Manager: Dave Evans Assistant Craig Latham

Under 7's soon to become Under 8's are looking for an assistant to help with training and match days, any interested volunteers please contact Steve Galloway 07971156870.

21^st February 09

Lostock Hall v New Longton Rovers

Team: Fin – Goals, Luke – Defence, Lewis – Defence, Owen – Defensive mid, Jacob – Attacking Mid, Josh – Forward/Winger, Connor – Striker

With a much depleted team due to half term holidays we fielded a very attack minded side against New Longton, who themselves were suffering from missing players.

New Longton played very well in the opening exchanges more than matching us, and keeping the scores tied until 15 minutes had gone. A well worked bit of play from the boys saw Connor poke home his first of the day. This was closely followed by number two, before New Longton pegged us back winning a penalty and converting it. Owen restored our two goal lead by the end of the half though.

In the second I ask for more of the same from the boys in which we saw some excellent defending from Lewis, who won tackles all over the pitch before passing the ball wide to start attacks. In one such instance he won the ball in our box, passing wide to Josh, Josh then ran for the by line beating three men with pace, before cutting a chipped ball back for Jacob to hit on the volley across the keeper. It was just one of several brilliantly worked goals from the boys today, and showed the level of ability and hard work that has come together this year. Connor rounded the scoring off by picking up his hatrick, his third hatrick of the year and his 17^th of the season!

FT 8 - 1

Man of the Match was Lewis for a sterling defensive performance, proving he can play at the back as well as finish well. Well done Lewis.

14^th February 09

Lostock Hall v Penwortham Town

Team: Jake – Goals, Jamie – Defence, Fin – Defence, Owen – Defensive Mid, Jacob – Attacking Mid, Josh – Forward, Connor – Striker

Subs: Lewis

We welcomed Penwortham Town down to Mercer today for a local derby and the boys were clearly up for the game. We attacked from the off, with just five minutes gone when Jacob collected the ball about 20 yards out, knocked it out of his feet, before striking a lovely shot low in to the bottom corner for one nil. Connor swiftly followed this with a tidy finish after excellent work by Owen.

Owen then ran from deep before striking a deflected shot over the keeper in to the goal, a goal his hard work deserved. Owen again from deep tested the keeper forcing a corner. From the corner Jacob whipped in a curling ball which cruelly went in off the keeper.

Penwortham did manage a late consolation, but thankfully there were no further scares for the Lostock defence.

FT 5 - 1

Man of the match for his fine performance at the back was Finlay.

Penwortham St Teresa’s vs. Lostock Hall

Team: Alfie – Goals,Patrick – Defence, Jamie – Defence, Owen – Defensive Mid, Jacob – Attacking Mid, Josh – Forward/Wing, Connor – Striker

Subs: Fin, Lewis and Jake

Our first match in a while, and I was expecting the boys to be a bit rusty and with having no assistant and me having no voice, our team talk was kept to a minimum and we allowed the boys to play their game.

We started well and played our usual attacking game on what was a big pitch with a definite slope. I told the boys to play in to the biting wind and up hill in the first and they managed admirably collecting a few good goals and defending well against the PST attacks.

I think today was an example of exactly how well the boys are learning to utilise the space on the pitch, using the width well and passing the ball in to feet nicely.

FT 0 - 11

Man of the Match was Owen, for his five goals from defensive midfield well done Owen.

Lostock Hall v Brinscall

Team:Alfie – Goals ,Jamie – Defence, Pat – Defence, Owen – Defensive Midfield, Jacob – Attacking Midfield, Josh – Forward, Connor – Striker

Subs: Lewis, Fin, Jake

Brinscall are a strong side who play some good football and really made us work today. A tough battle was played out in midfield with the first half scoreless.

In the second half we conceded two sloppy goals early on before a well worked equaliser. With the clock ticking down Lostock continued to attack and won a free kick about 20 yards out. Jacob placed it down with the referee looking at his watch, surely the last kick of the game, Our captain struck a rocket straight in to the top corner to pull us level, a fantastic strike, well done Jacob.

FT 2-2

After that goal there really could only be one man of the match well done Jacob.

Lostock Hall v Bamber Bridge

Team: Alfie – Goals Pat – Left Back Jamie – Right Back Owen (captain) – Defensive Mid Jacob – Attacking Mid Connor – Forward Josh – Forward

Subs: Lewis Jake Fin

We welcomed local rivals Bamber Bridge to Mercer on Saturday for what we expected to be a very difficult game, the pitch was in good condition considering the lovely weather we’ve been having. Lostock started how we meant to go on chasing and harrying BB players and attacking whenever we had the ball. Bamber Bridge played some nice football, but were lucky not to be behind in the early exchanges, with Josh whipping one across the face.

We fell behind to an excellent effort from Brig which was a little to strong for Alfie and just crept in to he top corner. This was unlucky as Alfie had been brilliant, racing off his line to collect on the occasion BB played the ball over the top.

Brig then found a second via a deflection that wrong footed Alfie, leaving them 0-2 up at half time which I felt was not a mountain to climb for the boys in the second.

HT 0-2.

I asked the boys to give me 110% effort in the second and whilst this wasn’t our best performance of the season, boy did they put in the work. Owen was busy as ever before dropping to a sitting role just in front of the defence. Jamie cleared the ball well on several occasions as did Jake. Lewis presented a constant Danger up front. Some well worked football from Brig saw them be rewarded with a free kick, this was rattled in to the top corner, with an excellent strike. Well done to the Brig 11 on his hat trick. 0-3. As we pressed for goals this left some gaps at the back and another well worked move resulted in a fourth for Brig. The boys heads never dropped and they kept fighting, with Josh’s hard work and pace being rewarded with another good goal. 1-4. Lostock continued to press trying to get them selves further in to the game, but got caught on the counter. 1-5.

All in all, not the best performance by the boys this season, but they worked extremely hard and showed how far they have come since the drubbing we received from Brig in May. You did us all proud to day with your work rate and spirit.

A big thanks to Paul and Chris, who have the BB team playing some lovely football.

Man of the Match went to Alfie, who was a marvel in goals, making many saves and playing through several blows to the face and a bloody lip! Well done.

Ribbleton v Lostock Hall 8/11/08

Line up: Alfie – Goals Pat – Left Back Jamie – Right Back Owen – Defensive Mid Jacob – Attacking Mid Josh (captain) – Forward Connor – Forward

Subs: Lewis Jake

They boys made the journey down to Ribbleton park looking to do the double over the boys in green. Lostock started brightly scoring early on through Connor. Lostock pressed extremely well not allowing Ribbleton time on the ball, whilst attacking constantly. It seemed like a second would not be far away but some resolute defending from the Ribbleton boys and some wayward finishing meant that Lostock had to wait while for a second, again courtesy of Connor after some lovely work down the left from Josh.

HT 0-2.

In the second half Ribbleton changed their Keeper, and what a difference he made, repelling attack after attack. He denied Lewis a number of times, before we switched to playing both Lewis and Connor upfront. Lewis created the space for Connor to grab number 3 and his hat trick, well done Connor.

Owen followed this by riding four tackles to dink the ball past the keeper to make it 0-4.

Ribbleton didn’t let the score line faze them and a brilliant run from their number 8 in the dying seconds let them in to score. 1-4.

Ribbleton did them selves proud and look to have signed two good new players. They played and worked hard for each other, well done.

Man of the Match this week had to go to Connor for his hat trick, but everyone worked hard and put in an efficient performance.

Lostock Hall v Springfields 1/11/08

Line Up: Alfie – Goals Pat – Left Back Jake – Right Back Owen – Defensive Mid Jacob – Attacking Mid Josh – Forward Connor (Captain) – Forward

Subs: Lewis

A cold grey morning down at Mercer Road, we welcomed Springfields in their resplendent gold kit. Springfields had been doing well in recent weeks and we knew this would be a tough game for our boys.

Lostock began as always on the attack and had several chances that went close with Jacob hitting the frame of the goal.

Jacob then found Josh with a stunning though ball and Josh raced through to score, one – nil Lostock Hall. Springies rallied well but could never quite break out of their half to test Alfie in the Lostock Hall. Jacob then broke and struck a trademark screamer that seemed destined for the top corner only for the keeper to pull of a wonder save to put it on to the bar!

HT 1-0

Lostock again began on the attack, maybe over committing to this at times because the Springies number 9 latched on to a long clearance to race free and score. 1-1.

With the game becoming a little more open now Jacob was finding space for passes and set Owen free to put in Connor for a easy chance. 2-1. Which is how it ended.

A big thanks to Springfields who came and played the game in the right spirit, worked hard and never gave in.

Well done boys after the defeat to BAC it was nice to get back to winning ways.

Man of the Match Owen

BAC vs Lostock Hall

Team: Finley – Goals,Patrick – Left Back,Jake – Right Back, Owen – Defensive Mid, Jacob – Attacking Mid, Josh (Captain) – Forward,Conor – Forward

Sub: Lewis

It was quite cold and damp on Saturday down at BAC with drizzle coming down as we kicked off, Lostock fielding a make shift side due to holidays of Alfie and Jamie.

Fin started well in goals with some excellent kicks out and one great save at the feet of the ever impressive BAC captain. Every time we have played BAC he has been fantastic and proved so once again with a brace of well taken finishes from the edge of the box. Lostock defended valiantly with Owen, Jake and Pat all outstanding, repelling many a BAC attack.

When we did break, it was with pace and a classy performance from the BAC defence kept our chances to minimum, on the times we did break through a resilient backline BAC’s keeper was like a proverbial wall in goals stopping all our chances. Jacob, Josh and Conor pressed BAC well keeping them pinned back at times chasing and harrying lost causes and really making BAC work. Lewis looked extremely sharp when he came on for Conor at half time, with Jake switching to goals and Fin playing at the back.

An excellent second half from the boys who played some lovely stuff but again just couldn’t find that killer touch. Owen made several sliding tackles that won the ball cleanly and was marvel to watch. BAC continued to defend well and impressed all watching with their concentration and determination which resulted in more goals for them.

The boys performed really well and I felt the score, was a little harsh but nothing to be ashamed of against a team of the quality of BAC. They truly have several outstanding talents, particularly their captain and defender. They look a well drilled outfit, playing the game in the right way, with smiles on faces and are a credit to Lee and John. I would like to thank Lee and his team for making us feel welcome and also for the good sportsmanship shown in a great contest.

If we continue to play our game, defend from the front and work hard for each other we won’t go far wrong this year. Every single one of you has come on leaps and bounds since that first game back in May, you should all be proud of yourselves. Man of the match was a real tough one as you all worked extremely hard for each other but went to Fin for putting the team before himself and an excellent second half display in defence.

Lostock Hall v Hoole United, 18/10/08

Team: Alfie – Goals, Patrick – Left back, Jamie (captain) – Right back, Owen – Centre Mid, Jacob – Attacking Mid, Josh – Forward, Conor – Forward

Subs: Fin,Jake, Lewis

A cold a blustery Saturday morning made for cold conditions for Lostock, but playing in to the wind the boys started brightly with Josh scoring a couple of great goals after racing down the left flank before cutting in onto his right to fire home.

Owen had an excellent run, although didn’t seem his usual self, before squaring to Conor for a simple finish, this was followed by a lovely free kick which Jacob scored. Owen then added to the scoring before the Half.

In the second half, Fin, Lewis and Jake replaced Owen, Conor and Pat, respectively. The boys gave 110% and Lewis was soon rewarded with a well taken goal, it did look as though he had overrun it but he neatly placed it in the net. Jacob added a further two before being replaced by Pat, who battled remarkably well in the forward line instead of at the back as usual. Lewis added a further two goals to round off a marvellous personal performance, Lewis keep it up.

Man of the Match could have gone to any of the boys, Jamie had a superb captains match leading by example, Alfie was excellent when called on, Pat looked classy in defence as always, Fin was fantastic defending well and picking out some great passes, Owen and Jacob worked hard in midfield and chipped in with goals, Josh and Conor looked great going forward and played as a team, Jake was a rock at the back in the second half, but Lewis’ goals and hunger for more make him this weeks Man of the Match.

I’d like to say a big thanks to Hoole who played the game in an excellent spirit, never gave up, and really tried hard for Ian in cold and wet conditions.

Lostock Hall 5 – Ribbleton 3
(11-10-08)

Team:Alfie (Captain) – Goals, Patrick – Left Back, Jamie – Right Back, Owen – Defensive Midfield, Jacob – Attacking Midfield, Josh – Forward, Conor – Forward

Subs: Finley, Lewis, Jake

The boys started brightly attacking the Ribbleton goal, with a great sense of purpose, spreading the play well and some well worked passes found Conor free to slot home his 7^th of the season. This was followed by a swift counter from Ribbleton to hit back with an equaliser much to both the boys and our surprise, with some fantastic dribbling from their number 11 and also some skilful wing play by the 10.

Lostock rallied though with Owen striking a wonderful shot in to the roof of the net from the angle. 2-1 and Jacob then picked up the ball on the halfway and spotted Conor in space in the box, he played a lovely ball in to feet and Conor picked up his second of the game and 8^th of the season. 3-1

Owen, who was his usual busy self, was running the midfield and is becoming a great box to box player, found space and shot only to see it hit a Ribbleton hand. Penalty. Owen stepped up and smashed the ball in to net for 4-1.

HT 4-1

Lostock again started brightly playing some wonderful counter attacking football, Jamie and Pat Looking very solid at the back as was Jake when he filled in. Lewis showed some great touches, and is making some real progress at the minute, a few more goals Lewis and you’ll be flying.

Jacob collected the bal with about 7 gone in the second half and drove down the left, with both Conor and Josh free for the lay off in the box, he looked up before coming back in side on his right and striking a shot in to the bottom corner at the near post with for his 6^th of the season. 5-1.

Owen made way for Finley who was awesome in Midfield, really getting stuck in repelling some excellent Ribbleton attacks and putting the hard work he has put in at training to good effect.

Unfortuntely we conceded two goals towards the end, but another hard earned victory for the boys.

Man of the Match was Owen for a fantastic display, but all of you were brilliant especially Jamie and Patrick at the back!

Tarleton Red 2 – Lostock Hall 3

Line Up: Alfie – Goals Patrick – Left Back Jake – Right Back Owen (Captain) – Defensive Midfield Jacob – Attacking Midfield Josh – Forward Conor – Forward

Subs: Jamie, Finley, Lewis

Our first away trip of the season took us to the lovely village of Tarleton and their excellent facilities. Tarleton is without a doubt one of the best places in the league to play, with some fantastic pitches.

Lostock lined up in the resplendent white and black kits for kick off and immediately attacked down the right through Josh. Josh seemed to be getting a lot of joy on the right flank in the first, putting in an excellent ball for Conor to tap in for his first of the day. Owen was tackling anything that moved and Jacob was looking for some good balls out to the forwards. Pat and Jake were strong at the back as Lostock lay siege to the Tarleton goal in the first half.

Against the run of play Tarleton broke quickly and an excellent tackle from Pat wasn’t enough to stop the Tarleton forwards taking an excellent finish past Alfie in the Lostock goal. Immediately Lostock set back to work and Jacob played a lovely ball to Josh who put it in for Conor. Conor took a touch before coolly picking up his second of the day.

From the restart Josh again broke down the right and put in another cracker for Conor to pick up his hatrick. Lewis replaced Conor to give him a rest just before the half and made a couple of blinding passes and great runs.

HT Tarleton 1 – Lostock Hall 3

The second half was a different affair altogether as Tarleton came at the boys from the off. Jamie started in place of Jake. With Fin replacing Jamie after 10 minutes. Fin was excellent when he came on, with some ferocious tackles and great passes. Lewis was working for opportunities that were rare in the second half. Tarleton pulled a goal back with an excellent strike from the edge of the box, that beat Alfie’s dive. Tarleton then had an opportunity to equalise but Alfie, who has been in excellent form pushed the ball on to the post and the rebound away. Superb work Alfie!

With Owen and Fin working hard in midfield, Jamie and Jake resolute in defence the boys held on for their second win of the season well done boys. Stirling performances from Fin and Owen, Excellent work from Alfie, Jake, Pat and Jamie in defence. Jacob, Josh and Lewis who had fantastic link play and finally a worth Man of the Match performance from Conor for his hard work and a well taken Hatrick.

Lostock Hall 9 – Ribble Wanderers 4

Team: Alfie – Goals, Patrick (Captain) – Left Back, Jamie – Right Back, Owen – Defensive Midfield, Jacob – Attacking Midfield, Josh – Attacking Midfield/Forward, Conor – Forward

Subs: Finley, Jake, Lewis

Lostock started brightly getting stuck in right from the kick off, spreading play wide and getting a few good shots off on the Ribble keeper. After just two minutes Owen saw Jacob free on the left hand side of the box, Jacob let it run across his body and fired right footed in to the bottom corner. One – nil. Lostock continued to press hard for a second and went close hitting the post and Jacob firing over from distance. After Ten minutes, Finley replaced Owen, Jake for Jamie and Lewis for Conor. Ribble countered with two scrambled goals on the counter, from good wing play from the 6 and 8 this really was against the run of play. 1-2. As Half time loomed Jacob found Lewis with a through ball that evaded several players for Lewis to skilfully score his first of the season. It was tidy finish, well done Lewis. 2-2. Just as half time approached Jacob tried his luck from distance and found the far corner with a cracking drive. 3-2. Ribble had a free kick on the far touch line, they took it quickly and lost the ball to Owen, he played a square ball for Jacob to tap in only for the ref to blow for half time.

HT 3-2

After the break as had often been the case pre-season the boys flew out of the blocks for the second half, josh pulling wide to square for Jacob to curl in his hatrick, with what is becoming a trademark finish from the edge of the box in to the top corner. 4-2. Josh then broke down the left at pace, finishing with a shot in to the far post for his first of the season. 5-2. From the restart Lostock again went on the attack Owen picking the ball up deep and charging forward his initial shot resulting in a corner. From the corner he picked up the scraps on the edge of the box and struck a fierce shot goal wards, unfortunately a Ribble player handled to prevent the goal. Up stepped Jacob to score from the spot, with a classy finish in to the top corner. 6-2. Jake replaced Jamie at the back for the last 10. Jake and Patrick showing some marvellous defending, as well as Jamie, who had another excellent game.

Josh broke free with approx 7 remaining on the clock and picked up his second. 7-2. He then found Jacob free on the left, Jacob’s shot was well saved by the keeper only for Conor to provide a real strikers finish with a lovely dink over the keeper. 8-2. Owen rounded up the Lostock scoring with a superb drive from out side the box. 9-2. Josh and Conor then came off for a well deserved rest, replaced by Fin and Lewis. Fin and Lewis combined well to force a few more attacks in the final moments, but could stop Ribble’s attacks through their numbers 6&8 who managed to snatch 2 late goals. 9-4 at Full Time.

All in all an excellent attacking display from the Lostock boys, who worked hard, never gave up and battled for more goals until the final whistle. Superb displays from Alfie in goals with some quality reaction saves, Patrick and Jamie who pressed the opposition well and timed tackles superbly, Owen who was industrious as ever as the midfield destroyer, Jacob who weighed in with four goals and controlled the midfield well, Josh ran tirelessly and created plenty for others as well as himself, Conor with a superbly taken goal as well as great attacking and defensive play, Jake was excellent in the tackle when he came on, Finley played well in the holding midfield role, Lewis was influential when on the pitch, always looking to release a team mate on the attack and taking his goal well.

Man of the Match went to Josh for another outstanding display. 

Lostock Hall 3 - Leyland Albion 3

Team:Owen in Goals, Patrick Left Back, Jamie Right Back, Jake Defensive Midfield, Jacob Attacking Midfield (Captain),Josh Forward,Conor Forward

Subs: Alfie

Lostock Hall started with a players missing and out of position for the first game of the season, but battled well in the first half. Owen started in goals, with Jake Butler covering him in Midfield. Alfie started on the bench, due to a finger injury.

We had a good few attacks in the first couple of minutes, with Conor hitting them straight at the keeper or just wide. The ref missed a couple of fouls on Jacob and Josh that could have led to goal scoring opportunities.

Albion brought 9 & 10 on and scored two break away goals. Lostock Hall played really well other than that in the first, with one man closing down and the other covering. Excellent work really, considering only done one session on this covered in training. Jacob then struck a cracking corner, which was only just kept out by the keeper. Both Jacob and Owen put some great corners in during the game. 0-2 HT.

Second half swapped Jamie and Owen who had never been in goals before, Owen instantly picked the ball up and ran down the left flank and squared back for Jacob on the edge of the box. He looked up before bending the ball in to the top corner. Jacob then put Josh away down the right, he whipped it in for Conor unmarked in the middle, hit it on the side volley for 2-2. Our boys then abandoned defending to concede on another breakaway, before pulling another back with an identical move as the second.

We could have had more we hit both posts, the bar and were denied two penalties. But fantastic game finishing 3-3.

All in all an excellent first game in the league for the boys, and with the battling attitude we should be well on our way soon. Well done to Jamie also for bravely volunteering to go in goals in the second half.

Goals: Jacob, Conor 2

Man of the Match: Jacob, superb display setting  Josh away for the goals, as well as a superb goal to bring Lostock back in to the game.