Coach Ben said: “It was the opening game of the Champions Cup away in the sunny shires of Oldham and the game turned into a very tight affair.
“All too often, the final ball or shot didn't have the quality needed to chalk a goal on the scoreboard and this only played into the hands of Shawside who were threatening on the counter.
“They played a lot of long balls lifted high for our defence to combat hoping that their nippy front their would get a beneficial bounce, but our defence stood resolute.
“Our quality showed towards the end of the first half and goals from Max Worsley and top goal scorer Harry Knight gave us just enough of a margin to keep Shawside at bay.
“Chance after chance then came for the Wolves, hitting the crossbar, the post, and we lost count of the amount of times we could have pulled away.
“Football doesn't always reward you with goals and has a nasty habit of a sting in the tail. That did come with Shawside scoring a scrappy goal to make it a lot tighter than it should have been. Onwards and upwards to the next group game.
“Player of the game went to Jackson Harris. He was calm, assured and played some really good solid passes when he was on the pitch that helped to launch some good attacks and put us on the front foot.”
Wolves lads at Prestwich Heys
Raptors under-13s boys travelled to Middleton to face their Lads Reds.
Coach Paul said: “We started a little slow compared to Middleton who took control early on. We soon found our groove and started dominating in the middle and down the flanks.
“However, a good ball through our back line found their striker who put Middleton ahead 20 minutes in. We regrouped and again we're playing well but couldn't find that final pass to get anything on target.
“A corner to Middleton bounced awkwardly and went in for an own goal just before the break. We started the second half strongly with Raff creating chances up top before he followed up on a deflected free kick to slot home past the onrushing keeper.
“We kept that intensity up and were unlucky not to find an equaliser. Middleton created more chances and kept finding their way through with Nathan making some superb saves keeping us in it.
“Eventually it was one too many and they extended their lead. Raptors’ heads never dropped and we kept pushing but couldn't find an opening. Middleton took one final chance to end the game 4-1.
“There were standout performances from Thomas S and Max at centre back, Bobby (captain) and Nathan in goal.”
Phantoms under-16s boys were unlucky to be edged out by higher division Manchester North End 2-3.
Coach Marc said: “It was a great performance from the lads in the cup, but unfortunately not a great result.
“From the first whistle the lads were switched on pressing the North End players and nearly scored within the first two minutes, but it was deflected wide and out for a corner. Euan scored from that same corner to give us the early lead.
“From then on the Manchester boys battled hard against the Phantoms to get one back and we contained them for a good while with some great defending. We had a few more chances ourselves but didn’t get our shots off early enough.
“They pulled one back about 20 mins in but it didn’t change the way we we’re playing we carried on attacking to try and get on top again.
“Reece belted one from outside the area and it was going top bins and I was already celebrating in my head as it was surely in, but their keeper pulled off a belting save and tipped it over.
“The opponents scored again with a lucky strike from the left hand side which was unfortunate for the Phantoms as we were playing so well the passing and moving was great to watch from the midfield and forward players.
“The second half we started strong again determined to level the scoreline but with a few of our boys tiring North End bagged a third.
"A few changes we made and the football was still great and we created lots more chances but we just weren’t strong enough in the box. Finally we got a corner and Isaac got on the end of it after a short scramble in the area and made it 3-2.
“From then on we fought on to save the game but it just didn’t happen for us. We deserved a draw at least.
“They fought well against a set of big strong lads from a division above and outplayed them throughout the match.
“Player of the game was split between Alex up top and Finn Cookney at the back - they were both brilliant. They were closely followed by Euan, for doing a great captain’s job.
“That’s two wins and one loss in the cup group stage - hopefully just a blip and we can go on and beat Littleborough next week."
Diamonds under-12s girls beat North Walkden 4-0 in the cup, thanks to goals from Maria (2), Eva and Violette.
Coach Mark said: "The Diamonds were at their dazzling best and were pretty much in complete control for the full match.
“The girls went in at halftime 3-0 up and looking like they’d score every time they went forward. We were only to score the solitary second half goal but we were cutting through Walkden with ease and should’ve had more, Maria also had one chalked off for a foul.
“Some of the football was a treat, with some great passing moves and also some beautiful carrying of the ball. All this in a match where we’d tweaked positions with some girls playing unfamiliar roles.
"The girls still remain unbeaten and with a maximum of seven fixtures left in the cup and league there’s a realistic chance of avoiding defeat all season.
“But our toughest opponent now will be complacency and taking our foot off the gas. The challenge we set them is to treat each of the seven games as cup finals and to win all.
“Parents’ player of the game was Essi. Despite being a little under the weather, she was still a Rolls Royce on the pitch displaying an exquisite touch.
“Kris’ player of the game was Frankie, for stepping out of the backline with the ball like a prime Rio Ferdinand, and getting an assist with a line breaking pass.
“Craig’s player of the game was Maria. She is in an insane run of form and was unlucky not to get a second successive hat-trick.
“My player of the game was Jeanette. She is someone who gives her all every week and displayed an improved touch and passed the ball long and short with great accuracy.”
Panthers under-10s boys enjoyed a competitive game against all girls side MGxCSC.
Coach Ste said: “From kick-off CSC started passing the ball about really well and the Panthers knew they had a game on their hands.
“Ethan, William and Enzo started as front three and pressed really high putting CSC under pressure.
“This created some good battles in their half as Panthers tried to take control. At the other end Hudson stood strong in front of Rocco and Freddie and between the three of them limited CSC chances.
“The moment of the first half was when CSC finally beat our defence, but they were met by David who turned himself into a wall and made a fantastic triple save.
“In the second half we rotated our front three. This meant Jay, Ollie and James continued the press and more chances started for the Panthers. We were denied by some great keeping.
“It was a great game of football to watch as a neutral, with the game end to end and some fantastic battles in midfield.
“The ball went forward and was won on the edge of the box by Hudson, who got it through to Ollie who slipped in James to slot home.
“The Panthers all played fantastic in a really good competitive game. Player of the match went to David, who made a string of saves in each half."
Fellow under-10s boys Jaguars played a great match against Shawside.
Coach Tim said: “Shawside started quickly and peppered our goal with long range efforts but Stanley was equal to everything.
“The Jaguars responded brilliantly and surged forward. Flynn went through on goal and finished first time like the natural striker he is.
“For the rest of the first half, the Jaguars played superbly, the intensity, aggression, decision making and skill meant Shawside could barely get on the ball.
“Another goal came from James's run and finish, then Adam smashed one into the roof of the net.
“We were full of praise at the break and early in the second half Flynn scored his second after great work from Riley.
“Shawside showed real determination, and admirable perseverance. Our team will learn from the experience and the boys' performance made us all proud.”
A great moment for Phoenix's Blake, as teammates help her celebrate her first ever goal
A return to league action this week saw the flying Phoenix under-11s girls make the trip to Hindley Town.
Coach Brendan said: “The coaches asked for intensity and a determination to win the loose balls. The girls did not let us down. From the first minute the girls were right on it. Lois scoring the first goal with a beautiful clean strike from outside the area.
“Another goal was soon to follow and it was the moment of the season so far. The ball dropped to Blake in the penalty area, her first attempt was blocked, but she kept going, was first to the loose ball and smashed home a fine goal.
“It was Blake’s first goal for the club and was met with the loudest cheer the coaches can remember this season. The joy shown by her teammates at the strike was wonderful to see.
"The Phoenix girls kept going, with Lois adding another, before Adalind continued her outstanding debut season with a first half brace that was characterised by strong running and clinical finishing.
“Adalind’s first goal came from a quite superb first time cross from April, who had another all action display on the left. She also showed her versatility in playing centrally and striker, where she was unlucky not to get on the score sheet.
“Iris capped a player of the game performance, which showcased her incisive and calm passing, with a well taken goal following a successful press from a Hindley goal kick.
“Mia, produced an excellent performance on the left, playing left back and midfield. She also chipped in with a fine goal.
“The defence was rock solid and dealt with everything. Annabel and Brooke were superb in shutting down anything that came their way. Grace, on her return to action, looked like she had never been away as she produced a fine performance with some characteristic strong tackling and quick feet.
“Noe produced another dynamic display and she completes a fine brace. Adalind put the cherry on the cake, with her hat-trick.
“Lola was the epitome of control and calm in the middle of the pitch. Her ability to get her head up and play the right pass is superb and she was unlucky not to score with a couple of fine long-range efforts.
“Isabella was under-employed in goal, but she was smartly out a few occasions to make excellent clearances. She was given the opportunity to play outfield for the last 20 minutes as Lois offered to deputise again.
“That 20 minutes allowed Isabella to put in a strong performance on the right wing where she set up a few goalscoring opportunities.
“The girls performance was exactly what the coaches had hoped for. They are working hard in training and really kicking on now as a team.”
