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Manager Steve Galloway Assistant Manager Mick Mahon |
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Thursday 8th May 2008 Lostock Hall Vs Springfield's
Challenge Cup Quarter Final
Weather: Strong Wind
Pitch: Perfect
Full squad available for today's match and Harvey Parker has cancel his holiday in Portugal to be available for this game. Springies won the toss and opted to play with the strong wind in their backs and the game of two halves commenced. Lostock dug in and defended well as Springfield's applied the early pressure. Thomas and Michael timed their tackles well and Adam driving the centre of midfield pushed the ball forward to Carlin who seems to be getting sharper by the game. Crowded out Lostock lost possession and a long clearance put Springies back on the attack Joseph and Harry drop in deep to force Springfield's into a few long range efforts in which Harvey dealt with comfortably. Springies number 9 caused Lostock a few problems and he found himself is space behind our last man and with only Harvey to beat the Lostock crowd held there breath. Deep breaths turned to cheers as Harvey pulled of a great save. Lostock had a good spell with Joseph and Adam combining well down the left. The ball switched to the right and Harry hit a shot which rolled across the six yard line and towards the corner flag. Carlin raced onto it and hit a good effort from an acute angle and Springies managed to clear the danger. Lostock was back on their heels and again good pressure forced Springies into a another long range effort that seemed to lack much power, Unfortunately for Lostock the ball squeezed under Harvey's body to give Springies a deserved lead. Lostock was really playing well against the strong wind and Harry had a good opportunity to level but his strike was saved well by the opposition keeper. Five minutes before half time and Lostock had done very well to keep the scores down and Harvey produced several good saves to hold the wind assisted Springfield off. On the very next Springies assault on the Lostock goal the vet tight and organised Lostock defence had a moment of concentration lapse and Springies again got behind lostock's last man and hit number 2 passed Harvey. A great first half battle by Lostock but with three goals to achieve it was going to be a tough nerve racking second half.
Half Time
Lostock Hall 0 Springfield 2
The second half can on be describe as a constant onslaught on the Springfield's goal. On the rare occasion where Harvey managed to gather the ball his very long accurate kicks put the pressure immediately on the Springies ranks in defence. Lostock started to carve out several chances and a combination of good saves, shins and desperate foots kept Lostock out, but one felt it would be just a matter of time before a goal came. After good efforts from Adam, Thomas and Joseph came to no avail it was Lostock leading marksman that put Lostock back in the frame. Carlin had notched his 15 of the season and set up a further onslaught on the Springies goal. Although it was a highly entertaining contest from a managers point of view it was equally painful to see so many attempts fail to hit the net. It was confirmed that it was not going to be Lostock's day as Harry hit a thunderbolt against the bar. Joshua Bowden and Harrison came on to try and change Lostock' s angle and luck on the game and both players contributed well to Lostock's continual attack. Two more shots whistled past the Springfield's goal as Lostock went all out for the equaliser. It was great expectations from all involved at Lostock when the ball landed kindly for Adam just outside the area and in a central position. Adam sweet half volley agonisingly whizzed just over the bar and time just simply ran out for Lostock's gallant efforts. Even Oggie couldn't help us out on this occassion. Big apologies for not managing to get Clarke and Thomas B on credit to the duo they fully supported their team mates throughout the match. The lads had already forgotten their exit out of the cup and the only thing on their minds was who was going to get The Mickey Mahon's Man of the Match Trophy. All smiles from Harvey Parker as he was awarded this week honour.
Unlucky lads and a big thanks to all the supporters, who backed the lads all the way.
All you parents want to start thinking about who you would like to vote for for this years parents player of the year. I will give slips out on Wednesday that I would like returning on Sat if possible.
Carlin Bonage 15, Adam Gillibrand 13, Harry Mahon 4, Josh Bowden 2
OG 2 Saturday 5th April 2008
Weather: Cool and fine
Brinscall Yellow Vs Lostock Hall
With Springfield's in the cup only two weeks away the emphasis on this game was to give Harrison as much practice in goal as possible as resident goalkeeper Harvey Parker will be un-available, due to a family holiday. It was also decided to start the lads that are usually sat on the subs bench, so the team lined up as follows: Harrison in goals,Thomas Wilding & Michael Keany at the back, Midfield trio of Clarke Abbott, Adam Gillibrand and Harry Mahon and Thomas Benson up front.This left us with a strong substitutes bench of: Carlin Bonage, Joshua Bowden, Joseph Nisbet & Harvey Parker.
A scrappy start emerged by both teams and chances were far and few between. As the game progresses Lostock started to settle down and push forward. Harry made good progress down the right and Thomas Benson was inches away from connecting onto Harry's cross. Harrison made two great saves as The Yellow's had a good spell. Brinscall came close when a fierce shot lashed inches over the crossbar. Clarke and Thomas Benson seemed to be enjoying their rare start and worked hard. Thomas Wilding and Michael held firm at the back and limited Brinscall to long range efforts. However one of these long range efforts paid off as a Brinscall striker who had five minutes earlier lashed a shot just over the bar, lashed this effort into the top corner. Harrison who had up to know made great saves , didn't have a chance of stopping this thunderbolt.
Lostock bounced back immediately and forced two corners, but Brinscall managed to clear their lines. A long throw in down the left fell into the penalty area and Thomas Clarke Adam And Harry all put pressure on the defence into making errors in clearing. The ball fell kindly for oggie to score his second goal of the season for Lostock and made the scores level going into the interval.
Half Time
Brinscall Yellow 1 Lostock Hall 1
Lostock got off to a great start in the second half and pegged Brinscall back for the first five minutes Carlin and Joshua entered play to boost Lostock's physical strength. Michael Keany found himself doing more attacking then defending as Lostock dominated play. However Brinscall was determined to dog fight until the end. Joseph Nisbet and Harvey Parker came on with fresh legs and Lostock kept on attacking the Brinscall goal. Harry and Adam worked well down the right to set up a good chance for Lostock but the winning goal just did not materliase. Brinscall hung on to the end and the Lostock lads were disappointed that they did not get all the points from the game.
The Mickey Mahon man of the match went to young Harry who had covered a massive amount of ground to help Lostock dominate the second half.
Full Time
Brinscall Yellow 1 Lostock Hall 1
Carlin Bonage 14, Adam Gillibrand 13, Harry Mahon 4, Josh Bowden 2
OG 2 Saturday 29th March 2008 Ripon Reds Vs Lostock Hall
Pitch: Surprisingly dry
Weather: Warm and bright
Ripon Reds eased to a 1-0 win the last time these two met and Ripon are just behind Lostock in the table so a win for Lostock was essential to prevent being leap-frogged by The Reds.
The full was squad available for this one and Harvey Parker took his familiar role in the goals. Thomas Wilding (Captain) and Michael Keany lined up in defence with the midfield trio of Harry Mahon, Adam Gillibrand & Harrison Gainer. Carlin Bonage was the lone figure up front who was looking to increase his impressive goal tally.
Both sides got off the mark with flair and chances were created at both ends. Adam played some useful balls through to Carlin and Harrison and Harry progressed forward to give good support. A good even game developed but both sides failed to capitalise on the chances created. Thomas Wilding looked very comfy at centre back and for a young lad he has learned very well to read the game and it is now a very rare occasion when he is caught out of position. Michael continues to get stuck in were it counts and provides that tough tackle to thwart opposition attacks.A through ball fro Adam found Lostock on another attack down the left, but it seemed to be fizzling out as the ball headed towards the corner flag. Carlin raced to save the ball going out of play and turned goal ward looking to put in a cross. The sheer speed of the attack left Carlin without support, but Carlin tried is luck and hit a great shot from the tightest of angles towards the goal. I am not sure how, but the shot hit the roof of the net to delight the Lostock supporters. Lostock looked quite comfortable as The Reds tried to get back on level terms. Harvey Parkers kicks are now landing over the half way line producing an attack from every goal kick. Suddenly out of the blue Harvey decided to roll the ball out Harrison and caught him unawares as a Red's striker pinched it off his toe and scrambled the ball home for the equaliser. Not too disturbed by this short lack in concentration Harvey and the lads kept their heads up and got on to the task in hand.
Half Time Ripon Reds 1 Lostock Hall 1
Not sure why, but the lads seemed to go to sleep for the first ten minutes of the second half and simple clearances were made hard work off Ripon Reds had a dominating spell. The Reds came forward and the ball pinged about in a very crowded penalty area and a weak effort managed to creep over the Lostock line to give The Reds a deserved lead. Josh Bowden and Joseph Nisbet came into play and Lostock at last raised their game and went forward for the equaliser. Thomas Benson and Clarke Abbott further added fresh legs and it was Ripon Reds that now had to defend deep to protect their slight advantage. Lostock huffed and puffed, but they could not blow the house down. In the dying minutes Joseph Nisbet found himself on the edge of the area and the ball seemed to lift up very nicely for him. Agonisingly Joseph struck his volley too well and the ball flashed inches over the bar to deny Lostock any share of the spoils.
The Mickey MAaon MOM award went to Thomas Wilding for a sound display
Carlin Bonage 14, Adam Gillibrand 13, Harry Mahon 4, Josh Bowden 2
OG 1 Lostock Hall eased past Eccleston & Heskin to go into the second round hat. Saturday 16th February 2008 Venue: Penwortham Holme
Pitch condition: Good
Weather: Bright and Breezy
Bamber Bridge Vs Lostock Hall
Bamber Bridge the runaway league leaders scoring a massive 96 goals and only conceding 13, where today's opponents. The last derby meeting ended in a convincing win for Brig by 10-0, although it was officially recorded as 9-0. To add to Lostock's massive task was the fact that regular goalkeeper Harvey wasn't available to play, so things wasn't looking too promising. Harrison was asked at training to volunteer and step in for Harvey and after only one brief moment of hesitation agreed to take on the responsibility. You have got to admire Harrison for his courageous attitude as it was quite daunting to ask an 8 year old to potentially face an onslaught. The lads were in a joyful mood and after teasing and jeering our old striker Jack Randel in the earlier 10.30am match, they went on to sportingly cheer him when Jack scored a goal. The lads were clearly up for a challenge and they certainly did not disappoint.
Captain Thomas Wilding won the toss and elected for Lostock to get the game rolling. Three quick passes saw Lostock on the attack and "The Mighty Brig" looked stunned as Carlin raced down the right to win a ball that should have easily gone out of play. Carlin tuned inside and headed towards goal and from a very tight angle squeezed the ball into the Bamber Bridge goal to give Lostock the early lead. That took Carlin's tally up to to 12. Brig bounced back and immediately equalized as Lostock showed just too much respect for them having shocked them in the first instance. Lostock had a good spell and looked the better passing team. Joseph Nisbet shone and Harry and Adam worked well to link up with Carlin. Adam played Joseph down the left and Brig awkwardly cleared to the Bamber Bridge striker who I hope doesn't mind me calling him Ginger. Ginger headed down the right and his sheer strength held off a series of challenges , but slowing him down enough to allow the Lostock troops to get back. The ball was knocked into the crowded penalty area and really should have been cleared but Bamber Bridge managed to tap the ball home home to give Brig the lead. Both Ginger and Josh up front for the Brig were outstanding but didn't get all their own way as great talking from both Thomas and Michael made them work for their living. Lostock again went forward and Joseph Nisbet covered ground at a terrific rate to assist his team mates .Harrison didn't really have any shots top save as the Brig strikers were closed down sharply. Again Ginger worked well holding off two challenges and forcing his way into the penalty area. Desperate challenges couldn't clear and a little bit of fortune help Brig move into a 3-1 lead. On reflection of play I had Lostock out on top but the the shear strength and ability of the two Brig front runners were just too hot to handle. Lostock continued to pass there way forward, but conceded one more goal prior to the interval.
The lads came off smiling as they knew although conceding 4 scrappy goals they were playing with great skill and aggression.
Half Time
Bamber Bridge 4 Lostock Hall 1
Lostock again started well and again played the better passing game. Lostock forced two corners in succession but failed to create a worthy chance, Bamber Bridge broke with speed and caught Lostock short changed at the back and made it 5-1. Lostock held firm for the next ten minutes even with the introduction of Josh Bowden and Clarke Abbott in midfield. Lostock went on the attack and Clake found himself on the edge of the Brig area but didn't have time to line up a shot as a defender got a toe in. Brig added two more goals in the last five minutes to finish up with a very flattering score line. From the faces of the players and the supporting parents it was plain to see they enjoyed this very tough encounter.
Full time
Bamber Bridge 7 Lostock Hall 1
Due to Mick Mahon having a romantic break in Portugal, Dave Gillibrand again stepped in to present the famous Mickey Mahon man of the match award. From what I heard the majority of the parents voted for this weeks mom to Joseph Nisbet. Well done lads
Leading goals corers
Adam Gillibrand 12Carlin Bonage 12Harry Mahon 4Josh Bowden 1
OG 1
Saturday 9th February 2008 Venue Penwortham HolmPitch condition Spot On!!
Tarleton Red Vs Lostock Hall
Due to the English Monsoon Season this is the first match played since the 5th January and as expected the lads were raring to go!! Tarleton Red currently lie in 3rd position in the table with Lostock standing in 7th position. Tarleton are renowned for attacking in numbers and their current goal tally was 53 compared to Lostock's 28, so the midfield trio was primed to get back with speed as soon as we lost possession. Tarleton look strong from the off and Thomas Wilding, Michael Keany and Harvey in goals was put under immediate pressure. Thomas playing a sweepers role timed his interceptions and confidently cleared our lines with ease. Michael assisted in his usual role putting in great challenges. Adam, Joseph and Harry in midfield gave as much as they got in midfield and Lostock although not quite as strong played a better passing game. Tarleton attacked well and flung bodies forward pegging Lostock back for a ten minute spell. but great defending team work all round kept the score sheet blank. Lostock although defending well never really threatened the opposition goal. Lostock kept battling and at last started to get the ball forward with Carlin working hard to create an opening. Tarleton piled forward again and a ball over the top was met by Thomas Wilding who quickly cleared the danger. Tarleton had too many men forward and Harry and Adam helped the ball promptly forward. The depleted Tarleton ranks couldn't cope with Carin's speed as he bared down on the goal. To the delight of the Lostock supporters Carlin with the outside of his foot tapped the ball into the bottom corner of the net to score his 11th goal of the season and to give Lostock Hall the lead. To be honest it was Lostock's first strike on goal, but who's complaining!!!! This gave the lads a little more belief in themselves and Adam, Joseph and Harry didn't have to do as much tracking back and Lostock had two or three more attacks leading up to the interval.
Half Time
Tarleton Red 0 Lostock Hall 1
Tarleton reacted well straight from the kick-off and equalized in the first minute of the second half and one half expected a goal avalanche. But credit to the lads this was not to be as they was obviously annoyed with themselves in giving such a quick goal away. Harry was put through down the right and managed to get a good cross into the penalty where Carlin only just failed to connect which could have put Lostock back in the lead. Both teams were hungary for the winner and Tarleton had the better chances to win but great defending by Thomas and Michael kept the strikes on goal to a minimum and the three good attempts on goal was superbly saved by Harvey and one with his foot that looked a certain goal. The game was very tight and the question was do we role on the subs to give fresh legs or would changes upset the rhythm and cost us the game. It 's always' a gamble but I think at this level the young lads need a game. Joshua Bowden came on in midfield and Harrison came on to give fresh legs in the defense as Michael Keany had covered an amazing amount of ground. Lostock had a good share of the play and were looking steady and more fresh legs in the form of Thomas Benson and Clarke Abbott stepped into the action. Clarke clearly pleased in his attacking role chased every ball and flustered the Tarleton defense in to making mistakes. A great performance all round and in particular to Thomas Wilding, Michael Keany and Harvey Parker, who all put in a confident performance under considerable pressure.
Full Time
Tarleton Red 1 Lostock Hall 1
This well earned point lifted Lostock Hall into 6th place in the table and due to Mick Mahon feeling under the weather Dave Gillibrand stepped in to award the man of the match to Michael Keany
Adam Gillibrand 12
Carlin Bonage 11
Harry Mahon 4
Josh Bowden 1
OG 1
Saturday 5th January 2008
Venue Penwortham Holme
Weather Definitely thermals required for this one.
Croston stand just 1 place above Lostock in the table, but have a significant nine point advantage and were clear favorites on paper. This was a back to back fixture having played Croston prior to the Christmas break. The boys didn't need reminding that they played excellent football in the last encounter even though going down 3-1.
All squad members were available for this with the exception of in form Joseph Nisbet who picked up a badly bruised thumb. Get well soon Joseph.
Harvey Parker after missing the last match was back in goals.
Thomas Wilding started at Centre Back allowing Michael Keany to play his usual role just in front. Harry Mahon, Adam Gillibrand and Harrison Gainer lined up in midfield. Harrison seemed delighted at being picked to play in this new role and this strong midfield trio would support Carlin Bonage up front.
This left us with three dependable suds in the form of Clarke Abbott, Thomas Benson and Joshua Bowden.
Croston got off to the better start and looked very strong with Croston's number 14 controlling the attacks from midfield. Croston pressed hard in the first 10 minutes as Lostock struggled to get the ball away but to their credit always managed to get that foot in to prevent conceding a goal. Lostock slowly came back into the game and launched a few reasonable attacks but didn't create a good opportunity. Adam worked well in the center of midfield and Harrison after initially looking a little lost stated to win the ball back for Lostock. Croston attacked again and again, but sound defending by Harvey Thomas and Michael kept the score sheet clean. Calin battled away but couldn't prise open the strong Croston defence as Croston went forward once again. Adam Gillibrand collected the ball and found Harrison on the right as Lostock counter attacked. Carlin did well to pick the forward ball up and turned to strike at goal, but although on target the shot lacked power. Croston half cleared and the ball fell to Adam who's excellent first touch set himself up for another Lostock strike at goal. Adam's technique was perfect as the low hard drive sailed into the bottom left hand corner to give Lostock the lead. It was totally against run of play but no one in the Lostock Hall camp complained about that.
Half Time
Lostock Hall 1 Croston 0
Lostock had clearly run off all the excess Christmas Turkey in the first half and hit the ground running. The boys looked much sharper and were determined not to loose this one. Croston on the other hand were determined to make amends having dominated most of the first half. This made for a much better game has both teams attacked in style. Adam Gillibrand shone in midfield as Lostock gave as much as they got but Croston scored a great goal to make thing all level. Josh Bowden came on and provided immediate strength replacing tired legs. Lostock powered forward and Carlin was busy holding up the ball while the midfield trio pushed up to support the cause. Croston defended strong, but Lostock has a good spell keeping them on the back foot. Pressure was beginning to tell as Croston's defending became more frantic. Adam pushed the ball through the defence into the penalty and a long run from Josh Bowden looked as if a goal attempt was to materialize. A desperate swing of a Croston leg failed to connect with the ball and Josh was brought to ground. Lostock glee and Croston dismay as the referee pointed to the spot to award Lostock a penalty. Deja vu must have been playing on everyone's mind and again it was Adam who took the responsibility to take the spot kick. No problem on this occasion and showing no nerves at all, Adam calmly slotted the ball home to put Lostock into the driving seat. Clarke Abbott and Thomas Benson got into the action as an even, but keenly contested game proceeded.Into the last few minutes and Lostock was looking reasonably in control, but Croston's man of the man number 14 broke down the right wing and crossed a decent ball into the area. With no other Croston player in close proximity Lostock should have easily dealt with this one but as Harvey went down to collect and Thomas went to clear the ball very unkindly ricochet off a shin pad and trickled over the line for an OG to put Croston level.
Full time
Lostock Hall 2 Croston 2
At the end of the day we can all sit back an analyze what could have been done better, which may have given us a result. Harvey could have shouted keepers ball, Thomas may have let it go by without stretching to try and clear. With a 2-1 advantage we could have dropped all the players into the defence, kept the stronger players on, blamed the managers tactics etc etc etc
But lets put things into perspective and take Liverpool as an example. John Arne Riise will tell you that sometimes, you are simply blooming unlucky!!!
So well done boys, great result and the Mickey Mahon MOM award went to Adam Gillibrand for yet another impressive display and two goal to boot.
Leading goal scorers
Adam Gillibrand 12
Carlin Bonage 10
Harry Mahon 4
Josh Bowden 1
OG 1
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