Both our under-10s boys teams had success in their cup competitions this weekend, with Jaguars and Panthers triumphant.
Jaguars (pictured) had an impressive win against Rochdalians.
Coach Tim said: “A brilliant performance saw the Jaguars book their place in the final with real style.
“The boys were at it from the first whistle, with Flynn going close to connecting with Riley's cross. Rochdalians played some neat football and carried a threat but Sandro brought great calm on his return and the defence of Gabriel and Stanley dealt with attacks well.
“Marauders took the lead when Riley broke free and shot, with Casper tucking away the rebound.
“The Jaguars then really went for it. Rochdalians had no answer to Rileys pace and he broke free again, finishing smartly across the keeper.
“A third goal came when Oscar smashed home after some pinball in the box. Riley again left his marker for dead, cut inside and finished well, and then Casper smashed one in the top corner after good work from Phaedon.
“In the second half, we knew Rochdalians would come at us but we defended well, absorbed the pressure and counter attacked effectively.
“There was a period when we struggled to get out of our half and Rochdalians scored a lovely half volley that gave Sandro no chance.
“This could have built the pressure but instead the Jaguars attacked and when James won a free kick, he curled it home to put the game out of sight.
“Marauders then counter-attacked wonderfully, with Adam setting Riley free with an excellent pass, he cut inside and finished superbly.
“Then Ned won the ball in midfield, drove forward and played a perfect pass for Casper to then complete his first hat-trick for the club. A great performance by all involved.”
Meanwhile, Panthers took on Swinton Titans, claiming all three points in their cup group.
Coach Ste said: “At training this week we focused on one thing - being FAST.
“Not just with running but fast shooting, fast kick-ins and being first to everything.
“The boys definitely listened as Swinton took kick off and within 12 seconds Ethan had won the ball back, passed to William who opened the scoring. What a start.
“This really motivated the boys and from kick off again they pressed really fast and as a team.
The press led to a corner which William took fast catching everyone off guard.
“The corner somehow went straight in (maybe a deflection) but William claimed his second in five minutes.
“Enzo was putting some great crosses in from the left with Ethan going agonisingly close. William nearly got his third moments later but his excellent shot hit the top of the post.
“The Panthers’ third and Williams hat-trick came with another excellent strike finding its way through a number of defenders into the bottom corner.
“At half time, David gave out his lucky oranges as I told the boys the game wasn’t over as we were against the wind in the second half.
“The second half started as the first finished with the Panthers dominating all over the pitch. Captain Hudson was stealing the ball in the middle and threading the ball forward.
“Freddie was pushing forward with his driving runs and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet himself. Rocco was sometimes a lone defender but had control of everything.
“As the Panthers kept pressing Ethan found the back of the net, with probably the hardest chance of the game, but a great strike.
“It was soon five as Ethan hit an identical shot finding the back of the net. At the other end Swinton’s first chance of the game brought an excellent diving save from David, with Hudson quickest to block the rebound.
“Swinton did pull one back with a long range effort looping over everyone and finding the top corner.
“A fantastic effort from all the lads today, especially with no subs. A performance to be proud of.”
Diamonds under-12s girls are closing in on the title, but they dropped points in a home draw against Boothstown.
Coach Mark said: “A long season and horrible conditions took their toll on Diamonds. While we were the better team, we just didn’t take our chances.
“But all champions and great teams are built on solid defences and we were to suffer no heart-in-the-mouth moments, but the game had a nervy feel throughout.
“As always we played some excellent football in patches but we just couldn’t get the ball over the line, and for the second week running we came up against a keeper at the very top of their game who made some top draw saves. In particular a double save in the first half which she had no right to do.
“All you can do in these moments is applaud and hope they don’t do another.
“A true sign of champions though is grinding out these matches and not conceding anything silly when your luck’s out at the other end.
“Four points are still required for us to be confirmed champions, if our nearest rivals don’t slip up.
“Kris’ player of the game was Erin - she was super again and a real threat going forward. My player of the game was the whole team, as they worked their socks off.”
Wolves under-11s boys are on the verge of securing their place in the Champions Cup final after a 5-2 win over MLGFC.
Coach Ben said: “Having faced MLGFC just a month earlier in a tight contest, expectations were for another closely fought match. However, Wolves started far more sharply this time and quickly took control of proceedings.
“Top goalscorer Harry Knight opened the scoring early on, finishing well to give Wolves the lead. The advantage was soon doubled when Max Entwisle produced a superb free-kick from the edge of the area that curled perfectly into the bottom left corner.
“The message at the break was clear — keep the pressure on and turn the lead into a commanding win. But MLGFC came out firing in the second half and quickly capitalised on a lapse in concentration at the back to pull one back, making it 2–1.
“Moments later, they struck again to level the game at 2–2, echoing the pattern of the previous meeting between the two sides.
“However, Wolves responded superbly. As the half progressed, the half-time team talk seemed to sink in and Harry Knight stepped up once again.
“First he reacted quickest from a corner to restore the lead, before adding a fourth with a clinical finish smashed into the roof of the net from close range.
“Alexander Angus then got his name on the scoresheet with a rare Wolves header to seal the win and cap off a strong team performance.
“With one game remaining in the group stage, Wolves may only need a point to secure top spot and book their place at the Champions Cup finals at Fleetwood — where a potential showdown with rivals Unsworth could await.”
Fellow under-10s, Phoenix girls, put in one of the season's best performances as they hosted Moss Bank at St Mary’s Park.
After a couple of testing games the girls were up for this one and seldom put a foot wrong all match.
Player of the game Lois scored a solo effort and made a couple more, including one during her stint in goal...
Adalind shone again up front, banging in a hat-trick and was unfortunate not to double her tally in a complete striker's display.
Noe, as has become the norm, ran rings around the opponents and scored with a cracking first time strike from the edge of the box.
April was exceptional on the left, working hard and running at the defence, while also finding some superb positions to receive passes.
Likewise, Iris on the other flank was a constant menace for the Moss Bank back line, but helped her own defenders throughout too.
Lola didn't let a sore knee bother her, as she held the midfield anchor role down and also helped out in defence.
Isabella did everything right in goal, including an outstanding save early on when a Moss Bank attacker had a rare excursion into the Phoenix box. She enjoyed her cameo outfield too, where she made some good challenges.
Blake once again showed how much she has progressed in the last few weeks with some lovely touches and tough tackles.
Brooke had possibly her best showing of the season at the back. She wouldn't let anyone past and made countless interceptions.
Defensive partner Mia was also airtight, locking every attack down and looking to pass wide at every opportunity.
Afterwards the coaches were chuffed the girls listened to instructions, carried out the advice they were given and remembered the work they have done lately in training on winning first balls and communicating.
