Our Raptors under-13s boys just couldn't find the winner in their 1-1 away draw at Milnrow Juniors.
Coach Paul said: “Raptors started the game well, which was good as we usually need time to wake up.
“We were dominating right from the get go. Most of our progress was coming down the left side but we couldn't quite find that killer pass through the lines and their defence held strong.
“The first half was wave after wave of us winning the ball in the middle and driving forward but the break came without us having found a way through.
“In the second half, we stepped it up a gear and they couldn't get out of their own half with Cameron and Thomas winning everything that came towards our goal and sending it straight back to the opponents.
“It took 20 minutes though for Tommy to find the bottom corner from the edge of the box after a blocked shot from George rebounded to him for 1-0 Raptors.
“The next 10 minutes we lost our shape completely though and Milnrow found space down their left putting a few good crosses into the box.
“The first saw a fine double save from stand in keeper Luca and the second saw Oscar head off the line. Their third drew a good save from luca but the rebound fell to their forward who equalised.
“Despite a good regrouping, we couldn't quite find the right ball or a winner and it finished level.”
Phoenix player of the game Isabella
Phoenix girls under-11s played out a rip roaring end-to-end encounter with Astley Bridge Tigercubs.
Coach Brendan said: “It was a tough test for the Phoenix up against a physically bigger team with lots of pace up front.
"Phoenix took a while to get going but they clicked into gear eventually with some lovely flowing football making use of their pace on the wings.
“The girls have worked really hard over the last few weeks in training on crossing and midfielders making runs into the box.
“Iris, Blake and April all made excellent runs and crosses. Adalind was the primary beneficiary of those. with a superb first half hat-rick. It was one of Adalind’s best games in what has been a superb season for her.
“Lois also chipped in with a typically smart finish as the ball broke to her in the penalty area, capping another strong performance in midfield.
“Phoenix started the second half strongly. Noe began running things from midfield and that led to a fourth from Adalind.
“Astley Bridge never went away though. In defence, Brooke, Grace and Mia had their hands full with strong, pacy opponents.
“They tackled, intercepted and battled fantastically. The development in their defending is testament to the hard work they put in every week in training.
“Lola also tried to stem the tide of Astley Bridge’s attacks covering her defence from midfield.
“Astley Bridge did ultimately peg Phoenix back. Iris capped her eventful day (including a bloodied nose) with a last ditch clearance off the line, following a superb save from player of the game Isabella.
“She made countless top saves. Her distribution has also come on magnificently, which again is down to her quiet determination and hard work.
“All in all a great game and a good warm up for the cup semi-final next Sunday.”
Phoenix's Iris in typically swash-buckling action
Panthers under-10s boys had a tough friendly against Longford, in preparation for their finals in a couple of weeks.
Coach Ste said: “The boys had to adjust to playing on grass and did so superbly with a lightening start.
“The tempo the Panthers started with was great with Ollie on the right, James on the left and Ethan up top all linking up well.
“It didn’t take long before they combined with Ollie’s cross finding James at the back post to slot home.
“Ethan was battling hard and holding the ball up really well and this led to a great assist as he squared the ball to William who scored.
“At the other end Longford were very dangerous on the counter and that resulted in two great saves from David.
“After Longford came into it more, Panthers stepped up another gear and started to dominate possession.
“Hudson and William were winning everything in the middle with Rocco and Jay stopping their attacks.
“Jay’s solo run then found the back of the net after a smart finish. The last 10 minutes was end-to-end with Freddie making saves at one end and David coming close at the other.
“A really well contested game and good test as we prepare for the finals.”
Panthers also had a friendly on Thursday night - this time against higher league opponents Salford Storm.
Ste said: "The boys did fantastic and should be proud of themselves.
"Shoutout performance to David with a number of great saves in the first half and then scoring his first goal of the season with a great solo run.
"Player of the match went to Freddie who was excellent in dealing with the long balls forward but also made a number of driving runs forward with the ball, holding off their players and was unlucky not to score."
Fellow under-10s boys Jaguars played Swinton Titans Blacks.
Coach Tim said: “It was a really good game of football, played at a high standard.
“The first third was very tight, with Sandro, Casper and Gabriel containing Swinton well. Our attacking play wasn't immediately firing, though Flynn was unlucky not to get on the end of good passes over the top of the Swinton defence.
“The second third saw more attacking play from the Jaguars, with James and Adam combining well.
“Swinton scored with an unstoppable long range shot. The Jaguars responded well, and it wasn't long before James got on the scoresheet.
“More chances fell for the boys, hitting the underside of the crossbar twice, a Ned free-kick cleared off the line and what would've been a superb goal just drifting wide when Casper backheeled Ned's shot/pass.
“The quality of the Jaguars football was really good and the defence was resolute, with Oscar refusing to give the opposition forwards any space. The boys should be very proud of their efforts.”
