Garswood United Youth Reports
(18/11/07) Wilf Hickson Memorial Cup Round One
Penlake Juniors 1-2 Garswood United Youth
The lads from Garswood were keen to get their cup run off to a flier against local rivals Penlake. After losing the earlier league fixture by an odd goal revenge was in the air.
The game started with Penlake looking like they were up for the challenge. They played some nice football in midfield with the extra man they had there, and were able to get up front to support the lone striker. The Garswood defence looked like they had the measure of the system with new central defence of Gannon and Dickson looking solid. Danny Clarke was available to play and started wide right with Robbie Naylor moving up front to support Martin Egerton who has hit a rich vein of goal scoring form.
The first goal came when Penlake attacked down the right. Tiger Coleman was done by a nice bit of skill and a front post cross was met with a glancing header by the Penlake striker. Robinson flapped at the cross when he should have cleaned everything out and cleared the ball. After 15 minutes Clarke and Naylor swapped position and things started to happen. A nice move down the right involving Collins, Clarke and Naylor resulted in a far post cross and Steadman was unlucky to see his effort hit the post. Another chance saw a move from the left when Traynor played the ball to Snowhead, he crossed to Clarkey who found himself with room to line up a volley. Unfortunately he didn't quite catch it right and let the excellent Penlake keeper make a save. Penlake were still looking the stronger team in midfield with their extra man so Clarkey was asked to play alongside Damo and Nick Traynor. This tightened the midfield and immediately the impetus swung towards Garswood. It was very pleasing to see that these three players were also teamed up the day before for Garswood's senior team.
At half time Tiger Coleman had to be withdrawn with a thigh strain and Danny Glaze came on at centre half with Gannon moving to left back. Garswood were now well on top and were dominating possession but couldn't find the elusive goal. Snowhead had several shots; the best of which was a delicate lob that bounced off the top of the cross bar. Penlake still had their moments and a big hoof up the field saw Dickson commit a cardinal sin of letting the ball bounce, allowing the Penlake striker the chance to get a shot in that was dealt with easily by Robinson. The manager went on a serious rant at poor old Dicko for letting the ball bounce. The rant ended with the manager taking off his hat and throwing it to the ground. This must have looked a proper sight!
Robbie Naylor was withdrawn having done an excellent job and having a niggly hip injury and Callum Duncan came on down the right. Cal is a solid player; small in stature but with a big heart and a nice touch.
With 15 minutes left, Penlake were wasting time at every opportunity and their crowd started getting giddy thinking that a win was on the cards for their team. Every time something went in their favour a shout of wahey would ring out. So, a final change was made with Damo and Snowhead pushing up and Gannon going to left side of midfield - in effect playing 3-4-3 – and it wasn't long before the mounting pressure would tell. Another goal mouth scramble saw the ball break to Martin Egerton who found himself with an easy tap in. So at 1 - 1 and extra time looming the formation was changed back to 4-5-1 and five minutes later Snowhead made a run into the box and the new full back who had just come on chopped him down and a penalty was awarded. Damo was facing some serious intimidation but he kept his cool and sent the keeper the wrong way. Now the boot was on the other foot and Garswood were coming out with the wahey's.
Now Garswood wanted the referee to blow the final whistle but because of Penlakes previous time wasting the referee chose to add an extra 5 minutes injury time. Garswood were awarded a free kick in their right back position, a Penlake player was receiving attention and Damo was set to take the free kick. The next 30 seconds was pure comedy. Penlakes manager ran on to the pitch and moved the ball back 10 meters, the referee moved the ball forward 10 meters and as Damo was about to take the free kick the Garswood manager shouted for Damo to leave the ball and let Glazy take the free kick. The ref's patience finally ran out and he booked Damo. It was a very generous gesture by Dave Moore at half time to offer to pay a fine if Damo got booked! Not quite what he had in mind I don't think!!
The final action saw the ball break down the right and Callum played the ball through for Egerton who showed his lightening pace and beat the advancing keeper to the ball, he took the ball past the keeper steadied himself and slid the ball past the defender who was desperately stood on the line. This took Martin's goal tally for the season to 10 - one more than Damo. One of the Garswood fans was getting a bit excited on the line and came up with a great impression of the Soccer AM wrestlers and started shouting “Easy, Easy”. This was a bit out of order and was met with the ref's dissatisfaction. At the end of the game all were friends again … until next time.
The starting 11
S.Robinson, D.Collins, L.Coleman, M.Gannon, A.Dickson, M.Steaadman, D.Moore, N.Traynor, R.Naylor, M.Edgerton, D.Clarke
Bench
D.Glaze, C.Duncan
MOM:
Robbie Naylor good individual and team performance
“Taxi for” (3 taxi's were ordered today)
Steve Gannon for losing it and thinking he was a Soccer AM wrestler
Steve Dickson for causing GBH to his hat
Damo for getting booked for time wasting
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(11/11/07) Garswood United Youth 6-4 Bleak Hill Rovers U17's
After an early season win over Bleak Hill, the Garswood lads were confident that they could get their season back on track by doing the double over the visitors. Garswood were pleased to be able to field new signing Danny Dale, Danny is a Garswood old boy and a quality player; he will be a huge asset to the squad.
The game started with a change in defence: Glaze who was struggling with a back injury last week was rested and asked to start on the bench. Matt Gannon dropped into central defence alongside Dickson. Straight from the kick off Garswood looked up for the game and the partnership between Dale and Egerton looked to develop with immediate effect. Dale played in Egerton who was just too quick for the defenders and Egerton didn't need a second invitation to add to his goal tally for the season. The second goal came shortly after and was almost a carbon copy involving the same two players.
At 2-0 Bleak Hill crafted themselves a couple of good chances and on both occasions Robinson was equal to the test, producing two very smart saves. Garswoods third goal came with Gannon threading a great ball through to Damo on the edge of the box. He controlled the ball in one move and the second was to crash the ball into he top corner. At half time and with a 3-0 lead it looked like it should be game over.
The half time team talk was to congratulate the team on their first half performance, particularly to the central midfield partnership who were doing exactly as asked before the game and to Scott Robbo who had made a couple of great saves. The defence were asked to keep it tight and to make sure that Robbo had the minimum amount of work to do in the second half.
The second half started very much as the first finished with Garswood well on top, it wasn't long before the fourth goal came, a solo effort from Danny Dale who won the ball in the Bleak Hill penalty area, took the ball around the keeper and slotted from a narrow angle. With 25 minutes left to play Steadman and Naylor were taken off to give Glaze and Duncan a run.
Shortly after, Damo got caught with the ball and a rash tackle resulted in a free kick 25 yards from goal. Robbo set his wall but a great free kick beat him at the far post so at 4-1 this was still a very respectable score line. Garswood then decided to press the self-destruct button by playing some suicidal stuff in defence, 4-1 became 4-2. Garswood continued to press and from a corner Gannon found himself in the area with time to curl a ball into the top corner to make it 5-2. Unbelievably, straight from the kick off more suicidal defending cost another goal to make it 5-3. With a few minutes left Lee (the Tiger) Coleman picked the ball up, he was able to carry the ball into the Bleak Hill half and let an unstoppable shot arrow into the top corner. So at 6-3 with minutes left that must be the final score! Not so!! Bleak Hill were able to muster another attack and found themselves able to claw back yet another goal.
Thankfully the final whistle went seconds later and the points were finally safe!
The starting 11
S.Robinson, D.Collins, L.Coleman, M.Gannon, A.Dickson, M.Steaadman, D.Moore, N.Traynor, R.Naylor, M.Edgerton, D.Dale
Bench
D.Glaze, C.Duncan
MOM: Nick Traynor a great performance, from a great player
“Taxi for”
Danny Glaze who when on the bench was asked to kick a replacement ball back onto the pitch. The ball must have landed 50 yards away from where it should have gone!
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(04/11/07) Garswood United Youth 3-6 Knowsley South U17's
The pre-match team talk today was all about self belief and for each player to go onto the pitch believing that they are the best player on the park! Did that happen today? Well yes and no, at times we looked like we had that belief and at other times we just didn't!
The opposition today were a very good side, they work very hard for each other, and they are well drilled and very determined. They looked like they were not going to let some village team stop them from steam rolling the league. More than happy to engage our players in a bit of sledging, when the ball came their way the sledging stopped and play began. This threw some of our players as they wanted to carry on the argument even when the ball was in the back of our net. Time to learn the hard lessons lad's: football first, second etc. You can get involved in sledging when you have won your personal battle and the team is winning the game!
Knowing that we were in for a tough game the manager selected a defensive formation playing 3 central midfielders with a brief to contain, and to attack on the break using the pace that we have up front and out wide.
Garswood were again subject to lapses of concentration at the back which cost us two early goals. At 2-0 I was starting to worry that this could become a rout especially as a penalty was awarded to Knowsley giving them the chance to make it 3-0 with only half an hour played. Robinson who had excelled the previous day for the senior side dived low to his left and pushed the ball wide. This seemed to deflate Knowsley slightly and lifted the home team. Naylor went on a run into the penalty area, his quick feet were to quick for the Knowsley full back who could only bring him down. Damo stepped up to coolly slot the resultant spot kick. Shortly after, Coleman took a free kick from the left and this caused panic in the Knowsley defence. The ball dropped to Edgerton who slid the ball into the unguarded net. In the melee Gannon picked up a nasty gash to his knee from the keeper who appeared to tread on him when he was on the ground. The ref said that “if we hadn't of scored he would awarded another penalty”??? Gannon had to be withdrawn shortly after.
So at half time all was square and at 2 – 2 surely a good base from which to build a good second half performance.
Yet again defensive mistakes, lack of concentration, letting players run with the ball without making a telling challenge and midfielders playing with a lack of discipline cost us. Another penalty was awarded to Knowsley when keeper Robinson took out the attacker. He earned himself a yellow card for this and should be thankful it wasn't red. However, the attacker should have been “dealt” with before he was in this position.
Garswood were finding it hard to contain a rampant Knowsley side whose top scorer Carl Peers was having a field day scoring 4 goals, Garswood were now losing 6 -2 but the best was yet to come!
Garswoods own speedster Martin Edgerton picked up the ball on the left side of the pitch just inside the opposition half. He beat one man for sheer pace, then two defenders tried to block him, he knocked the ball between the two of them and ran across the penalty area, beating another man on his solo run. He then steadied himself before lashing an unstoppable shot past the keeper. Well done Martin, this proves that you can do it against the best side in the league. Can you do it week in week out? That is the question!!!
Things for Garswood players to think about before the next game CONCENTRATION, CONTROLLED AGGRESSION, MAKING A MEANINGFUL CHALLENGE & RECOVERY (don't give it up and let someone else do your job)
Positives from today, once the lads realised we weren't playing a team of supermen, for a spell we looked dangerous and looked at least equal to the opposition. A great goal from Edgerton! The opposition stating after the game that we were the best team that they had played this season!
The starting 11
S.Robinson, D.Collins, L.Coleman, D.Glaze, A.Dickson, M.Steaadman, D.Moore, N.Traynor, R.Naylor, M.Edgerton, M.Gannon
Bench
A.Bradley, C.Duncan
MOM: Edgerton (mainly for his stunning goal and doing the ploughing up front on his own)
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(21/10/07) Billinge Athletic 5-0 Garswood United Youth
A very disappointing performance from the Garswood lads today as it was a good day for football. The players should have been highly motivated for lots of reasons: new kit, playing against players who had publicly stated their intent to turn us over, players who had trained with Garswood prior to the season starting but choosing to go elsewhere for various reasons.
From the start it was clear that only one team had the desire to win and unfortunately that wasn't Garswood. Everything that could go wrong did, poor passing, sloppy defending, bad communication, a completely toothless attack, lack of desire ... the list could go on!
Unfortunately, not many positives today, possibly a good time for players to reflect upon their own performance and ask themselves could I have done better today?
In hindsight the team selection didn't work and that is the responsibility of the Manager!
The starting 11
S.Robinson, D.Collins, L.Coleman, D.Glaze, A.Bradley, M.Steadman, D.Moore, N.Traynor, C.Duncan, S.Kay, A.Dickson
Bench
M.Gannon, M.Egerton, R.Naylor
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(14/10/07) Garswood United Youth 1-2 Redgate Rovers U17's
No match report available at the present time.
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(30/09/07) Golborne Sports 3-6 Garswood United Youth
After three straight defeats Garswood were determined to return to winning ways and to assist in this Danny Clarke was available to play and was drafted straight into the starting eleven with Martin Egerton being relegated to the bench.
The game started at frenetic pace with both teams going at it hammer and tongue. Garswood were having trouble getting to grips with the Sports midfield maestro Kenny Cooper. Cooper was pulling all the strings and making things happen. It wasn't long before Sports took the early lead with an un-characteristic Scott Robinson mistake dropping the ball and allowing an easy tap in. The Sports second goal wasn't long in coming and at 2 – 0, with 30 minutes played things weren't looking too good. At this point Garswood woke up and realised that they were in a game and just turning up wasn't going to be enough!
In a devastating spell just before half time Garswood not only got back into the game but with goals from Clarke, Naylor and Bradley, un-believably at the break Garswood were leading 3 – 2. At half time the Manager was ready to unleash the hair-dryer on maximum but due to the blitz before half time the players just about saved their bacon.
As the second half kicked half everybody from Garswood thought that they would go on and take the game by the scruff of the neck. That wasn't to be; at least not in the first 5 minutes and Sports were obviously fired up from their own Managers half time team talk. Within 5 minutes of the start Sports were back on level terms.
With the game all square it was now anybodies game. Fortunately Garswood were able to step up a gear and with further goals from super sub Brad Simm, a second from Daniel Clarke with a large slice of help from the goal keeper and a goal from Mike Steadman who has the record of scoring in every game that he has played. Snowhead came back from what looked like a serious knee injury and is now flying.
MOM for today was Alex Bradley; Alex showed good communication skills, read the game well and rounded his performance off with a great headed goal!
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(23/09/07) Southport Youth 5-1 Garswood United Youth
As Garswood arrived at the Seaside, our visit coincided with the Southport Air Show. I think most of our lads were busy watching the Red Arrows air display rather than concentrating on the job in hand! Southport Youth are a big powerful side that look much older than the under 17's age limit!!!
The game didn't start to well when Scott Robinson fumbled a back header from Glaze; the Southport striker was on it in a flash and the ball ended up in the back of the net. The second goal quickly followed and an excellent cross from the left found a Southport player unmarked to head in comfortably.
At this point Garswood started to wake up and Coleman, Traynor and Damo were starting to make things happen. Snowhead was working hard on the right but Garswood had very little up front with the out of sorts Egerton. The swap was made and Naylor moved to the right and Snowhead went up front. Egerton had a run and shot which the goalkeeper saved well and there was Snowhead to force in the rebound to make it 2-1. At this point Garswood started to get back into the game until Dickson who is usually Mr. Reliability bizarrely tried to clear the ball from the penalty area. He ended up sprawled on the floor under pressure from a striker, tried to head the ball whilst lying on the floor then out came the arm to deflect the ball away from the striker. The ref awarded a penalty and Dickson saw red. The manager's face must have been a picture as he was seriously unhappy about this bit of circus entertainment! The resultant penalty was despatched with consummate ease to end the half 3-1.
At halftime Egerton was sacrificed to bring on a defender in Alex Bradley. Garswood were playing with a new determination to try to salvage something from the game. Simm was brought on up front with fresh legs and Naylor was withdrawn. Almost immediately Gannon took a nasty bang on the head, with all subs used Gannon had to leave the field, this left Garswood with nine players against a good Southport side. The fourth goal came when a long cross from the right caught Collins out of position he was unable to deal with the cross a Southport player pounced on the ball and it was 4-1. The fifth goal came from a cross, Glazes weak effort to clear the ball was brushed aside by the Southport striker who powerfully headed home. Gannon bravely decided that he was fit to carry on and came on to help to stop the score from becoming any more embarrassing than it already was!
Not a good day some players have to have a good look at themselves and realise that they need to improve very quickly, need better focus, concentration, first touch, communication and assertiveness!!!
MOM today was given to Nick Traynor.
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(16/09/07) Garswood United Youth 2-3 Lane Ends Athletic
Garswood were looking to make amends for the slip up from last week. A strong wind didn't assist either side and the slick football that was evident earlier in the season just wasn't their today. Glaze was brought back into the team, as was Snowhead (Steadman) who was returning after a bad knee injury! Unfortunately Stu Kay lasted a mere 15 minutes before he had to come off with a groin injury and was replaced by Robbie Noone.
The first half was very even with not much goalmouth action until the last 10 minutes. The majority of chances for Garswood fell to Egerton the best of which was a great ball played in across the six yard and somehow Egerton managed to put the ball over the bar. Lane were looking dangerous on the break, Robinson made an outstanding point blank save and then Dickson made a last ditch tackle to prevent an almost certain goal. Coleman had a good game at left back after making his league debut for the senior side the day before. The opening goal came to Lane almost with the last kick of the half. Indecision from Glaze created space for Lane the ball fell to the striker who made no mistake.
At half time the “hair drier” was plugged in and turned to maximum; would this make a difference? The second half started with a much improved tempo and attitude at last it looked like Garswood meant business. Chances were being created but Garswood just couldn't score Lane were now on the back foot but they managed to force a corner. The corner was headed clear but nobody put pressure on the ball, the Lane striker picked his spot and Robinson at full stretch could only watch as the ball flew into the top corner. It looked like that was the end for Garswood!
Egerton was withdrawn and Bradley took his place up front. The ball was played down the right via Collins and Damo, the ball broke to Naylor who reacted quickest and lobbed an out of position goalkeeper.
Garswood were now camped in the Lane half creating chance after chance, the equaliser came from a lovely through ball from midfield, Gannon ran onto the ball and coolly slid the ball past the keeper. Garswood could now smell victory. On another Sortie the ball fell to Traynor who controlled the ball in an instant and let fly with a powerful shot he could only watch in dismay as the ball crashed against the cross bar and rebounded to safety.
A long hopeful ball from Lane saw the ball break to one of their strikers he knocked the ball through the defence and would have been clean through on goal but Dickson tugged his shirt committing a professional foul. The ref was lenient and awarded a free kick that came to nothing. Shortly after, Naylor gave away a needless free kick on the right side with a push on a Lane player in the back. The Garswood defence were trying to hold a line on the 18yard line but a couple of Garswood players drifted into the box which created chaos and from that chaos came the winner for Lane.
Garswood threw the kitchen sink at Lane in the last 10 minutes but couldn't force the equaliser. Despite Bradley getting a powerful diving header in, the keeper saved magnificently.
A deeply disappointing game and performance, especially in front of goal! This needs to be addressed and quickly!
MOM today was a toss up between Coleman & Dickson with Dickson just edging it.
The Squad:
Scott Robinson, D. Collins, L.Coleman, D.Glaze, A,Dickson, N.Traynor, D.Moore, M.Steadman, M.Gannon. M.Egerton, S.Kay, R.Naylor, A.Bradley
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(09/09/07) Penlake Juniors 2-1 Garswood United Youth
This was the fixture that pitted two old adversaries from their time in the Warrington leagues against each other in the South Lancs League. Previously the games have always been closely fought and today's game was no exception.
The game got underway with both teams showing their intent to try to take three points. Traynor was in fine form and was looking to set Egerton and Kay through with several good through balls. Collins had his hands full with “Shorty” the exciting Penlake No. 8 who was finding himself with time and room to cause problems. A series of unforced errors in the Garswood defence were not helping matters; passes going astray being the main cause of the problems. Gannon and Coleman weren't combining as effectively as late and seemed not to be supporting each other. Damo was giving 100% as usual but he was finding it difficult to make an impact.
The first goal came as a result of a big kick from the excellent Penlake goal keeper. Bradley allowed the ball to bounce and left Dickson to deal with the ball that was heading towards goal with a Penlake striker in hot pursuit. Robinson gave a poor call for the ball and with Dickson unsure of his bearings the striker nipped in to stab the ball past Robinson!
Naylor was not having a good day so at half time he was withdrawn and replaced with Danny Clarke. Immediately Garswood were able to start applying pressure to a resolute Penlake defence. The breakthrough came when Traynor found himself on the edge of the area and let fly an unstoppable shot that flew into the net. Garswood were now full steam ahead to take three points. Clarkey got to grips with Shorty, who started to disappear out of the game and was soon replaced.
Alex Bradley was withdrawn and replaced by Danny Glaze. Not long afterwards Penlake were awarded a corner, the ball was only partially cleared and the ball fell to Jack Devlin who spun on a sixpence and lashed an unstoppable shot passed Robinson. With time running out and Penlake using every tactic in the book to eat up the clock desperate measures were called for. Gannon was withdrawn and Brad Simm introduced. Garswood went 3-4-3 to try to get the equaliser. Stu Kay found himself with two excellent chances in the closing stages to snatch the equaliser but unfortunately Stu didn't have his shooting boots with him today.
Garswood will be relishing the return fixture in both the league and cup!
MOM for today was Nick Traynor who was excellent!
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(04/09/07) Bleak Hill Rovers U17's 0-3 Garswood United Youth
Garswood were visitors at Bleak Hill for this evening’s game. The match started at a brisk pace with the visitors setting the early tempo. Collins & Naylor where combining well early on down the right flank, and Traynor also started well in midfield. There was lots of bluster from the travelling side but everything seemed strangely rushed and the play was incoherent for large parts of the first half. Because things weren’t going as well as recent games frustration was setting in and the central defence pairing of Dickson and Bradders was looking hesitant and uncomfortable.
Fortunately, Robinson in goal was on top of his game and was holding the defence together. A rash challenge from Dickson earned himself a booking, he was now treading a tight rope for the rest of the game.
Coleman and Gannon, who form the left side of the team and have been a massive positive so far this season, were being starved of the ball and they were struggling to make an impression on the game. The strike force of Edgerton and Kay were trying really hard but nothing was working for them. Most strangely of all Damo was making no impression at all on the game.
Was it a combination of a night match, little if any pre-match preparation, a small uneven lumpy pitch and a resilient opposition? I think the answer is a resounding YES!
At half time the management team had to earn their corn and come up with words of wisdom to make a difference. A couple of basic tactical changes were made to hopefully improve matters. Right from the kick off the midfield started to get a better grip and started to look more balanced, Coleman was receiving the ball and was becoming the dominant player on the pitch, Gannon was supporting him well. Damo’s game started to click and then Garswood started to dominate and the goals started to come.
The first goal came with a good move down the left and Coleman making a great ball for Kay, Stu Kay dropped his shoulder got a yard of space and a lovely curling shot gave the out of position keeper no chance. Dickson was pulled out of the action as he was having a quiet game and with the yellow card hanging over him we didn’t want to see it turn red. Glaze was introduced at centre half for a run out in his preferred position. Kay, Gannon & Coleman were starting to look increasingly dangerous down the left and by now they were totally dominant.
Egerton and Naylor were starting to look tired so a double change was made with Brad Simm coming on up front and Danny Clarke making his first appearance of the season down the right.
The impact was almost instantaneous!
The second goal came with Stu Kay making a powerful run into the box. The opposition defender made a desperate lunge and the result was Kay being upended! The ref had no option other than to award a penalty. Damo stepped up to bravely despatch the spot kick, despite the ref curiously insisting that the ball needed to be placed in a hole that was supposed to be the penalty spot.
The final goal came from a cross into the penalty area, Damo and Clarkey both attacked the ball but Damo appeared to get the decisive touch to divert the ball past the unlucky goalkeeper. this goal will have to go before the dubious goals panel! The game ended with a very impressive score line against a dogged Bleak Hill side. The management were pleased that a clean sheet was kept due in the main to Robinson having a great game; hopefully this will be the first of many!
The MOM award was given to Lee Coleman who was again outstanding.
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(02/09/07) Garswood United Youth 6-1 Hawkley Youth
Hawkley Youth were the visitors to “The Wooders” today, a colour clash meant that Garswood had to change to play in the Orange shirts. The lads were pleased that injured player Mike Steadman was able to attend and listen in on the team talk, the lads were pumped up to win the game for “Snowhead”!
The game kicked off and the home team set the early pace and tempo, the left side pairing of Coleman and Gannon were on fire, Coleman repeatedly receiving the ball from keeper Robinson and then feeding the ball to Gannon down the left or through the midfield pairing of Traynor and Damo. Up front Garswood have unearthed a couple of gems in Stu Kay and Martin Egerton both players keen to link up with each other and also looking to be fed by the midfield players.
It wasn't long before chances were created in the 17 th minute a cracking ball from Kay found Egerton whose first touch was sublime he brought the ball down and coolly slid the ball past the keeper to open his account for the season.
The second goal wasn't long in coming and in the 21 st minute Damo found himself unmarked in the penalty area the brilliant midfielder didn't need to be asked twice the trigger was pulled and the score was now 2 – 0.
The Garswood defence was seldom troubled in the first half when they were put under pressure the new centre half pairing of Dickson and Bradley looked strong and assured, the dangerous Hawkley striker tried his best but Dickson and Bradley had too much strength and pace and he soon lost interest. On the right side Robbie Naylor came in to fill in for the injured Snowhead, Robbie showed some great touches and looked very dangerous and had an excellent game. The ever-reliable Collins was also having a great game and looked equally comfortable going forward or defending.
At the interval Garswood were looking comfortable and 3 points looked in the bag, at half time Stu Kay had to come off due to a hip injury and Brad Simm was given his first start of the season. At half time it was explained that he next goal would be crucial, a Garswood goal would more or less secure the points if Hawkley scored that would lift them and give them a sniff of a chance.
The second half got underway and in the 47 th minute another superb move saw Brad Simm shoot, he could only watch agonisingly as the ball beat the keeper but crashed against the bar Damo reacted the quickest and gleefully ran in to nod the rebound past the keeper.
With 25 minutes to go Collins was withdrawn to enable Glaze to make his second appearance of the season, Glaze was ever present at centre half last season but due to illness and holiday he has missed pre-season and needs to work hard to regain his fitness. Put on at right back with the instruction to get up and down the pitch this run out was purely to assist with his fitness and was no reflection on Collins performance whose performance was again outstanding.
The match was now comfortably in Garswoods hands with Hawkley looking like a beaten side, Garswood were running rampant with long spells of possession and moves being created from all over the pitch. A rare mistake from Damo allowed a Hawkley player to nick the ball off him and the Garswood defence found themselves outnumbered for once and the Hawkley striker gave Robinson no chance.
This lapse seemed to lift Garswood and in the 61 st minute another good move involving several Garswood players ended with the lightning quick Egerton bagging his second goal of the day.
Goal of the day has to go to Nick Traynor who was again contender for MOM in the 83 rd minute he picked the ball up 35 yards out nobody closed him down and he let fly with a brilliant swerving shot struck with power that flew past the keeper into the top corner.
The high light of the day was Egerton scoring his hatrick goal in the 88 th minute, another fantastic corner swung in by Robbie Naylor saw Egerton climb like a Salmon to head downwards past the helpless keeper.
A difficult evening will be in-store for the Egerton household tonight Martin is the twin brother of Simon who plays for Hawkley, Martin will have the bragging rights tonight!
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(28/08/07) Garswood United Youth Vs Winstanley St Aidens (Match Abandoned)
The game kicked off with both teams looking to impose themselves, the match was barely 3 minutes old when an innocuous challenge between Mike Steadman and a Winstanley player left Steadman wreathing in agony. The site of Snowheads leg was a real sickener, his knee cap had moved around to the side of his leg. The F.A first aid course didn't provide any advice on how to treat such an injury so an ambulance was summoned to take Snowhead to hospital!
Thanks to referee Terry O'Brien who agreed that the player shouldn't be moved, he was left with no option other to abandon the game and stayed around until the ambulance arrived, some 90 minutes after the incident.
Thanks also to the players and management of Winstanley who expressed their concerns for the player and wished Snowhead well before they left and to the WAGS who gave Snowhead much more attention than he has ever been used to and kept him entertained whilst awaiting the arrival of the ambulance.
Finally thanks to all of the staff and players of Garswood United who provided invaluable assistance in dealing with a very nasty injury!
On behalf of all Garswood United AFC ..... Get well soon Mike, the team will miss you!!!
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(26/08/07) Garswood United Youth 3-1 Halsall
This was the clash of the early league leaders, both teams had kicked off their season with big wins.
Garswood were forced to change their team due to players not being available the most significant loss being Goal Keeper Scott Robinson and Robbie Naylor also stood down due to a hip injury picked up last weekend.
The game started with both teams trying to impose themselves and early chances fell to Halsall who had a free kick given away cheaply by Glaze some 25 yards out the Halsall player struck the shot with some venom. Stand in keeper Andy Dickson got his fingertips to the ball and deflected the shot onto the cross bar, the Garswood defence reacted the quickest and managed to clear the ball. At the other end Egerton was causing the Halsall defence all kinds of problems with his pace a nice move that involved Damo & Stu Kay culminated in Egerton being clean through on goal, his curling shot going just wide of the post. Garswood's centre midfield partnership of Traynor and Damo was beginning to win the midfield battle and with the power of Mike Steadman on the right side Garswood were looking favourite to get the first goal.
Steadman earned a free kick on the right side of the pitch; Team Captain for the day Damo went on to take the resultant free kick. Inexplicably a Halsall player put his hand up and handled the ball excellent referee Jim Picton had no hesitation in awarding a penalty. Damo stepped up and placed the ball low in the corner to give Garswood the half time lead.
Garswood's defence were doing well in preventing shots coming in and denying Halsall room to get crosses into the penalty area. The excellent Danny Collins had an excellent game today making up for his lack lustre performance last week. The centre half partnership saw Glaze make his first appearance of the season along with Bradders who was looking steady. Left back Coleman looked very cool on the ball and made some very astute and intelligent passes. Left sided mid fielder Gannon looked a little out of sorts today and is capable of much, much more.
Two goals in the second half one from super striker Stu Kay who found himself with a yard of room in the penalty area his shot found the bottom corner giving the Halsall replacement keeper no chance. The third came from the excellent Steadman he made a strong run into the penalty area and struck a great shot into the corner to make it 3 – 0. By this time Halsall appeared to be running out of ideas and MOM Nick Traynor was running the show from midfield. Steadman had run himself into the ground and needed to come off and was replaced by Robbie Naylor. Naylor was causing the Halsall problems on the right side with his pace. On a rare sortie into the Garswood half, for once the defence was slow to close down and first half goal keeper who was playing out on the left side sent in a hopeful cross that drifted over Dickson who could only watch the ball drop into the goal at the far post.
The last action saw the rapid and dynamic Egerton show the Halsall defence a clean pair of heels for the umpteenth time, he was in the penalty area about to pull the trigger when the Halsall defender brought him down. The ref had no hesitation in awarding the second penalty of the day. Up stepped Damo to try to make it 4 – 1, his shot was placed in the corner and the keeper at full stretch was able to tip the ball round the post. The ref had seen a Halsall player encroach into the penalty area and decreed that the penalty must be re-taken. Damo stepped up and put the ball into the opposite corner only to watch in disbelief as the keeper again dived and tipped the ball around the post.
Miss of the day has got to go to Stu Kay a second half shot didn't just clear the bar, it sailed over the club house and clearedr one of the houses on the other side of the Road, All I can say is “AVE IT Stu”. Truly an unforgettable shot!!!
Another excellent performance from Garswood the home crowd went home very satisfied bunch!
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(19/08/07) Redgate Rovers U17's 2-5 Garswood United Youth
An excellent start to the season, the players were asked before the game to lay a marker down to all other teams in the league and a 5 -2 win for the Garswood Youth was just the ticket!
As the first half progressed Garswood became more dominant looking sound in defence and strong in midfield. The opposition were very hard working and had clearly been told to harass and close down quickly. Initially this caused a problem with players being caught in possession and passes going astray.
The first goal was a penalty with Stu Kay being hacked down in the box, Damo Moore stepped up and coolly slotted to the keepers left. This was how the first half finished.
The equaliser came early in the second half with a player making a mazy run down the left leaving an out of sorts Collins in his wake a weak challenge from Alex Bradley allowed the striker to smash the ball past Robinson.
Garswood showed a good spirit as right from the kick off the ball was played to the right side to Steadman he played a nice ball to Naylor who was quick enough to beat his man and slid the ball past the keeper.
This lead was only short lived as the opposition attacked down the left the ball was chipped into the area Robinson should have dealt with the ball but he hesitated and allowed the striker to poke the ball past him.
Naylor was withdrawn due to a hip injury and Egerton was introduced to inject a bit of extra pace (Egerton lost his place in the starting 11 due to arriving 15 minutes late, with several new players in attendance an example was needed to be made)!
Garswood then started to apply pressure to a Redgate side who looked like they were starting to tire. The centre midfield partnership of Traynor and Moore began to run the show. A good move down the left resulted in a lovely pass from Coleman to Kay who was given time to turn and shoot from 25 yards catching the keeper off his line, the keeper could only watch as the ball sailed over his head into the net to give Garswood the lead for a third time.
From this point the game became more one sided with Garswood starting to dominate and the opposition starting to look like a beaten side. Another move saw Gannon with the ball on the left cross the ball into the penalty area the ball was cleared only as far as Coleman who must have heard the shouts of shoot from the crowd and his team mates. The goal was never in danger but the same cannot be said for the windows of houses adjacent to the pitch!!!
The fourth goal came from another move down the left between Coleman and Gannon, Gannon found himself on the edge of the area and a delightful chip saw the keeper stranded and the ball drop into the goal at the far post.
The final goal came with a couple of minutes remaining A corner from the right saw Steadman make a near post run and got his head on the ball before a static defence could move and nod the ball over the line. JOB DONE!
The game was played in a good spirit no bookings for either side!
Man of Match was awarded to Andy Dickson who played his best game for quite a while, Dominant in the air, strong in the tackle and what was most pleasing was the improvement in his distribution which was excellent today! Looks like he has been watching and learning from his hero Chris Burke (Poor lad)!
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