7th heaven as Bridge extends unbeaten record 

Ladybridge 1 - 1 Bollington  25.02.07 

Sunday saw Bridge's home pitch unplayable yet again and with our sister pitch being fully utilised had to revert to playing on the previous home ground of Cheadle Nomads. After one or two pitch repairs it was game on. The squad was looking rather depleted and although we were playing a team at the wrong end of the table this game wasn't going to be easy. Missing team members were Mark, the voice of Bridge! Nathan, super sub goalie! Lloyd the lynx! Jack of all trades! and Nick, Bridge's leading goal scorer,  although one plus Jake the cat was back in goal. Max had returned from his scouting duties in Scotland and along with Manager Jim were scratching their heads over this week's team selection (For the record Max didn't and will never find any good players in Scotland!). After much deliberation the team was announced as interested fans looked on.  Jake in goal, Ash right back, Nial and Adam in the middle with Stuart left back. midfield of Luke, Alex, Dom and Mark new signing from Dynamo's with last week's goal scorers Tom and Luis another new signing up front. On the bench was Danny. 

The game got off to a cagey start for Bridge with Bollington taking the upper hand early on and playing some lovely football, you wouldn't think Bollington were at the wrong end of the table by the way they were playing. One player in particular was running the game Bollington's number 4 who unfortunately for Bridge was having a fantastic game. Jake being unusually busy early on. The fans were edgy as they waited patiently for Bridge to get into their stride. But alias! even worse was to follow as Jake had to be replaced through a nasty freak kicking accident injuring Jake's hip and groin area.  Bollington were having none of it and continued to press Bridge for long periods of the first half with their just rewards coming oddly enough from a Bridge corner, which saw Bollington run the full length of the pitch and with a couple of lucky bounces slotted the ball home and make it 1 - 0. Again Bollington pressed Bridge who looked to be strolling very uneasy, Danny replaced Tom and had a couple of shots go close however Bridge didn't make any real impact towards repairing the 1 - 0 lead Bollington had. Half time thankfully saw the Bridge come in only 0 - 1 down. 

Jim and Max had it all to do at half time as they could see the forced changes had taken it's toll on Bridge's formation and creativity to produce chances.  A "we'll fight them on the beaches" team talk was delivered by Jim and Max and the team resumed for the second half unchanged. Second half started a little brighter for Bridge who battled away for the equalizer. Bollington still pressed mainly down the right hand side and Ash at right back was having a brilliant game containing the Bollington forwards who were pushing up,  looking for the second goal and had it not been for a couple of tight offside decisions going against them may have nicked it. Luckily at the other end for Bridge the ball broke from the left which saw a screaming shot from Danny rebound off the Bollington keeper straight to Alex who rifled it in for the equalizer, it was 1 - 1 and game on. Bridge played with a little more conviction and Tom replaced Danny, however Bollington did a good job containing the threat and as the final whistle blew,  you couldn't help think this was a point won for Bridge not a point lost. Final result Ladybridge 1 - 1 Bollington. The game was played in fine spirits by both teams, a joy to watch and well done to the ref for letting the game flow. All credit to the Bollington camp who on the whole may have deserved the two points. Jim and Max were very proud of the team's efforts today and looked at the positives,  the biggest being another game unbeaten and another point earned which was all credit to our battling team. Bridge had taken 13 points from a possible 14, fantastic achievement and title winning form Jim and Max told the team. Ash got man of the match,  a just reward for an excellent display, well done Ash and everyone wishes Jake a speedy recovery. 

(Report courtesy of Paul Howard)

 

Sixth sweet victory leaves bitter taste

New Mills 2 - 4 Ladybridge County 18.02.07 

This week saw the in form Bridge fresh off the back of 5 straight victories travel to New Mills (home of the famous sweet factory) with hopes of extending their unbeaten record. Due to fixture pile ups,  the kick off was moved to 12 noon which suited some of the squad as the half term festivities had taken it's toll on some of the team's sleep patterns (too many late nights!). With Max away on a scouting mission and several key team members also missing it was left to Jim to explain that the game wasn't going to be easy and it would take another great performance to nail New Mills and secure the season double over them. Missing from the team were Lloyd, Jake and Mark,  so in came Ash at right back and Nial covering the middle of defence with Adam,  Stuart taking his usual trusty left back position. Midfield was Nick, Alex, Dom and Luke no change there with Luis and Nathan starting up front. The bench saw Jack, Tom and a welcomed return from Danny.

Bridge got off to a great start through being strong in all departments and within 15 minutes were two goals up and coasting, first goal from Luis, his first for the club, with a great shot from an acute angle on the right after some great approach play and the second from captain Dom who burst through from the middle of midfield to volley home a scorcher. Minutes later Bridge had the ball in the New Mills net again through Luis who was having a stormer,  only for it to be disallowed for handball. A dubious decision by the ref as you could see the muddy ball imprint clearly on Luis's shirt where he had controlled the ball to slot it home. Had the goal been allowed to stand and the way Bridge were playing it would have been game over for New Mills as the rout was definitely on. Unfortunately even though Bridge were 2 - 0 and in full command, a further number of poor ref decisions began to distract the travelling fans and the team. The game was becoming embarrassing as the home team linesman and ref collaborated on every decision. Jim was doing his utmost to keep the team and the fans focused as the game was turning into a very unpleasant situation for both teams as frustration, confusion and sometimes chaos took over. Danny replaced Nathan up front and the ref continued to lose a grip of the game along with the Bridge who had been pulled back to 2 - 2 by the interval and had two players booked. The main talking point at half time amongst fans unfortunately wasn't the football but the ref who along with the home team linesman had played their part in ruffling Bridge's feathers and creating what seemed an unfair environment through a flurry of bad decisions.

After a stiff half time team talk from Manager Jim who said "just play ball" the second half got underway. After 20 minutes the teams were still even at 2 - 2, both teams having missed chances at each end especially New Mills who thankfully had missed a few sitters. Another Bridge was player booked, Danny and Luke were replaced and Jack came on for Nick and Tom for Nathan as Bridge freshened up the attack, however it wasn't long before Nathan was back on in goal (yes in goal!) replacing the Bridge keeper who had been brave in a challenge and received a nasty ankle injury. It was made worse as the Bridge keeper was left unattended to for several minutes as the game was allowed to carry on even though it was obvious the injury was severe. Again poor refereeing at this level was brewing a catalyst of hostilities between the teams. Thankfully Jim was keeping his usual coolness and after a string of good saves from Nathan and great determination from the Bridge team pushing forward,  Bridge were awarded a free kick just outside the New Mills box, a simple decision in a normal game however it turned into another situation which was allowed to get out of control which ended in a New Mills player booked for decent. Bridge took the free kick, Luis in fact a cracking left foot drive straight into the New Mills goal for his second of the match,  which actually looked liked in went in in slow motion, 3 - 2 to Bridge! There was no looking back from that moment on and Bridge went back to playing football and took the remaining of the game by the scruff of the neck which resulted in Tom popping for a simple but important tap in for the forth near the end, well done Tom. Final whistle blew and the result was New Mills 2 - 4 Ladybridge a repeat of the home victory earlier on in the season. You could see Jim was pleased with the end result which made it six out of six wins for Bridge but went on to explain his frustration at allowing us to be sucked in, an experience to take away and learn from. I had the honour of belatedly naming Luis man of the match for his stunning display up front and would also like to say well done to all ! Pity the game will be remembered for everything except the football.

(Report courtesy of Paul Howard)

 

Another great victory (posted 16th February)

Ladybridge    1    Didsbury Road   0

(Report courtesy of Paul Howard) 

 

Push up the league continues (posted 5th February)

Spurley Hey     0     Ladybridge     3

Sunday brought the Bridge to Warth Meadow home of Spurley Hey, another of the teams who had beaten the Bridge during the injury crisis of October and November.  Could we match last week's performance and make it four wins on the trot was the question on everyone's mind. No surprises during the pre match brief when Jim named an unchanged team from last week's hard fought victory against Cheadle. True to form Ladybridge started brightly making the early running and putting in some crunching but fair tackles especially in midfield which unfortunately led to Luke being replaced through injury by Jack. Jim and Max had to reshuffled the pack with with Nick moving to left wing and Jack filling in on the right. This had no effect on the teams bright start as Bridge pushed for the first goal and it wasn't long in coming. Good work on the left from Nathan led to a throw which resulted in Adam making a huge throw (more like a corner) which saw Nick shield the ball, turn the defender to fire in from close range to put Ladybridge 1 - 0 up and keep Nick in pole position as Bridge's top scorer this season.  It was now one way traffic as Bridge played some lovely football and commanded all areas of the pitch, Adam and Lloyd were fantastic at the back alongside Mark and Stuart with Spurley's big strikers never having a sniff at goal all half. The Bridge midfield were superb with Dom and Alex running the middle of the park and after immense pressure from Ladybridge who had peppered Spurley's defence through shots from Nathan, Nial, Dom, Jack and Alex to name a few, the second goal finally came. How unusual as the ball was practically walked in by Nial from the edge of the 18 yard area. Nial who had an excellent first half along with the rest of the team had got his just reward. Half time Spurley Hey 0 - 2 Ladybridge JFC.

With Ash missing and Luke injured with a thigh strain the bench was looking thin,  so could Bridge keep up the pressure in the second half and put away a few of the missed chances created in the first half to wrap the game up.  Unfortunately the answer was no, after long periods of domination by Bridge in the second half it was still frustration in front of goal with missed opportunities and what should have been an easy victory was turning out to be a battle as Spurley Hey started to come back into the game. Adam again was playing out of his skin alongside Lloyd, Stuart and Mark who was carrying an injury but bravely playing on. Mark finally came off replaced by Nial as the pain got too much only to find himself  back on 10 minutes later as Stuart was crunched on the far side and taken off feeling the full effects of a nasty dead leg. It was obvious that the next goal would be crucial and after a short spell of Spurley Hey pressure resulting in fine saves from Jake who had been a spectator for long periods of the game, one save in particular was world class!   Bridge managed to break free late on in the game on the far left which resulted in a Bridge penalty appeal being turned down, only for the ball to rebound into the path of Tom who smacked it into the top corner (just as he does every Thursday in training) to make it 3 - 0 and seal the game for the Bridge. Final result Spurley Hey 0 - 3 Ladybridge JFC. Max echoed Jim's words as both were pleased as punch with the team's performance. Fantastic performance again said Max, well battled said Jim. Long term Ladybridge fan Steve Tipping was given the honour of naming Adam as man of the match which brought huge cheers from the travelling fans. One fan was overheard to saying in a Bolton accent  "who needs Max and Paddy when we've got Max and Jim!"

(Report courtesy of Paul Howard) 

 

Ladybridge in derby victory (posted 31st January)

Ladybridge   2   Cheadle & Gatley    0

Cold, gale force conditions welcomed Ladybridge JFC u15s back to Bradshaw Park after the prolonged water logged Christmas break. Although training had taken place as normal at the clubs new multi million pound facility in Cheadle Hulme, the restart of Sunday morning match football was welcomed by all. After all it was our first game since the 3 - 1 away drubbing of Bollington some 8 weeks ago and the managerial team of Jim and Max were keen for the Bridge to pick up where we had left off. Today's home game wasn't going to easy Jim explained to the team during the pre match brief as the visitors Cheadle and Gately were amongst the league leaders setting the early pace and the team didn't need reminding of the 5 - 2 away defeat we had suffered earlier in the season. Jim and Max went on to explain this was due to a glut of team injuries at the time and now the Bridge were back to full strength it would be a different game today.

Oh and how right the managers were!  In the blustery conditions, on a bumpy pitch (more fit for grazing cows) and playing with the wind behind them, Bridge went about grinding the opposition down and slowly but surely got their just rewards. After long periods of Bridge first half pressure which saw half a dozen or so corners go close, finally came the breakthrough. After some good work down the right flank from Dom and Tom which forced yet another corner, up stepped Luke to take the corner and score the first goal! What a goal it was, the ball went straight in like an arrow, right from the corner fantastic and well deserved. With tails up Tom, Nathan and Luke continued to pressure Cheadle's back four via great work from the midfield of Alex, Nick and Dom. The back five of Stuart, Adam, Lloyd, Mark and Jake were rock solid and proved to be too much for the Cheadle strikers, just as they all had been in the previous two victories against New Mills and Bollington. All looked honky dory for  Bridge as they pushed towards a hatrick of victories and half time saw the Bridge go in deservedly 1 - 0 up.

The second half should have proved a more difficult task for the Bridge as they were playing a strong team, against a wicked wind (not even the corner flags would stay in!) but alias it didn't. Right from the kick off Bridge set about their game plan, keeping their shape, passing to feet and working hard for each other. Great work throughout the half from Adam and Lloyd saw all of Cheadle's striking danger snuffed out and as the half progressed Ladybridge looked the team most likely to score again. And score they did and who better than the captain Dom to make it 2 - 0 with a lovely curling lob which had everyone fooled, even the Cheadle keeper! who didn't move a muscle as the ball floated under the bar to make it 2 - 0. Ash came on for injured Alex to help strengthen the Bridge and immediately made an impact down the right-hand side and with late misses from Nial and Nick who clipped the bar from a free kick unfortunately saw the clock run out for Cheadle. Final result Ladybridge 2 - 0 Cheadle & Gately.  Jim and Max couldn't have been more pleased with the display and said if we play like that every game we won't be on the losing side very often. Man of the match was Lloyd who nicked it from a close second Adam and the rest of the team. Fantastic and well played lads ! Special 10 out of 10 mention for the referee who had an excellent game controlling some difficult and heated moments, including an abusive pitch invasion from a fired up parent, which all adds to why the game of football is so great!

(Report courtesy of Paul Howard) 

 

LC gain another deserved victory (posted 2nd December)

Bollington    1  Ladybridge    3

Sunday saw Bridge travelling  away to Bollington and although below us in the league Jim and Max echoed to the team that this would be a tough game and not to rely on last years results as a guide, results which actually saw Bridge come away with the points both home and away. Nathan missing through injury and Calum's recent transfer saw the squad numbers down so extra effort was required by all. The only team selection surprise saw Nial pitched upfront along Tom to add firepower to Bridge's attack.

Sure enough right from the kick off the Bridge took the game by the scruff of the neck with Alex and Dom running the midfield, the back four of Stuart, Adam, Lloyd and Mark sniffing out the dangers in defence and Nial and Tom causing havoc in the last third of the field.  Jim was pleased with the start and it wasn't long before Bridge took the lead, great work down the left flank from Stuart and a piercing cross from Luke saw the ball miss everyone in the box and fall to the feet of Nick at the far post who beat one defender and slotted it home with a left foot drive 1 - 0.

The great start soon became a battle for Bridge as Bollington came back into the game and threatened on several occasions,  a number of 50/50 refereeing decisions going Bollington's way played a factor and it wasn't long before they got their reward which unfortunately for Bridge was a dubious penalty decision contested by fans as well as players and management of the Bridge. Up popped the Bollington striker to make it 1 - 1 and that's how the teams went in half time.

The second half saw Ladybridge take full command as they shrugged off the bitter disappointments of the first half and It was non stop Bridge all half which was great for their fans but unfortunately not so good for Bridge's number one keeper Jake in having so little to do as the wind picked up making conditions bitter for him. Who else but Dom popped up mid way through the second half to make to make it  2 - 1 with a cracking shot after some good work from Ash and Jack, with Nick securing the points 10 minutes later with his second of the game, a crafty in swinging corner which gave the Bollington keeper little chance. It was all smiles for Ladybridge as the referee's whistle blew for full time giving them a handsome 3 - 1 victory away from home.

Jim stated after the game that the whole team played tremendous and thoroughly deserved the victory. Assistant manager Max joined in Jim's praise and explained that Stuart had been chosen as man of the match which raised a big cheer from the team. Max went on, Stuart was chosen ahead of 5 or 6 other candidates and that shows the level of the team's performance today. Well done Stuart !

(Report courtesy of Paul Howard)

A crisp Sunday morning welcomed the visitors New Mills to Bradshaw Park, home of Ladybridge JFC and as pointed out in midweek by manager Jim, New Mills were parading Alex Barwell their recent summer signing from the "Bridge" in their starting line up. This was a must win game for the "Bridge" who through a recent run of unlucky results needed to bounce back with a convincing win.  This was not going to be an easy game,  however true to form as with recent games Ladybridge started brightly and kept the momentum going moving the ball swiftly down both flanks with Luke and Nick respectively, Dom who was running on Duracell batteries for sure and Alex commanded the midfield for long periods of the first half with the back four of Stuart, Adam, Nial and Mark being rock solid in protecting Jake between the posts. Unfortunately for all "Bridge's" first half possession the front two of Tom and Nathan couldn't breakdown the New Mills defences and the teams went in at half time even at 0 - 0.

 

Jim made a couple of changes for the start of the second half which raised eyebrows amongst the crowd but proved to be vital. Ash was brought on to partner Tom up front for the injured Nathan who had taken a couple of knocks in the first half and Nick and Luke switched flanks.  A bit of genius thinking on Jim's part as right from the kick off saw Nick race down the left flank and cross the ball  to set up the first goal for Alex who was lurking in the New Mill's box 1- 0.  It wasn't long before "Bridge" were 2 - 0 up from a lovely taken 30 yard free kick by Luke which the New Mills keeper had little chance of saving. It was all smiles !  which unfortunately were short lived as right from the kick off New Mills pressed our midfield and back four and ended up scoring to bring it back to 2 - 1 it was game on and all to play for.  The next goal would be vital and Jim made further changes to strengthen the team.

Ash was moved to right back and Lloyd replaced Adam in the back four who had also taken a knock. Callum replaced Mark who had done a sterling job at right back and it wasn't long before it paid off as Tom picking up the ball from a crunching ball winning tackle from Dom managed to hold off the New Mills defence to slot the ball home to make it  3 - 1.  It was comfortable from there on and Ash added another with a lovely header direct from Nick's corner to make it  4 - 1. Adam returned to play as a striker, yes striker ! and New Mills stole a consolation second goal to bring it back to 4 - 2, by then the game was over and "Bridge" had secured the points. Man of the match was Dom the captain who had covered every blade of grass on the pitch and led by example. Jim said after the match "it was a fantastic effort by the whole team and if we keep playing like that we will shoot up the league"  Final result  Ladybridge JFC 4 - 2 New Mills.

Unfortunately Callum after the game put in a transfer request and will be leaving the club for a fresh start with a Poyton team. Everyone at Ladybridge JFC would like to thank Callum for his efforts and wish him well for the future. Callum will be sadly missed and would be welcomed back to the club at anytime.

 

Report courtesy of Paul Howard 

Unlucky result in cup tie (posted 6th November)

Ladybridge    1    Droylsden    2

As expected Droylsden were a physical side who from the start were intend on intimidating the Ladybridge lads as was clear to be seen in the early part of the match. Surprisingly for them our lads were not intimidated and competed for every ball. LBC took the lead midway through the the 1st half when Luke Burns curled a 25 yard free kick around the Droylsden wall and into the top corner of the net. Droylsden equalised 5 minutes before half time through a penalty awarded when Nail Smith pulled down the centre forward while trying to make up for not clearing his lines earlier in the move. In what was a very physical 1st half , Droylsden were lucky to have 11 players on the pitch as they received 4 bookings for persistent fouls, stud showing and off the ball incidents.

The second half continued as the 1st half had finished with tackles coming thick and fast from both sides (Hard but fair from LBC) and 5 minutes from the end when it looked like extra time was on the cards Droylsden scored what proved to be the winning goal. LBC didn't give up and had 2 excellent chances in the closing minutes and should have got the equaliser. The best of these being when Dominic Kirby was blatantly fouled in the box but choose to square the ball back to Nick Howard who was unmarked in the six yard box, the referee played advantage and Nick (Gascoigne) couldn't connect with what was a sitter.

The LBC players were all excellent on the day and under severe provocation, showed the commitment we all know they are respected throughout the league for

Difficult to pick a MOM as so many performed well but the 2 centre halves were strong and Nail Smith just edging Adam Gray Stuart Waterfield and Alex Parker for the Man of the match  closely followed by everyone else. If we showed this commitment every week we would win a lot more than we will lose. Unlucky lads, you deserved better but thought the deliberate foul on Jim was well deserved.

(Report courtesy of Max Gray)
  

Lenahan performance not quite enough (posted 24th October)

Ladybridge    0    Spurley Hey    4

 

Another disappointing result for the under 15,s in what was another sporting match. LBC started well and for the early period of the game acquitted themselves well with both sides having an even percentage of position. The stalemate was broken after 20 minutes when Spurley's left winger cut in from the left and scored a goal passing the ball into the net at the near post 1-0. Soon after this Stuart Waterfield went off injured being replaced by Jack Phillips and we moved Mark Tipping to fill the left back spot, this resulted in 2 other moves within the team which appeared top have adapted reasonable well and no further goals were scored before half time. We made further changes bringing on Calum Edwards and Tom Price in the second half and began to create some chances, as did Spurley. As the match progressed Spurley seemed to be the more athletic team and their confidence grew when the scored a second from a corner after Jake dropped the crossed ball (Was he barged???) Gaps were appearing and our back 4 were having to work exceptionally hard as the Spurley forwards and midfield players were creating runs through the LBC midfield and resulted in them score ing a tap in for the 3rd and a 30 yard rocket for the 4th in the latter stages of the match.

This was not a good performance and had our goalkeeper Jake Lenahan not put on a man of the match display making numerous saves we could have lost by a few more.

After the match the management team commented that the back 4 had not done enough to protect their goalkeeper and they as a unit took exception to this as they commented that the players we were asking them to mark were midfield players who were getting through the midfield. On reflection they were right and should have been protected more in the midfield who should have backtracked more with the Spurley runners, that said, the marking and lack of shouting at the back didn't help.

MOM Jake Lenahan followed closely again by Dominic Kirby(again)and Nathan Willas for a commited left back debut performance.

(Report courtesy of Max Gray)
 

Bad break for under 15's (posted 15th October)
 
Didsbury Road Juniors    3     Ladybridge County    2
 
This match was played in an excellent spirit and was a pleasure to watch with LBC taking an early lead scoring inside 2 minutes.

Luke Burns won possession in the middle of the field before cutting out onto the left wing. He then took on the full back beating him for pace and squared the ball back for Nathan Beckett to score. DRJ, who were  without doubt the tallest team we have ever played, came back and their captain scored an excellent free kick. From the edge of the box, the player put the ball into the top left hand corner of the net. This was after Jake Lenahan had pulled down an attacking player.

This seemed to drive DRJ on and they scored 2 more goals taking an undeserved 3-1 lead as both teams were competing well in a tough but fair match.

LBC pulled  a goal back just before half time when Danny Brosnahan latched onto a loose ball bringing the score back to 3-2.

The second half saw LBC piling on the pressure and they could have scored no less that 6 goals in the 1st 20 minutes, but the DRJ goalkeeper made some top class saves, and although both teams created further chances no more goals were scored .

Special mentions for :-
Bav, who was an unused sub and we try not to do this too often. Nial  Smith, who came on as a 1st half substitute and had an excellent match playing in an unfamiliar position and came a close runner up for man of the match. Nathan, who missed his lift and ran all the way to Disdbury Junior school (4 miles??) to be available for selection. (Commitment indeed)

Man of the match Adam Gray for a return to form. Keep it up as we need more performances like this.
 
(Report courtesy of Max Gray)
 

Player unavailability is no help (posted 9th October)

Cheadle & Gatley      5     Ladybridge     2

Another disappointing defeat for the under 15's losing 5-2 to Cheadle & Gatley.

In an afternoon kick off LBC started the match without a number of players who had previous commitments and the management team need to learn from this and try and get any future afternoon games flagged on the website earlier.

We had 2 players making their debuts and they both played their part and contributed to the team, hopefully both be part of the squad in the future. By the time the makeshift defence had gotten to grips with the new positions they were being asked to play, we found ourselves 3-0 down all mistakes due some poor defending which did improve as the game progressed.

The forwards and midfield players never gave up and although 3 down were still playing some excellent football which resulted in Alex Parker pulling a goal back before half time. The second half saw chances at both ends and LBC had a couple of good chances before a disputed offside goal finished the match. Their were 3 C&G players yards offside and the referee pointed in the direction of the line which caused both teams to stop, the referee then signalled to play on and C&G scored an easy goal finishing the match.

Both teams scored another goal with Nick Howard scoring a consolation goal for LBC and Luke Burns hitting the bar.

MOM for commitment, attitude and leadership Mark Tipping

(Report courtesy of Max Gray)

Disappointment in first defeat (posted 30th September)

Nomads   4   Ladybridge   1

The under 15's lost their 1st match of the season to Cheadle Heath Nomads 4 goals to 1.

The match didn't live up to expectations as previous games between these sides have been played in a very competitive spirit. LBC took the lead midway through the 1st half when a goalkeeping clearance fell to Nick Howard who skipped around a defender and placed the ball into an unguarded net from the edge of the box. Both teams had chances after this and CHN equalised a few minutes before the break.

After the break both teams created chances, the best of which were created by Dominic Kirby who could have given LBC a lead on 2 occasions. CHN appeared to have a little more fight than LBC as the game progressed and they took a 2-1 lead 15 minutes from the end. LBC tried to get back on equal terms and left openings which resulted in CHN scoring 2 further goals minutes from the end. Overall, we didn't deserve to win but didn't deserve to lose by 3 goals and if we learnt anything we need to be more competitive.

M O M Dominic Kirby

Stockport Junior Blues     0        Ladybridge County   4     

A great start to the season as LBC beat SJB 4-0 away from home in an excellent performance from all 14 players involved. Two goals in each half scored by Nathan and Danny in the first and the second half goals scored by Nick and Nial.

It was difficult to choose a player of the match as everyone played well but it came down to a choice between Luke (midfield), Loyd (ctr back) and Jake (goalkeeper) who's shouting from the back was a real bonus. The player of the match badge was given to Luke as his performance exceeded expectation. We see this level of skill in training every week but this is his best match day performance since joining LBC. The result against a decent SJB team will post a warning to other teams that we are still a strong side who will take some beating.

The U 14's made it two consecutive wins with a narrow 2-1 win over Spurley Hey. Two first half goals from Nick Howard and Nathan Willis were enough to clinch the points. Only solid second half defending and two good saves from goal keeper Jack Hassall prevented Spurley Hey taking a share of the spoils. (Info courtesy of Steve Kewley)