view the match report.
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OVERNIGHT FROST DOES FOR WIRRAL FIXTURE
The home game against Wirral Veterans has fallen foul of the winter weather, yet another postponement, as overnight frost rendered the pitch unplayable with no sign of improvement on a very cold day.
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NOMADS SNATCH 'DERBY' VICTORY AFTER WILTON DOUBLE
Northop Hall Nomads gained revenge for their defeat in the season's first 'derby' game, coming from behind to grab two late goals. The Old Boys depleted squad put up a fantastic effort, not least from former keeper Wilton Evans (below) who made his first appearance in an outfield position and surprised everyone by notching two goals. In the end, the tired legs just didn't quite have enough in them to hang on for the win in what would have been a cracking game for any neutrals watching, despite one of the most bizarre refereeing performances of the season.Click here to view the match report.
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The first home game since November 20th saw the Old Boys go down 4-2 to Halkyn Vets, who gained revenge for a 7-1 drubbing at their place earlier in the season. The opposition adapted their game far better to the sticky conditions underfoot and came out on top despite a first-ever goal for Northop Hall from Phil Ward (below). Click here to view the match report.
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SHOTTON STEEL VETERANS CUP DRAW - OLD BOYS AWAY TO SALTNEY
The draw for the annual Shotton Steel Veterans Challenge Cup has given the Old Boys a tricky looking away tie at Saltney in March. By coincidence, Saltney were due to visit Northop Hall on March 26th for a friendly and there is a high chance that this fixture will be reversed to Saltney's ground and become the quarter-final tie instead. Eight veterans sides (all players must be over 35) contest this competition each year. The Old Boys entered last season for the first time but lost 3-1 at the first hurdle to Eastham Veterans who went on to lift the trophy, beating Northop Hall Nomads in the final. The semi-finals and final are both played at Rowleys Drive, Shotton in midweek.
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STYLISH RETURN TO ACTION SEES OFF BRITISH STEEL AGAIN
After a six week layoff the Old Boys were finally back in action and, despite a few rusty touches, were strong enough to do the double over British Steel Veterans with a 5-2 win. Anthony Woosey bagged a hat-trick, but the platform for victory came from two goals from John Edmunds late in the first half. Having waited years for a goal to come along, it's now three in three games for John as he continues to roll back the years this season. Click here to view the match report.
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ANOTHER POSTPONEMENT IN WINTER OF DISCONTENT
The year 2010 is ending as it began with a series of matches lost to the weather, the latest being the away fixture at Woolton on December 18th. With Christmas and New Year's day taking the next two Saturdays, the next scheduled game is away at British Steel on January 8th, some six weeks since the last game. A similar run in January this year marked the start of a terrible run of form that pretty well continued to the end of the season. Having had such a good start to the 2010/11 campaign, let's hope that doesn't happen this time round!
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Our efforts to get a game organised for this weekend have been thwarted by the weather as the deep freeze continues. Stay fit everybody, the next scheduled fixture is is December 18th away to Woolton in Liverpool. Don't forget to register your interest in the post-Xmas social on January 21st - see below.
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EASTHAM GAME OFF AS WINTER WEATHER TAKES HOLD
Saturday's game against Eastham has been cancelled because of the current adverse weather, despite best efforts to try and switch the game to the Wirral. If the snow and ice clear next week we are trying for a fixture in Ellesmere Port. Watch this space.
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HONOURS EVEN AS WINTER GETS A GRIP AT CHESTER
A game of two halves at Chester Nomads, dictated by the position of the low sun and the icy conditions underfoot, finished in a 2-2 draw as the Old Boys overturned a two goal first half deficit to take a deserved share of the spoils thanks to another double from Anthony Woosey. Click here to view the match report.
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FOUR-GOAL HAUL SEES OFF ST.MARY'S
Despite a number of absentees, the Old Boys saw off their Liverpudlian visitors under the direction of stand-in manager Declan Hickey, with goals from Anthony Woosey (2), Craig Jones and Mark "Sparky" Ray, with a guest appearance from former stalwart Richard Moore on a rare return to the north. Click here to view the match report.
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BACK TO WINNING WAYS AT WREXHAM AFTER EARLY SCARE
Victory over Rossett Veterans in an early kick-off at Queensway, Wrexham was just the tonic after last week's battering. Despite going a goal down in the first minute, the Old Boys dominated most of the game and should have secured a much more comprehensive result but for the standard of finishing. An older opposition gave the opportunity to give more playing time to the older members of the Old Boys squad and John Edmunds (pictured below) was one who benefitted to record his first ever goal for the club. Click here to view the match report.
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On top of the stunning home defeat by Bedford Argyle, problems mounted for the Old Boys as Pete Dessington limped out of action after his first involvement in the game and worse was to follow as top scorer Darren Brierley had to be carried to the changing room with a snapped hamstring after scoring his and the team's second goal. Already without two goalkeepers and with Steve Buckley a long-term absentee, Dave Bradley is also struggling to get fully fit from a calf problem. We hope that they will all be back in action very soon. For Pete, it was a disappointing end to a day that started with him belatedly receiving his season medal for 2009/10 from club sponsor Eifion Jones (pictured below). There was also a new team photograph taken which can be seen on the gallery page - Click here.
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BEDFORD ARGYLE BRING OLD BOYS BACK TO EARTH WITH A BUMP (OR SEVEN)
On the back of such good performances and results this season, Bedford Argyle gave Northop Hall a shock with a 7-2 win at the Pavilion. Although the Old Boys were poor on the day, Bedford put on a devastating display which would have resulted in an even more comprehensive score if it hadn't been for the heroics of stand-in keeper Dave Pritchard. Click here to view the match report.
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Midfielder Steve Buckley, one of the Old Boys most consistent performers over the past two seasons is hoping to step up training in a week or so as he recovers from a bad knee injury that has kept him out since the British Steel game at the start of September. It will be good to see him back.
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ANOTHER BRIERLEY HAT-TRICK AS SECOND HALF COMEBACK SEES OFF RHEWL
Darren Brierley scored his second hat-trick on the run as Northop Hall came back from two-nil down at half-time to beat Rhewl Veterans on their own turf. Click here to view the match report.
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SEVEN-UP AT HALKYN CAPS AWESOME DISPLAY
The Old Boys recovered from going a goal down to put in their best performance yet and sink Halkyn 7-1 on their own turf. Darren Brierley (below left) continued his current rich vein to lead the scoring with a well taken hat-trick, while Kieran Whelan (below right) got the opposition's man-of-the-match award for the second week running. Click here to view the match report.
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UPTON SEEN OFF IN FIVE-GOAL STYLE
Northop Hall got back to winning ways with a stylish 5-1 defeat of Upton Magnets, making good use of a large squad to make inroads with fresh players late in the game, particularly Darren Brierley who used his pace to bag two deserved late goals. Click here to view the match report.
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UNBEATEN RUN ENDED BY ROCK FERRY "YOUNGSTERS"
The Old Boys surrendered their unbeaten start to the season to a youthful Rock Ferry side who were able to dominate large portions of the game, despite some gritty defending by a below-strength Northop Hall. Click here to view the match report.
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INJURY CURSE OF THE KEEPERS STRIKES AGAIN
The hand injury that Steve Woosey sustained during last Saturday's win against Northop Hall Nomads has failed to mend and puts him out of contention for this weekend's game with Rock Ferry, a real shame after last week's heroics. With Steve Davies also out of action following a further operation on the broken finger he got at Eastham on the opening day, it seems the position is cursed, although hopefully that will be the last and we can get a settled run of goalkeeper performances from now on.
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KEEPER HEROICS SETS FOUNDATION FOR DERBY WIN
In one of the closest fought games against Northop Hall Nomads, both goalkeepers were instrumental in keeping the score down to a 2-0 Old Boys win, with first half goals from Mark 'Sparky' Ray and Darren Brierley proving the difference. Steve Woosey, younger brother of Anthony, played a starring role in his first appearance between the sticks. Click here to view the match report.
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OLD BOYS HANG ON FOR NARROW CROFT VICTORY
In a thoroughly entertaining game, Northop Hall put out a very attacking line-up, but were made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal as a very good Warrington Croft side came back from behind four times before being finally unable to answer Mark Ray's second half strike direct from a corner. Click here to view the match report.
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FOLLOW THE OLD BOYS ON FACEBOOK
You can now follow the progress of Northop Hall Old Boys on social networking site FACEBOOK. Click on the link below.
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LATE WINNER PUTS BRITSH STEEL TO THE SWORD
For the second week in a row a late goal proved decisive, this time proving to be a deserved winner against British Steel Veterans. Mark "Sparky" Ray enjoys playing at Northop Hall. At the back end of last season he hit a great goal for Brickfields against the Old Boys. Today on his debut for Northop Hall he managed an even better one, with Anthony Woosey (a very welcome returnee this season) adding two more. Phil Southern has been a worthy stand-in for Dave Henrys in managing the opening two goals and has orchestrated results against two of the top oppositions at this level. As next week's game with Saltney is off, the next match will be an equally tough home game with Warrington Croft on September 25th. Click here to view Phil's match report.
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BROKEN FINGER AGONY FOR KEEPER STEVE
The agonising injury sustained by Old Boys goalkeeper Steve Davies in yesterday's game at Eastham has been confirmed as a double break. An overnight stay in hospital was required while the little finger was pinned. The whole club wish Steve well with hopefully a speedy recovery.
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LAST GASP LEVELLER IS JUST REWARD AT EASTHAM
The start of the season proper saw Northop Hall Old Boys snatch a hugely deserved equaliser in the last seconds of the opening game at Eastham for a 3-3 draw. As well as losing goalkeeper Steve Davies to a first half injury, the luckless Old Boys saw several efforts come back off the woodwork before Darren Brierley's second goal on his debut finally saw justice done. Click here to view Phil Southern's match report.
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HONOURS EVEN IN STERN STATIONMASTERS TEST
The Old Boys ended their pre-season friendlies with a hard-fought draw against the young lads from Stationmasters, an ideal workout before next weekend's season opener at Eastham. New striker Darren Brierley (pictured below) was on target again in the 2-2 draw. Click here to view the match report. Click on the photo below or on "Gallery" on left to see some of the other new faces for 2010/11 and the Breast Cancer article & picture from The Leader.
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EIFION HOPEFUL OF FULL RECOVERY FOR CHARITY PEDAL TO PARIS
Just six weeks after having his appendix out, Eifion Jones will be setting out from London to Paris on a 300 mile charity bike ride to raise funds for the Royal British Legion on Wednesday, September 1st. The ride is due to take four days and will certainly test his powers of recovery! If you would like to support Eifion's efforts, you can click here to donate.
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BOAR'S HEAD SIGN UP TO REPLACE BLACK LION FOR POST-MATCH REFRESHMENT
The Boar's Head on Village Road, Northop Hall, affectionately known locally as the "Top Monkey", has stepped in to replace the Black Lion as Lianne closes the doors for the final time on August 21st. The landlord, who is known to all as Fletcher, will be providing similar fayre to the Black Lion starting with the next pre-season game on Friday 27th August.
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MUCH TO PLEASE DESPITE FRIENDLY DEFEAT
The traditional pre-season game with the young Moneysupermarket team ended in a 4-1 defeat, but with six new players taking the pitch there was much for the Old Boys to take from a game they were never expected to win and it provided an excellent run out before the season starts for real next month. Click here to view the match report by our "cub reporter".
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BREAST CANCER CARE BENEFIT FROM OLD BOYS FUNDRAISERS
A total of £200 has been passed on to the Breast Cancer Care charity following fundraising efforts over the past two seasons. This was originated by volunteer referee Adie Goss, who asked that we raise funds in lieu of payment for his officiating duties. This followed Adie's wife Hazel successfully battling the disease herself and raising funds with Adie a few years ago. We were Northop Hall Veterans in those days and we fielded a side and chipped in some cash at a marathon 5-a-side game at Deeside Leisure Centre. This is a terrific and typically selfless way for Adie to ask for reward. We would like to take this chance to thank him officially for his efforts for us - he gets an unbelievable amount of stick out there in the middle, but we're extremely grateful that he keeps returning with the whistle for us!
Click here to download a very nice acknowledgement and thank you letter from Breast Cancer Care (PDF format)
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GET WELL SOON's - EIFION & MEL TO MISS SEASON OPENERS
A couple of get well messages from the Northop Hall Old Boys to two of our stalwarts. Our sponsor Eifion Jones has had his appendix out during the summer and will be out of action for a while as he recovers. And we have learnt that Jayne Barnes, wife of striker Mel, is also currently ill in hospital leaving the 'big man' looking after the homefront and also unavailable for a while. We wish both Eifion and Jayne a full and speedy recovery.
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