Click here for 2008/09 News Archive
MAY 2013
AGM date announced - Monday, June 10th
APRIL 2013
St Mary's put injury ravaged Old Boys to the sword
MARCH 2013
It's snow joke as Rossett fixture falls victim
FEBRUARY 2013
Draw made for Sealand Cup
JANUARY 2013
DIARY DATE: RACE NIGHT - Saturday March 2nd
DECEMBER 2012
Chester fixture hit by weather
NOVEMBER 2012
Narrow win for Rossett in the rain at Colliers Park
OCTOBER 2012
Horror show at Eastham with goals galore but honours shared
SEPTEMBER 2012
Water water everywhere, so game off at Sandbach
AUGUST 2012
Old Boys extinguish Fire Service veterans threat
JULY 2012
Pre-Season Club Friendly August 29th
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AGM DATE ANNOUNCED - MONDAY, JUNE 10th
The club's Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday June 10th at Northop Hall Cricket Club at 8:00 p.m. This is the opportunity for players and other interested parties to get involved in the running of the club and to shape its future direction. All welcome.
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JEFF BACK TO INSPIRE DERBY DRAW AND TAKE PLAYER OF THE SEASON
Jeff Britton returned to the Old Boys goal after a lengthy absence and took the plaudits for a string of fine saves in a 3-3 local derby draw against Northop Hall Nomads to mark the last day of the 2012/13 playing season. The game also saw the return from injury for stalwart Pete Dessington to finally notch his 100th appearance for the club (see pictures below) and join Dave Henrys, Darren Molyneux, John Edmunds and Paz Maletta who have all passed the century mark. Click here to view the match report.
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CASINO NIGHT TO ADD TOUCH OF VEGAS TO THIS YEAR'S PRESENTATIONS
This year's presentation night on Friday June 14th will include Roulette and Blackjack as a change to the usual format. Vegas Leisure who provided the hugely successful Race Night in March will be hosting the night with the Player of the Year, Players' Player of the Year, Club Man of the Year, Wednesday Player of the Year and Top Goalscorer trophies to be given out, as well as the manager's choice of his Player of the Season. Tickets are priced at £15 per head, which will include one of Jane's much heralded buffets and "£500" worth of betting chips to convert into prizes on the night. Wives, girlfriends, friends and family are all welcome - the more the merrier!
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BUCKLEY THE LAST GASP HERO TO THWART ROSSETT
Steve Buckley netted his first goal of the season to pull the Old Boys level at 3-3 against Rossett Veterans having earlier surrendered a first half two-goal lead. Click here to view the match report.
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LOCAL DERBY WILL COMPLETE THE SEASON
The last game of the current season will be against local rivals Northop Hall Nomads on Saturday May 25th, officially a Nomads home game. Normally, the two clubs meet several times each year but this season we haven't seen Nomads since the Charity Cup final back in September. In the meantime they have been struggling to raise a team at times this year by all accounts, but an influx of new players from around Ellesmere Port has apparently saved them from possibly packing in - nomads indeed! They are likely to be a bit unrecognisable as a result.
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YOUTHFUL OPPOSITION PUTS MOCKERS ON OLD BOYS BIG DAY
Radbroke Hall turned out to be a team of predominantly under-35's, not a veterans side at all, quite a turn up for what is supposed to be the Sealand Cup veterans trophy. Despite a spirited effort, the Old Boys went down by three goals to nil in the much anticipated semi-final and are feeling somewhat cheated of the opportunity to appear in a first final of the competition, falling at the final hurdle for the second year running. The hosts were apologetic and claim not to have known it was for over-35's when they were invited to enter this season, but given that this was their fifth game in the competition, obviously weren't contrite enough to do the honourable thing and step aside early on, thus continuing the farce of an event that they may go on and win. What a hollow victory that would turn out to be. For Northop Hall, the valiant effort was in vain as a number of chances fell by the way side, but all three goals against came as a result of the host side's young strikers being too fast for their true veteran opponents. Do we feel bitter about it? You bet we do! Click here to view the match report by trainee sports journalist Colin Henrys, who also provided several photos of the day. Click here or on the team photo below to view those.
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RADBROKE HALL CONFIRMED FOR SEMI-FINAL
Despite Wirral's 6-3 win over Convocation, Radbroke Hall will top Group 1 and thereby host Northop Hall Old Boys in this year's Sealand Cup semi-final. Kick off is at 2:00 p.m. in case extra time is necessary. Radbroke Hall is near Knutsford on Stocks Lane WA16 9EX (just past the Whipping Stocks public house). The standings can be found as usual on the Liverpool Convocation FC website (www.convocationfc.co.uk/sealanddraw13.html)
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RADBROKE HALL IN FRAME TO HOST SEALAND CUP SEMI-FINAL
The weekend results have established the two semi-finalists from Group 1 with Radbrooke Hall and Wirral Veterans 3-3 draw ensuring that both qualify. Wirral (who are due to play their final group game at home to Convocation on Monday April 29th) are 3 points behind Radbrooke Hall who have completed their fixtures. In order to top the group, Wirral require a win with at least a 4 goal margin which would make Radbroke Hall favourites to top the group and earn the home tie in the semi finals against Northop Hall Old Boys. We will confirm this as soon as possible, but all standings can be found as usual on the Liverpool Convocation FC website (www.convocationfc.co.uk/sealanddraw13.html)
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ST MARYS PUT INJURY RAVAGED OLD BOYS TO THE SWORD
With an unprecedented number of players unavailable for the visit of St Mary's from Liverpool, mainly through injuries of varying degrees, and two more hobbling out during the game, Northop Hall were always up against it. However, four first half goals put the game beyond their reach and despite a spirited comeback in the second half led by two-goal Mike Maletta, the visitors came out on top 5-3. Click here to view the match report.
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OLD BOYS THROUGH TO SEMI FINALS DESPITE DEFEAT AT WARRINGTON
Northop Hall Old Boys progressed to the semi-finals of the Sealand Cup by the smallest of margins after going down 3-1 at Warrington Croft despite a brave effort from a decimated squad which prevented further goals against and may have added more at the other end. The other game in group 2 saw Rhewl defeat Halton Castle 5-2, leaving them tantalisingly with a -2 goal difference while the Old Boys have -1. The semi final will be away to the winners of group 1, currently being contested by Radbrooke Hall and Wirral Veterans, although there are still several matches to play in that group and we may not know who our opponents will be until a few days before the scheduled May 4th tie. Click here to view Saturday's match report.
All the results and current standings in the 2013 Sealand Cup can be viewed on the Liverpool Convocation FC website (www.convocationfc.co.uk/sealanddraw13.html)
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BARNES WINNING STRIKE RAISES CUP HOPES
The Old Boys picked a good time to finally record a long overdue first victory of 2013, a 2-1 win over Halton Castle Nomads from West Derby, Liverpool in the second of the Sealand Cup group games. In a game of two halves due to the end-to-end wind, Northop Hall held the visitors to 1-1 with conditions against them first half, Craig Jones on the mark. Mel Barnes eventually bagged the winner in the second half with his second goal in as many games to leave the Old Boys unbeaten (a draw and a win) in the competition, but behind next week's opponents Warrington Croft who have won both their games, meaning that yet again the meeting of the two clubs in the competition is a decider. Click here to view the match report.
All the results and current standings in the 2013 Sealand Cup can be viewed on the Liverpool Convocation FC website (www.convocationfc.co.uk/sealanddraw13.html)
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ROSSETT GAME REARRANGED TO HELP CATCH UP SEASON
The home game with Rossett Veterans that was recently lost to the surprise deep snowfall has been rearranged for Saturday May 18th at the Pavilion. It is still hoped that we can maybe get a couple of others replayed before the season ends. As ever, watch this space!
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TON UP FOR PAZ, MEL BREAKS DUCK AND RHEWL HOLD ON FOR SEALAND CUP POINT
With the Pavilion pitch still under melted snow, the first group game of this season's Sealand Cup was switched to Rhewl where Paz Maletta finally made his 100th appearance for the club and captained the side to an opening 2-2 draw, although it was a game the Old Boys should have won. Mel Barnes opened his goalscoring account to equalise a decidedly soft penalty given to the home side, and Mark 'Sparky' Ray scored the second equaliser to rescue the point, but the visitors' domination was not reflected in the final scoreline. Click here to view the match report.
Paz Maletta becomes the fourth player to reach three figures for Northop Hall Old Boys in this the fifth season, following Dave Henrys, Darren Molyneux and John Edmunds. The achievement would have been reached much earlier in the year but for the spate of postponements. One of the most consistent defenders in the team, Paz has still to register a goal at the other end, although a look through many of the match reports over the past five years will show how many he's kept out off the line or with last ditch tackles at the other end. The photo below shows the captains lining up before the game at Rhewl.
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SEALAND CUP SWITCH TO RHEWL TO BEAT WEATHER
The opening match in this season's Sealand Cup on April 6th has been switched to Rhewl in order to get the game played on schedule. Following the epic proportions of snow the weekend before last, the thaw has brought with it the inevitable flooding on the Pavilion pitches at Northop Hall (see below) which have been causing drainage problems all year. Rhewl's ground is on Ffordd Yr Orsaf (off the Ruthin/Denbigh Road (A525) - turn right before the Drovers Arms) by Bro Clwyd and kick off will be 2:30 p.m.
IT'S SNOW JOKE AS ROSSETT FIXTURE FALLS VICTIM
The incredible mass snowfall of last weekend has already rendered our pitch unplayable at Northop Hall (even if there's a surprise thaw before the weekend it will then be far too wet). Efforts to switch the game to Rossett have been thwarted as Colliers Park and other pitches in Wrexham are either unplayable or closed for Easter. Enjoy the rest everyone!
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"TOO MUCH, TOO OLD" ON A SUNDAY MORNING IN YORK
After the exploits of the previous day, the Sunday morning tour fixture against Dunnington FC in York proved a step too far for the depleted squad. Where 20 players the previous year had found plenty left in the tank to launch a second half comeback to beat the host side, this time only able to field a bare eleven for a second 90 minutes inside 24 hours was ultimately too much and the Old Boys were soundly beaten 6-0. However, Dunnington's hospitality more than made up for the result and we look forward to hopefully hosting a return visit in September when the teams will no doubt be more evenly matched. Click here to view the match report.
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TON UP FOR JOHN AGAINST YORK CORINTHIANS
He's had to wait a few weeks longer than originally envisaged due to the amount of postponements this year, but just a few weeks short of his 59th birthday, John Edmunds finally chalked up his 100th appearance in the Old Boys colours in the York Corinthians fixture. In recognition, he was given the honour of captaining the side for the day and handing over the tour pennant.
SOLID START TO TOUR LEAVING THE SNOW FAR BEHIND
Despite leaving 5 inches of snow behind in Wales on Friday afternoon to find York thankfully snow-free, we woke to find that a sprinkling had been deposited overnight. However, the 3G surface at York University was perfectly playable leaving only the bitter wind to contend with. And with two evenly matched sides battling the elements as well as their opponents the 3-3 draw felt like a fair result, even though it looked for a while as if Mark 'Sparky' Ray's two goals in the first half were not going to be enough as York Corinthians scored three times in the second half, Kieran Whelan strode up to curl in a late equaliser and retain the Old Boys 100% tour record. Once again, excellent opposition and post match hospitality and the potential for a return fixture in north Wales in May. Click here to view the match report and below to view photos from the weekend in the Gallery.
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TOUR ARRANGEMENTS FINALISED FOR THE DIRTY DOZEN (PLUS ONE)
A slightly depleted squad of thirteen intrepid souls will set out for York on Friday 22nd March to do battle with York Corinthians (Saturday afternoon) and Dunnington FC (Sunday morning) who also provided last year's opposition. There's a change of venue for the Sunday game, with the University 4G pitch a possibility (to be confirmed) and a change of watering hole to follow both games. Graham Stevenson who played for the club several years ago in its previous incarnation, Northop Hall Veterans, should be making first appearances for the Old Boys. Judging by plans overheard last weekend, this tour promises to be a predominantly sober affair (much like last year)!! Incriminating photos will be posted on the website in due course!!
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NO HOME COMFORT AS WINTER OF DISCONTENT CONTINUES DISRUPTION
Another spell of heavy rain the day before the scheduled visit of St Mary's Veterans from Liverpool put paid to another home fixture, the fourth cancellation at the Pavilion since Christmas. The drainage continues to be a major, major problem as any sustained rainfall just puddles and sits on the surface rendering it dangerous and unplayable, let alone the damage that could be caused that would affect games later in the season. We have at least been able to tentatively reschedule the fixture against St Mary's to the previously open date on Saturday 27 April, subject to confirmation.
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MURDER IN MOSSLEY HILL AS SMA HIT NINE
A below strength and considerably below-par Northop Hall side were well and truly hammered 9-2 on their latest visit to Liverpool, SMA Veterans totally outplaying their visitors to score seven times in the first half. New keeper Andy Bishop was shell-shocked on his debut and must have been wondering what he'd let himself in for, although the Old Boys salvaged a bit of pride in the second half. Click here to view the match report.
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HORSES FOR COURSES AS RACE NIGHT IS A GALLOPING SUCCESS
Many, many thanks to all those who sponsored a race, bought a horse, provided a prize and/or turned up to support the Race Night on Saturday night, it was a runaway success raising over £500 for the Club as well as being a terrific night's entertainment.
We have received news today though that the jockey club and police are investigating some highly irregular betting patterns on a horse called Fluffy in the fourth race. We'll keep you posted! In the meantime, congratulations to winning owners Kieran Whelan, Ed Hughes, Colin McGorian, Mel Barnes, Phil Southern, Paz Maletta and Jane Rich and especially Richie Lea who scooped the jackpot in the auction race. A full list of the runners and winners can be downloaded by clicking here (Adobe Acrobat format).
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OLD BOYS FALL TO THREE CHIP DEFEAT TO WOOLTON
Finally playing at home for the first time in a highly disruptive 2013, Northop Hall fell to three remarkable goals from Woolton, every one of them a delicate chip over keeper Jeff Britton. Thanks to a consolation tap-in from Mark Ray, the three games that the Old Boys have now played this year have all resulted in 3-1 defeats, a habit we'll be looking to get out of as soon as possible. Click here to view the match report.
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The draw for this season's Sealand Cup was made last weekend. Nine teams are entered including a couple of new names. There will be two groups, one of five, one of four teams. The Old Boys are in the foursome with Rhewl Veterans and Halton Castle who we play at home on April 6th and 13th respectively and old cup rivals Warrington Croft once again, with a visit to them due on April 20th.
You can click here to view the updated fixtures. The semi-finals are due to take place on May 4th with the final at Liverpool University Sports Ground the following week. The other group sees Liverpool Convocation, Halkyn, Northop Hall Nomads, Radbrooke Hall and Wirral Veterans chasing the top two places. We will try and fill in a few other dates now we have those fixtures sorted. Keep checking back.
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IT'S A RETURN TO ACTION BUT WIRRAL CAPITALISE ON RUSTINESS
After a six week lay off there was finally a return to playing with Wirral Veterans the hosts. However, the hosts took full advantage of the Old Boys rusty wastefulness in front of goal to hit two late goals and win the game 3-1. Click here to view the match report.
Mind you, there was more than a hint of youth about the Wirral line-up, unusual for these opponents but a well known pet hate of the Old Boys. Despite their protestations, the lads rather gave the game away after the game. We don't know anyone over 35 who'd be seen in these (in public at least!)
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WATERLOGGING CONTINUES SO IT'S FIVE WEEKS OFF IN A ROW NOW
Another fall of snow in midweek followed by a night of torrential rain has put paid to the latest home fixture against Halkyn, despite two decent days afterwards. The deep mud patches on the bottom pitch and the wet patches on the top, especially the pond in the top left corner, put paid to any realistic chance of getting the game on unfortunately. That's five weeks in a row without a match now, an unprecedented run. Whether it will be broken by a game at Plymyards, Wirral next week remains to be seen.
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SPONSORS AND OWNERS NEEDED FOR RACE NIGHT
We are on the lookout for race sponsors (£20 per race - name prominently displayed on racecards and announced on the night) and owners for each horse running (£4 each - name your own horse, prize if it wins). Yes, it's your chance to own a horse without buying a burger or beef lasagne! Get your family and friends involved and bring them all along on the night, SATURDAY, MARCH 2nd at Northop Hall Cricket Club from 7:30 p.m. Please contact Dave Henrys or Phil Southern if you can help with either.
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... AND WATERLOGGED UPTON MAKES IT FOUR IN A ROW
Unbelievable Jeff! A fourth consecutive Saturday has been lost to the weather as Upton Magnets have had to call off their fixture with us. A hastily arranged kickaround at least spares the couch potatoes from another afternoon of Soccer Saturday (or worse - shopping!) On a serious note though, the water table is so high at the moment that any rain we get is just lying on the surface. Unless we get a prolonged dry spell we may be a few more weeks off yet (perish the thought)!
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FRUSTRATION CONTINUES AS WET PITCHES CAUSE YET ANOTHER CALL-OFF
The fall-out from last month's snow has meant that yet another Saturday has been lost to the weather. On a bright, sunny February day, the Pavilion pitches are unfortunately still puddled and muddy and we have VERY reluctantly made the decision to call off the game against Eastham Veterans in order to protect them from longer term damage. It's a very frustrating time but there is little more can be done but cross fingers and hope we don't get much more rain.
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DIARY DATE: RACE NIGHT - SATURDAY MARCH 2ND
SAVE THE DATE - Northop Hall Old Boys FC will be holding a Race Night on Saturday, March 2nd at the Cricket Club. Details will be on here shortly about how you can get involved in the sponsorship of races, buying horses and getting tickets for the big night. Please get yourselves along with family and friends to support the Club. Check back for more information soon
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Another bout of snow wiped out another week of football as the icy winter continued to take its toll. This time it was the inaugural visit to St Martin's who play in Fazackerley in Liverpool that we missed out on, a fixture we were looking forward to after a narrow 2-1 home defeat at the beginning of October. With a quick thaw forecast it's flooding again that poses the next risk. Let's hope for plenty of drying days before next weekend!
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TOUR UPDATE - DEPOSITS REQUIRED
20 places have been booked at the York Racecourse Centre for the repeat visit to York in March, both fixtures (v. Corinthians and v. Dunnington FC now both confirmed). Deposits of £20 (non-returnable) are required to guarantee a place (only from fully paid up club members, all season fees and debts paid off). Please pay Dave Henrys as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Transport arrangements will be communicated shortly.
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SNOW JOKE AS WARRINGTON CROFT GAME IS LOST TO WEATHER
A blanket of snow over most of the country, but particularly locally, has unsurprisingly resulted in the postponement of the home game with Warrington Croft on January 19th. Fingers crossed for a quick thaw and change in temperature.
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SPIRITED EFFORT AT SHOTTON BUT DEFENSIVE SHORTAGES LEAD TO DEFEAT
The Old Boys went down 3-1 at Shotton Steel after enforced absences and a couple of no-shows left caretaker manager Declan Hickey with a defensive selection headache. However, he was full of praise for the spirited performance and level of football played on the day. Click here to view Declan's match report.
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CHRISTMAS SPIRIT HARD TO SHAKE OFF AS CHESTER ARE HANDED NEW YEAR GIFTS
A combination of lapse defending and poor finishing from the Old Boys ensured that Chester Nomads took the spoils in the first game of 2013 by 5-3, although the visitors were helped out by the inclusion in their ranks of two very young players on a day when the Old Boys had to field some of their oldest (not a situation we ever care for in the spirit of veterans football). Click here to view the match report.
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CHESTER FIXTURE HIT BY WEATHER
The last game before Christmas has been hit by the continuing wet weather, the pitches at Chester Nomads being declared unplayable a day in advance, leaving a number of unhappy would-be footballers kicking their heels around the shops or somewhere equally terrible! At least it's just a two week break this year and we'll be back in action (weather permitting) on January 5th with a home fixture against Chester Nomads 6ths (with 6-a-side at Flint back on the Wednesday before that).
So it just remains to wish everybody a very happy Christmas and all the best for 2013! Have a good one!
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ANOTHER CHRISTMAS HIT AT THE RUNNING HARE
Following last year's success, there was another hugely enjoyable night at the Running Hare in Ewloe for just under 30 players and partners to share a bit of pre-Christmas festivity and nourishment. Once again, many thanks to Graham and Sue Wilks for their efforts in organising things for us.
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WILKS HAT-TRICK SPOILS DEE RANGERS REVIVAL
Two goals late on from Graham Wilks to complete his hat-trick ensured a deserved victory over Dee Rangers, but only after the visitors had pulled back a two-goal deficit after some scintillating football from the Old Boys in the first hour of the game. Click here to view the match report.
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LATE WILKS WINNER SEES OFF HALKYN
The Old Boys came from a goal down in the second half of a tight affair at Halkyn to sneak a 2-1 win. Goals from Anthony Woosey and Graham Wilks secured the victory in a game of few chances at either end to reward a battling performance in heavy conditions. Click here to view the match report.
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OLD BOYS ARE FIVE-TIME COMEBACK KINGS TO DENY S.M.A.
An extraordinary game at Northop Hall saw the home side equalise no less than five times to deny first time visitors S.M.A. veterans from Liverpool victory. Click here to view the match report.
The day marked player-manager Dave Henrys first appearance since becoming the latest of the Old Boys to reach the "big 5-0", an event that was later commemorated during evening celebrations (see below). Dave wishes to sincerely thank all who contributed and shared his big night.
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NARROW WIN FOR ROSSETT IN THE RAIN AT COLLIERS PARK
The run of sunny Saturday afternoons came to an abrupt end and it was fortunate timing that this game took place on the 3G artificial surface at Colliers Park, Gresford as the grass pitches would have been mudbaths in the downpour this afternoon. However, it was Rossett Veterans who got the better of a surface they obviously know well and although the Old Boys put a few good moves together the failure to sufficiently test the home keeper proved costly in a 2-1 reverse. Click here to view the match report.
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ANOTHER DRAW AS SANDBACH SPARE THE SPOILS
The Old Boys are becoming the score draw specialists as Sandbach became the third opponents in the past four games to share the honours, although once again it was Northop Hall rueing a number of missed opportunities in front of goal that should have seen them out of sight. Click here to view the match report.
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CHRISTMAS MEAL DEADLINE - NOVEMBER 17th
The deadline for deposits for this year's Christmas meal at the Running Hare in Ewloe on Saturday December 15th is fast approaching. £5 per head needs to be paid by SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17th to Graham Wilks (or Dave Henrys, who you can also contact about paying online direct to the Club's bank account if you wish). The total cost is £13.00 for three courses which includes carvery (or vegetarian alternative). You can download the menu by clicking here.
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LATE EQUALISER DENIES DESERVED VICTORY AT WOOLTON
Facing a player crisis due to a number of late drop-outs, the Old Boys produced an excellent performance at Woolton and despite missing a penalty and striking the woodwork twice, looked set for victory until a late leveller by the hosts, made worse by the fact that it was a mis-hit shot which looped in. Click here to view the match report.
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SEVEN-UP FOR UPTON ON SORRY DAY FOR OLD BOYS
Upton Magnets put in a particularly impressive performance on this visit to Northop Hall and with the home side producing an equally abject display in every area of the pitch a heavy defeat was always going to result and a 7-1 thrashing was nothing less than deserved, although the Old Boys still had plenty of chances to reduce the deficit. Click here to view the match report.
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HORROR SHOW AT EASTHAM WITH GOALS GALORE BUT HONOURS SHARED
Hallowe'en came early at Eastham for Old Boys keeper Jeff Britton as his 'Paul Robinson air shot' moment gifted the home side a late equaliser, as the Old Boys squandered a 4-2 lead set up by the return of leading goalscorers Darren Brierley and Anthony Woosey. However, Jeff earned much sympathy having hobbled through the game to help the team out and having earlier made an outstanding save to deny an earlier goal. Click here to view the match report.
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IT'S CHRISTMAS AT THE RUNNING HARE AGAIN - DECEMBER 15th
Following last year's highly successful Christmas meal at the Running Hare in Ewloe, we will be returning again on Saturday 15th this year for another go. The cost is £13.00 for three courses which includes carvery (or vegetarian alternative). Deposits of £5 per head need to be paid as soon as possible to Graham Wilks who is once again taking care of the arrangements for us. You can download the menu by clicking here.
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MALETTA DOUBLE SETS UP VICTORY OVER WIRRAL
Two second half goals from Mike Maletta helped the Old Boys on the way to a 5-1 victory over Wirral, but only after going a goal behind. The win avenged events from the last game of last season when Wirral turned up short and had to loan a couple of Northop Hall players (Mike Maletta included) but ended up 3-2 victors. Click here to view the match report from this season's encounter.
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MAD FIVE MINUTES GIFTS VICTORY TO ST MARYS
The Old Boys snatched defeat from the jaws of victory at St Mary's Old Boys in Liverpool, as the home side turned round a 2-1 deficit with ten minutes left to strike three times in five minutes for a 4-2 win. Click here to view the match report.
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CHARITY SHIELD FUND REACHES £575 FOR HANDOVER
A cheque for £575 has been handed over to the "Kitty" fund at Liverpool Women's Hospital following the Charity Shield last month, with more money coming in after the final to raise the total to such an excellent level. The charity was chosen in support of Northop Hall Nomads player Carl "Worzy" Worsnip and his wife Rachel, who tragically lost their new-born baby Zach earlier this year. The article below appeared in the Leader on Thursday, October 11th and we hope a follow-up will appear shortly after the photoshoot that produced the other picture below, which shows Rachel and Carl (2nd right) with representatives of three of the participating clubs, Dave Jolly (Halkyn), Arwyn "Paz" Parry (Nomads) and Dave Henrys (old Boys).
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KARL ENDS BRIEF STINT WITH OLD BOYS
One of this season's newcomers, Karl Millington, has ended his association with the Old Boys after just 3 games for the club, as he has been asked to help out with Gresford Athletic which is closer to his Wrexham home. His last outing at Warrington ended with him hobbling off with a hamstring pull, but until that time Karl had added some steel to the back line and was an integral part of the Charity Shield win last month. We wish him well and hope that maybe we'll see him back again some time in the future.
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OLD BOYS PAY THE PENALTY AGAINST ST MARTINS
A missed penalty ultimately proved extremely costly for the Old Boys as they went down 2-1 at home to St Martins from Liverpool. Click here to view the match report.
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WATER WATER EVERYWHERE, SO GAME AT SANDBACH IS OFF
It will have come as no surprise to anyone that following a week of torrential rainfall, the planned fixture at Sandbach on Saturday, September 29th has been called off because of a waterlogged pitch. Let's hope for a dry week so that next week's game, a first visit to Northop Hall by St.Martin's from Liverpool, can go ahead.
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DEE RANGERS COMPLETE THE FIXTURE LIST
The last remaining fixture up to the end of March 2013 has been taken by Dee Rangers Veterans from Chester who will visit Northop Hall on December 15th for a repeat of last November's thrilling high scoring fixture which the Old Boys shaded by 8 goals to 5.
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HONOURS EVEN AS THE STEELMEN VISIT
A much changed Old Boys team under the temporary management of Phil Southern kept his unbeaten record going against Shotton Steel Veterans, although they were hanging on at the end of the second half having dominated the first to secure a 4-2 lead with yet another Darren Brierley hat-trick. In the end, the 4-4 draw represented a good result. Click here to view the match report.
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TOO MUCH TOO YOUNG AT WARRINGTON CROFT
A small Old Boys squad containing many of the club's elder statesmen visited Warrington Croft and were soundly beaten 8-3 by a more youthful and footballing outfit on a day when many of the visitors performed below par for good measure. That didn't include striker Darren Brierley, who continued his roaring hot streak at the start of the season with another hat-trick, and keeper Jeff Britton, without whom the scoreline could have been even worse. Click here to view the match report.
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£500+ IN 'THE KITTY' FROM "IN VOGUE" CHARITY SHIELD
This year's 'In Vogue' Charity Shield has exceeded last year's fundraising by a few quid so that just over £500 will be going to the nominated charity "The Kitty" Liverpool Hospital's Charity. This was selected to support Northop Hall Nomads stalwart Carl "Wurzy" Worsnip and his family who tragically lost their new born baby earlier this year and have been raising money since for the hospital that looked after them. Wurzy (alongside Martin Ellis one of the pioneers of the competition) presented the winners trophies to Old Boys skipper Anthony Woosey at the culmination of the highly successful tournament. ‘The Kitty’ is named in honour of Kitty Wilkinson, who pioneered the public wash-house movement to fight famine and poverty in 19th century Liverpool, and is used amongst other things to investigate treatment and cures for neonatal illnesses. Click here for more details of the charity.
Many thanks to Ady and Fred who provided refereeing for free and Simon at The Boar's Head, Northop Hall for looking after all the teams, again at no charge to help the charity along.
The sponsors website can be found at www.highvogue.co.uk/index.html.
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OLD BOYS LEAVE IT LATE TO TAKE THE SHIELD
Two goals in the last minute of the final of the 'In Vogue' Charity Shield final secured a 4-2 victory for Northop Hall Old Boys against village rivals Nomads, who had dragged themselves back from a 2-0 half time deficit to make a real game of it. Goals from Darren Brierley and Anthony Woosey had given the Old Boys the perfect start but it was left to Mark 'Sparky' Ray and Darren again to wrap things up in the 90th minute. On the other pitch at the Pavilion, Halkyn Veterans took third place with a 2-1 win against Rhewl Veterans. Click here to view the Old Boys match report.
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BRIERLEY HAT-TRICK AND BRITTON HEROICS SETS UP ALL-NORTHOP HALL FINAL
Darren Brierley took his prolific pre-season form into the opening game of the 2012/13 campaign, bagging three goals to help the Old Boys overcome a strong Halkyn side in the Charity Shield semi-final. The 4-1 win in a repeat of last year's final also owed much to the endeavours of goalkeeper Jeff Britton who damaged his fingers early in the first half but made a series of fine saves including a diving penalty stop in the second half with the scores tied at 1-1. Next Saturday's final will be an all-Northop Hall affair after the Nomads beat Rhewl Veterans 2-1 after extra time in the other semi. Click here to view the Old Boys match report.
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OLD BOYS EXTINGUISH FIRE SERVICE VETERANS THREAT
A hard fought warm-up friendly against the Fire Service veterans, with Kieran Whelan at the heart of their defence, provided a stern test of the Old Boys credentials for the forthcoming season and with an excellent 6-4 victory resulting it was a very pleasing night. Darren Brierley was the star on the night, scoring four and having a hand in both others. Click here to view the match report.
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Ian Powell has become the latest of the Old Boys to become a new Dad with his wife Claire presenting him with another daughter, Isabella Ann (5 lb 6 oz for those who take interest in such things!) Everyone at the Club sends their heartiest congratulations to them both. The down side is that Ian will be otherwise occupied on Saturday afternoons for a while!
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HALKYN FIRST UP IN CHARITY SHIELD SEMI-FINAL
The draw for this year's 'In Vogue' Charity Shield semi-final on September 1st has thrown up a repeat of last year's final between Northop Hall Old Boys and Halkyn Veterans at the Pavilion. Halkyn won that game to take first possession of the new trophy so the Old Boys will be after some revenge, especially as Halkyn were also the victors in the Sealand Cup semi-final meeting between the two rivals last May. The other tie sees Rhewl Veterans host Northop Hall Nomads. The final (and the 3rd/4th play-off) will be played at the Pavilion the following Saturday (September 8th). Last year's efforts raised £500 for 'Save The Family' at Plas Bellin in Oakenholt.
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PRE-SEASON UPDATES AUGUST 25TH & 29TH
There has been a slight change of plan to accommodate a pre-season warm up game against the Fire Service Veterans on Wednesday August 29th (kick off 6:00 pm at The Pavilion, Northop Hall). The traditional pre-season warm up 11-a-side match that the Old Boys play between themselves as Team "1" v. Team "A" will now take place on Saturday August 25th, again at Northop Hall Pavilion (kick off 2:00 pm). The friendly on the 29th will be in place of the usual 6-a-side at Flint (which will be cancelled just for that one week).
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PRE-SEASON CLUB FRIENDLY AUGUST 29TH
The traditional pre-season warm up 11-a-side match that the Old Boys play between themselves as Team "1" v. Team "A" will take place on Wednesday August 29th at Northop Hall Pavilion in place of the usual 6-a-side at Flint (which will be cancelled just for the one week). Kick-off time will be announced nearer the time and our Wednesday night only players will be invited to join the game as previously. More details shortly
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At the Club A.G.M. on July 2nd, Phil Southern was unanimously re-elected as Chairman for 2012/13, testament to his sterling work this last season which saw him collect the "Club Man of the Season" award at last month's Presentation Night. 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 continued capping of season fees at £10 per player to cover the annual pitch fees at the Pavilion, confirmation of using the Cricket Club after home matches, arranging another tour in March 2013, sorting out the problematic goalkeeping position, finding some more referees for the pool for home games and organising a couple of social events - possible Race Night and Christmas meal after last year's success. Thanks to the other Club members who supported the meeting, Steve Bodey, Declan Hickey, Graham Wilks, Eifion Jones and John Edmunds. It was deja vu at the meeting as the exact same 7 people attended last year too. We would ask that many other players get involved in helping out during the coming season to help build on four highly successful years.
Phil Southern- re-elected Chairman
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2012/13 FIXTURES OUT - SEPTEMBER 1ST KICK OFF
Fixtures for the next season, the fifth for Northop Hall Old Boys in its current incarnation, have been more or less confirmed. The season will kick-off, as last year, with the Northop Hall Charity Shield sponsored by "In Vogue" to be competed for by the Old Boys, Northop Hall Nomads, Rhewl Veterans and last year's inaugural winners, Halkyn Veterans. This event raised £500 for "Save The Family" 12 months ago and the draw for this season will take place shortly. The remaining games include a few new or reinstated fixtures to keep things fresh, although they will extend away day travel slightly with Sandbach, St Martin's (Liverpool) and SMA Veterans (Liverpool) amongst them. Following the success of last year's visit to York, space has again been left on the weekend of March 23rd for a potential tour. The committee are already considering options for this. Games with Northop Hall Nomads and Rhewl will be shoehorned in once the Charity Shield fixtures are completed as there is also potential to play both these teams in that and the Sealand Cup in April 2013. All the dates for next season are available to download by clicking here (Adobe Acrobat pdf format). A couple of "pre-season" games will also be arranged towards the end of August to get the legs up to speed in readiness. More details to follow.
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Click here for 2009/10 News Archive
Click here for 2010/11 News Archive
Click here for 2011/12 News Archive
Click here for 2012/13 News Archive
Click here for 2013/14 News Archive
Click here for 2014/15 News Archive
Jeff back to inspire derby draw and take Player of the Season
Casino Night to add touch of Vegas to this year's presentations
Buckley the last gasp hero to thwart Rossett
Local derby will complete the season
Youthful opposition puts mockers on Old Boys big day
Radbroke Hall confirmed for semi-final
Radbroke Hall in frame to host Sealand Cup semi-final
Old Boys through to semi finals despite defeat at Warrington
Barnes winning strike raises Cup hopes
Rossett game rearranged to help catch-up season
Ton up for Paz, Mel breaks duck and Rhewl hold on for Sealand Cup point
Sealand Cup switch to Rhewl to beat weather
"Too Much, Too Old" on a Sunday morning in York
Ton up for John against York Corinthians
Solid start to York tour leaving the snow far behind
Tour arrangements finalised for the "dirty dozen" (plus one!)
No home comfort as winter of discontent continues disruption
Murder in Mossley Hill as SMA hit nine
Horses for courses as Race Night is a galloping success
Old Boys fall to three chip defeat to Woolton
It's a return to action but Wirral capitalise on rustiness
Waterlogging continues so it's five weeks off in a row now
Sponsors and owners needed for Race Night
... And waterlogged Upton makes it four in a row
Frustration continues as wet pitches cause yet another call-off
More snow postponement misery
Tour update - deposits required
Snow joke as Warrington Croft game is lost to the weather
Spirited effort at Shotton but defensive shortages lead to defeat
Christmas spirit hard to shake off as Chester are handed new year gifts
Another Christmas hit at the Running Hare
Wilks hat-trick spoils Dee Rangers revival
Late Wilks winner sees off Halkyn
Old Boys are five-time comeback kings to deny S.M.A.
Another draw as Sandbach spare the spoils
Christmas Meal deadline November 17th
Late equaliser denies deserved victory at Woolton
Seven-up for Upton on sorry day for Old Boys
It's Christmas at the Running Hare again - December 15th
Maletta double sets up victory over Wirral
Mad five minutes gifts victory to St Marys
Charity Shield fund reaches £575 for handover
Karl ends brief stint with Old Boys
Old Boys pay the penalty against St Martins
Dee Rangers complete the fixture list
Honours even as the Steelmen visit
Too much too young at Warrington Croft
£500+ in "The Kitty" from 'In Vogue' Charity Shield
Old Boys leave it late to take the Shield
Brierley hat-trick and Britton heroics sets up all-Northop Hall charity final
Ian's the latest Daddy!
Halkyn first up in Charity Shield Semi-final
Pre-Season updates - August 25th & 29th
Mr.Chairman re-elected
Fixtures out for 2012/13 - September 1st kick-off
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*** NOW CONFIRMED ***
