Training is every Tuesday evening between 7.30 & 9.00 pm at Glossopdale 3G pitch. (First half hour is fitness & stamina training at side of 3G facility). Please ensure you have studs for grass & trainers for artificial surface with you & bring a drink!!!
Striker wanted!!!!!! - Please contact Neil, Steve or Terry on the numbers given above.
Next game: Stockport Junior Blues (away) Sunday 25th September 2pm.
Squad
Tom
Kyle
Ryan
Ollie
Liam
Damon
Alex
Anthony
Adam
Jack
Lewis
Harry
Sam
Luke
James
Sam
SPONSORS : J.W METTRICK & SON BUTCHERS, NATIONAL AWARD WINNERS
BPEX North West Champion 2011
British Pie Awards 2010
Winner: Best Best Football Pie
Product: Steak & Potato Pie
Sunday 2nd October 2011
Home to Spurley Hey. Lost 3-1
This is getting both sadly & frustratingly familiar & though one should always try to identify the positives from any game, it gets harder as the games mount up, when the effort and willing to try to play some team football is evident in some players more than others.
To be fair, there was an improvement on last week, but defeat occurred again due to individual lapses of concentration and basic, but avoidable, errors. Being a goal down in the first minute didn't help, when a untracked player ran from deep and hammered a low shot into the corner which didn't really give Tom any chance to keep it out. Simple lesson, pick up the runners and mark your opponents.
Hollingworth did raise their game following the goal, but a good amount of possession in the Spurley Hey half only realised the one goal. This came from Alex Barnsley who showed great determination in powerfully heading past the keeper when the Spurley had failed to clear their lines properly.
Spurley then started to suffer some indiscipline with two of their players being spoken to by the ref for dissent and gamesmanship. Then the story of our season so far, an error and lack of communication between players led to an undeserved goal for Spurley, but one which also had an air of inevitability about it. Coming from a goal kick, the ball was played out to our player who was not ready for it. The Spurley player saw his opportunity and tucked the ball away. Not good.
Hollingworth came out for the 2nd half determined to set the record straight with Spurley and continued to compete. Some ten minutes in, Spurley had a 3rd however and despite a lot of huff & puff thereafter, Hollingworth were unable to add to their account and went down to another defeat.
Hollingworth did have chances to score, Luke will reflect on two very good chances to get us to level scores at least, Alex had another opportunity which went wide...........
Some good performances all the same, Oliver Roberts (RB) & Oliver Cresswell (LB) had good games, as did Liam & Ryan at the centre of defence. Alex put in a full shift as usual and there was some intermittent good play seen from others. Therein lies the issue however, all players need to look to be consistent in ttheir efforts across the 80 minutes & not be hiding behind the efforts of others.
Despite only getting the 20 mins this week on his debut, Ross Denham did enough to suggest that he may become a regular choice in future weeks. In a short space of time he had made more tackles and effort than some other lads had in the preceeding 60 minutes. That same commitment is needed from everyone & if it happens, the right results will come.
M of M: Both Olivers for good performances in defence.
Sunday 25th September 2011
Away to Stockport Junior Blues. Lost 5-0
Any good work from the last game was not in evidence today. Aside from a small number of the players in the team, most had a poor game, demonstrated by half hearted effort and a distinct lack of willing to compete with their opponents on an equal footing.
Notable for their own efforts were Ryan & Tom ( who showed exemplary effort after sickness had affected them both before the game) & Alex who worked hard in midfield.
Two penalties conceded did not help, a debatable off side for another goal, but no arguments about the other two, one of which had come from a sweping move by Blues, played down the right & a very good cross being met by the Blues player with an excellent header which was made the easier for him due to being allowed to run from midefield without any Hollingworth player tracking his movement.
There was a real feeling of frustration at the end in that there were a couple of periods in the game when Hollingworth seemed to want to try and take the game to Blues, any effort in these was not pressed home however and Hollingworth ended well beaten.
Players need to start taking individual responsibility for mistakes that get made and that playing as part of a team is not just about putting on a shirt and turning up. It needs a bit more than that.
M of M : Tom & Ryan for their determination in the face of sickness felt by both of them.
Sunday 18th September 2011
Home to Great Moor. Lost 3-0
Despite the scoreline, a lot of positives over the last game. Great Moor knew they had been in a game by the end & though the scoreline says different, the traffic was two way, particularly in the second half.
Great Moor started the better, Hollingworth seemingly absent & sitting back too often & giving the space to Great Moor to make them look better than they actually were. Calamity struck by the 3rd minute when a Great Moor through ball being chased by their forward, saw Liam mis time his tackle and only succeed in kicking the foot of his opponent. The penalty was struck too hard and too well for Tom to get a sniff.
Within a few minutes, Great Moor had a second when a ball was won by a Great Moor player at the edge of our area. He wanted it more and continued to drive on, Hollingworth ball watching. The player took his goal well, but, with a bit more effort by any of the Hollingworth players who allowed him his run, it needn't have happened,
Hollingworth then decided to roll the collective sleeves up. Damon started to justify his midfield start, Alex started to go up the gears & Tom pulled off several saves which ensured that Great Moor could not accelerate away. Despite the better play in the last 20 minutes of the first half, Hollingworth were unable to make any possession count, the best chance being a header from Liam which went agonisingly wide as he headed a corner wide of the net from the far post.
The second half was much better for Hollingworth, a fair amount of possession being won but players still not composing themselves in order to make possession count for them. Not far into the second half however, more despair! A Great Moor effort looked to have been stopped well by Tom but the ball squirmed its way out of his hands. Great Moor were first to react and it was uphill from there.
Hollingworth continued to try to run the game down but too much wasted possession in the last third and an imbalance between lads giving 110% and others who might ask a bit more of themselves, saw Great Moor run off with the points. To be contrary, Great Moor players came off knowing they had been tested by the end & Hollingworth knowing that some pride had been salvaged after last week. All the same, we have good footballers in this team who are more than capable to hold their own against any team but need to demonstrate more belief.
Its important to be positive & there are plenty of games left for the lads to shine and show what they can do.
Man of the match - Tom Jenkinson
Sunday 11th September 2011
Away to Prestbury Cougars Lost 8-3
Not a lot to say about this one & best forgotten. Poor team display, couple of individuals who kept going and trying to get something from the game. Wasteful finishing & defensive cock ups leading to a deserved defeat. Some moans about the pitch and the ref, but both teams have to deal with these.
High points, well taken goals by Luke, Dillon & Damon & determined displays by Alex in midfield & Liam in defence (both sharing man of the match). Low points? No comment....
2010 - 2011 Awards:
Managers Player - Adam
Players Player - Ryan
Parents Player - Alex
Most Outstanding - Ryan
Most Improved - Damon
Top goalscorer - Luke
Best performance in a game - Kyle ( vs Fletcher Moss)
Goal of the season - Jack ( vs Juno Utd)
Well done to all the other lads who didn't win a trophy. Every year, choosing players for awards is the most difficult thing to do as manager and a team can only win from the efforts of all its players. Well done everyone & thanks to Maria for sorting the team subs week in and week out.
2010-2011 Match reports
23/04/11 Home vs Apollo. Lost 14-1.
I wasn't at the game to see this display (the first in many years), but I am told that our lads just could not keep the ball long enough for them to develop anything positive.
The feedback was that Apollo were sharper, more determined to win and had two very skillful and powerful strikers who were able to put away the chances that consistently fell to them. Apollo are looking to win the Metro league before they leave for other pastures, this ambition appears to have given them all the motivation they needed.
A disappointing end to the season which I felt had much more promise than was realised. No need to lose heart lads, you have played against some very good teams this season. Learn the lessons over the summer and we can all come back stronger and more positive for next year, whatever the footballing future holds.
03/04/11 Away vs Cheadle & Gatley Lost 2-0
Cheadle & Galey are a good footballing side and started with some intent, the early midfield battle won by them with too many Hollingworth midfield players not taking enough responsibility for working as a unit, the only one showing consistent effort being Adam Radcliffe. The failings of the midfield early on, were matched however by the defence. Oliver Roberts and Damon Worsley playing very well to snuff out Cheadle's final third efforts. The stand out player at the back, and throughout the game, was Ryan Price who played intelligently and economically to be there to snuff out half chances on every occasion.
Hollingworth did manage some half chances themselves toward the end of the first half, with two free kicks being won on the edge of the Cheadle area. Hollingworth were unable to convert to their advantage however. Another good opportunity went begging when Hollingworth stopped playing and "listened to the shout" as opposed to waiting for the ref's whistle and a golden chance to go one up was lost. Losing Kyle Fletcher to a leg injury, Sam Tolley came on at left back and Hollingworth had to re-organise their shape. But just before half time, Hollingworth were punished with a penalty decision.
The Cheadle player and Ryan were battling for advantage in the area, both putting pressure on each other. Having suddenly realised that he was in the penalty area, the Cheadle player then flopped to the ground as though he had been sniped from the nearby trees. The referee waited several seconds and apparently seemed to be waving play on. A chorus of shouts from the opposition coaches then seemed to come to bear upon his decision and a penalty was awarded. Frustrating and 1-0 to Cheadle at half time.
Feeling that they had suffered an injustice, Hollingworth came out energised for the second half. Alex Barnsley dropped back to midfield with Adam and Cheadle then realised that they would not have an easy ride. Hollingworth's midfield was certainly more competitive in the second half, with several attacks being launched on the Cheadle defence. Hollingworth were unable to convert though, and again, suffered another poor decision by the ref, when a foul against Alex went unpunished. Having climbed on top of Alex's back, the Cheadle player headed the ball forward to their forward, standing two yards offside. As the Hollingworth defence waited for one of two decisions for them, the ref's whistle stayed firmly in his hand and the Cheadle player decided not to wait, advancing on the Hollingworth goal and finishing well into the far corner to beat Tom Jenkinson.
Despite the scoreline, Holllingworth were able to come out of the game with their heads held high, having competed strongly after the first half. Several players had good games, Alex and Adam running their hearts out in midfield, Oliver, Damon & Sam playing very well in defence, but the stand out player was Ryan Price who deservedly won man of the match for an assured and very strong performance in defence, being very unlucky to suffer a penalty decision against him.
27/03/11 Home vs Spurley Hey . Won 3-1
The lads were seeking revenge for their defeat earlier in the season, Hollingworth with a footballing score to settle. The early part of the game did not reflect this intent, as Spurley, predictably, played their long ball, kick and rush game. Thankfully, despite the Hollingworth midfield only firing on three cylinders, the defence was more than capable of soaking up the aerial bombardment, with both Damon Worsley and Ryan Price at the centre half positions playing in a calm and assured manner. They never let the ball or the player get past them, with their assured play being complemented by Oliver Roberts and Jake Broaders.
After twenty minutes, Hollingworth were given an energy boost by a double substitution of Adam Radcliffe and Louis in place of Matt & Jack. The move was inspired, as within a couple of minutes, Louis received the ball on the right, played it inside to Adam, who then started on a powerful run, skipping past several Spurley players before hitting a fine low level shot into the Spurley goal. A very good goal for 1-0 to Hollingworth at half time.
With a goalkeeper substitution for Hollingworth, Tom Jenkinson coming on for Kyle Fletcher, Hollingworth came out again intending to continue to take the game to Spurley. They did not disappoint. At times, Hollingworth's off the ball movement was exhilerating to watch, time after time, Spurley's long ball tactic being swallowed up and the ball being played from the Hollingworth defence intelligently. Brian Clough stated that if football was meant to be played in the air, grass would grow there. Hollingworth's foootball throughout the second half followed this maxim, Alex Barnsley and Adam working all out to keep the ball moving around the midfield.
One passage of play saw Damon collect the ball in his own penalty area, calmly stride past several Spurley players and into their penalty area. He laid the ball off and then recieved the return pass, only to scoop the ball over the bar! Pity about the lack of a goal at the end of it, but a piece of play which drew deserved applause for Damon. Tom also pulled off a tremendous reaction save, to stop Spurley getting an equaliser. Louis then scored Hollingworth's second, after another passing move. Spurley then got one back, from a long throw into the Hollingworth penalty area that would have made Rory Delap nervous.
Their goal looked to have motivated Spurley to increase their effort, but after some quick substitutions for Hollingworth, Matt Leatherbarrow coming on for Sam Tolley, James Nicholas for Luke Mettrick and Jack Leyland for Liam Belfield, Hollingworth killed off the game. Matt recieved the ball on the left, turned his opponent several times, advanced toward the Spurley byline and then delivered a pin point left foot cross for James to head in at the far post. A brilliant piece of football which provided the icing on the cake for Hollingworth's performance for a 3-1 victory. Man of the match was given to both Damon and Ryan for tremendous displays at the heart of the defence.
13/03/11 Away vs Juno Utd Won 4-1
The lads played Juno for the third time this season and the time was ripe for Hollingworth to gain a result after being mugged in their last meeting. The pre match instructions were to forget all previous games, roll up their sleeves and enjoy their football. The lads didn't let themselves down. Juno actually had the best of the early chances in the first few minutes, two efforts just going wide of goal where Kyle Fletcher was deputising for Tom Jenkinson. Hollingworth soon matched the pace of the game however and both Damon Worsley at centre half and Oliver Roberts at right back ensured no further Juno efforts would get a reward.
Liam Belfield and Sam Tolley got through a good amount of work in midfield, looking to release Matt Leatherbarrow and Jack Leyland on the wings as often as possible. Oliver, playing at right back, also played the channels, with several good runs forward after some hearty challenges to win the ball and constantly looking to find Jack & Luke Mettruck, playing upfront. Luke's pace & Alex Barnsleys musclular play alongside him, soon had the Juno defence looking worried and the pressure told when Alex hit a low shot from the edge of the area and hit the left hand corner, the goalkeeper unable to get near it. Hollingworth went in at 1-0 at half time, Juno clearly shocked by Hollingworths fluent attacking and resolute defence, Ryan Price & Jake Broaders adding to the latter effort.
Half time did not diminish Hollingworths energy and only served to step up their play. Within minutes, Hollingworth had a second, some interlinking play saw a pass fed through by Sam to Luke, who then finished well. Hollingworth's third goal, came after Matt had been substituted for James Nicholas. As Oliver Roberts made a foray into the Juno penalty area, he was hauled down by the defender for a stonewall penalty. Oliver was urged to take the penalty and, stepping up to the task, finished clinically, shooting into the bottom corner and giving the Juno keeper no chance. Olivers mum promptly did a dance for joy on the touchline, having seen his first Hollingworth goal for four years!
Hollingworth's fourth came from Jack Leyland. Hollingworth won the ball deep in their half, the ball was fed to Liam Belfield who played a long pass to Jack. Jack collected the ball on the right, cut a diagonal run across the front of the Juno "D" and then struck a tremendous left foot shot which sailed into the Juno goal. 4-0. Juno still kept trying and during the course of an attack, a ball apparently going out for a goal kick was suddenly turned to their advantage when Kyle was adjudged to have brought down their player in the area. As the tension then built and the penalty was taken, Kyle read it correctly and, diving to his left, smothered the ball and was hailed by his team mates. Roy of the Rovers stuff!
Juno got a late goal, some sloppy defending and lack of concentration allowing Juno players to be unmarked from a cross to the far post, but this was always going to be Hollingworth's day. This was a result which the Under 14's had been waiting for and was relished by all the lads, the smiles on their faces telling everyone their feelings about the football they had played and the victory they deserved, also commented on in a very sporting manner by the Juno manager.
05/03/11 Away vs Stockport Junior Blues Lost 6-0
The lads 14's lost their away game to Stockport Junior Blues. The first 20 minutes of the game were good for Hollingworth. They pressed the Blues well in all areas, Damon Worsley's return to the team being noticeable for some composed play at centre half. Alex Barnsley was played at centre forward to try a different tactic and some early links with Matt Leatherbarrow and the rest of the midfield looked promising, despite a bobbly pitch and Blues long ball game.
Unfortunately, two sloppy goals were conceded. Poor defending allowed Blues to capitalise when they didn't really deserve the lead on their play alone. A third goal was then added before half time by Blues when a clearly offside goal was allowed to stand. This was not the only bad decision from a referee, who has done Hollingworth no favours in two previous matches this season.
The second half again saw Hollingworth coming out of the traps with intent, still looking to play football and take the game to Blues. Blues were not to give in however and they scored 3 more goals in the second half, one of which again was offside and an extremely poor refereeing decision to allow it to stand. Hollingworth's overall play did not deserve such a score line. However, goals win matches, as does defending against them and not waiting for whistles which were never going to be heard. Hollingworth were taught a harsh lesson in taking your chances when presented with them.
20/02/11 Home vs Stockport junior Blues Lost 8-1
Hollingworth Under 14's lost their Metro league game to Stockport Junior Blues, 8-1. The Blues put in a very good display of determined and focused attacking football. Hollingworth appeared to have not set their alarm clocks and apart from the occasional passage of play in the second half, all too brief in their length, Hollingworth's flame only flickered. It was then snuffed out by a Blues side who refused to yield, even when a consolation goal had been scored by Hollingworth.
Tactics were outlined before the match and quickly forgotten. From the start, too much respect was shown to the opposition. A good team, yes, but still the same age as our lads. Too many balls going unchallenged, not enough talking, not enough support for each other.......only leads to one thing and by half time this was the case, 5-0?
Stockport Blues showed what is achieved by a team who believe in themselves and show a commitment to winning. Hollingworth Under 14's got what they deserved. Not good enough lads, not nearly good enough. The shirt you wear on a Sunday should mean something and you should desire to show some pride. Enjoy your football, yes, but also play it with some passion and ambition. What I saw today, apart from a couple of the usual names (you know who you are), was a team that looked like it has ceased to care, who expect to be defeated and who don't seem to have the desire to roll up the sleeves and stand toe to toe with teams that, in the past, you have shown yourselves to be equal to.
Prove me wrong in next weeks game.
13/02/11 Manchester cup quarter finals, Home vs Fletcher Moss . Lost 12-1
We were heavily defeated by a very good Fletcher Moss, 12-1, in the quarter finals of the Manchester Youth Cup. Too many Hollingworth lads appeared to have the air that the result was already decided before the kick off and this showed in the way that Fletcher Moss repeatedly over ran the Hollingworth midfield and defence, with only a few players showing any desire.
Matt Leatherbarrow scored the consolation goal for Hollingworth. Two players were named Men of the Match due to the commitment they individually displayed. Alex Barnsley showed his usual application trying to grab the game by the scruff of the neck from midfield. Kyle Fletcher, though going on as sub at right back, played like a colossus. His "no prisoner" attitude to hard, but fair tackling was very welcome and his determination not to be intimidated by some of the cycnical game play from some Fletcher Moss players. was marvellous to see.
Mention also goes to Tom Jenkinson in goal who had a thankless task in retrieving the ball from the net for several re-starts through no fault of his own, but kept making his very best efforts to the end.
Despite the defeat, well done for doing so well in the cup and getting to the last eight. Deserving of recognition itself lads!!
06/02/11 Away vs Signol Athletic. Draw 1-1
Hollingworth Under 14's played out an exciting 1-1 draw with Signol Athletic in the Stockport Metro League. Hollingworth were without sevral players through injury and other reasons, but were determined to get the second half of the season off to a better start to give themselves a good platform for the run in. Both midfields started in an energetic manner, with mistakes being seen on both sides as players came under pressure.
Signol's game plan became obvious early on in the game, one of win the ball deep and launch it forward for the quick lad upfront. This had already been forecast by the coaching team and Damon Worsley at centre half proceeded to give a master class in man marking and reading the game. Damon's awareness and self control saw the striker getting increasingly frustrated and trying to swap his marker. Damon was up to this ploy! One passage of play saw their striker receive another long ball which was then chased, Damon matched his pace and then angled his run to go to ground, hook his foot around the ball as their striker went to pull the trigger and not only came away with the ball, but calmly composed himself and passed the ball out to set up another Hollingworth attack. A tremendous piece of defending, reminiscent of Bobby Moore in the 1970 world cup against Pele!
Damon's luck then changed when he hurt his foot and had to be substituted. The Hollingworth defence then had to be reorganised with Kyle Fletcher coming on at right back, joining Oliver Roberts, Ryan Price and Jake Broaders and Tom Jenkinson in goal, to keep Signol out. Signol looked to exploit the personnel change and for the last fifteen minutes of the first half, put the Hollingworth goal under pressure.
Two top class saves were seen from Tom in this period of play. One save came from a free kick, just to the right of the D. Their player hit it well with his left foot over the wall, Tom didn't have long to see it, but moved athletically to get a hand to to the ball to put it out safely. Among a number of other saves, the second of particular mention came came from a point blank header from a Signol player just yards out from goal. The ball appeared to be heading for goal, but Tom had other ideas, tipping the ball over the bar for a brilliant save applauded by both sets of supporters. During all this, Signol did not get all their own way, one attack seeing Louis Worthington being fouled in their area, Alex Barnsley slotting home the penalty with some force.
The second half saw Hollingworth dominate play, with Adam Radcliffe playing as a deep forward, performing with every ounce of energy available to him. He constantly sought to harry the opposition and win the ball. Hollingworth then proceeded to pepper the Signol goal with repeated attacks. Liam Belfield hit the cross bar with a long range looping shot, Louis Worthington did the same. Jake Broaders hit the post, Sam Tolley had a shot saved at the foot of the post, Alex Barnsley saw an effort shave the wrong side of the post and a glancing header by Adam Radcliffe, though being willed in by the Hollingworth supporters, drifted inches wide of the post.
The inevitable then happened, when Hollingworth were mugged by a breakaway goal from Signol. Their quick striker ran the ball at the Hollingworth defence, the defence backed off, just giving him room to shoot across goal. Their winger then ran onto the ball and hammered it home. There were calls for off side from the Hollingworth supporters, but excusing any debate, it was a well taken goal that should not really have been allowed to have happened. The rest of the half saw Hollingworth dominate play, repeated attacks on the Signol goal were seen, with Hollingworth working hard for the winner. It was not to be however, the game ending at 1-1.
Several very good performances were seen from Hollingworth players and the Man of the Match award was a difficult choice for the coach. The award was given to Tom Jenkinson in goal for the brilliant saves he had made in the first half and which had kept Hollingworth in the game during a difficult period of play
23/01/11
Hollingworth Under 14’s met Juno United in Round 2 of the Stockport Metro cup, looking forward to a hard fought encounter which did not disappoint. Both teams started as they meant to go on, moving the ball about, tough tackles and early chances. Hollingworth had some promising early move,s but also had to soak up some early pressure. Mid way through the first half, a ball lofted back into the Hollingworth area by Juno, saw the ball creep in under the cross bar. A good (if unplanned goal), but all the more frustrating due to the goal itself leaning backwards at an 80% angle! Who knows what would have been if the groundsman had had a spirit level!!
Hollingworth were not in the mood to roll over and came back strongly at Juno. Within minutes, Damon Worsley had played a wonderful pinpoint pass forward, which was controlled very well by Sam Tolley. Though having two defenders keeping with him, he turned his opponents, took another stride at the Juno goal, drew the goal keeper and then chipped the ball over his head for the equaliser. Hollingworth then got a second, when Alex Barnsley received the ball in midfield, put a slide rule ball through to Luke Mettrick who again beat his markers for pace, to send Hollingworth clear at half time for 2-1.Tom Jenkinson in the Hollingworth goal also pulled off a quality save from a good shot by Juno.
Any half time talk in terms of Hollingworth then keeping the lead, soon fell on stony ground however, when two goals were conceded in a short space of time. Juno’s two danger players upfront, were able to capitalise on two lapses of concentration which ultimately proved costly. The first saw a floated ball across the area watched by several Hollingworth players without being carted to row Z. The ball fell to the number 10 who finished with a point blank tap in. Soon after, another ball appeared to be falling safely into Tom’s hands. Unfortunately, his concentration was distracted, the ball was not held properly, Hollingworth failed to react to the danger and protect their goal keeper and the number 14 was first forward to tap the ball in.
This setback did not disillusion the lads, with the last 10-15 minutes seeing Hollingworth with the majority of the ball but unable to get the equaliser for extra time. Several Hollingworth players had good chances, the best being those for Matt Leatherbarrow who made a wonderful jinking run into the Juno area to be tackled as he pulled the trigger and a thunderous shot from Alex Barnsley, hit low and hard, which was brilliantly saved by the Juno keeper.
A very good cup game with no quarter asked or given which ended 3-2 to Juno. Man of the Match was awarded to Matt Leatherbarrow for a combative performance in midfield.
09/01/11 Awy vs AFC Stanley, Manchester County Cup. Won 1-0
Hollingworth Under 14's played their first game since November and met AFC Stanley away in the last sixteen of the Manchester County Youth Cup. The pitch was an unfamiliar one, Stanley playing their games on the Wright Robinson college artificial surface. This held no issues for Hollingworth however, when they quickly set about the game with purpose, keeping the ball on the ground to negate the worst effects of the wind and play football around a Stanley team who still seemed to be opening their presents.
A good team effort was shown by all, with Louis Worthington & Alex Barnsley competing well in midfield and looking to feed the wing players of Matt Leatherbarrow and Jack Leylan,d as well as looking to release Sam Tolley and Adam Radcliffe playing upfront. The first half was dominated by Hollingworth with several chances not taken by virtue of the ball over running players due to the strength of the wind. Anything getting past Hollingworth's midfield, was soon countered by the defence of Ollie Roberts, Damon Worsley, Ryan Price and Kyle Fletcher with Tom Jenkinson providing solid support in goal.
Hollingworth went in at half time one-nil up, after Alex had collected the ball at the edge of the Stanley area, created space for himself bu turning the dfender and then releasing a thunderbolt which struck the crossbar at speed and bounced hard off the ground. The effort had a touch of the '66 world cup about it, but with no Russian linesman to say otherwise, Sam then followed in and was quickest to react, heading the ball home past the keeper.
The second half saw the two teams have more equal possession, Stanley playing with the wind to their backs. Any Stanley possession was not made to tell however, their delivery forward always carrying the ball too far for them to realise anything meaningful. As the wind got stronger, the game became more scrappy and one of attrition, with Stanley trying to break down Hollingworth without success. Substitutions were made for Jack and Kyle, with Liam Belfield and Alex Forde taking their place in the team respectively. Mention should go to Tom Jenkinson for a tremendous second half save to keep the result for Hollingworth, which saw a Stanley player bearing down on Tom one on one. The Stanley player struck his shot hard, but Tom stood his ground and parried the shot, then ensured that he also seized the loose ball before anyone else could capitalise.
The win for the Under 14's resulted from a fine team effort in a game played in difficult conditions. The result saw them advance in the Manchester Cup into the quarter finals. Good luck in the next round lads.
21/11/10 Home vs Stockport Vikings, Manchester County Cup. Won 5-0
The Under 14's made up for other results, with a wonderful display against Stockport Vikings in the Manchester County Cup. Hollingworth beat Vikings by 5 goals to 0, with goals coming from Luke Mettrick (3), Matt Leatherbarrow (1) & Jack Leyland (1). The game was a real morale booster for the lads who, though playing with only 11 for the second week in a row, played some skillful and entertaining football. With Tom Jenkinson taking the keepers spot and Kyle Fletcher trying his hand at right back, the shape of the team was different to recent games, but this only served to create some pleasant selection problems for the manager for next week.
Vikings came to play against Hollingworth, but early on, Hollingworth showed their intent with some sweeping moves in attack, one involving six passes from defence to attack which had spectators from both sides applauding. Damon Worsley played extremely well at centre half, breaking up each Vikings effort and calmly playing the ball out to team mates to create new attacks. He was well supported by Oliver Roberts, Ryan Price and Kyle in defensive duties. Kyle made several well timed interceptions to cut out the Vikings left, as did Oliver at left back. Ryan, as in recent games, looked to move the ball forward through midfield at every opportunity.
Hollingworth's first goal came when Luke Mettrick ran onto a through pass and though under challenge by a defender and the keeper, showed real determintaion to get his shot in under the keepers body. Hollingworth continued to pressure Vikings, and Luke's second was an almost carbon copy of the first with a very good through ball played by Oliver Roberts. The midfield of Alex Barnsley, Jack Leyland, Matt Leatherbarrow, Liam Belfield and Sam Tolley as Luke's attack partner then continued to pull the Vikings defence out of shape, further efforts to score not being realised.
The second half saw more of the same, with Vikings looking to play their partl, but ultimately, the quality of Hollingworth's football proving too much for them. Further goals were seen from Jack Leyland, when he seized on a loose ball in the area, Luke for his third, when he coverted Sam Tolley's shot at goal with an outrageous heel flick and Matt (Chucky) Leatherbarrow with a well struck shot from outside the box. All in all, this was a tremendous display by the Under 14's. Two second half standout moments were a cat like save by Tom when he stood firm against the Vikings forward to parry a shot around the post and a truly awesome tackle by Ryan Price, who made a last ditch tackle for what seemed a certain goal by Vikings, as their forward was about to pull the trigger. In a game of quality individual and team performances, the stand out player for Man of the Match was Damon for his calm control at the heart of the defence.
14/11/10
The Under 14's went down 4-1, away to Apollo. Due to recent injuries to two players, one lad playing hockey for Cheshire County and another taking part in the service for Remembrance Sunday, the Under 14's had to play with no substitutes. This might not have been a problem, but for the fact that two players who did take part were recovering from a bout of sickness but still felt that they should play. Apollo knew that they had been in a game by the end, having to work hard for their win, when they seemed to expect a more comprehensive scoreline. Matt Leatherbarrow scored Hollingworth's goal, Ryan Price won Man of the Match for a superb performance at the heart of defence and showing a never say die attitude throughout.
07/11/10
A wonderful display against Stockport Vikings in the Manchester County Cup. Hollingworth beat Vikings by 5 goals to 0, with goals coming from Luke Mettrick (3), Matt Leatherbarrow (1) & Jack Leyland (1). The game was a real morale booster for the lads who, though playing with only 11 for the second week in a row, played some skillful and entertaining football. With Tom Jenkinson taking the keepers spot and Kyle Fletcher trying his hand at right back, the shape of the team was different to recent games, but this only served to create some pleasant selection problems for the manager for next week.
Vikings came to play against Hollingworth, but early on, Hollingworth showed their intent with some sweeping moves in attack, one involving six passes from defence to attack which had spectators from both sides applauding. Damon Worsley played extremely well at centre half, breaking up each Vikings effort and calmly playing the ball out to team mates to create new attacks. He was well supported by Oliver Roberts, Ryan Price and Kyle in defensive duties. Kyle made several well timed interceptions to cut out the Vikings left, as did Oliver at left back. Ryan, as in recent games, looked to move the ball forward through midfield at every opportunity.
Hollingworth's first goal came when Luke Mettrick ran onto a through pass and though under challenge by a defender and the keeper, showed real determintaion to get his shot in under the keepers body. Hollingworth continued to pressure Vikings, and Luke's second was an almost carbon copy of the first with a very good through ball played by Oliver Roberts. The midfield of Alex Barnsley, Jack Leyland, Matt Leatherbarrow, Liam Belfield and Sam Tolley as Luke's attack partner then continued to pull the Vikings defence out of shape, further efforts to score not being realised.
The second half saw more of the same, with Vikings looking to play their partl, but ultimately, the quality of Hollingworth's football proving too much for them. Further goals were seen from Jack Leyland, when he seized on a loose ball in the area, Luke for his third, when he coverted Sam Tolley's shot at goal with an outrageous heel flick and Matt (Chucky) Leatherbarrow with a well struck shot from outside the box.
All in all, this was a tremendous display by the lads. Two second half standout moments, were a cat like save by Tom when he stood firm against the Vikings forward to parry a shot around the post and a truly awesome tackle by Ryan Price, who made a last ditch tackle for what seemed a certain goal by Vikings, as their forward was about to pull the trigger. In a game of quality individual and team performances, the stand out player for Man of the Match was Damon for his calm control at the heart of the defence.
Sunday 24th October 2010
Away vs Spurley Hey ( Metro league). Lost 9-6
Kyle, Ryan, Damon, Oliver, Ben, Liam, Adam, Sam, Jack, Chucky, Luke, Lewis
The lads ended their game in defeat against Spurley Hey, by a scoreline of 9-6! The scoreline, more reminiscent of Rugby than football, was a reflection of a game played at a frantic pace and ultimately characterised by some poor refereeing and some cynical play by Spurley. Not to say that Hollingworth did not make mistakes, three of the Spurley goals being defensive errors from Hollingworth. These errors were complimented for Spurley with three of their goals being offside.
The scoreline by half time was 5-4 to Spurley. Their advantage coming from the goalkeeper kicking it long for the striker to run on to (although their fifth was from a good free kick). We had contributed however with some naive defending. Our goals came from playing football.
Hollingworth looked to play football, while Spurley went for an effective, but ugly game plan, of kicking it in the air for a game of kick and rush for their striker. Hollingworth are always asked to play football, no matter the opponents, and the game became a metaphor for the best and worst of footballing philosophy.
It might be that sour grapes would be accused here, but it returns to the same basic issue with our national game: Is it win at all costs by employing a brutally simple strategy of aerial bombardment ( via throw ins etc) as practised by Spurley? Or seek to ask lads to try and play football, hopefully to win by doing this? Discuss.
Throughout the game, Hollingworth stood toe to toe with Spurley, matching their goals with efforts that came from team play and a desire to play football. Hollingworth's goal scorers were Luke , with a well taken hat trick, his own pace undoing the Spurley defence constantly, Chucky with two, one taken at the far post after a fantastic cross by Damon , and the other goal from Sam , who struck a tremendous dipping shot past the keeper after receiving the ball from Ryan on the left, and beating and then outsprinting his marker.
The cynical play from Spurley, shown by a series of fouls (unpunished by the referee,) culminated in a horrendous challenge on Kyle by their main player ( the number 10), as he came out of goal to collect the ball . The Spurley player caught him full in the face with his leg,and at first it was suspected that Kyle had a broken nose.
The Spurley coach claimed that it was “50-50” and his player had to go for the ball. Maybe. I saw a player who had become increasingly cynical as the game had gone on. Their striker is a good player with a lot of power and pace, but this does not excuse him from some of the challenges on our players ( Oliver with a stamp mark on his leg, high feet against Liam two other challenges on Kyle when he had opportunity to “pull out”).
It was made worse by the fact that the constant verbal barrage by the Spurley coach at the referee (and anyone else he thought might be listening) had affected the ref’s confidence and consistency in decision making. It has been said that Youth Football is second only to Stella Artois in its ability to change adult behaviour for the worse. Today, this was true.
Kyle had to be substituted after five minutes of treatment, but the referee decided that there was no need to give Hollingworth the time lost through Kyle's injury. Hollingworth won the moral victory in this game.
Adam won Man of the Match due to his sheer physical effort in always trying to get Hollingworth back in to the game.
Well done lads for the way you kept trying to play football in the face of some poor sportsmanship from Spurley. You were brilliant today, despite the score and a vast improvement on last weeks game. More of this, and you won't go far wrong!
Sunday 17th October 2010
Home vs Juno (Metro League) Lost 0-3
Kyle, Luke, Ryan, Oliver, Damon, Liam, Chucky, Jack, Adam, Sam, Alex F, Jake
The first half in this game really is not one to be remembered. Lads not available, some lads forgetting that we usually kick off at 10.45 at home and a hangdog air amongst some prior to the game. The lads seemed to start brightly enough, but soon started to cede possession too easily to Juno. Passes went astray, space was not closed down quickly enough, possession was not used properly.
By half time, we were 3-0 down. The first two goals were entirely avoidable. A lack of challenges in the build up to both goals allowed Juno players a free run which should never have taken place. No complaints about the 3rd goal. It was a goal fit to grace any match, with the Juno left winger catching the ball at its sweet spot, with power, and then screaming in over Kyle’s head.
A few home truths were given to the lads at half time, and they were sent out with instructions to show Juno the other side of themselves. The lads played like a different team in the second half, plenty of c ommitment from most, a willingness to run to space, communicate etc.
The only problem with the second half turned out to be an ability to get the ball in the onion bag. Try as we might, no one could score. Some had better chances than others to bring a bit of pride back but the poor first half had seemingly affected confidence when it really mattered.
The game finished at 3-0, Hollingworth winning the second half but with nothing to show for it and Juno leaving for home, with 2 points from a game which could have been so much better for Hollingworth than the reality.
No Man of the Match was awarded, the whole team taking collective responsibility for the defeat.
Sunday 10th October 2010
Home vs Boothstown Blues ( Manchester FA Youth Cup, 1st Round) Won 6-1
Kyle, Jake, Oliver, Ryan, Alex F, Jack, Damon, Alex B, Chucky, Luke, Sam, Liam
This result has been a few weeks arriving and unfortunately for Boothstown, the lads turned in some fine form and football to get a result which should generate some confidence and morale.
We had an early kick off due to some lads having cricket trials this afternoon, but the early start caused no issues. The pre-match talk centred around commitment to get the job done and asking the lads to roll up their sleeves and get themselves the right result.
We started brightly, with several players looking strong, Alex B & Damon working well together in midfield, Luke showing some speedy runs up front, Jack and Chucky looking to use the width and Sam busying himself behind Luke trying to link play. An early move soon saw us with a cushion, when a ball was played by Alex B to Jack and which Jack took past the right back, drilling a well taken shot into the far corner. The defence of Ollie, Ryan, Jake & Alex F kept Boothstown quiet, ensuring that the ball was played to midfield to keep the Boothstown defence busy in turn.
Jack's second came soon after with a lovely piece of team play when a diagonal ball by Alex F was controlled and laid off by Sam to Jack. Jack hit the ball first time and it went in off the post in the top corner, the keeper having no chance.
Several other chances were had to score, Chucky having a golden moment but hitting the post instead., Sam scuffing a shot when he kicked more of the ground than the ball. More goals game however from Luke with 2 and Jack with another, to get his hat trick. The pick of Luke's two goals came when he won the ball through some gritty determination at the byline, beat his marker and drilled the ball across goal into the far corner.
Second half saw a change, when Jack was brought off for a short rest and the formation was changed a little. Again, Hollingworth generated a lot of possession with several chances missed to increase the scoreline by more. Boothstown had their share of play as the second half wore on, but Hollingworth were the stronger team, the defence playing well and mopping things up when needed.
Damon did get an early goal in the second half when he hit a strong shot towards goal, but unfortunately for the defender, he tried to clear the ball by putting his foot out but only succeeded in helping the ball into goal by looping it over his own keeper. Some good play was seen on the right with Liam making some strong forward runs and looking to link with other players.
Boothstown did get a consolation, when an attack was not properly closed down and the player was alowed to drift in and put his shot away, after Kyle had put two blocks on other efforts and the ball was not cleared. Despite this, Kyle had another good game in goal, one particular save being parried over with his hand extended to the limit denying what looked like a certainty for Boothstown.
The second half played out with some strong runs by Alex B from midfield and some more chances going begging, Luke hitting the post with a hard to control ball which saw him playing it at full stretch but only managing to turn it onto the post. Chucky had a good second half, at one point beating a couple of players with some tricks and body swerves which would see him do well on Strictly Come Dancing.
Its good to write about a positive display and the final result put a smile on everyones face. Its been a couple of weeks coming, but this is an excellent result to take forward to next weeks game with some good performances across the team to build on.
Man of the match was awarded to Jack Leyland for an excellent display in the first half for his hat trick. Good stuff.
Sunday 26th September 2010
Home vs Signol Athletic lost 1-2
Kyle, Jake, Oliver , Ryan, Damon, Jack, Sam, Alex B, Matt Leatherbarrow, Luke, Adam, Alex F, Liam.
A real Jekyll & Hyde performance in this game. Some periods of easy on the eye passing which cut Signol apart, were then countered by sloppy midfield play where the ball was given away far too easily, with a lack of commitment to win the ball back and some wayward passing, characterised by a failure to play the ball with intent.
We had to soak up some early pressure, one really good tackle being made by Ollie Roberts. This told after fifteen minutes, when a long hit crossfield ball was well controlled by the Signol forward who slipped his man and struck his shot low into the net. Encouragement was given to the lads not to let heads go down and they responded with several good passages of play which should have seen at least one goal to ourselves, unfortunately, Sam, Luke and Matt were all lacking in accuracy and keeping the ball underneath the bar.
The second half was even more combative, quarter being given neither way. We fell to a sucker punch however when a Signol attack saw one of their players delivered the ball on our left. The space was not closed down and he had time to make his decision and lob Kyle (in goal). A well taken goal which Kyle could not do a great deal about, but a needless one in a failure to close down players and attack the ball.
We then got a consolation goal when Luke was played through and he slipped the ball under the keeper. This set the game up for an exciting finish with our lads looking for an equaliser and Signol the goal which would kill the game. In the end, sadly, our possession counted for nothing ( with another couple of chances to score going begging).
After last week, many positives to draw from this game but also a few lessons which the lads need to remember for the next game and apply.
Man of the match, notably a tremendous last ditch tackle in the second half when he tracked the Signol player in to our area and took the ball off his foot sweetly, was Ryan. Well done.
Sunday 19th September 2010
Away vs Great Moor County . Lost 5-0
Team:
Tom, Jake, Oliver R, Ryan, Damon, Jack, Sam, Alex B, Matt Leatherbarrow, Luke, Adam, Alex F.
Some Sundays are better than others. This Sunday was another poor display overall, some standout moments, but again, a lack of communication, poor team work and football and a moment of indiscipline and frustration which was disappointing in its outcome.
Great Moor are a good foot balling side, quick on the uptake in both passing and movement. They had several early attacks, some offside, which got beyond our back line on a couple of occasions. Our defence were put under the cosh a bit, with too many moves coming back at us due to passes by our players only reaching their players.
We managed a couple of attacks, with Adam upfront, being unfairly jostled about without assistance from the ref. In defence, all players were doing their best to shut out the Great Moor players, standout being Damon, playing at right back and Ryan and Oliver at centre half positions. Jake had a real test of character against their forward who eventually took their first goal ( offside when put through) finishing coolly to Tom’s left. We went in first half 3-0 down, but not down hearted. Overall, the lads had put in a decent enough display against a good team.
Second half was a different matter. Early on in the half, an inconsequential piece of play, the ball going out for a throw in to us, ended dramatically and to our disadvantage when Alex B was guilty of serious foul play with a late challenge on a Great Moor player. No excuses, he knew what he did and what it means for the team. The referee had no alternative but to send him off.
Heads dropped after this, the overall performance becoming flatter and flatter, the football becoming more disjointed. There were players who tried to spark on a couple of occasions, but the Great Moor advantage in numbers and willingness to run the ball and move into space intelligently, saw two extra goals.
The lads are better than this display and it has been a disappointing start to the season so far. Time will tell, but on their day, they play as well as any team ( as proved last season). We will improve as of this weeks training session and for next weeks game. There is enough ability for this to be realised.
Lads, how much do you want it?
Man of the match: Damon
Home vs Cheadle & Gatley. 12/09/10
Lost 0-3
Team: Kyle, Jake, Oliver R, Oliver T, Ryan, Matt Leatherbarrow, Alex B, Adam, Damon, Sam, Luke, Alex F, Liam, Matt Brooks.
Our return to Metro first division football ended up as a wake up call for some better decision making at vital turning points in the game and for the lads to pull together as a team and make sure that the effort is 110%.
Cheadle & Gatley immediately showed their game plan, the ball being fed to the right wing for one of our old players to make some good runs at us. Disappointing that local lads don’t wish to play for local teams, but all the same, credit due where it is deserved and one of his low driven cross balls was met by one of his team mates making a late run and slotting home. It wasn,t long before a second was added. We didn’t help ourselves by playing a long ball game up to our forwards which were repeatedly gobbled up by their back line. 2-0 down at half time.
Second half saw a bit of a change in some positions, Adam going up front for Sam. Second half saw us have more of the ball and we worked it around much better than the first half. All the same, some sleepiness in our defence and not picking up the runners saw us go a third goal down.
The game wasn’t a disaster, just that the lads need to appreciate the step up in quality from the second division football (generally).
Lessons were learnt by the coaching team as well and will be applied for our next game.
There were some stand out performances, Alex had a strong game in midfield but needed a bit more support from others as well as considering all the options. Oliver Roberts had a very good game in defence, making one outstanding challenge in the second half when he timed a slide tackle to perfection to cut off a Cheadle attack.
Kyle Fletcher, in goal, had a really good game, not being at fault for any of the goals. He made some very good saves and looked composed at set piece play. One excellent save was made when a ball took a deflection, appeared to be going in at his right post and a combination of his right leg and a quick adjustment to get his right hand down to the ball saw the save.
Bit more effort and better decision making next time round lads.
Man of the match: Kyle & Alex.
FRIENDLIES!!!!!!!!!!!
29 August 2010 11.00 kick off @ Longdendale Language College itch, Hollingworth vs Woodley Albion (won 4-1)
Good win to start this season, although the scoreline was a little unfair on Woodley who weren't 3 goals worse than us. We went in at half time 0-1 down, but a chat with the lads and a positive start to the 2nd half saw goals for Sam, Liam, Matt Leatherbarrow, via the goalkeeper and Alex. Woodley were a little off with their finishing, or the score might have been a bit more even.
Some good points worth a mention were an excellent display by Matty Leatherbarrow (M of M) and Kyle, with his first game in goal for us. Worthy mention also to Alex Forde and Ryan Price, both having had very good games.
1 September 2010 6.15 kick off @ Longdendale Rec pitches, Hattersley vs Hattersley FC (won 5-3)
Overall, a good display with some nice passing throughout the game and intelligent use of the ball. The lads matched Hattersley's physical approach to the game and came out on top after conceding an early goal. The lads rolled their sleeves up and we went in at 4-1 at half time, goals coming from Matty Leatherbarrow, Luke Mettrick, Alex Barnsley & Adam Radcliffe ( pen).
Half time saw a number of substitutions to share the game around. Hollingworth atill retained the majority of the possession competing very well in midfield. The fifth goal came to Sam after another well worked move. Hattersley then got one back which caused the lads to have to take stock of themselves. Hattersley then got a third ( from a very debatable corner which Hollingworth had claimed as a goal kick). The corner itself had come from a nasty little episode when some local brainless idiots culminated some ongoing abuse of Kyle (in goal) by throwing the contents of his water bottle at him as he played. Abject and brainless cowards.
Well done lads.
5 September 2010 10.45 kick off @ Longdendale School pitches vs Hollingworth Jnrs U 15's (Lost 7-0)
Down to earth with a bump here. 7 goals to nil was a little harsh, but the difference of a year in age took its toll on the lads. We started brightly enough, some good early work by the defence cutting out several opportunities by the opposition. Oliver Roberts made some good challenges early on and Ryan Price headed away a dead cert goal. Fantastic ( would like to know what Ryan has been eating over the summer break!).
Unfortunately, we went in at 4-0 at half time. After a bit of a pep talk, the lads went out for the second half determined to give a good account of themselves, but the older opponents just being a bit too strong for them as well as showing some good movement and passing).
Never mind lads, take it as an experience to be learned from, ignore the score and lets look forward to our first game next week.
2009-2010 Info & match reports below
We are now confirmed as runners up from Division 2 and promoted to Division 1 for season 2010-2011!
Very well done everyone !
The below is an e-mail received at end of 09-10 season. It speaks for itself and I have pasted it to this page, as it speaks volumes about the players, everyone involved with our team and this seasons success:
"Hi Neil, Please pass on our congratulations to your lads for their promotion to division one. Both times we've played you this season the games have been played fairly and competitively by all the players and supporters, unlike some of the other teams we've met with.
Good luck for next season, we hope your success continues"
his year has seen some quality new players being added to the team with a view to continuous improvement year on year.
We look to encourage good football, played in a sporting manner, with an emphasis on enjoyment, hard work, discipline and positive motivation at all times for the lads who play for us. Our only expectation is that you are prepared to put maximum effort into both training and matches and be willing to learn.
Do you want to join us? Then please contact us on one of the Coaches numbers above, or you are welcome to turn up for one of our training sessions.
Squad
Tom (GK)
Ryan (Def)
Ollie (Def)
Ollie (Thommo) (Def)
Liam (Def)
Jake (Def)
Matt (Def)
Joseph (Def)
Matt (Chucky) (Mid)
Damon (Mid)
Alex (Mid)
Adam (Mid)
Matt Brook (Mid)
Dylan (Mid)
Sam (For)
Lewis (For)
Luke (For)
Next game ...... September 2010!!!!
MATCH REPORTS (2009-2010)
Home to Poynton 25/04/10 Lost 0-3
Team : Tom, Ryan, Jake, Ollie, Thommo, Chucky, Sam, Alex, Liam, Luke, Adam. Subs: Matt Brook, Jack, Matt Logan, Dylan, Damon
Lads,
Take a bow! Now confirmed as promoted as runners up to Division 1 for next season.
Over the course of this year, the odd result being the exception, you have all contributed to the success which has now been realised. A lot of hard work has gone in, both on and off the pitch and this has paid off handsomely.
Thanks to all those parents who have forgone their Sunday lie ins, stood in the rain and cold, sunshine and warmth to cheer you all on and supported you throughout.
Special mentions to:
Maria for collecting and managing the match subs, not an easy task!
Andrew for reffing so many of our games this year in the absence of appointed officials.
Paul, for being the most vocally passionate linesman I have seen in many a day!
I won't dwell on todays result, save to say that overall, one or two players aside, too many Hollingworth players gave Poynton too much respect and didn't show enough desire when it really mattered.
There were players who deserve a mention, Alex worked hard as usual in midfield, as did Sam ( plenty of won headers). Thommo & Ollie had their work cut out due to some good forward play and a thoroughly "professional" outlook on the way the game should be played by their forwards. Chucky had a good first half, Adam and Luke were left frustrated at the lack of decent opportunities falling their way. Damon did very well when he came on as sub in the second half.
Poynton have some good players, they played to their strengths, we didn't play to ours. This should be an important lesson for next season. As a team, the lads need to start making making more decisions when "in the thick of it". The coaches are there to help with tactics etc, but players now need to start to look at how THEY can take the game away from opponents and to "kill off" games when it is needed.
It wasn't all negative today, just that the forwards could not get enough decent chances to take the game to our advantage and the defence were bombarded throughout by long balls for their nippy forward player to run on to. It was like watching Wimbledon.
Things were not helped when their official entered the pitch at half time and started berating the referee and our coaching team about a 50-50 ball between their keeper ( who had a very good game, saving a penalty) and Alex. Alex had to go for it. Their manager did himself no favours or dignity in the reaction he showed and his behaviour thereafter. Leave it to the referee eh?
After going in at 0-1 at half time, two further goals were conceded in the second half which were down to basic errors of judgement and lack of concentration from players. No inquest here lads, you know why it happened.
Comment was apparently made after the game by a Poynton player as to how we could lose today & yet beat other good teams in the Division.
Easy answer? We were the better team over the course of the season.
Never mind today, lads. Your efforts have been rewarded.
Congratulations to each and every one of you who has taken part this season........
Look out Division 1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Home vs High Lane 20/04/10 Won 4-0
Team: Tom, Ryan,Jake, Ollie, Thommo, Chucky, Alex, Liam, Sam, Luke, Adam Subs: Matt Brook, Jack, Damon, Matt Logan, Dylan
We needed a win to boost morale again after the disappointment against Marple, and the lads obliged with a straightforward win against High Lane. It could have had a more comprehensive score line if the finishing had been a little more clinical.
Hollingworth came out from the first whistle knocking the ball around and looking to get it into the High Lane box as soon as possible. High Lane were not in the mood to gift us the game and worked hard to deny us any clear cut opportunies. Chucky and Liam on either wing had some good possession, Liam putting in several good balls to the forward after having been set up by some strong challenges by Ryan.
Ryan was very effective in closing down their left, Jake also quick and committed against their right side. Thommo and Oliver were able to forget the negatives of Sundays match and played strongly as a supporting pair at the centre of defence. Tom, as usual, completed the solid support with the right interventions when needed ( remember Tom, goalkeepers act on instinct!).
A chance soon fell to Luke when a quick pass by Adam to Sam in their final third was then threaded through to Luke by Sam with a good pass. Unfortunately for Luke, the ref judged him offside. A goal came soon after however when Liam played a ball over their back lines and Luke seized on it slotting home coolly. Luke could have had another, but their keeper did not hang around on his line as Luke bore down on goal, the keeper just putting off Luke enough for nothing to come of it.
We then had a second before half time when a throw in by the lads saw the ball come to Sam just inside their area and Sam hit the ball on the half volley with a good strike into the bottom corner giving the keeper no chance. Chucky had another opportunity to score but his effort was blazed over, last seen heading towards Leeds.
Hollingworth did not have it all their way, with several set pieces putting the lads through their paces from both throw ins and corners. Their throw in expert had a very long throw ( Stoke, are you watching??) which did test the lads at the back a couple of times. Our defence and midfield cover were up to the job though.
Second half saw more of the same with Hollingworth looking to get a passing game going, but the play a little scrappy at times. A goal by Alex settled the nerves when he went off on a run and carried the ball to his right across the front of the High Lane defence. As I started to think that a "lay off" pass to a wider player might result in something, Alex proved me wrong by hitting the ball sweetly from distance past their keeper. Well done for not passing Alex! (He won't hear that one too often!)
Our defence were not left alone however, with High Lane not being shy about pushing on and trying to get something positive out of the game. Both screening midfielders and the defence had to be on the ball and Tom needed to make a couple of saves. Thommo made a very good tackle at one point, sliding in to take the ball from the midfielders foot with great timing.
Substitutions were then made, Damon coming on for Luke ( who had had a header saved by the keeper) and then Jack for Chucky. Both got busy immediately. Jack made the fourth goal when he chased a ball down in to their area, then delivered a perfect cross for Sam to head in at the far post. Lovely piece of football.
Soon after, other lads were given a chance, Sam subbed by Matt Brook, Ryan by Matt Logan & Adam by Dylan. Further chances came for Dylan (twice) Damon and Jack, who also had one effort judged off side. Never mind lads, you were in the right areas to score, just a bit more composure next time.
The match ended with promotion (almost) certain for Hollingworth. Poynton have a mathematical opportunity to catch up, but reality would seem to be that we are just about there. A win at the weekend would nail it lads. One more effort and you get confirmation of the just reward you all deserve.
Man of match: Luke, not only for his goal today, but for all the other goals he has scored this year which have helped put us in the league position we hold. Very well done mate.
Away vs Marple Athletic 18/04/10 Lost 3-1
Team: Tom, Rtan, Jake, Ollie, Thommo, Chucky, Alex, Sam, Liam, Luke, Adam. Subs: Matt Brook, Mattt Logan, Damon Worsley
First line should be congratulations to Marple for winning promotion back to the first division today as Champions. Over the course of the season they have shown obvious commitment to this goal and deserve their reward. Well done.
As for the game....
We came to Marple's ground expecting a full blooded contest and a commitment by Marple to gaining a result. The disappointment came ion first sight of the pitch which was of very small dimensions and rock hard after the recent dry spell. Both teams have to play on it, but even prior to the game, it was obvious that Hollingworth would not be able to play their usual game.
The lads were spoken to and told what to expect. It didn't seem to sink in. Marple started energetically, winning possession over Hollingworth in the midfield and punting the ball forward for their (very quick) striker. The result was several corners to Marple, one of which resulted in the first goal when Hollingworth stood static on their markers and a Marple player had a free header. Oh dear.
Hollingworth replied quickly when a ball fed to Liam out on the right was played in, the keeper fumbled and Luke headed in the loose ball. Unfortunately, within minutes, Marple had replied with another long punt, the ball bounced without being challenged, and in it went.
Their third came soon after, same formula, long punt, bouncing over the defence and their forward running on and slotting it in. Effective, but not the kind of football we try to play. Thommo and Ollie were given a hard time trying to shackle their striker without adequate cover prior to the ball getting to our defence. Tom ends up as the last player the ball goes past lads, outfield players might want to consider how that feels.
Special mention to Ryan at this point who cleared a certain goal off the line at one point when he headed the ball. Excellent effort
Our defence suffered with a lack of support from midfield who failed to challenge effectively enough or screen the front of defence. Sam was working hard enough to cover back to front, but this was not enough. The situation suffered even more when Jake had to go off with an injured ankle after a tackle. He was replaced by Matt Logan. We finished the half 3 to 1 and a little crestfallen at the lack of overall team commitment to taking the game to Marple.
The second half started more brightly, Sam working hard in midfield, Alex looking to come into the game more, the defence being worked hard by the Marple forward ( Thommo in a real ding dong with him) . Adam looked stronger than the first half and made several bullish runs over the course of the 2nd half without any positive result.
Ryan had a very good game at right back, putting several good balls forward to try and set up attacks for us. Matt Logan did well having had to pick up the pace of the game and the Marple forward always looking to pressure our defence with his pace and strength. Liam was replaced by Damon early in the second half.
We at least started to win more possession in midfield, and the game did turn a bit scrappy towards the end. Marple were looking to hang onto their lead and defended in numbers. Their number 11 had an excellent game throughout, always sweeping up well at the back and cutting out our half chances.
One particular moment was when Alex picked up the ball from deep, made a powerful run to the edge of their area and hit not one, but two extremely powerful shots towards goal. Their number 11 charged down both shots; when the third chance then fell to Sam, he got his body in the way of this also and cleared the ball. Very good play by him and credit where it is deserved.
Our only real chance fell to Luke right in front of goal. Unfortunately, he hit the ball too hard and instead of hitting the back of the net, it went high over the bar. Never mind, on 30 other occasions this year they have been in the net. Substitutions were then made for Luke & Chucky, by Liam & Matt Brook respectively. Hollingworth huffed & puffed but just could not blow Marple's house down.
We have two games left lads, 2 points (perhaps 3) should be enough to win the promotion you deserve from the efforts you have made during the season. There are two games left for us to get what really should be ours. The only question is: HOW MUCH DO YOU WANT IT, AND WHAT EFFORT ARE YOU PREPARED TO MAKE TO GET THERE?
Man of the match: Sam, for his hard work and non stop running in midfield.
Home vs New Mills 14/04/10 Won 4-2
Team: Tom, Ryan, Jake, Ollie, Liam, Jack, Chucky, Alex, Sam, Luke, Adam Subs: Matt Brook, Matt Logan, Damon
After the defeat on 11/04, we were looking for a win off the lads to ensure that our promotion campaign did not start to go off the rails. The lads did not disappoint .
We started brightly, the midfield players particularly busy in trying to link with the forwards and we created several half chances early on in the game.
New Mills, missing one of their stronger lads to a school trip, took a few minutes to get to the pace of the game but very soon started to show, with a couple of good moves to try and bring their dangerman up front into play.
Our defence coped with these attacks, but were required to concentrate throughout. New Mills are no mugs and will punish any team if given a chance. As the half wore on, Liam and Ollie's understanding of each other developed ( in Thommo's absence, it was the first game they had played at the heart of defence for some time). Tom had to make a couple of saves to keep us in control and Ryan looking to feed Chucky ( playing out on right, whenever he could) and Jake to feed Jack out on the left.
Our nerves were settled however when a ball played to Adam after a good tackle by Jake, was then fed to Sam, who in turn played a defence splitting pass to Luke. Luke bore down on the ball, beat the defender for pace and slotted home. Very good team play all round.
We continued to look to attack and a second goal before half time helped to give confidence to the lads. A corner ball was floated in by Adam to the near post and Alex then hit it on the volley to give the keeper no chance. A really good finish.
We started the second half as brightly as the first and again, looked to move the ball around. Adam looked strong, working hard to provide a link between Luke and himself ( up front) with the midfield of Alex, Chucky, Jack & Sam.
About 10 minutes in, another good piece of play led to our 3rd goal. Alex won a strong challenge in midfield, fed the ball to Jack out on the left wing. Jack then hit a first time pass over the right back to Sam who stayed onside to collect the ball, advance a couple of yards on goal and lob the keeper for a very good finish, despite the keeper doing his best to push it over the bar, but always falling back to his net & unable to get any real purchase on the ball.
Our 4th goal came from Luke with a poachers finish. Alex hit a powerful shot which the New Mills keeper was unable to hold. As the ball ran free, Luke ran in to side foot the ball past the keeper. Lovely.
Luke was then subbed and Damon put on in his place. Just as we had made the substitution, New Mills scored. The New Mills player slipped our midfield, the ball was not cleared and they got one back.
New Mills got another when the their player beat a slow offside attempt by us, slipped through and scored.
The defence had to be constantly aware of the dangerous presence of the lone New Mills forward, always loooking for the half chances to get New Mills back in to the game.
Soon after, Ollie received a injury to his knee when he made a very good last ditch tackle on their danger player upfront (Milo). As he went for the ball, both players collided and Ollie went down. Ollie said that there was no malice, but he came out of it worst. Initially feeling that he was ok to continue, he soon called to be subbed. The defence was re-organised with Adam dropping back to centre half in place of Ollie.
Other substitutions were both Matthew's in place of Sam & Jack. Both lads showed energy in looking to get involved, even at the latter stages of the game when they had come on. Matt Brook made some nice runs and touches out left, Matt Logan got involved upfront ( not a normal position for him) and sent a looping header into the box which went unclaimed.
A good display by Hollingworth, strong enough to cope with very good opposition and to control the flow of the game when it really counted. Not much more needed now lads, no counting chickens, but all the same, Division 1 football next year is getting closer to reality.
Man of match: Alex
Home vs Marple Athletic 11/04/10 Lost 3-4
Team: Tom, Ryan, Jake, Thommo, Ollie, Damon, Chucky, Alex, Sam, Luke, Dylan, Subs: Matt Logan, Liam, Matt Brook.
To paraphrase Alex Ferguson, "blooming football, eh?".
For the neutral, a fantastic game to watch, plenty of incident, goals, grit & determination from both teams, chances missed, etc etc. I felt like I'd aged another 5 years by the end.
In a long delayed meeting between the first and second placed teams on a lovely morning, both teams were up for this game and started the match along these lines. Challenges from both sides were strongly made, no quarter asked or given.
We had several early chances to score with Sam flashing a header wide of the post and Luke then repeating the feat. Frustrating! We then got caught with a sucker punch when their forward made a run from midfield. He really should not have been allowed to run the yards in the first place and when he was allowed to continue into our area with two players giving responsibility to each other for stopping him, both watched as he skiped past and slotted a well taken goal past Tom.
Hollingworth had more chances, with Sam again going close with a shot from their left at an acute angle after the ball had run loose from another Hollingworth attempt. Unfortunately, Sam could not get enough purchase on the ball, it went across the area unclaimed by anyone else, and Marple got out of jail.
We then got hit with a second soft goal when a ball which should have been hit towards the roof of the school by the Hollingworth defender, was played straight to the feet of their right winger who beat his provider, and knocked the ball across for their first goal scorer to get his second. Again, a well taken goal, but one gifted to them by not doing the basic stuff when needed. We went into half time frustrated at chances lost, and with Luke having had to go off with an injury, Matt Brook subbing him..
A half time talk to ask the team what it wanted from the game saw the lads go out again fired up, but all the same, an early attack by Marple almost catching us out again. Their manager said as much when he felt they might regret missing the chance to score at this point.
An incredible last 25 minutes then ensued with both teams battling hard, Thommo doing some really good work against their forwards and Jake continuing to put in a really good display carried on from the first half. Both teams had fouls against them, both teams with opportunity to take advantage, with Alex having one long range free kick saved by the keeper.
Dylan was then subbed for Liam and shortly after, Luke & Matt Logan for Chucky & Damon. The change in players re-energised Hollingworth and we could not have wished for better when Liam got two quick goals.
Both goals were excellently taken by him, neatly slotting past the oncoming keeper on both occasions. Both goals were provided by Sam who displayed a very good work rate in midfield, and for both Liams goals, had enough space and time to flick the ball over the defenders head for Liam to then power through and take his chances. 2-2.
Alex then scored to put us 3-2 in the lead. At the start of the 2nd half, this would not have been predicted , based on Marples strong defence and 2 goal advantage, but we have shown a resilience this season which has meant that we don't give up easily. The ball was picked up by Alex who created space for himself and then hammered home. The lads hugged and jumped Alex as if we had just won at the Bernabau. In a way we had, but the game then turned again.
Marples ability to take their chances well was never in any doubt and they then scored another two well worked goals to win the match and negate Hollingworths efforts. The first saw them equalize when their forward ( as in the first two goals) scored for his hat trick. As he ran for a loose ball in our area, Tom came out to meet him. Unfortunately, he hesitated just a split second, but enough for the Marple player to knock the ball forward enough to then get his shot in. Credit where it is due in saying that the goal was well taken.
Their fourth goal, and a real nail in the heart of Hollingworth in terms of this match, was again well worked. Their hat trick player went for a ball in the corner which really should have been disposed of by our left back and centre half. Both failed to deal with the situation, he put a good cross in and another of their players came in at the far post to head it home. Good goal, sloppy defending by our lads.
Frustrations did tell a story in seeing Alex booked for a late challenge on one of their lads and their hat trick player being booked for a foul on Ryan as he took his feet from under him. Marple also had a 5th goal disallowed for offside by two of their players adjudged to have been interfering with play ( which would have been an own goal from Thommo in trying to put the ball out, if it had counted).
A late flurry of activity in their half by our lads came to nothing with the best chance of an equalizer falling to Luke who got in at the far post, saw his shot go through the keepers legs, appear to take a slight glance out for a corner and then Marple get a goal kick.
Post match, no criticism was made of any of the team, just an emphasis on how well the lads had done to not only reduce the deficit, but overcome it. Football is a simple game and simple remedies are needed at certain points of the game. The lads know this, where the game got away from us, and where it won't happen again this season. THEY know they are capable, the rest of the division know HOLLINGWORTH are capable, WE just need to do more of the positive stuff next game.
Don't worry lads, you'll be just fine.
Man of the match was awarded to Jake for an outstanding display in defence, he never stopped running, challenging and supporting his team mates.Well done mate.
Home vs Juno Utd U13's 28/03/10 Won 3-1
Team: Tom, Ryan, Jake, Ollie, Thommo, Damon, Chucky, Alex, Sam, Luke, Adam, Subs: Liam, Jack, Matt B
Hollingworth came into the game on the back of 5 wins in a row. Juno are tough opponents however and the lads were warned before the start not to be complacent. This soon told when Juno managed to dominate possession without converting to goals, but the Hollingworth defence just a little to determined for them. Ollie had to retire early with a knee injury, his place taken by Liam who soon got into the game with some early strong challenges.
One tackle on the edge of our area by Thommo on one of the Juno "dangermen" was timed excellently and he took the ball cleanly while letting the player know his intent. Good stuff.
The pressure did tell in the end however, when a challenge on the edge of the area failed to materialise and their midfield danger man seized on it and then lobbed the ball into a strong wind, caught the goalie off his line and a soft goal was conceded. At times it seemed that Hollingworth had forgotten the colour of their own shirts with too many passes going astray as well as Juno organising themselves well and being "up for it" more.
After a half time chat which asked the lads to believe in themselves a bit more, the lads came out more determined and though starting to win more possession were unable to convert chances immediately, partly because the Juno keeper was in inspired form at this point, making several saves at point blank range.
Juno were always threatening when going forward, their midfield players all having a good game, but they were unable to convert any possession to their advantage. The Hollingworth defence were a match for them and chances were almost nil, Tom not really having anything of note to do .
Chucky was subbed by Jack at left midfield. Hollingworth started to freshen the pace of the game . Hollingworth increasingly worked the ball forward and this eventually resulted in a scruffy goal for Hollingworth when Adam Radcliffe finished with a header after the ball had been saved by the keeper. Juno felt that the initial pass was offside, but the goal stood and this marked a turning point for the lads.
Hollingworth started to win the greater percentage of challenges and started to move forward in numbers and purpose. Sam becoming stronger in a midfield role, Alex showing intent and example and Thommo, Liam and Jake making some excellent challenges in defence.
Two more goals came for Hollingworth in a five minute period. The ball was played with more purpose, tackles were won decisively and Luke Mettrick had added a further two goals, one a well taken shot from an angle (again argued offside by Juno - sorry, don't agree on this one Gents), the other a poachers finish at the post.
A tough game for Hollingworth and a reminder not to expect every game to be easy, but in the end, one which was won through resilience and strength of character. This keeps us second in the league with 5 games left. Keep it going lads!!!
Man of the match was awarded to both Ollie Thommasson and Jake Broaders for an outstanding display in defence throughout the game.
Away vs New Mills 21/03/10 Won 1-7
Team: Tom, Ryan, Jake, Ollie, Thommo, Chucky, Alex, Damon, Sam, Adam, Luke, Subs: Jack L, Matt Brooks
Hollingworth U 13's travelled to New Mills looking for another good result in order to maintain their hopes of promotion to the Stockport Metro 1st Division next season. The lads duly obliged and put in an outstanding display against a team who have so far been seen as promotion rivals.
To say that Hollingworth controlled the game would not be an understatement, and from the start, the lads played a sharp passing game which the Millers could not counter act. Within minutes, Luke Mettrick had put us 1-0 up with a lovely drive from the right hand side of the box after a piece of play which saw Sam win the ball, turn the man, play it to Alex who hit a diagonal ball to Luke.
Adam Radcliffe then added to the score with another when he hit one over the retreating keeper. A Millers own goal then further served to pile on the problems. A second Adam goal then saw us 4-0 up at half time when he hit an unstoppable shot past the keeper.
Some fantastic passing and tackling in the midfield from Alex & Sam throughout the half, as well as excellent defending by Thommo, Ollie & Jake in particular kept the pressure on New Mills. Tom had only one real save of note to make throughout the first half.
As expected, the Millers came out fighting in the second half, Tom making a couple of top quality saves in the 2nd half. Hollingworth absorbed the pressure and created numerous counter attacks after some good defending, excellent midfield work & passing from Alex B & Sam T, and good forward line work by Adam & Luke.
One attack caused too many problems for the opposition and the result was a further own goal when the defender tried to get his foot on the ball but unfortunately defledcted it past his keeper.
Millers did then get a consolation goal when the Hollingworth defence and midfield went to sleep briefly, but Hollingworth collectively upped their game, and two further goals were added by Sam T ( a low shot, scuffed, but still threaded through the defence) and another by Adam for his hat trick.
The last goal resulted from an excellent piece of play when Luke chased down a ball into the Millers right corner, sent in a cross and this was then met by Adam with a powerful header. Probably the best of our goals.
No man of the match awarded, due to the fact that it was an outstanding team performance from all!!
Special mention however for Thommo who sustained a cut on his knee which needed a plaster!!!!
Home vs Hyde United 14/03/10 Won 7-0
Team: Tom, Ryan, Ollie, Thommo, Jake, Liam, Alex, Chucky, Adam, Luke, Sam. Subs: Damon, Jack, Matt B
A fantastic win for Hollingworth today, which sets up the final promotion "run in" quite nicely. A win was asked of the lads today, against a good team who had got the points last week against our promotion rivals, New Mills. The result is an accurate reflection of the dominance of the lads over their opponents today.
From the off, Hollingworth started positively and within two minutes, a move down the right side, saw a ball put across the Hyde area by Adam, and was then finished with aplomb by Chucky with a wonderful volley at the far post. A goal worthy of winning a match, but one which laid the foundations for the rest of the game.
Hyde were shell shocked by the early goal and Hollingworth only added more pressure, any attempts by Hyde cut out in commanding fashion by Thommo in defence, and Alex and Liam then looking competitive and moving the ball with intent to repeatedly look to set up attacks. The second goal soon came (14 mins) after Alex had won possession in midfield, then played a ball to Adam who gave the keeper no chance.
Hyde tried to get back into the game, but their play could not break the Hollingworth defence down and the ball repeatedly ended up in their half of the pitch.
We then scored a sublime goal when the ball was worked from defence, via midfield and a passing move within the Hyde area involving several Hollingworth players saw the ball again knocked across the box. The ball was collected by Chucky who set his shot up, and then struck the ball across the keeper. Great goal, one also applauded by the Hyde coaches. Chucky did have another chance in the first half to score his hat trick, but tried to take 1 extra touch when a first time shot may have seen more benefits for him.
The second half was started as brightly by Hollingworth, matching Hyde's early thoughts of trying to rescue the game for themselves. Within 3 minutes of the re-start however, Hollingworth had gone 4-0 up with a bizarre goal. Adam struck a speculative lob which was caught by the Hyde keeper. Naturally enough, everyone thought that the ball was about to be launched back; it was then dropped by the keeper and it rolled behind into the net!
This effectively killed off any remaining hopes for Hyde. Hollingworth pressed home their dominance, the only negative being the unneccesary offsides given away by our forward line by not showing enough concentration. To be fair, all of the lads sensed goals by this stage and this seems to have encouraged an urge to get on to the scoresheet, at the expense of a more measured build up.
The fifth goal came to Luke following a through ball from Adam. A call for offside was made by Hyde, the ref didn't see it the same way, Luke outpaced the defence to slot home.
The sixth goal, and Jack's first for us (on as sub for Ryan), saw a move which ended in a shot which the Hyde keeper ( who had replaced the starting keeper after the fourth goal) could not hold, and which Jack then ran on to and poached in at close range. Good stuff.
Luke & Sam were then substituted for Matt B & Damon. The change gave no respite to Hyde however, with repeated attacks seen from the lads, Alex, Thommo, Jake, Liam & Ollie ensuring that Hyde had no opportunities to get anything from the game.
The final goal against demoralised opponents came from Luke ( after Luke & Sam had gone back on for Adam & Chucky). Sam won the ball with a good tackle in midfield, spun with it and split the Hyde defence with a pass for Luke to run onto and coolly slot home.
Today's game was an outstanding display from the lads, against tough opponents, but which was won with some very good spells of football and quality goals. Always difficult to pick a man of the match in such games, when every single lad ( including Tom in goal who was a virtual spectator throughout) contributed to the victory.
The decision however, was given to Thommo who made some excellent challenges at the back throughout. His play saw him not only breaking down any Hyde attacks, but also repeatedly creating the right pass for our counter attacks. Not easy to stand out in such games, but he desreved the nomination.
Man of the match : ( An excellent display by) Thommo.
Away vs High Lane 07/03/10 Won 1-3
Team: Tom, Ryan, Ollie, Thommo, Jake, Alex, Adam, Dylan, Luke, Sam, Subs: Liam, Edgey, Matt Logan, Jack
The football Gods were kind to both teams today, with an afternoon kick off in lovely sunny conditions. We arrived hoping to continue good form from the two previous wins, and so it told, but not before a few problems had been overcome.
The first half was dominated by Hollingworth, numerous attacks and the majority of possession realised by three goals to the good, but which really should have been a half time lead of many more. Alex had a very good first half in midfield, constantly winning possession from High Lane and looking to work the ball to the rest of the midfield and to the forwards.
Adam looked strong also, looking to link with both Sam & Luke up front. An early chance went to Luke who made a run into the High Lane area, beating a man, but then failing to strike the ball cleanly enough, slicing it wide of the post. Several other chances came to Hollingworth before Luke managed to get on the end of a ball which was played through into the area. He poached the ball 2 yards out and nudged it in off his midriff!.
The second goal went to Sam after Adam had received the ball, played it through, and Sam then hit it in from close range. The third goal was the best of them when Chucky did some good work down the left hand side to beat a defender to the ball on the byline, turn the defender, and then knock it across goal for Luke to slot home as he ran on to it. Chucky was congratulated by spectators for his efforts in chasing down an apparent lost cause.
Further chances went to Alex, Adam, Chucky, Thommo , Sam & Luke! Some were unlucky, some lacked a little calm and concentration. Alex clipped the post with a low drive, Adam hit the crossbar with a shot. A corner ball was headed wide by Thommo who couldn't manage to get over the ball to head it properly and glanced it wide. Chucky drove a shot into the side netting, Sam dragged one shot wide of the post and had another snap shot saved by the quick reactions of their keeper who stuck out a leg to knock the ball out for a corner. Luke had a chance for a header from a corner kick, the ball going close without being knocked in.
High Lane managed only a handful of attacking opportunities but these were cut out by our defence efficiently and effectively, possession always being turned back in to attack. Both Jake & Ryan played some intelligent passes forward, Thommo and Ollie held firm at centre to deny any realy chances for High Lane. Tom did not really have much to do in goal.
The second half was more equal in terms of possession, with High Lane looking to swamp midfield and deny attacking opportunities to Hollingworth.
Plenty of chances came Hollingworths way, Alex continuing to work hard in midfield, but lacking effective support from other team mates at times, which resulted in too many instances of possession being lost to High Lane.
Several strong runs were seen from Adam, some efforts by Sam to link play up front, and some very quick counter attacking by Luke & Chucky out wide. Luke was unlucky when a deep corner by Adam came to him in the box, in trying to get a head on it, it hit him in the chest and the chance was lost.
Unfortunately, the lapses in concentration from the first half continued and several good chances to increase the lead went begging due to some good saves by the High Lane keeper and a tendency to overrun the ball and take one too many touches ( as the first half).
High Lane scored a consolation halfway through the second half when a move by them had originated in players not being picked up early enough, and then their goal scorer being allowed to run for too long without an effective challenge. This was their only real chance of the game and to be fair, they took it well.
The second half was played out in a frustrating manner. Plenty of good intent by Hollingworth to score more, but lacking some communication and concentration when it mattered and which could have seen the game won by a healthy goal margin. HOWEVER!!!, a win is a win, and sometimes results are not pretty or easily won, as today.
Substitutions were Matt for Jake ( injury), Edgey for Dylan, Jack & Liam for Chucky & Sam.
Man of the match was given to Alex, for a solid display in midfield. His continual efforts to try to dictate the game, make challenges in all parts of the field, and to create opportunities for Hollingworth whenever he could, were pleasing to watch.
Well done.
Man of match: Alex B
Away vs Mountfield Rovers 28/02/10 Won 2-6
Team: Tom, Ryan, Ollie, Liam, Thommo, Jake, Alex, Adam, Damon, Luke, Sam, Subs: Chucky, Edgey, Matt Logan, Matt Brook, Dylan.
A hard fought game this one, Mountfield perhaps feeling that they might have had a bit more out of the game, but ultimately, some quality finishing and some excellent defending by our lads, making the diffference in the end.
The game started with a different formation than we normally play, although the midfield area soon became highly congested, due to the small size of the pitch and the ball being treated like it was a grenade at times.
An early attack was realised in a goal by Luke, when a ball played across the Mountfield defence was brought under control by Luke, who then beat the keeper with a well taken shot. The new positions asked of players saw some nervous play, and almost immediately, Mountfield equalised with a fine goal, when a diagonal ball to the far post of our net was met with a volley by a Mountfield player who gave Tom no chance. Players had not been picked up, Mountfield scored.
Within minutes, Mountfield had a second when again, players were not picked up in time, and their number 7 finished with a well struck shot which gave Tom no chance. Tom did make a fantastic save not long after from the number 7, who had again got on to a through pass. Tom did not yield ground and stood up to him, stopping the goal bound shot at point blank range.
Hollingworth re-grouped, and started to pass the ball around. Jake made some good runs on the left, looking to link with Alex and Sam. Adam made some positive runs with the ball and challenges in midfield,moving the ball forward with intent several times. Luke & Sam looked to feed off these runs, but got caught offside from some of them. Watch the line lads!!!
The equaliser came from Alex who struck a dipping long range shot which the keeper failed to hold, letting it squirm through under his body. 2-2. We then took the lead again, when a crossed ball by Alex was headed down by Sam, towards the far post, where it was met by Jake running in, who steered it in to the net. A very good goal.
Sustained pressure by Hollingworth then saw a fourth goal from Adam who hit a lovely shot which found its way into the top corner of the net with no chance for the Mountfield keeper to reach it. 4-2 to Hollingworth at half time.
Half time subs for us were, Matt Logan for Ryan, Matt Brook for Damon, Chucky for Liam.
Mountfield did not allow the scoreline to stop their effort, and came out to play with some intent and look to take the game to us. Their midfield played very intelligently throughout, always looking to play football and knock it about. Despite the eventual scoreline, their defence also played well, limiting our forwards to a handful of chances. One of these came to Luke, who did not hit the ball cleanly enough and the ball rolled agonisingly slowly towards goal, still seeming to be heading in; Sam then ran on to it and tapped it home. Only problem with this being that he was in an offside position when Luke had taken his shot.
Another fruitless opportunity for us, saw Sam get on the end of a through pass, beat the defender and then still benefit from a rebound off the keeper as he took his shot. All of the hard work was then lost, when the second shot was "dragged" across the face of the goal from a tight angle, and rolled out for a Mountfield kick by a matter of inches.
Sam and Luke were then subbed by Dylan & Edgey, so as to freshen up our attacking options.
Further goals were added for us by Alex and Chucky. Chucky scored the 6th with a close range finish from a loose ball. Special mention however for Alex's second which saw him strike a lovely half volley just outside the "D" and which flew in, the Mountfield keeper leaping to tip it over, but unable to beat its pace and power.
The victory for the lads was hard fought, with no backing down from any challenge by the Mountfield players, and some good forward play by their number 7. The difference for us was not only in taking our chances well, but in some excellent defensive work by our lads, particularly in the second half. Jake had a very good game at left back, always looking to close down players and set up attacks for us again.
Man of the match, goes to Thommo however. Throughout the game, he looked to get involved, supporting attacks when able to do so, but more importantly, shackling their "danger man" after their second goal. His man marking and general positional play to anticipate through balls and cut out the danger immediately was fantastic to watch. Thommo plays to a high standard and is consistent in every game he plays for us, always showing full commitment and effort when needed. Today his play was recognised for what it deserved.
Well done.
Man of match: Thommo
Away vs Bramhall North won 0-6 14/02/10
Team: Tom, Ryan, Ollie, Thommo, Jake, Chucky, Liam, Alex, Damon, Sam, Luke, Subs: Edgey, Matt Logan, Matt Brook.
Back to winning form with this game which was a good morale booster for the lads after the last two matches.
We started with a full strength team for this one and started brightly, looking to use the width of a good pitch. early attacks resulted in some half chances for us which were not capitalised upon. Liam, in midfield, made a good start with some timely tackles & distribution of the ball. Ryan made several energetic and probing runs on the right hand side which, though no goal was forthcoming, were excellent for the spectators to watch.
Chucky had some good interplay with Sam on the left and one very good cross ended with Sam heading against the post. One very good piece of play from Matt Logan ( on as sub for Jake with an early injury) saw a pass made to Ollie, onto Damon who then carried the ball for twenty yards and then a pass in to Luke up front, from which the shot got caught in his feet. Soon after, unfortunately Luke had to come off with an injury after a challenge from the Bramhall keeper to be replaced by Edgey.
Bramhall managed only a couple of attacks which came to nothing, and Hollingworth continued to apply pressure, the entire defence looking to create pressure immediately from defence and Thommo looking to organise at the back as always. Just before half time, a Hollingworth attack ended in a handball by the Bramhall centre half. Alex tucked away the resulting penalty nicely.
Hollingworth started the second half just as brightly, and early goals were forthcoming which soon settled the game in our favour.
The second goal for Alex came from some good work by Chucky which resulted in the ball coming out to Alex on the edge of the area, who then hit the goal with a hard, low shot. 2-0. The third goal came for Chucky after a ball from midfield by Alex, Chucky controlled it, and then hit a shot which the keeper could not reach. There was a claim for offside from Bramhall, but the call was too close for the ref to make.
The fourth goal went to Sam. From a corner, Alex flicked it on into the area with his head, Sam controlled it well and again, placed it in the corner of the goal where the keeper could not get to it. The fifth goal, and for his hat trick, went to Alex. A good pass from defence was played to Sam, passed to Edgey who then passed it on to Alex who struck it well.
Bramhall were beaten by this point, and apart from a couple of hopeful moves, Bramhall were under pressure constantly. Hollingworths sixth fell to Edgey ( who had already had a couple of good chances to increase the lead), when Matt Brook (sub for Damon), made a very good run down the right, played the ball to Sam, who in turn played it to Edgey to shoot home.
Some very good displays seen today, Alex for his hat trick, all of the defence to keep a clean sheet, Matt Logan doing very well at left back after a return to the team and Ryan at right back who had a strongh game. Sam also did well to look to lead the line upfront after losing his striking partner early on. Man of the match however went to Liam who ran his heart out in the midfield and made some very good challenges throughout the game to help stamp the win.
Well done lads. More of the same for the next game please!
Man of match: Liam
Home vs Poynton 07/02/10 Lost 3-4
Team: Tom, Jake, Ollie, Liam, Ryan, Chucky, Alex, Thommo, Damon, Sam, Luke Subs: Adam, Dylan, Edgey
Another closely contested game today with momentum swinging back and forth to both teams, but as on 24/01 against the same opposition, their resilience and will to succeed being stronger than ours when the game was in the balance.
Both teams showed attacking intent from the start, Poynton not capitalising on an early chance, Luke not being able to get near enough to get a properly directed header to a lovely cross by Chucky, the ball agonisingly going over the right post of the Poynton goal.
The game started to go to the advantage of Poynton after about 10 minutes of the 1st half. Our play from midfield was too easy to read for Poynton, their centre half having an easy time mopping up various efforts by our lads to play each other through. Lazy passing and lack of concentration allowed Poynton to turn ball to their advantage and launch several attacks against us. One of these saw a superb point blank save by Tom at his near post, showing incredible strength in his right arm to stop the ball and then smother it safely.
The inevitable happened when their deep lying midfield player picked up the ball, no one put in a decent challenge, and we found ourselves 1 down. This did serve to re-energise the lads, and a long range effort into the Poynton area by Liam saw the ball rebound back out for Luke to finish with a true poachers effort.
Instead of building on this, the lads allowed the momentum to swing back to Poynton. A lack of energy, invention, and plain old hard work saw them win the midfield too much and the pressure told when an attack on our goal saw a point blank shot saved by Tom with an area of his body which no man would willingly choose. The ball rebounded to a player waiting on the edge of our six yard box.
Full recognition to Tom for brave keeping to keep the shot out, question marks over the defence as to why three players, all within range of at least trying to block the second shot, watched the player pick his spot. The other down side was seeing several Poynton players apparently amused by Tom's injury which took him several minutes from which to recover. Not appreciated and not sporting in any way. 2-1 to Poynton at half time.
Hollingworth started the second half with more energy, Damon being brought into the game more and more and playing well on the right wing, often being fed by some intellligent passes from Ryan at right back. All the same, too many potential attacks were broken down by Poynton, due to too many of our players not moving the ball quickly enough, being found in possession too many times, and not enough imagination when trying to play the final pass.
Poyntons midfield continued to work hard, and another superb one handed save was seen from Tom, getting down excellently to a low shot to his right. Great save, Tom.
Damon continued to work hard and one run down the wing saw him deliver a lovely ball across for Luke to latch on to and coolly finish for our equalizer. For the second game in a row, this spurred the lads on and we then scored a third goal via a fantastic & determined solo effort from Damon. Picking the ball up on the right, he advanced, beating a player, and then carrying the ball towards the Poynton area where he then cut in towards goal and hammered it in at the near post. Fantastic goal Damon.
The game then got away from us again. Poynton scored an equalizer after a pass to the edge of our area, seized on by a player, who then skipped in to the area without any effective challenge being made. 3-3. Tom was understandably annoyed by the goal.
Poyntons physical game, and the apparent personal nature of some of the conversations with our lads, saw some frustration setting in, with Alex getting a yellow from the ref for persistent infringement. No problem with the refs actions, but what was very disappointing was the way that a number of Poynton players then clapped and cheered the booking. Not what the game is about lads.
Poynton got their 4th from another attack which should really have been stopped before the player got in to our area. As before, a run by one of their players went unchallenged, players held off, no one took responsibility, he was elated, we were deflated.
Any potential for us to stay in the cup then drained away, when Adam (sub for Ollie) was fouled, the offender then proceeded to make underhand comments to him which Adam found it difficult to ignore. After things had calmed down, Adam received a booking from the ref. The offending Poynton player escaped with a talking to.
Both Dylan & Edgey were brought on ( for Sam & Chucky), but they were unable to make an impact to our advantage. The game ended with our lads frustrated and disappointed by a Jekyll & Hyde display, showing guts to get back into the game, and then throwing it away by failing to do the basics when defending a lead.
Man of the match was awarded to Tom for another fantastic display in net. As always, he set an outstanding example to team mates with some brave, agile and at times, sublime goal keeping.
Well done mate.
Away vs Poynton 24/01/10 Lost 4-5
Team: Tom, Ryan, Ollie, Liam, Jake, Chucky, Damon, Alex, Thommo, Sam, Luke, Subs: Dylan, Adam, Edgey
What a game to watch as a spectator, what a game to endure as a manager! Hollingworth got nothing out of this game in the end, despite a fightback in the second half which was exciting to watch, but ultimately frustrating. The hard work was undone by debatable decisions by the official and some poor defending by Hollingworth, which allowed Poynton to come out on top.
Poynton started the game more brightly, the odd attack by Hollingworth was was offset, in a generally flat and disjointed display by the lads. The midfield looked lost, allowing far too much time on the ball to the opposition. The more our midfield melted away, the more it invited Poynton on to our defence. The pressure told when a Poynton corner was floated in, and one of their shortest players got up to head the ball in "unmarked". Not good enough lads, teams stand or fall on every player taking responsibility for doing the basics.
The game continued as before, however one corner to us, saw Alex float in a beauty and as it was headed out, Sam waited to hit it first time in to the top corner. The good mood did not last however and more sloppy play saw Poynton grasp the lead again before half time. A good move down our right side saw two of our players making half-hearted challenges. Their player skipped past, put the ball into the area and the inevitable happened. Players looked to blame each other, but again, football is a team game and players need to take collective responsibility as much as learn from individual mistakes.
Poynton may well have gone in to the break 4 or 5 goals to the good. Some poor finishing by them, as well as some outstandingly brave and agile keeping by Tom kept the score at 2-1.
The half time break was followed with an energetic enough start by the lads, but within minutes Poynton had got a third. Our midfield allowed players through, the defence did not clear the lines, the inevitable happened. Dylan was subbed by Damon and then the game started to go our way. The lads got into their stride, and has often been seen this season, we then started to play some fluent passing football which cut Poynton apart. The game was far from one sided, but Hollingworths running, particularly the interplay between Chucky, Sam & Luke upfront saw the Poynton defence stretched.
Some fantastic play then saw us score 3 goals. First was a lovely move from our midfield which saw Alex play a ball right to Luke, Luke played a first time diagonal through pass to Sam which he then ran towards the keeper. As the keeper came out, Sam rounded him and slotted the ball home. A third goal came from from Chucky,after Adam had made a strong run to the byline and crossed the ball over. He finished with a coolly taken shot giving the keeper no chance. Pressure continued with several chances to us going begging with some profligate finishing, Sam struck a one on one chance straight at the keeper after doing all the hard work, Adam struck one over as did Chucky. Frustrating to watch.
Sam then got his hat trick with a well taken goal, when a loose ball was seized upon, he ran at the Poynton defender, beat him and then slotted past the keeper.
Poynton then took the game back to us, running determinedly at every opportunity. One attack saw Tom pull off an outstanding save when a goal bound shot was tipped past the post by Tom's fingertip as he dived to his right. Excellent stuff. He followed this with another save which looked simple enough, but which he took well after it had been hit with force and which swerved through the air as it came toward him. He took it impeccably in textbook fashion with a dive to the right.
Everything then went wrong. A Poynton attack saw Thommo injured as the ball was cleared. As Thommo nursed his injured leg in our area, the ball was played back, the Poynton forward controlled it past our defence and slotted home. Unfortunately the ref did not act on the shouts about our injured player, and controversially decided that Thommo had played the player on side. Fair enough, but the frustration arose from other stoppages which had been made, including one having been made to allow players to tie bootlaces.
Hollingworth allowed this to affect their football, and within minutes, Poynton had not only equalized, but got the winner. A ball from midfield to the forward saw him skip past several of our players without a meaningful challenge being made. Tom made a despairing effort to reach the ball as it was knocked over him, but to no avail.
Even then, a final flurry of attacks by the lads nearly saw a last second equalizer when a ball floated across the area, came to Damon at the far post. Not getting the cleanest strike on the ball, we all watched it as it rolled along the goal line for several yards and then out into play again. AAAAAAAAAAGGGHHH!
Poynton did not deserve to lose, but arguably, did not deserve the win either, on the basis of Hollingworth's 2nd half play. The determination shown to get back in to the game, some excellent finishing up front and some equally excellent goalkeeping, deserved better. Unfortunately, football should be played to the whistle and players should continue to apply 100% to the end. Poynton did this, we were found wanting when it really mattered.
A bit more determination in the tackle and some resilience when the going is tough wouldn't go amiss when we get this kind of game again lads.
Man of match: Tom Jenkinson
Away vs FC Blue Star (Comets) 17/01/10 Metro cup Won 8-1
Team: Tom, Ryan, Ollie, Thommo, Joe Forde, Jake Broaders, Chucky, Alex, Lewis Edge, Luke, Sam, Subs: Liam, Adam, Dylan
After a long break without any games or training, the lads were keen to get back into things and run off some Xmas pudding. Though a bit firm in places, the Blue Stars Fog Lane pitch was in good condition despite the recent arctic weather.
Hollingworth started brightly, putting pressure on Blue Star immediately. The pressure soon told with Sam scoring with a first time strike over the advancing goalkeepers head from 18 yards out. Lewis Edge soon followed up with another goal, calmly slotting away under pressure from the Blue Star defence.
Blue Star then stepped up a gear, and started to play through the midfield with several attacks. One of these saw a well taken goal, helped along by a rather flat footed Hollingworth defence. Hollingworth continued to attack the Blue Star goal. Sam added another goal, a quality finish from the same angle, distance as before. Again, the goalkeeper could only look as it went over the top of his head. Luke added another, poaching one from close range, and Thommo added another with a back heel from an Alex Barnsley corner which had appeared to be going in to goal without passing go!
With some more clinical and patient finishing, Hollingworth may well have hit double figures by half time. As it was, 1-5 to Hollingworth at the break.Ollie & Thommo played well in defence throughout, marshalling the Blue Star players well (goal excepting) and always looking to start attacks from the back when we had won the ball
The second half was started as finished, with Hollingworth making attack after attack. Adam scored from a penalty after a rather soft decision which saw Blue Star penalised after a slight tug on Sam's shirt by the defender. Adam finished with conviction. Two more goals came from Luke during the second half to allow us to finish comfortably and go through to the bext round.
Several players had a good game today, Thommo had a good game in defence, some very timely tackles being made, Dylan (for Lewis) made some very positive runs on the right wing, showing a willingness to take on players and support attacks. Particular mention however to Ollie Roberts. His assurance throughout, saw some impressively calm and controlled play in making the interceptions when needed and generally reading the game well. Excellent to watch.
Man of match: Oliver Roberts
Away vs Inter Cheadle 13/12/09 Won 13-0
Team: Tom, Jake, Ryan, Ollie, Thommo, Chucky, Damon, Alex, Adam, Luke, Sam SUBS: Lewis, Dylan, Matt Logan, Joe Forde, Matt Brook, Lewis Edge
Sam Tolley (3), Luke Mettrick (3), Chucky (3), Thommo, Alex, Lewis, Liam
As the scoreline suggests, this was an easy game for Holllingworth, Inter having suffered this year through losing players to other teams which is a shame. No wish to gloat, just that it really was one way traffic. Saying that however, in our tried and tested fashion, there were still moments where a little more composure in front of goal would have seen a higher scoreline than the one we ended with.
We were 5-0 up at half time, but this could have easily have been double, Inters goalkeeper, who looked very familiar to the Hollingworth lads, stopping several other "certain" efforts with various parts of his body. Other goal attempts would have earned 3 immediate points in another sport! Moooooooooooo!
The game continued as one way, generally, in the second half, with the team formation being swapped around to try players in some different positions. Three hat tricks were scored by Sam, Luke & Chucky. A first for our team to get this many in one game. Well done lads.
Other goals were scored by Thommo ( a very good header met at the far post), Alex ( never one to miss out on the action this year), Liam, and Lewis Edge, with his first for Hollingworth. Lewis scored a very good goal, struck from the edge of the area and over the head of the keeper.
Inter did have a period of fighting back midway through the second half, but were unable to impact upon Hollingworth, our defence holding firm. Tom had to keep being spoken to to make sure that he hadn't frozen against his post!
As ever, several lads displayed the usual high standard of effort and football: Jake Broaders, Thommo, Ollie, amongst others
Thanks to a couple of lads here, namely Joe Forde & Matt Brooks who showed some outstanding sportmanship during the game. Well done lads.
Good luck to Inter as well. It hasn't been an easy season so far for them, but stay together lads and keep the effort going.
Man of match: Jake Broaders
Home vs Prestbury FC (Lynx) 22/11/09 Metro cup Won 6-2
Team: Tom, Ryan, Ollie, Thommo, Matt Logan, Chucky, Alex, Liam, Dylan, Sam, Luke Subs: Adam, Damon, Joseph, Matt Brook
Due to overnight rain, concerns had been raised about the pitch but it turned out to be perfectly playable, though rain threatened again as we kicked off.
The lads started brightly enough, a lot of competition in midfield early on with both teams looking for the early advantage. Apart from a very good save made by Tom when he dived gracefully to stop a good effort, Hollingworth won a succesion of corners down the Prestbury left. Ryan fed some very good balls forward for Luke & Dylan. Hollingworth failed to capitalise on these however and a number of decent chances to score were wasted. Hollingworths first goal then came via an excellent through pass by Alex, who fed the ball to Sam, and who then finished calmly with a shot from the left which gave the keeper no chance.
This did not dampen Prestburys spirits who came back at us with several attacks. Thommo had to be very aware of the physical play of the Prestbury centre forward who certainly was not taking any prisoners! He coped well with this, standing his ground well whenever needed. One attack however resulted in the Hollingworth defence making the error of not clearing their lines quickly enough. Prestbury did not react as slowly and made it 1-1. Another Prestbury attack saw a wonderful slide tackle at the last moment by Ollie Roberts, as the big lad upfront bore down on goal. Football worthy of any game.
After a half time talk which reminded the lads of what had happened in our last cup game, the team was changed with Adam, Damon & Matt Brook coming on to try their hand. Unfortunately, the talk seemed to have gone out of the other ear when Prestbury got themselves a second via a free kick. Just one of those things, but the ball struck Alex and was deflected in. Looks of surprise all round resulted.
Words of encouragement were then given to the lads, and they then started to pick up their game, Alex starting to drive the midfield and grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck. Luke & Sam worked well upfront, looking to feed off the balls from midfield and working the defence around well. The greater effort was quickly rewarded when Luke poached an effort which Prestbury failed to clear. Luke hadn't played due to an arm injury for several weeks, he enjoyed every moment of his celebration. Soon he made it 3-2 when Sam played in a cross to him which he coolly finished, again, enjoying the moment!
The fourth goal came from another good ball from midfield, which Luke then played over for Sam. Sam hit the ball cleanly at the near post and gave the keeper no chance. The Luke and Sam show had seen three good goals in the space of ten minutes.
Our fifth came from Alex who scored with his usual energy and lethal finishing. He picked up the ball in front of the Prestbury defence, ensured that he gave himself space to play, and then hit a rocket shot which thundered in. Fantastic effort Alex.
Some changes were made to give other lads a chance, and Sam, Luke & Alex gave way for Dylan Chucky & Liam. Joseph had already come on for Matt Logan (LB).The sixth goal for us came from Dylan, when another attack on their goal saw the Prestbury defence panicking, and failing to clear. Dylan was first to react and stabbed the ball home.
It was pleasing to see the lads pick themselves up from a flat first half with an enthusiastic first appearance by Matt Brook. They reacted positively to the situation from 1-2 down, and took the game to Prestbury ensuring their passage to the next round. It is pleasing to see goals coming from different players this year, and a good team spirit which always pulls them through (most of the time!!!) when they need it.
Well done lads.
Home vs Inter Cheadle 13/09/09 Won 7-2
TEAM: Tom, Jake, Ryan, Ollie, Liam, Chucky, Damon, Alex, Adam, Luke, Sam SUBS: Lewis, Dylan, Thommo
Matt Leatherbarrow (3), Luke Mettrick, Sam Tolley, Alex Barnsley, Damon Worsley
This was a fantastic performance by a Hollingworth side with their tails up, after 4 successive victories in pre-season friendlies. As the game settled down, we then got our game together and started to link passes together, midfield providing the drive and impetus against our opponents. By half time, after constant pressure on the Inter goal, we were 5-1 to the good, with confidence gathering pace in the team with every goal, t
he pick of these being the second scored by Matt, although mention should be made of Luke who rose like a salmon to head home!
The second half saw us come out with the same energy, the Inter midfield & defence stretched in all directions as Hollingworth looked to press the first half advantage. A 6th goal for us saw Inter look to then get something out of the game. Their determination at this point paid off, with a second goal. Unfortunately for Inter, the overall strength of the Hollingworth play
saw a 7th goal scored. This effectively ended the game as a contest and Hollingworth ended worthy winners. ( M of M - Matt Leatherbarrow).
Away vs Juno Utd 20/09/09 Won 2-1
TEAM: Tom, Jake, Ryan, Ollie, Liam, Chucky, Thommo, Alex, Adam, Sam, Luke, SUBS: Damon, Dylan, Lewis
Alex Barnsley (2)
A long standing football cliche, but definitely a game of two halves!
First half saw Hollingworth forget any pre game match plan or managers tactics and instead a habit of conceding possession to Juno far too often. Juno were only too happy to take advantage and passed the ball , constantly proving a threat to the Hollingworth defence. After several near misses, Juno saw a free kick on the edge of the Hollingworth area. The kick was aimed at the wall who failed to do the job asked of them, and as the defence tried to clear, the ball was sliced backwards (mysteriously) and bounced over Tom in goal.
After a half time chat which reminded Hollingworth of their abilities, the difference was total. Hollingworth were then like a team possessed, with both Alex & Adam in midfield starting to dominate, denying Juno possession and starting to bring our wing players into the game. The defence soaked up any attacks made by Juno and then turned the possession into attack every time, getting the ball to midfield who in turn started to create opportunities for Sam & Luke to test the Juno defence with some runs into the Juno defence which were both full of pace and clever play.
The pressure told with an excellent move involving a number of passes seeing Alex hit the onion bag - 1-1!! Hollingworth continued to pressure Juno in the same manner, attack after attack being made, with every Juno foray into the Hollingworth half seeing some excellent defending from Jake, Ollie R, Liam & Ryan frustrating Juno. Hollingworth's constant pressure and Alex's muscular play in midfield eventually told, with Alex bagging a second and which then won us the game.
All credit to Juno who were unlucky to only be 1-0 up at half time, but full credit to Hollingworth for a second half performance which was exciting and lovely to watch.
(M of M - Alex Barnsley)
Away vs Droylsden (M/cr Cup) 27/09/09 Won 3-2
TEAM: Tom, Luke, Liam, Ollie, Jake, Chucky, Thommo, Alex, Adam, Sam, Lewis, SUBS: Damon, Ryan, Dylan
Alex Barnsley (2), Ollie Thomasson
Hollingworth travelled to Droylsden for this Manchester County Cup game, not in hope, but in the knowledge that with a Stockport Metro Div 1 side, that this would be a test of their team spirit and play.
From the start, both teams decided not to sit back, but to look for goals. The Hollingworth defence absorbed some early pressure, and then started to spread the ball to the wing players, Luke & Thommo working well together together on the right & Jake & Matt on the left. As the ball was increasingly played forward, this brought Sam & Lewis into the game in the attack. A series of attack & counter attacks saw Hollingworth press forward to be realised in a loose ball in the Droylsden area being stabbed home by Thommo. Minutes later, a piece of play on the Hollingworth right saw a corner awarded to Hollingworth, disputed by the home team who had claimed a foul in the buiild up. With the referee resolute in his decision, the corner was taken and what a belter! It was lofted perfectly over the Droylsden defence, to see Alex rise and head home at the far post. 2-0!
The second half saw Droylsden look to take back the initiative and look to drive a result. An increasing number of attacks saw the Hollingworth defence tested, but which coped well with the challenge. Hollingworth still had their share of going forward, with both Sam & Matt going close (but no cigar!). The Droylsden substitute in midfield increasingly took control of the game, and Alex had his work cut out keeping with him. Droylsden eventually got the goal their play deserved, when the Hollingworth defence pushed forward a little too far & were left flat footed by the Droylsden player. Outstanding in goal was Tom who made several one on one saves, coming off his line well to deny Droylsden a goal.
Droylsden pushed for an equaliser, but in doing so, left opportunities for Hollingworth to exploit. One such move saw the ball pushed back by the Hollingworth defence and as Sam & Lewis worried the defence, the ball fell to Alex who composed himself and hit a tremendous strike to make it 3-1. To their credit, Droylsden came straight back at Hollingworth and this led to their 2nd goal when a lofted ball floated into the Hollingworth area. With no real danger, and all it needed for Tom to catch the ball, the defence failed to speak, the ball was headed backwards and Tom was not able to stop it going in.
The final whistle saw Hollingworth elated at being the equal of a very good side and through to the next round of the cup. This was the seventh win in a row for Hollingworth since coming back from the summer break. Well done lads ( but no more "own goals" !!!!!!!!).
M of M - Tom Jenkinson
Away vs Hyde United 04/10/09 Lost 3-2
TEAM: Tom, Ryan, Jake, Ollie, Liam, Chucky, Damon, Alex, Adam, Thommo, Sam, SUBS: Lewis, Luke, Dylan, Joseph
Liam Belfield, Damon Worsley.
Oh dear! This could not only have been a good birthday present for Ollie R, but was also a lost chance to continue a very good run. In the end Hollingworth did not match Hyde's grit and drive to come out on top however. In fact, aside from the score (last year we lost 2-1 in this fixture), the report could amount to the same as last year. Supporters and coaches said it should have been 3-3, but the league table says otherwise.
Hyde's pitch is small, barely big enough for U 11's let alone U 13's and the grass could have done with a good cut, but, as always, it was the same for both teams. In the end Hyde took their chances and dealt with the shortcomings better than us.
We started brightly enough, trying to avoid a congested midfield and spreading the ball wide, particularly to Damon who started well, always looking dangerous and worrying the Hyde left back constantly. His ability told a few times when fed by Ryan from right back and Adam from Mid, with some dangerous balls being put in. When going forward Sam & Thommo worked well, with the defence put under pressure by our midfield. The same trick worked well for Hyde however, with our defence caught flatfooted a couple of times and only just getting out of it with some poor finishing or good challenges from Ollie and Liam at the back.
We continued to try and work the ball around, despite the limitations of the pitch, and eventually an attack on the Hyde goal saw a corner to us. Adam floated it in and Liam rose to nod home. Good goal, 1-0. Hyde then came back at us, the ball to & fro between both sides. Our defence then got caught square, a ball over the top, a debatable offside player & then 1-1. Hyde then enjoyed a period of possession which saw us defending deep a few times. We continued to launch attacks however, one of which resulted in a well taken goal by Damon, and others which could have been realised by some better finishing. The end result was half time realised by us being 2-1 up, which could so easily have been 4 or 5.
Hyde started the 2nd with purpose, our midfield non existent at times, despite the small area they had to work in. When we spread play wide, we looked good, when we tried to go through the middle we looked poor, particularly when we lost the ball and their was no decent resolve to get it back. Hyde's constant pressure on us eventually realised a deserved goal. Again, too many players ball watching and not taking responsibility
and the inevitable happened with Hyde equalizing. Good goal, poor team play by us. Even worse, was that Tom hurt his ankle trying to stop it going in.
Hyde continued to dominate midfield, a switch in players positions still not realising anything for us. Luke came on for Damon, Lewis for Alex. No criticism of any subs who all played well when they came on, just that by now Hyde had the momentum and we just looked 2nd best to most challenges. This was confirmed when we let in a 3rd goal from a Hyde attack which could have been broken down by 2 or 3 of our players prior to it being finished very well by Hyde, despite having to beat 2 defenders and our goalkeeper.
Too little too late, when in an exciting finish to the game, for the last 7 or so minutes, we launched several attacks on the Hyde goal, none of which saw what we wanted with both the Hyde defence being resolute, and our finishing not quite there in the end.
A shame we lost this one. No need for panic, but definitely some self reflection required in ensuring that we keep organised, work together and learn from mistakes made. Never mind lads, you've all got enough quality to do much better next week!
M of M- Damon Worsley
Home vs Mountfield Rovers 11/10/09 Won 7-1
TEAM: Tom, Luke, Jake, Ollie, Liam, Alex, Adam, Chucky, Damon, Thommo, Sam, Subs: Ryan, Lewis, Matt Logan
Luke Mettrick (3) Damon Worsley (2) Alex Barnsley (1) Adam Radcliffe (1)
This game was played at Cemetery Road, Glossop, not our usual home pitch. Glossop always has its own weather but this was daft at times! The fact that we were on top of a hill, in the middle of several cloudbursts during the game meant that the game was potentially going to be a messy affair and affect the football by both teams.
Thankfully, the grim weather did not mean a grim game of football which was excellent to watch. Both teams started with intent, the midfield players from both teams battling for early dominance. Hollingworth started to shade the play after 10 minutes, and by the 16th, this was realised in a goal by Luke Mettrick, when a ball was played through the Mountfield defence and seized on and finished by Luke, whilst under pressure from a defender, with aplomb. Mountfield soon came back however, and a nice piece of football saw their striker finish with quality to make it 1-1.
Hollingworth did not let this affect their game ( as in past years), and soon Hollingworth were driving forward again. The defence, having been changed due to an injury to Liam, and with both Olivers at centre half positions, played outstandingly. Every Mountfield effort seemed to find either Oliver just waiting to calmly meet the ball, and distribute the ball well to our advantage. A free kick was then won just inside the Mountfield half when Alex Barnsley was brought down from behind. Adam stepped up to take it, and a well struck shot dipped into the keeper who could not hold it and which came out of his hands and into the goal for us to go in 2-1 at half time.
The 2nd half started much as the first, but again, Hollingworth started to win the midfield and put more and more pressure on the Mountfield defence. The inevitable happened when two goals ere scored in quick succession by Luke with some very nifty forward play in waiting for his chance to fall, and Damon from a penalty won as he was caught from behind as he moved into the Mountfield area.
By the 4th goal, this then relaxed Hollingworth and they started to pass the ball with a positive intent. We started to find more and more space in which to play and were playing some very good passing football. The lads are always asked to play to feet and on the ground, and this ethos was followed passionately. By the end of the game, Hollingworth had won 7-1 with Luke bagging a third ( 3 more chances went begging....MOOOO!!), and with two well taken goals by Damon for a brace ( a lovely goal scored by advancing into the penalty area from the right and a lovely shot into the far corner over the keeper), and a thunderous grasscutter shot by Alex which the keeper could only try and get a leg to, but with no luck.
Based on overall play, and certainly the second half, we deserved to win this game. The lads enjoyed themselves no end, and won well by playing good, simple football. Being that it was an outstanding team effort, it was decided that evryone should be men of the match due to all of the performances adding to the whole.
Well done lads, an excellent display.
M of M ( the whole team!!)
Away vs Apollo Juniors Hawks 18/10/09 ( Stockport Metro League Cup) Won 9-0
Team: Tom, Ryan, Jake, Olliver Roberts, Thommo, Damon, Alex, Adam, Chucky, Dylan, Sam Subs:Matt , Joseph, Liam
Scorers: Damon (3), Sam (2), Chucky (2), Alex, Adam
Hollingworth were simply too powerful and slick in all positions for Apollo, who did their best to compete, but were unable to match the football served up by us. The game started with attack after attack by our lads who could, perhaps should, have been 4-0 after 10 minutes. The midfield took early control, Alex again impressive in winning and distributing the ball to the wings, the defence soaking up any efforts by Apollo with some good passing out to midfield. Oliver R & Jake looked very composed and played several intelligent balls forward to set up new attacks, Thommo cutting out Apollo players with some good intercepts and Matt Logan starting brightly after coming on as an early sub for Ryan (ankle injury) The attack, backed up strongly by midield and involving Sam & Dylan looked threatening. Dylan had two early chances to score but dragged one shot wide, and played the other too near the keeper and was left frustrated.
The rest of the half saw constant pressure by Hollingworth. Chucky opened the score with a lovely goal, thundered past the keeper after a through pass from Sam. Minutes later, Hollingworth won a free kick outside the area, Adam stepped up and struck a low ball into the Apollo area. Inexplicably, the ball travelled past players of both sides with no one touching it, and it went into the far corner. Damon (2) & Sam added to the score to make it 5-0 by half time, Sam with a poachers goal after his header had struck the post, Damon with two well taken goals which had resulted from some lovely passing and team play from several players, and then two determined runs into the area which ended up in well struck shots giving the keeper no chance.
The second half saw more of the same with us putting the foot down further. Although Apollo did have several opportunities to claw back some pride, Hollingworth defended in numbers when necessary to keep the clean sheet. When needed, Tom was as reliable as ever in goal, coming off his line well, and taking up good positions to get behind any long ball efforts and clearing back into open play for us.
All four second half goals for Hollingworth resulted from intelligent passing and teamwork, the pick of them being both Chucky's and Damon's goals. Adam played a sideways ball to Sam, who then threaded it to Matt. Matt turned the defender with a lovely piece of skill, advanced into the Apollo area and hammered it past the keeper. Damon's resulted from a diagonal ball played over by Alex to Sam on the opposite side of the area, Sam hit an instant ball back over the heads of the Apollo defence which Damon then struck in at the far post. Sam & Alex also added to the scoreline to make it 9-0 at the finish, again with well taken goals which resulted from excellent team play. Commiserations to Oliver Roberts for an apparently goalbound effort which Sam then stuck his foot out to knock in, but unfortunately he was offside!
Second half substitutions were Joseph for Dylan, and Liam for Adam. Both lads added to the mix and looked to get involved immediately. Both played well, both positive about adding to the attacking football demonstrated throughout the game
As last week, it was such a good display of passing and quality football, that the whole team were given the man of the match award. It really is wonderful to watch the good football being played by all the lads at present.
M of M (the whole team!!!!)
Home vs Stockport Vikings 01/11/09 M/cr County Cup Lost 3-1
Team: Tom, Ryan, Jake, Ollie, Thommo, Chucky, Alex, Adam, Damon, Sam, Dylan, Subs: Liam, Matt Logan, Joseph Forde
Goalscorer: Alex
Hmmmmm!
A bad day at the office today. The day started badly enough with a wait to find out if we could actually play due to the Longy pitches being waterlogged after heavy rain. Eventually we ended up on the Organ pitch, not the best of surfaces and with its fair share of water too, as well as a strong swirling wind. No excuses here though, Vikings also had to play on it. Without an injured Luke, the side had to ensure that they played as a unit today and took their chances when they arrived.
We seemed to start brightly enough, not easy to control the ball, and scrappy in midfield, but all the same, some attacking intent shown by the team. Alex had his usual game, very strong in the tackle and some good attacking runs onto the Vikings penalty area. Chucky had an early chance which he sliced wide of the goal, but overall, the opportunities created were wasted by the forwards....the story of the game as it turned out.
The defence dealt well enough with any moves by Vikings, and I cannot recall Tom having to make a save. Thommo and Oliver were well organised, and Jake at left back, played to the high standards he has consistently shown this season.
One attack did result in a goal however when Sam took control of the ball, turned the defender and laid it back to the edge of the area for Alex to make a strong run onto.He hit it with some power into the far right corner of the net, the Vikings keeper reaching out despairingly but the shot was hit much too hard for him to have a chance. 1-0 at half time.
The lads came out for the 2nd half, having been told that the game was theirs for the taking if an early goal could be gained. Despite some early attacks by us, the next 3 goals went to Vikings. The first was a shot from just inside the halfway line. the wind carried it further than it would normally have done, but Tom was too far off his line to be able to get behind the ball. 1-1.
The goal gave Vikings added confidence, but all the same, we continued to have the majority possession, with numerous attacks coming to nothing. Chucky had a particularly good second half down the left, sending numerous crosses and passes into the area, only for them to come to nothing when no Hollingworth player attacked them. All the Hollingworth front players missed opportunities that would, should, have normally been ripping out the back of the net. Not today however. It looked like we wouldn't have scored in a month of sundays. The lack of shooting form was not helped by the fact that the commitment to actually get in the area to meet the ball was lacking at times. YOU KNOW WHAT IS NEEDED LADS!!
Liam came on as a sub for Adam, and did have a good chance to put us ahead but it went wide. However, Vikings started to build in strength and the sucker punch could be seen a mile off. Both second & third goals were realised through determined effort by Vikings, and some woeful defending by Hollingworth. Least said, the better, but again: YOU KNOW WHAT IS NEEDED LADS!!
We finished a little crestfallen with this one. A game which should have been won, was lost due to some poor finishing & lack of effort in their half, and some basic errors in our own. Well done to Vikings however, it would be unfair not to complement the effort they made in this game, and the desire shown by their players to take the goal chances that fell for them.
We need a much stronger display next week lads. We need to convert the chances when we get them. Lets move on from this one and get back to the football I know you can play.
Home vs Bramhall North 15/11/09 Metro League. Won 5-0
Team: Tom, Ryan, Jake, Ollie, Thommo, Chucky, Alex, Liam, Dylan, Sam, Adam, Sub: Joseph (dnp)
After last weeks cancelled game due to awful weather, the lads (and coaches) were well up for this game in order to make amends for our last game.
With several players not able to play today, the team had a bit of a change with Adam & Sam playing up front & Liam dropping in to midfield. From the kick off, we started to work the ball forward, albeit Bramhalls midfield & defence putting up a spirited fight against the lads. A couple of half chances were not converted for us, Bramhall showed their own intent with an attack which saw no result, and we then seized the game.
Our defence worked together excellently to deny Bramhall any real chance, Oliver making some superbly timed tackles to break down Bramhall. Thommo complemented Ollie's outstanding work and was always there to move any loose balls forward intelligently. Both players had to show some real character at times against the Bramhall forwards who were not afraid to show their physical side. As well as the two centre halves, both Jake & Ryan made some timely interceptions, always looking to move the ball forward when the chance came. Tom, though not having a great deal to do, was always there to stop any further danger when needed.
Our midfield took a bit of time to get the speed of the game, but both Alex & Chucky started to see a lot of the ball, attacking with intent whenever able. Our first goal came via an excellent long ball over the top of the defence by Jake, Sam ran onto it as the keeper came out, Sam getting there first and then took it well, flicking it over the keeper and in the net.
Shortly after this, Sam had a chance for a second, but kicked the ground rather than the ball! Alex, as often the case, then settled any nerves by hitting a sweetly timed strike which rocketed in giving the keeper no chance.
Second half saw some early attacking by Bramhall, but offside infringements saw no result for them. We continued to attack constantly, Liam coming into the game more as the half developed. One of these attacks saw a ball received on the right by Dylan. He pushed into the area, beat his man and then struck a low shot across the front of goal which hit the keeper and in. The excellent determination shown by Dylan saw us at 3-0.
Adam then put us 4-0 up with a lovely individual goal. He received the ball at the edge of the Bramhall area and then went on a mazy run, beating several players, including the keeper, before slotting the ball home, willed on by us from the side, as it appeared that at any moment a Bramhall tackle would succeed. Adam looked like he would have done the run twice over given the chance, I'm glad he did it once!
The final goal came from a lovely piece of football. Jake interecpted a Bramhall pass, stopping it dead, taking his time and then playing the ball over the top of the defence, again for Sam to run on to, as Chucky made a dummy run which took two of their players out of the game. Sam seized on the ball, pushed it forward and as the keeper came out, placed his shot to the keepers right and in to the far corner. 5-0 to Hollingworth.
The game finished with Hollingworth still looking strong and Bramhall out of ideas. All the lads were commended on some excellent football and teamplay which definately swept away any cobwebs from our last game. It was again difficult to identify any one player as MOM, with everyone contributing to the win with some excellent support for each other, and well taken goals.
In the end, the defence, including Tom, were given the MOM award for some outstanding work. mention should also go go for Joseph, named as sub, who did not get to play due to an injury during his warm-up.
Very well done lads. A good game to watch.
.
