After our cup run was so cruely ended last week by Croston who beat us with ease from 3 set plays, the lads were determined to put on a convincing display at Guide Road. The pitch was marked out beautifully and an overcast day saw a great team performance.  Passing was the name of the game & we experimented with different players & positions … including Craig Sherrington in goal … David James eat yer heart out!

Joel, Peter and Luke were subs as the game got underway.  Jonno and Aiden linked up well with Matthew Jones up front as we started to carve up the Deepdale defence with some good, simple and effective passing.  In the words of George Peppard, “we love it when a plan comes together”.

It didn’t take long for Mr Jones to get on the score-sheet after a blistering run through the defence.  Then Daniel added to his season’s tally with a well stuck shot past the keeper.  Matthew netted a third before half time as he beat a couple of defenders and in JS Park – esque shot, sweetly slid the ball around the keeper for a well deserved 3:0 for the Bank!

Robert made a couple of vital clearances and Craig lofted the ball up field a number of times for the midfield lads to chase.  Patrick had a quiet half … so much so that he came on as an outfield player after the interval … with Mr Sherrington a willing volunteer between the sticks!

With some strange looks from the parents the lads trotted out for the second half.  Peter surged forwards on the left with some good tricky passes and interplay with Jonno.  Joel joined the fray in what was going to be the most frustrating 20 mins of football for young Mr Rostron as he tried numerous times to find the net only to be foiled by the keeper and defenders from Deepdale, a much improved side since earlier in the season. 

Matthew Jones made a great run down the left, got to the by-line and whipped a cross in for Luke, who side-footed across to Joel whose shot sailed wide.  Minutes later, Patrick slotted a through ball into Luke whose shot nestled sweetly past the keeper for 4:0. 

Seconds later Luke crossed from the right for Daniel to volley home a great strike to make it five!  The HB midfield were knocking the ball around really well, showing how a few well connected passes can cut through a defence. The Deepdale attack did keep Craig busy as Aiden and Jonno were contending with some great balls from the midfield.  Craig saved well with his body and put in some great goal kicks leaving Dad to ponder whether there was enough Shredded Wheat left! In one of the last moves of the game Matthew Jones took the ball around a number of defenders before side footing it past the keeper to Peter to score in an open goal.  A selfless move and shows what a great team player he can be.

Man of the Match went to Craig for his performance as make shift keeper!  He played with confidence and intelligence and looked the part too!  Next week we’re away to Leyland Albion & let’s take the passing game with us!

After a 6:0 win last week the lads were feeling confident for their first away trip to Albion.  The pitch was heavy going given the overnight rain. The parents were as far away from the touchline as they’ve been all season as they grabbed some shelter from the pounding icy wind.  A good display overall which showed how much our passing game has improved.  Daniel Clayton was outstanding in the middle of the park … new boots too!

Down to eight this week, Jonno started on the bench, Peter left back and Robert right back as Craig was unwell & Joel on hols.  Aiden on the left with the usual trio of Dan (centre), Luke (right) and Matty Jones up front (how wide do you want the goal?)

Hesketh Bank started well and in the first ten minutes had most of the possession with the ball firmly rooted in the Albion half.  Peter and Aiden linked up well on the left and Matthew Jones worked well up front, finding space and using the ball well left and right.  Robert looked comfortable on the right and with a left foot unleashed Aiden on the left with a 20yd pass.  Aiden knocked it to Daniel who ran at the keeper only to be brought down in the box by a tackle from behind – a clear penalty – but the ref thought differently.  It just wasn’t happening for us in the final third of the pitch!  Luke, Matthew, Aiden and Daniel were all linking up well but our end product wasn’t there in the first half – until a corner from Luke.

Luke put in a lovely lofted ball from the right which an Albion defender tried to clear … but only as far as Matthew who slotted the ball past the Albion keeper!  1:0 to the Bank!

Albion turned on the heat and their midfield put their attacker away and he struck a great shot, headed for the bottom corner but Patrick was equal to it and palmed it out for a corner – a great save!  Peter and Robert combined well to clear the ball and Peter got in a great tackle and a whack on the head just before the whistle blew for half time … he was a few brain cells lighter when he got back to his feet!

We talked about the need for passing and for shooting on sight of goal.  After the interval Jonno looked lively on the left, putting in a couple of great headers in short succession!  Daniel tackled back tirelessly and took the ball to the Albion midfield.  His passing made all the difference as Luke latched on to a simple ball and struck for goal 20yrds out.  It sailed into the top corner with the Albion keeper having little chance of getting it, a superb strike!

After a throw in from Daniel on the left Matthew Jones took the ball round 3 defenders and with sheer determination the ball found the Albion net to make it 3:0!  Aiden was unlucky not to score after controlling the ball well and striking for goal, great to see, just a bit close to the keeper this time.

Man of the Match went to Daniel for his tackling and passing today; he gave the team such shape, defenders a helping hand and had vision going forwards, well done! Thanks again to the parents for turning out and giving us such great support away from home.  Next week: The Big One, Ribbleton at home!

An early start today away to Eccleston & Heskin and a chance for the lads to get back to winning ways following last week’s narrow defeat.  E&H gave us a good game at station road in the summer, so this would be close.  It was a day where simple passing and movement going forward and concentration at the back combined to make it a great team performance.  E&H’s keeper was superb, Robert was instrumental for us at the back & Joel put in a cracking performance up front.

We looked lively from the 1st whistle as we created chances for Matthew J and Daniel within a couple of minutes.  Luke looked sprightly on the right and was unfortunate to take a knock early on.  Hesketh were having most of the ball and were passing really well and crossing the ball – even if the first one from Matthew Jones hit the bar after their defender tried to clear it! 

Peter was putting some great passes through to Matthew and linking up well with Daniel.  A Peter, Matthew, Daniel combination produced the first goal in just three passes, where Daniel slotted the ball underneath the battling keeper!  This was an exact replica of a move a couple of mins before but this time Daniel buried it!

Peter and Luke were combining well too and tried to play a 1-2; Robert held his position and their attacker very well, knocking balls with confidence.  Patrick didn’t have much to do first half, Craig made some great interceptions, reading the game well and we saw some great passes from Matthew and Daniel and Aiden was getting involved in the game and battling from the right flank.

At the interval we were 1:0 up.  Luke re-joined the action with a tub of vass on his knee and took over from Aiden who played well and with confidence on the right. 

Joel was on at centre forward and made a real nuisance of himself.  We won ball after ball from the Eccleston goal kick, Daniel and Matthew combining well, both not afraid to have a shot and their keeper kept H&E in the match! Luke took a number of fantastic corners, lofting the ball well.  Whenever the ball ran loose towards our half there was Robert, picking it up and moving it around.  From a throw he put in a great lofted pass on the left which Matthew Jones managed to slide through to Joel.  Their keeper got one hand on the ball but Joel clipped it away and side footed the ball into the home team’s net.  Great teamwork and 2:0!!

The story of the game was a great solid defence, passing with confidence and then shooting from every angle to break through the 3-2-1 formation with every player getting stuck in!

Man of the Match went to Robert who edged it from Joel with a great defensive performance, with confident passing & tackling.  Next Week we’re in the Cup vs Croston at Guide Road, get in!  If we play like this next week then who knows!  

A later kick off than normal as we scrambled to find a pitch to play our most awaited game of the season – away to league leaders Ribbleton who have won all of their league games this season.  A tough, physical encounter took place at Waverley Park which saw the lads unlucky not to come away with a draw after some fine, battling performances.  Welcome to Robert who played a full game at left back and looked the part for the team creating a good partnership with Craig & Patrick at the back.

The first half saw Ribbleton having much of the ball where the HB lads struggled to get their passing game going.  We were pinned down in our own half as we tried to find our rhythm.  Daniel was man marking their No 8 and it was a tough pairing; he also had to look after the defence and be the link man for the forward play.  Robert produced some early clearances and intelligent balls up the line to Peter.  Craig was living with the trickery of the Ribbleton striker and watched the ball intently.  Luke was involved too, tracking back and winning balls on the right, great to see, and getting the ball away for Matthew to chase.  Patrick produced a couple of great saves in the first half to keep us level, one where he almost had his back to the striker, but caught the ball!  It was a real muck and bullets contest as the ball bounced and bobbled; control was key and playing the ball on the ground.  Our best moment of the first half was from a corner where Matthew and Daniel combined in the box and the ball, spinning in the air was touched onto the post by their keeper.  We ended the first half level and it was clear to all the lads that they were in a game!  At the interval we spoke about concentration and playing the ball on the ground.  Joel joined the fray in left mid for Aiden.  HB started very well, played the ball around with some nice moves, one involving Robert, then Daniel, then Luke, then Matthew just missing round the left post!  But Ribbleton kept coming at us and with 10 mins to go passed the ball around Patrick to go in front.  No heads dropped, good to see, and our lads fought back into the game with some gutsy play and neat football, often with Daniel as the instigator.  Matthew Jones struck home again this season after receiving the ball just inside the area, losing his defender and side footing his shot past the keeper.

With 2 minutes to go the Ribbleton midfield linked up well down the left to score their 2nd goal – against the run of play but where the Waverley bounce got the better of Patrick.  A cruel blow.  On another day we could have won the game, we created chances, especially 2nd half and showed a real determination to win.

Man of the Match went to Patrick Watkinson for some great saves, well done.  Yet every member of the team scrapped and fought a dogged contest from two good teams.  Next Week away to Eccleston, kick off 10.00am – instructions to follow

A wintery chill fell over Guide Road as the U9s warmed up for their 2nd home league game in 2009.  Daniel rejoined the squad after his excursion on the slopes and Jonno had to sit out due to a broken finger.  Last time we played Gillibrand we won 2:0 away; it was time to see whether we had improved.  Overall the lads did well but lapses in concentration and poor defending let them down; however their fire-power proved too strong for Gillibrand in the second half.

A familiar tale, right after kick off the HB lads were up against it as Gillibrand surged forward and put us under pressure forcing a couple of corners in quick succession as we struggled to find our feet.  Patrick took a blow to his face in a heroic attempt to smother the ball.  It was going to be a tough match.  Gillibrand showed they could defend from a HB corner and came away with the ball.  A great counter attack saw Peter scrambling back and Craig and Patrick working together to foil the Gillibrand striker.  Joel was in a feisty mood, scrapping for the ball and it went out for a Gillibrand throw inside the HB half.  A good throw followed by a cross saw the Gillibrand striker head the ball downwards, through Patrick’s legs.  Patrick reacted brilliantly and got himself over the ball to stop it going over the line, phew!

Matthew Jones won us a free kick from just outside the area in a great run forward.  Luke Hughes buried the free kick in the bottom left corner to send us 1:0 up!  Gillibrand answered that with a tap in past Patrick as the defenders struggled to clear the ball.  The match was very open as both teams battled to win the ball and find space.  Matthew sent us 2:1 in front with a lovely , low hit shot from inside the area but Gillibrand came back again to level the match 2:2 at half time.

It was a real scrap for the first five minutes of the second half when Dan re-joined the action scoring a fantastic goal, a curled left foot shot past the keeper!  He followed that up with some great running and positioning to latch on to the loose ball as Luke and Matthew were inter-changing passes, this time scoring with his right foot!  HB had started to find their shape and were passing well.  Joel was scrapping for every ball. Aiden passed the ball confidently and really got stuck in.  Matthew and Luke were knocking the ball well on the right and creating chances with Luke hitting the bar!

With a few minutes to go Gillibrand won a corner and forced the ball into our net as it took a deflection from one of our defenders.  We took the game to them at 4:3 and Luke bagged another goal from the right after being played in with a lovely knock from Matthew after Aiden and Joel had won the ball on the left.

Man of the Match went to Daniel Clayton for a fighting performance in centre mid and scoring two goals. Thanks to Gillibrand who gave us a really tough match.  Next week we’re away to league leaders Ribbleton, midday kick off, joining instructions to follow.

Conditions were superb for the first Hesketh Bank league match of 2009 and a good performance today was essential following the 4:2 win in the cup last week vs Red Rose.  With the boss away on the slopes Russ Hughes was on hand to bolster up the coaching team (thanks Russ).  The HB lads pulled together to win convincingly, however full credit to Lancon who gave us a real test in the first half and made us step up and play football the way we can.

The first half saw a re-jigged side as Jonno went up front, Matthew in centre mid, Joel on the left.  Peter continued at left back following some commanding performances – it was going to be important not to concede today.

Lancon started very spritely and started to test the Hesketh Bank defence.  Craig made some vital interceptions and Peter battled hard to clear his lines.  Patrick had to really boss his penalty area and get players to mark up which was great to see.  A number of corners for Lancon followed in quick succession & the HB lads had to start playing.

We started to get into our stride with Matthew breaking from defence, through the midfield and then laying on the ball for Luke to cross.  Joel made some darting runs and Jonno was eager to get on the end of the loose balls.  After a well won corner and a goal-mouth scramble Matthew turned the ball past the Lancon keeper to get our noses in front.  Jack joined the fray for Jonno at centre forward and took up some good positions.  It was clear at half time that we needed to pick up our composure and start to pass the ball with confidence to the nearest HB player.  We were making too many runs to far out wide and not keeping the play simple. 

For the 2nd half Jonno moved to the left & Joel had a well earned rest.  The team started to play football and soon Joel re-joined the action at centre forward and scored from just outside the area with a passed shot around the keeper.  Matthew Jones then followed up with a great opportunistic shot from just outside the centre circle that took the Lancon keeper by surprise.  Jonno then bagged another from a great header, showing his skill for being in the right position!   Luke then fired a great ball in from a corner which a Lancon defender tried to clear but the ball ended up in his own net. 

Peter then moved into centre mid and the team took on a convincing shape.  Lancon’s defence were difficult for us to break down so we had to play simple football to do it.  Craig defended his lines very well and Patrick did all that was asked of him.  Well done all round.

Man of the Match went to Peter Stockwin for his excellent performance as left back and showing great character. Thanks to Lancon who have really come on since earlier in the season.  Next week at Home to Gillibrand, midday kick off please be at Guide Rd for 11.30 latest.

Under 9’s Cup tie at home to Red Rose on Sunday 18th January 2009

After an extended Christmas break it was good for the lads to finally get their boots back on to continue the 08/09 season.  This second round tie against Red Rose was always going to be a tough match, and so it proved.  It was a day for battling and for playing as a team and Hesketh Bank showed their colours as they fought off a team two divisions higher.

After the parents used all of their collective twister skills putting up the goal posts (thanks to Wendy and then to John at TCFC) Matthew Jones won the toss for HB.  Aiden & Jonno started on the bench but after only two minutes Patrick had to come off with an injured foot, Daniel was in goal, Matthew Jones centre mid & Jonno up front! HB soaked up some early pressure from Red Rose with Peter making some valuable interceptions and clearances.  Craig, maturing all the time in right back was pulled from pillar to post but coped admirably.  Daniel turned a rasping shot onto the bar and Peter cleared the ball in the midst of a goalmouth scramble that seemed to last minutes.  It was clear that today was a day for teamwork and heart as the lads knew the opposition were really making them work. 

The all-change team soon settled down and began to pass the ball.  Matthew linked up well with Joel who battled on the left for Matthew to pick up the loose ball in the penalty area.  He then laid the ball off for Luke to plant a crisp shot past the RR keeper!  The second followed soon after with some good link up play on the right with Luke and Matthew.  The ball ran clear into the box and Jonno pounced on it to make it 2:0 to the home side.  Aiden joined the fray. at Left Mid just before the interval.  For the 2nd half Patrick re-joined the action and the team reverted to its original line up.  The first ten minutes after the whistle were dominated by Red Rose as they sought to get themselves back into the tie.  The lads defended corner after corner, picked opposing players up well and got goal-side.  Some great clearances from Peter and Craig as they fought hard against the attacking strength of the Red Rose team.  However Red Rose pulled the game back in a five minute spell where they bagged two goals in quick succession.  The HB lads had to dig deep at this point and it was good to see not one head went down and the concentration remained high.

Hesketh Bank started to pass well and kept their play simple.  Daniel was commanding in centre mid and won many of the goal kicks.  Matthew Jones ran past two defenders and flicked the ball with the outside right to score the third. Daniel forced the fourth home through sheer determination after some great play by Luke on the right and Jonno assisting on the left.  Peter continued battling away on the left and with Craig they never took their mind off the game.  A great all round team performance and thanks to all the parents for their support from the touchline.

Sunday 16th November 2008

 Hesketh Bank AFC U9’s vs Brinscall Village Yellow, Kick off: 12.00 |  Guide Road

Squad: Sam, Craig, Daniel, Jonno, Peter, Aiden, Luke and Matthew (captain).  Current league position : 3rd.  Apologies from Joel; Patrick is recovering well.

Lovely conditions met the lads this morning as we played our first game at Guide Road, our new home ground.  It was Matthew’s first game as captain, Aiden’s first league match, and as we warmed up we knew our opponents in 2nd league position were going to give us a close game.  HB won the toss and elected to kick towards the greenhouses for the first half.  The pitch was excellently marked out.

Craig and Peter made up the defence and Sam played in goal.  In midfield were Daniel, Luke and Jonno; with Matthew in his customary striker position and Aiden was sub to start with.  From the off it was clear these teams were closely matched; Brinscall pushed hard and scored an early goal from a cross on the right.  Coming back, Hesketh battled and forced a corner.  Dan latched onto the loose ball and put in a great shot, only for it to be deflected wide from a Hesketh player!  Craig was looking confident at right back, watching the ball well and standing his man up and forcing him wide to prevent a corner.  Sam kicked out of his hands very well and Peter laid a lovely pass on down the left flank to Jonno who with his customary lovely touch, brought the ball inside the Brinscall defender and was unlucky not to get his shot on target.  Luke continued in a similar vein to other weeks, his consistency improving all the time by putting in some great crosses and efforts from long range forcing a number of saves from the excellent Brinscall keeper.  Aiden made some good runs and used the ball well.  Matt was unfortunate to slip on the edge of the area, recovered well but the Yellow’s defence was really on top of their game; and as the half time whistle blew the lads were still one nil down!

The second half continued in the same way; Hesketh and Brinscall sparring for every ball with some good passing and tackling on both sides.  Matthew brought optimism back to the team with a great solo run from just inside his own half and slotted the ball past the Yellow’s keeper!  Luke created chances with his vision & through balls, Aiden defended well on the right and moved the ball up the line with determination.  Some good interplay between Matthew and Daniel ended with Daniel’s volley narrowly missing the Brinscall goal.  Peter back in left mid linked up well and made some great passes whilst Jonno played left back and got in some decisive tackles.  Then a moment of true inspiration struck the Yellow’s left midfielder as he turned his man and shot for goal from about 20 yards, the ball flying in the top corner!  This was a superbly hit shot and one that left Sam with no chance! 

The game then meandered towards full time with the Yellows containing any further runs from the home side and vice versa.  At the whistle the parents and grandparents of both teams were clapping loudly at a very well contested game of football played in the right spirit.  Some of the Hesketh lads were upset at the result as it was our first league defeat but we knew whilst we played well, Brinscall were the better side on the day.

Man of the Match, chosen by the other team’s manager, was Luke Hughes for his passing and interplay on the right.  Well done to all the lads, they tried hard but it just didn’t go for us today.  It was a narrow defeat and we look forward to giving Dave and his lads another run for their money later in the season! The Brinscall keeper had an excellent game! 

Sunday 30th November 2008

 Hesketh Bank AFC U9’s vs Leyland Albion Blue, Kick off: 10.00 |  Guide Road

 Squad: Patrick, Sam, Craig, Daniel, Joel, Peter, Luke and Matthew (captain).  Current league position : 3rd.

It was a cold and frosty Sunday morning as we played host to the team fifth in the league, Leyland Albion Blue, our second match at the excellent Guide Road venue. No Jonno or Aiden due to illness but good to have Patrick back in goal.  A confident Hesketh Bank team led by Matthew as captain won the toss, Joel started as sub.

The HB lads started sprightly and pressurised Albion from the off, winning a number of early corners.  Peter and Luke combined well to take a short one, showing great imagination, and the cross was fisted clear by the Albion keeper.  Dan was back in centre mid, tackling & linking simple passes with Luke, Peter and Matthew.  The two defenders Craig on the right and Sam on the left got in some valuable clearances as Albion began to push forward.  Peter’s trickery worked well on the left and forced a throw, Luke getting on the end of Matthew’s cross to bury the ball in the Albion net!  A short while later Hesketh won a free kick from just inside their own half.  Seeing the space, Daniel ran ahead and Matthew put in a delightful ball, contested well by Daniel and the Albion defence.  Joel joined the fray at centre mid as a goal kick was signalled by the ref.  The Albion keeper took it and the ball landed at Matthew’s feet.  With typically quick reaction Matthew went for goal and made it two nil!  However, came back fighting and clawed one back before the interval with some relentless pressure where Patrick made a great save with his feet.

Craig had a rest for the second half, Dan playing at left back, Sam right back.  Peter started sprightly putting in lots of runs and tackles, passing the ball well with Joel and Matthew and was unlucky not to score on a number of occasions.  Luke crossed the ball into the area and the keeper made a great save; but Matthew latched onto the loose ball and made it three!  A near identical move a couple of minutes later saw Luke bury the ball into the Albion net from just outside the penalty area with a brilliantly struck shot!  Joel was unlucky with a very close shot, showed good running in the second half and made himself available to receive the ball.  Pat’s shout of “my ball” showed excellent command of his area and his distribution of the ball was quick, accurate and creative, well done!  Despite Albion never losing their determination to break down the Hesketh defence, having hit the side netting from a well struck shot on the right, the HB lads moved the ball well and linked up together to make a cohesive attacking force.  Luke crossed from the right again, this time Joel latched onto the loose ball and made it five for the home team!  A lovely move between Peter, Luke and Dan finished the game as the ref blew for full time.

Man of the Match today was Luke Hughes for his crossing, passing and the two well taken goals he scored.  Well done to all the lads, they played well as a team and worked hard for each other, passing the ball well and using the space to break down the Albion defence.  Albion played very well too, and thanks to Gary and the team for making their way to Guide Road.  A get well soon message goes to Jonno and Aiden; thanks to all the parents and grandparents for their support.  It’s good to be back to winning ways as we look ahead to the big game next week at home vs league leaders Ribbleton (midday kick-off, please be there by 11.30 latest).

Squad: Daniel, Jonno, Joel, Craig, Peter, Luke and Matthew (captain).

The fifth game of the season saw the HB lads play Gillibrand – the 3rd and 4th place teams respectfully, so all to play for! Gillibrand kindly hosted us at short notice due to our pitch being unplayable.  The conditions were good, a spacious pitch with a slight incline … however the lads had to pull out all the stops today as we had no subs!

Matthew won the toss in his first game as Captain and took the opportunity to kick down hill for the first half.  Daniel played in goal for the absent Patrick; and the defensive pairing of Peter and Craig was going to be vital in keeping at bay the Gillibrand attack.

It was clear from the outset that Gillibrand were going to be a tough opposition.  They hassled our defence effectively, moving the ball and creating chances on the right side with quick movement and running off the ball.  The Hesketh lads also passed the ball  well and started to create space going forward.  Luke and Matthew both tested the Gillibrand keeper, kept their defence on their toes.  A great move on the left side saw Jonno pick a great pass to Matthew who set Luke free to score the opener!  It was a brilliant display of simple, fast football and cut through the Gillibrand defensive line! 

 Hesketh Bank continued to take advantage of kicking downhill and took the game to the opposition.  They in turn had good chances, forcing some great improvised saves from Daniel to keep the ball out.  Craig and Peter had to work together to cover each other at times, but got in some vital clearances.  At the other end Luke’s long range effort struck the bar and after a rebound and subsequent scramble the ball was played back into the box for Jonno to turn past the keeper to grab the second, what a touch!  Matthew Jones was unlucky not to score after a solo run from the centre circle.  The interval couldn’t come soon enough after the lads started to pick up injuries, especially Luke with a mild cut above his left knee, and tiredness started to show.

In the second half Gillibrand came out fighting and their two forwards kept our defenders very busy, at times with Hesketh being lucky not to concede but for a leg here, and a body there, the lads showed great determination and commitment.  Craig continued to get in some decisive tackles, Peter put in some great blocks a number of times with the tricky number 3.  Luke was instrumental, showing his great control, ability to beat players and track back for his team, not to mention the corners!  Matthew was very unselfish at one point after some link up play between Peter and Jonno and Joel narrowly missed a chance for us to go three up!  It was great interplay from them both; the passing around the box for all the midfielders / forwards Jonno, Luke, Matthew and Joel made a huge difference to our attacking edge.  Daniel continued to put in some great stops, showing real authority in the area and kicking / distributing the ball intelligently.  The whistle blew for a 2:0 victory for Hesketh Bank and Gillibrand gave us a real run for our money all through the game.

Man of the Match was Luke Hughes who was outstanding in terms of battling, beating players, passing and offering his team real options going forward – despite picking up an injury!   Thanks to everyone for turning out and giving us your support, especially due to the change in time / location.  Matthew Jones showed his leadership skills too in his first captaincy performance.  It was good to get our first real test of the season and will our great passing and teamwork we came through it.  Well done to all the lads.

Under 9’s match report from yesterdays game v Eccleston & Heskin

Squad: Sam, Jonno, Daniel (captain), Joel, Craig, Peter, Luke and Matthew.

Back to Ernie’s field for the fourth league game of the season for Hesketh Bank, lying in 3rd position in the Serie A league.  Conditions were overcast and the pitch very heavy underfoot as the lads took up positions, Joel on the bench and Sam playing in goal for Patrick who was recovering in hospital from an operation. 

Eccleston kicked off having won the toss.  From the outset the match was the most physical encounter the HB lads had experienced for some time with some hefty sparring especially in midfield as Daniel got stuck in well.  It was going to be a day where if we were to win the game our ability to find space, keep positions and defend well would be vital.  After 5 mins the Hesketh lads started to penetrate the Eccleston defence with a great through ball from Luke after battling through a couple of challenges.  Daniel picked up the loose ball and delivered an inch perfect cross for Jonno to slide the ball past the Eccleston keeper! A few minutes later Jonno nearly had another as he and Peter linked up well on the left and Jonno’s well struck shot just sailed over the bar.  At one-nil the game was evenly balanced with Eccleston making good progress through the Hesketh midfield and down the flanks.  Craig stood his ground and got the ball clear, Peter chasing hard against the spritely right winger and Sam making some great clearances and using the ball well from the goal kick.

A lovely move produced the second goal, with a goal kick from Sam to Luke who played it quickly to Matthew who got into space on the right side.  He took the ball and ran with it, crossing it over for Joel who struck the ball hard and low, straight past the keeper.  This was a well worked goal, simple and with the lads using space to their advantage.  The third goal was an own-goal from Eccleston following a goal mouth scramble involving Joel and Peter, some great battling which was needed and playing to the whistle.

Some tired legs at the interval as the HB lads re-grouped.  Eccleston pushed forward well putting the defence under pressure and forced a corner.  Sam was there again for his team forcing the delivery wide.  For the next ten minutes the game was played out in midfield.  Great running by Matthew provided space.  Joel was unlucky not to grab a second and Daniel tried a lovely lofted cross which the keeper just got a hand to.  Further saves from Sam, great defending from Jonno with Peter now in left mid vexing the Eccleston right, linking up well with Joel and Daniel.  The HB lads then seemed to move up a gear and Luke put across a perfect corner from the left which Matthew converted with his head.  Luke then added a fifth showing considerable tenacity & great positional sense, slotting the ball into the far left corner.  The sixth, and second for Matthew came after a bounding run from Peter on the left, some interplay on the edge of the box with Luke and Dan, and Matthew seizing on the loose ball to turn and score in one move. 

Man of the Match was Sam Iddon for the way he kept a clean sheet in his first match between the sticks and the way he approached this challenge.  Thanks to all of the parents and grand-parents for the overwhelming support and a “get well soon” message to Patrick from all of us.  A great way to end Daniel’s captaincy for this stint, a well deserved result for the way the team battled through 40 minutes of hard football at times.  Well done to everyone concerned, a good game to get under our belts. 

Sunday 12th October 2008
 Deepdale vs Hesketh Bank AFC U9’s, Kick off: 12.00

Squad: Patrick, Sam, Jonno, Daniel (captain), Craig, Peter, Luke and Matthew.

Saved by the Sat Nav, we arrived at Deepdale to find conditions were good, a bit wet underfoot so the lads were going to need their stamina.  This was Craig’s first league appearance and he started the game on the bench whilst the rest of the team moved into their customary positions.  After the warm up HB won the toss and the lads looked lively for the 3rd league game of the season.

After a good throw in by Jonno, some trickery followed by a cross from Daniel on the left, Matthew put us in front with only a few minutes played.  A short time later the Deepdale keeper kicked out only as far as Luke who, after beating a couple of players had a go from distance, a sweet strike to see HB go 2 up!  A period of good play from HB from Patrick, Sam and Peter at the back, through the midfield and forwards forced a number of corners.  Luke took these with ease, perfect height and weight, causing the Deepdale defenders a real problem.  Daniel netted the third after good interplay with Jonno and then Matthew a fourth after a throw in and goal mouth scramble.  The rest of the first half saw the HB lads add another three to their tally: Peter scoring a great header from a corner; Daniel a second shot from just outside the penalty area and then Matthew got his hat-trick with a lovely pass round the keeper with the inside of his right foot.  Craig entered the fray at right back before the interval – the Deepdale lads were linking up nicely on the left and we had to stay with them at times.

The second half started with some great passing and off the ball movement with Dan, Luke and Mathew.  A lovely move on the right saw Luke narrowly miss an open goal but it was first class football and showed just how good the game is when played simply.  The lads netted a further six goals in the second half (one an own goal from a corner) with Patrick making a great save to palm the ball around the post when Deepdale attacked.  Luke scored with a lovely long range shot from the right; Sam netted two headers from corners, great position and courage, well done!  Jonno, now playing as centre forward, slotted the ball past the keeper after a foiled goal kick and Luke got another one!   Patrick had to chase back after going up for a corner in true Schmeichel style! 

During the second half a number of players came off and on again as we adapted for tired legs.  Jonno was very flexible playing midfield, defence and then centre forward! Peter played most of the game at left back and held the defensive line very well.  Craig and Sam played well at right back, Craig playing with real tenacity and clearing the ball well.  The midfield were connecting well together and with Matthew with one-twos and creating space for each other.  Deepdale who are a new team passed well in midfield and defended better than the 0:13 scoreline suggests but on the day the Hesketh Bank lads showed great attacking flair, defensive capability and team spirit.

Man of the Match was Luke Hughes for his superb corner taking skills, working back for his team and also the fact that he netted a hat-trick at the same time!  Our sincere thanks go to all the parents and grandparents that turned out to watch the game.  It’s great for the lads and for us to receive such tremendous support.  Now it is on this week’s home fixture vs Ecclestone & Heskin, kick off midday.   

Sunday 28th September 2008
 Lancon vs Hesketh Bank AFC U9’s, Kick off: 10.00

The squad today was: Patrick, Sam, Jonno, Daniel (captain), Joel, Peter, Luke and Matthew.

Conditions were good for Hesketh’s 2nd league game of the season. The lads looked like the real article warming up in their rain jackets.  Daniel won the toss and after a few words from the captain the team were in fine spirits for the kick off.

Some good early pressure from Hesketh brought a number of corners which Luke took, continuing the fine form of last week.  Shortly after an excellent clearance from Patrick came the first goal for Matthew after some intricate interplay on the right side.  The second goal fell quickly afterwards, Luke battling well past the defence and forcing the ball across to Matthew to strike home! 

Hesketh continued to pressurise the Lancon defence and good passing from Daniel and Matthew saw Joel the Birthday Boy slot the ball past the Lancon keeper.  Lancon then started to come back at Hesketh and forced a save from Patrick after Sam was unlucky not to force the ball out.  Peter joined the fray at this point at left back and after some good play on the right side led by Daniel, the referee called for a drop ball.  Daniel won the ball and scooped it into the Lancon area where it was cleared only as far as Joel who skipped past a number of players to lay a perfect cross to Luke who fired home his first and Hesketh Bank’s 4th before the interval.

The second half saw the Hesketh Bank lads net six more goals as they passed well, kept their head up and worked for each other.  They capitalised on being first to the ball in almost every Lancon goal kick and held their positions well.  Some notable headers by Matthew after some rasping crosses from Luke and good interplay between Daniel, Peter and Joel.  Matthew scored three in the second half, Daniel 2 and Joel netted another.  Daniel played in three positions in total and was having a great time going forward and shooting from across the pitch.  If only the goal was higher … Peter distributed the ball well from left back and left mid.  Sam was relied upon a number of times to prevent Lancon getting a shot on goal.  Patrick did some good saves and patrolled his area well with some excellent clearances and great shouts of “my ball!”

Joel continued to play well in the central mid role and Luke connected well with Matthew finding great passes and through balls as well as shooting a few times himself.  Jonno played well in left back and also left mid, working tirelessly for his team.  He came close to scoring at one point but had to scramble back!  Sam continued to be solid and worked hard to clear the ball when called upon.  Man of the match today went to Matthew who netted five goals even when he wasn’t feeling at his best. 

The lads passed the ball well today with some unselfish play at times and were unlucky not to bag even more goals.  The key is keeping the game simple and making good use of space.  Well done, now on to Penwortham St Teresas next week.  A great start to the season so far & thanks to the parents who came to support and also to Aiden who helped out!

Sunday 21st September
Hesketh Bank AFC vs Ribble Wanderers White
Kick off: 12.00 midday on Ernie’s field, Hesketh Bank

The squad today was: Patrick, Sam, Jonno, Daniel (captain), Joel, Peter, Luke and Matthew.
                                        
Sunday 21 September marked the start of the 08/09 season for Hesketh Bank. Lovely conditions with a spacious pitch well marked out.  Jonno started as sub with Patrick, Sam and Daniel making up the defensive line.  Joel started up front with Luke, Matthew and Peter comprising an attacking midfield line up.

Both sides started well, sparring with each other in midfield after the Wanderers won the toss.  Joel had early chances and Peter used some trickery on the left to pull the ball back to Matthew.  A long range shot took a deflection and Luke slotted the ball past the keeper for 1:0 to the home team!

The second goal came from Daniel in his temporary left back position and was a superb long range shot that took a deflection from a Wanderers defender and found its way into the net.  Peter continued to vex the Wanderers defenders on the left side.

This was a critical time in the game as Hesketh had a lot of the ball but couldn’t seem to convert their chances.  Peter made a good run from inside his own half to narrowly miss.  The Wanderers midfield started to penetrate and got the ball up to their striker.  He connected well and struck the ball at the right corner, near post.  Patrick was down and palmed the ball around the post to keep his team in front.  A super save!

This season the goal kicks must be taken from the floor and the Hesketh boys played well, keeping in position and playing some good, simple passes, getting into space and causing the Wanderers defence some real problems.  Sam came in for a rest having made a number of vital challenges and Jonno took up his position at right back.  Joel secured the third when he calmly side-footed around the keeper after a kick off and before the interval Matthew controlled the ball beautifully and rifled home a right foot shot from the edge of the penalty area, past the keeper to make it four.

Half time brought a change round and Luke had a rest as Sam was brought back on at right back and Jonno took up the right mid position.  Matthew and Joel swapped round so that we could have a look at Joel in the centre mid position. The Wanderers came out fighting and played a great through ball to their attacker past our defence.  Sam was unlucky to slip but it gave their attacker Harry Barton vital time and he calmly struck the ball around Patrick and into the right corner.

The next few minutes saw the Hesketh boys dominate the game with some great passing, deft touches and unselfish play where passes were quick and simple.  Luke came back on for Peter, and scored from a long range effort past the keeper with almost his first touch.  Jonno moved to the left and got the ball into the box with Joel just turning the ball wide.  Joel continued to cause trouble from the centre mid position and forced a number of corners which Luke took brilliantly throughout the game. 

Matthew capitalised on an unforced error by the Wanderers to make it 6:1 despite a great save from the Wanderers keeper to deny Luke his 3rd.  The game opened out as Patrick was then called into action a couple of minutes later and made an excellent save from a long range shot and managed to hold the ball superbly!  Unfortunately Patrick sustained an injury and had to come off, Daniel the captain swapping with him and Peter rejoined play for his team at the position of left back. 

Next Matthew Jones bagged his third in a sensational shot from the edge of the area as Wanderers struggled to hold back the attacking forces of the Hesketh Bank lads.  Jonno then netted his first for the team from the left side, controlling the ball well and slotting it past the keeper’s right hand into the bottom corner.  Luke then added his third and Jonno followed up with his second, a lovely strike of the ball past the keeper and into the corner to make it 10:1.  Patrick came on for Peter as it was important to keep a presence in defence and did well in an unfamiliar position.

All round it was a brilliant performance from the lads who are starting to gel well together and picking the simple ball.  A good fighting performance from the Wanderers who had many chances but who were denied by the lads keeping in position and defending well.  Team spirit was important as we continue to build a strong defensive formation. 

Man of the match today was a difficult decision because we were spoiled for choice.  Both Joel and Sam won it for great individual and team performances.  Well done to them both.