Our teams have been making their preparations for the start of the new season by playing last minute friendlies ahead of next week's big kick off.
Diamonds under-12s girls beat Irlam 6-4 at St Mary's Park, with goals scored by Erin (3), Maria (2) and an own goal.
Coach Mark said: "From watching the opposition warming up it was clear to see we were up against decent opposition who were comfortable on the ball.
"Diamonds though were on the front foot from the off and in control. Despite this we somehow found ourselves a goal behind, but it was just a blip and we went onto dominate the first and went into the break on top.
"I thought, while still playing well in the second half, we switched off for the final 15 minutes to let opposition score. That said, it was our first 60 minute match, so moving forward we need to adjust to the longer duration and keep our intensity for the full match.
"This being our first match for pretty much two months it was impressive that there wasn’t much ring rust, the girls played some really good football and have left me excited for the upcoming season."
At the same time, Phoenix under-11s girls played at Sandgate Road against old pals Ladybridge Wanderers.
Marauders goals came from the galavanting Adalind, who scored an impressive hat-trick, and Lois, with a cracking finish to cap a versatile performance.
Coach Brendan said: "The girls were all superb in their first match after a long break - and in the case of Blake and Brooke, their first game ever. Lola got player of the game for her hard work in midfield, breaking up play and always looking to pass. But it could have gone to any of the girls.
"On another day we could have had another four or so goals. The ones we did score were of high quality and involved excellent team play.
"They really listened to the guidance from the coaches and worked really hard. Isabella was superb in goal and her movement off her line to claim balls was most impressive.
"We were very determined in defence. Some great tackles against strong forwards who were very quick. When we had time, the defenders played some excellent passes out of defence.
"The midfield four never stopped running and allowed us to control large parts of the game. There was some excellent interplay and passing moves.
"It was a pleasure to welcome Dave and his Ladybridge girls as always, and both sides were as evenly measured as they have been since both teams began. We are looking forward to getting our league campaign underway next weekend."
Thanks to Brooke's mum Donna for the brilliant photographs:
Diamonds under-12s girls beat Irlam 6-4 at St Mary's Park, with goals scored by Erin (3), Maria (2) and an own goal.
Coach Mark said: "From watching the opposition warming up it was clear to see we were up against decent opposition who were comfortable on the ball.
"Diamonds though were on the front foot from the off and in control. Despite this we somehow found ourselves a goal behind, but it was just a blip and we went onto dominate the first and went into the break on top.
"I thought, while still playing well in the second half, we switched off for the final 15 minutes to let opposition score. That said, it was our first 60 minute match, so moving forward we need to adjust to the longer duration and keep our intensity for the full match.
"This being our first match for pretty much two months it was impressive that there wasn’t much ring rust, the girls played some really good football and have left me excited for the upcoming season."
At the same time, Phoenix under-11s girls played at Sandgate Road against old pals Ladybridge Wanderers.
Marauders goals came from the galavanting Adalind, who scored an impressive hat-trick, and Lois, with a cracking finish to cap a versatile performance.
Coach Brendan said: "The girls were all superb in their first match after a long break - and in the case of Blake and Brooke, their first game ever. Lola got player of the game for her hard work in midfield, breaking up play and always looking to pass. But it could have gone to any of the girls.
"On another day we could have had another four or so goals. The ones we did score were of high quality and involved excellent team play.
"They really listened to the guidance from the coaches and worked really hard. Isabella was superb in goal and her movement off her line to claim balls was most impressive.
"We were very determined in defence. Some great tackles against strong forwards who were very quick. When we had time, the defenders played some excellent passes out of defence.
"The midfield four never stopped running and allowed us to control large parts of the game. There was some excellent interplay and passing moves.
"It was a pleasure to welcome Dave and his Ladybridge girls as always, and both sides were as evenly measured as they have been since both teams began. We are looking forward to getting our league campaign underway next weekend."
Thanks to Brooke's mum Donna for the brilliant photographs:
