Phoenix girls under-11s were flying in their Sunday morning outing against Astley Bridge Badgers at St Mary’s Park.

There was a hat-trick from the effervescent Lois, a brace from the incessant Adalind and screamer from classy Lola, while Mia was player of the game for her ferocious tackling.

April got stronger as the game went on and carried the ball brilliantly, while fellow winged wizard Iris battled a cricked neck to put in an impressive showing.

Noe, back from international duty and recovering from tonsillitis, put in an incredible shift given she was on her sick bed most of the week.

Annabel won her duels and is now looking to play passes, as is defensive rock Brooke, who was another who pushed through the pain barrier.

Blake added tenacity to her technical repertoire, as she harried the opposition. Isabella didn’t have a great deal to do in goals, but took her Thursday night training into the match with some excellent distribution and she was faultless when called upon.

Coach Brendan said: “We are now seeing real consistency in the performance levels of each of the girls. Week after week they are now playing a good level.

“We are very proud of that as it comes from hard work and listening to the coaches. It has been noted we improve in the second half of games and that is when Faz’s Thursday fitness session is so beneficial.”

Panthers under-10s boys played Swinton Titan Blacks.

Coach Ste said: “A perfectly weighted through ball from Rocco split the defence, and Ethan showed great composure to finish clinically.

“Panthers controlled much of the first half, dictating the tempo and creating chances, but couldn’t quite find the second goal.

“In the second half, James and William drove forward to support Ethan in attack, with Hudson coming close from the edge of the area, James also rattling the post as the lads kept pressing.

“Defensively, Freddie and Rocco were immense. Their strength and timing in the tackle ensured they won virtually every challenge, while also delivering several excellent through balls to launch attacks.”

Diamonds under-12s girls beat Radcliffe Foundation Tigers 6-1.

Coach Mark said: "We travelled up the New Road to Goshen and it was clear the weather had taken its toll on the pitch. 

“This had the coaches worried about the quality of football we’d serve up, playing up the hill in the first half and we were also worried about energy levels wi but we should know better by now with this team. 

“We told the girls to win the game early and while hesitant in the final third for the first few minutes, we didn’t have to wait long for the opener. 

“Violette laying one on for powerhouse Maria who made no mistake. The second came from Eva scoring one of her trademarks - winning the ball in the opposition half and showing great feet to drive through the opposition and slot home. 

“Erin, who was pulling the opposition defence all over, was soon to get her rewards following an assist from the imperious Essi. She is reading the game like a seasoned pro and who is blessed with a lovely touch and makes football look a lot easier than it is. 

“Erin was soon to get her second and my favourite of the day, from a free kick won in our own half.

“Maria took it, Erin saw the gap between the centre half and gave Maria the signal. The ball was put in the exact spot by Maria and Erin was on it like a whippet to slot home cooly. It was great vision and communication by both.

“It was an easy half time team talk - more of the same please, just keep the ball moving and try to match the first half score.

“While we were only to get the two goals in the second half I thought we played some exceptional, fast, attacking football.

“The score was probably kept down by my tinkering - skipper Violette, in particular, had a tour of positions and Layla also had a spell as centre half.

“Layla, Violette and Mia were not on the scoresheet today but all three really took the game to the opposition.

“Mia, despite her knock, was really taking the game to Tigers tin he second half and Violette and Layla are the wingbacks Amorim so craved, confident on the ball with great engines and desire.

"Erin was to complete her umpteenth hat trick off the season from an assist off live-wire Layla and Maria knocked home a wicked Erin corner for the final goal. Maria was unlucky not to complete her hat-trick after some great footwork in the opposition box.

“Elsa and Frankie at the back are in the form of their lives, being ferocious in the tackle but also they are ball playing centre halves. 

“An opposing parent simply said the Diamonds had played fantastic football on a horrible pitch.

“Parents player of the game was Elsa, who is in the form of her life and in the past couple of months has shown a newfound composure on the ball.

"Kris’ player was Maria, who looked like she was really enjoying herself out there and her performance deserved a hat trick.

“Craig's player of the game Eva, who dictated the pace of the game from the middle and showed off some nice skill.

“My player was Erin. I can’t afford to give away match balls for hat tricks but Erin would’ve have a houseful if I could.”

Phantoms boys under-16s beat Dynamos 2-1.

Coach Marc said: “It was a brilliant performance and great derby day win.

“We had another fantastic start to the game, like last weekend, getting stuck in from the first whistle.

“We stood  our ground and didn’t let them get any early goals like last time we met. The Dynamos only had one tactic, playing the long ball over the top and our boys at the back were dealing with them clearing the ball each time they attacked.

“The midfield we’re putting up a good fight for possession, keeping hold of the ball for longer and creating chances down the wings.

“We came close a few times, putting some great balls through to the forwards but just didn’t manage to score. You could see the boys getting more confident the longer the game went on

“The second half we kept our heads and went out with the will to win the game. It got a little scrappy for a while with both teams trying to get the first goal.

“We battled on again outplaying the Dynamos all over the pitch and you could sense the frustration running through their team.

“They eventually managed to break through our midfield but were stopped by Finn just outside the area which resulted in a free kick on the edge of the box.

“Unfortunately Finn ended up with a second yellow, which led to us going down to 10 men. 

“The lads were forced to change their formation but still carried on as the better team and finally broke the deadlock with a goal from Alex.

“It was a great moment for the team but was short lived as we conceded shortly after the restart possibly due to the lads still celebrating in their heads and switching off for a minute.

“At 1-1 the lads soldiered on and were tiring a little but kept the momentum going. The clock was ticking on then with around eight minutes to go, Isaac was put through on the edge of the area and belted one in to make it 2-1

“The team were ecstatic and all ran celebrating with a pile on in the corner. After a prolonged celebration and the rain getting heavier we parked the bus and saw the game out until the final whistle.

“Player of the game went to Riley as he was so strong getting back when needed and putting some great balls about pitch.

“He was closely followed by Finn Mc. It was another great effort from him up and down the wing.  I also want to mention Euan - it was a great captain's performance from him.”

Hurricanes girls under-nines also graced St Mary’s Park with some lovely football in their game against Howfen.

Coach Justin said: “It was a tough game against last season’s cup final opponents. We made a slow start and went into half time in deficit.

“However we were much improved in the second half and managed to score through Violet and Valeria, thanks to a couple of well-worked set pieces.

“A big shout out to Marnie and Lyla for the improvisation. The girls kept plugging away and there were a couple of well taken goals from Violet to complete her hat-trick.

“Player of the match was Siana who put in a hugely impressive and very brave performance in net - a double save she made in the second half was Schmeichel-esque. It was another very competitive game in the top division.”

Jaguars under-10s boys had a good performance against Prestwich Allstars - another team recently moved from the division above.

Coach Tim said: “The Jaguars started brightly but couldn't find the breakthrough. There was then a good move finished off by Flynn. 

“The second half followed a similar pattern, with the Jaguars responding well, with good play from Ned and James releasing Adam who curled a great finish. The opposition coaches were full of praise for the lads, who are really enjoying the challenge presented by the division.”

Phoenix pictures by Brooke's mum Donna: