Match Reports - Season 2008/2009

Sat. 23rd Aug 2008	V	O.Blackburnians Res (a) 2 - 4 (ht.-) scorers : T.Martin, P.Cain
		Match Report will appear here when submitted.
Wed. 27th Aug 2008 LAL Cup Rd 1	V	Little Lever SC (a) 0 - 2 (ht.0-2) scorers : -
		On a miserable evening and without some of the regular team we went to Little Lever one of the leading Premier league sides hoping for a giant killing performance. We survived the early exchanges with goalkeeper Simon Hurst denying Little Lever on a number of occasions. We then settled down and the match became more even. However after 37 mins Little Lever were first to react to a loose ball to open the scoring. Three minutes later a great shot from their fullback as our defence stood off increased their lead. Although having more of the ball in the second half Little Lever could not penetrate our defence. Likewise Broughton had only brief glances of the Little Lever goal which resulted in a stalemate situation for the second half. Overall it was a good performance against a strong Premier division side.
Sat. 30th Aug 2008	VV	Howe Bridge Mills (h) 1 - 4 (ht.1-2) scorers : T.Martin
		Broughton began brightly and after 9 mins T Martin touched in a shot cum cross from Cummins. Howe bridge came back into the game and both sides had chances to score. Then Howe Bridge scored in the 37 min and then 8 minutes later their center back scored with a long range shot to take the lead. Howe Bride now had their tails up and scored twice in three minutes at the beginning of the second half. Although we fought hard we could not score again and Howe Bridge finished worthy winners. -SS
Sat. 13th Sept 2008 LFA Cup Rd 1	V	Syke FC - ROCHDALE (a) 9 - 1 (ht.3-0) scorers : I.Latham 5, B.Stuart, N.Eccles, T.Martin, S.Bynoe
		The first round of the LFA cup saw us travel to Rochdale to play an unknown team from the greater Manchester league, both teams started brightly creating early chances but we took the initiative when new signing Sean scored his first goal for the club, we were 2 up shortly after when Latham got his first of the game and Ben Stuart marked another good performance with our 3rd. After the break we stepped up another gear scoring 4 more goals in 15 minutes, Latham claimed a hat trick with 2 more good finishes, Eccles then made it 6 with a fine strike and Latham got his fourth after rounding the helpless keeper. Whilst cruising at 7 nil up all 3 substitutes got on but we took the foot off the gas a bit too much allowing Syke to score a consolation goal, Adam in goals who had been kept busy and was having an excellent game was disappointed in not claiming a clean sheet. It was a sharp wake up call which resulted in 2 more goals one from sub Tony Martin who converted from a very tight angle and Latham finished things off with his 5th of the game. An overall excellent performance with plenty of goals, hopefully this will be the confidence builder we need to kick start our season. - NE
Sat. 20th Sept 2008	V	Spotland Methodists (h) 6 - 1 (ht.2-1) scorers : I. Latham 2, S. Bynoe 2, B. Stuart, P. Slater
		Confidence was high after last week’s 10 goal thriller and things started pretty well for us this week too. A number of chances were created in the opening 15 minutes and our reward came when Stuart fired in from close range. Our lead only lasted 2 minutes though as Spotland hit straight back but then a moment of madness from their goal scorer saw him see red minutes later. With the one man advantage we took control of the game getting our noses in front when Slater notched his first ever goal for Broughton. After the break it was much of the same as we completely controlled the game, Latham and Bynoe both scored a brace but the 6 – 1 final score could quite easily have been much more. Another good performance from everyone to earn our first 3 points of the season. - NE
Sat. 27th Sept 2008	V	Hindley Juniors (a) 3 - 2 (ht.0-2) scorers : I.Latham, B.Stuart, P.Cain
		A full strength Broughton side travelled to Wigan for a tricky match against a team that beat us in both games last season, we started very well having most of the possession and also creating some good early chances. Unfortunately we were made to pay for not capitalising on the earlier opportunities and Hindley took the lead, it was completely against the run of play and we didn’t help ourselves when minutes later a shocking clearance from our goal keeper handed Hindley their second. It was hard to come to terms with going 2 goals down so cheaply but we stuck together and continued to play good football. During the half time break we received some encouraging but firm words to try and get us back in the game. The second half was a lot more open as we were pressing forward for a breakthrough, and they continued to hit us with some fast counter attacks, but our defence was solid. As we pushed for goals we missed an open net, then somehow missed two chances from inside the six yard box, but eventually our hard work paid off when Latham slotted home after rounding the keeper. We were back in the game but time was against us and as we entered the last 5 minutes it looked like a point had been rescued after a mazy Alston run set up Stuart who fired in a thunderbolt from 20 yards. Luckily the celebrations didn’t end there as in the dying seconds of the game Cain burst through and rounded their helpless keeper to score a fine match winning goal. Every player showed a lot of character especially to come from two goals down and this result will put us in the right frame of mind for the tough forth coming cup tie. - NE
Sat. 4th Oct 2008 LFA Cup Rd 2	V	Winstanley St. Aidans - WIGAN (h) KO 2pm 0 - 4 (ht.0-3) scorers : -
		Today’s game saw the Wigan & District Premier League leaders travel to Myerscough for what we knew would be a tough game. We changed the starting formation to a 3-5-2 which unfortunately didn’t pay off as Winstanley ran in 3 early goals. Most of the first half was played in the Broughton half and we really struggled to create any sort of pressure. After the break though it was a different story, a few changes were made and we reverted back to the normal 4-4-2 formation. In the opening 15 mins of the half we had more possession and kept the opposition on the back foot, even though we fought well the chances were still hard to come by as their back line was solid and difficult to break down. As we pushed on for any sort of consolation we conceded a fourth which was the nail in the coffin. Honestly? Overall we were beaten by the better side but we showed good spirit & committment in the second half and got some self respect back. - NE
Sat. 11th Oct 2008	V	Castle Hill (a) 1 - 2 (ht.0-1) scorer : N.Eccles
		We started today’s game with a few regular players missing and it showed as in the opening 20 mins we were slower than the opposition and it took us a while to settle down. After going a goal down early in the half we battled hard and started to take control, really we should have been on level terms at the break. The 2nd half started at a very fast tempo with chances coming and going for both teams, but it was our hard work that paid off when Bynoe's long ball forward was met on the volley by Eccles who neatly placed his shot passed the advancing keeper. We were right back in the game and we certainly didn’t hold back, we continued pushing forward in search of a winner with Seddon and Martin both coming close. Unfortunately the winner didn’t come for us and Castle Hill snatched it in the last minute with a very bizarre goal, it was hard for everybody to take after the hard work put in to get things back level, but sometimes these things happen in football and its up to us to pick ourselves back up and get back to winning ways next week. - NE
Sat. 18th Oct 2008	V	Horwich Victoria (h) 2 - 3 (ht.2-3) scorers : J.Seddon 2
		On the back of 2 straight defeats a few changes were made to hopefully get our season back on track. Things were looking good for us in the opening 10 minutes as for the first time in a long while we started the better team and it wasn’t long before we deservedly took the lead, Seddon scoring his first of the season with an absolute screamer from 25 yards. Most teams would have continued to press for another goal but we switched off and 2 minutes later Horwich bagged an equaliser and literally 30 seconds after we kicked off Horwich somehow scored again putting themselves in front. The game was completed turned on its head within a matter of minutes and the confidence had been completely knocked out of us. With the game settling down Broughton seemed to gain the upper hand with some good football and Seddon capitalised on a good move when he neatly lobbed the keeper from inside the area. The game was all square again as the half came to a close, unfortunately for us though Horwich grabbed a third, which was a good goal and nothing we could have done about it, it was just a great finish. Into the second and we showed real grit and determination to get a goal back, for the majority of the second period we played the game in their half however we couldn’t find the finish needed to level the match. Horwich went top of the league with the win in this match and we were very unlucky not to take points from the new league leaders. - NE
Sat. 1st Nov 2008	V	Castle Hill (h) 3 - 3 (ht.2-2) scorers : S.Bynoe 2, I.Latham
		We needed to be at our best from the start against an unbeaten Castle Hill and with a point to prove after their last gasp winner against us only weeks before. We definitely started the brighter of the two teams going 2 goals in front very early on, one from the penalty spot by Latham and a second from an excellent piece of individual skill from Bynoe. As usual though we didn’t hold onto the lead and Castle Hill pulled one back and then equalised from the pen spot. The game was turning into a battle and we showed some good spirit to keep it level until the break. After the interval we were put under some extreme pressure, unfortunately we couldn’t hold on and Castle Hill took the lead, the keeper and back line had showed some real quality during the game to keep them out and it looked like their hard work would have been wasted. That was until Bynoe scored a real beauty from just outside the Castle Hill area, the game was level with only minutes to go. We did hold out for a deserved point against a very good outfit and it just shows that we are capable of competing with the teams in the top half of the table. - NE
Sat. 8th Nov 2008	V	Prairie United (a) 1 - 3 (ht.0-2) scorers : B.Stuart
		Our trip to the league leaders saw us not get off to a good start at all, within the first 15 minutes we were already 2-0 down, things did start to look up for us towards the end of the halve but the wrong decisions in front of goal cost any sort come back before the break. After the restart we dominated and to be honest we played some of the best football of the season so far. Stuart got a goal back for us but as we pushed for an equalizer Prairie caught us on the break and commended us to another defeat, even though we played some excellent football we once against came away with nothing. - NE
Sat. 15th Nov 2008	V	Mostonians (h) 0 - 3 (ht.0-1) scorers : -
		We were up against another top 3 side today and after not having the rub of the green in the last couple of weeks we had a point to prove. Both teams started at a very fast tempo with chances being created at both ends, it was Broughton who edged the opening 30 minutes but once again we had nothing to show for it which eventually cost us as a horrific cock up at the back gifted Mostonians a 1-0 lead. After that we were lucky to keep the score at 1-0 and the half time whistle was a welcome relief. The 2nd half started and we fell to pieces, there was no composure, fight or belief that we could even get back into the match, Mostonians scored a couple more goals which could have been a lot more if they hadn’t have got carried away with the fact we gave up. The dressing room after the match wasn’t the place to be as Latham brought a few home truths forward, not at any individuals but at the team itself. I just hope for all the players involved it sinks in and we can turn this miserable run around. .
Sat. 29th Nov 2008	V	O.Blackburnians Res (h) 0 - 2 (ht.0-1) scorers : -
		A foggy afternoon at Myerscough saw us up against our local rivals from Blackburn, both teams started well with chances going begging at each end, Old Blacks took the lead from a corner mid way through the first half but it really should have been defended better as the ball crept in at the back post. We hadn't been playing badly but with the run of results we'd had lately nothing was going our way. Into the second half and we pushed forward for an equaliser but their back line held firm, we had a good penalty claim turned down before they were awarded a spot kick after a blatant foul in the box, the penalty was converted which condemned us to another defeat, but we have to believe that we can turn this dreadful run around. - NE
Sat. 6th Dec 2008	V	Howe Bridge Mills (a) 0 - 3 (ht.-) scorers : -
		Match Report will appear here when submitted.
Sat. 13th Dec 2008	V	Chaddertonians Res (h) 2 - 1 (ht.1-0) scorers : D. Morgan, B. Stuart
		Match Report will appear here when submitted.
Sat. 31st Jan 2009	V	Prairie United (h) 3 - 2 (ht.1-1) scorers : I. Latham, B. Stuart, S. Mitchell
		After 7 weeks without a game we had the task of taking on top of the league, we didn’t start well at all and within 5 mins we were 1 down with a Broughton player getting on the score sheet. It was backs against the wall for the next 10 mins but we kept it together and didn’t concede. We did eventually come to life and got our reward when Latham neatly lobbed the Prairie Goalkeeper (fortunate goal as he was yards offside). Half time came and went but we didn’t make things easy for ourselves going 2-1 one behind straight after the restart, we picked ourselves up and again started to play some very good football (you wouldn’t have thought it was nearly 2 months ago since we last played). The midfield dominated possession and were creating plenty of opportunities to get forward, it was from this hard work that we deservedly equalised, Stuart out ran their back line to easily finish past the advancing keeper. We knew from this point that the win was there for the taking and with a slight bit of fortune we took the lead when a cross-come-shot from Mitchell flew into the top corner leaving their keeper helpless. In the closing stages we did come under some serious pressure but the defence held firm and when needed Stone pulled off some superb saves. An outstanding team performance which showed that on our day we can compete with the teams at the top, that’s back to back wins in the league which sets us up nicely for the second half of the season. - NE
Sat. 14th Feb 2009	V	Thornleigh (h) 7 - 2 (ht.3-1) scorers : S. Cummins, I. Latham 2, G. Halse, B. Stuart, J. Seddon, S. Bynoe
		Broughton began brightly and against a sluggish Thornleigh defence and quickly went ahead when Cummins charged down a clearance from the goalkeeper and the ball went into the net. After 10 mins a great pass by Bynoe was finished by Latham. We then had to wait until the 30 min for the goal of the match when Halse finished off a great passing move. Just before half time Thornleigh were awarded a fortunate penalty to pull one back. Five minutes into the second half a through ball was expertly converted by Latham and then Stuart added another shortly after. Thornleigh scored after 60 mins but Broughton then went on to score two more goals a penalty by Seddon and a glorious strike by Bynoe. At last we are seeing the true potential of the side. -SS
Sat. 21st Feb 2009	V	Tyldesley (a) 2 - 0 (ht.0-0) scorers : B. Stuart 2
		A tricky away tie was in prospect as we travelled to one of the league strugglers Tyldesley. We didn’t start to well giving the ball away too easily and inviting pressure onto us, but after an uneasy start we dominated the later stages of the 1st half but couldn’t take the lead. The second half was just as competitive with both teams playing attacking football, P Coulton pulled off an amazing save to prevent them taking the lead and with our next attack we went 1 nil up, Cummings with the low cross to the un-marked Stuart who neatly fired past the advancing keeper. Tyldesley then piled on the pressure but they never hit the target with any of their attempts. We had a glorious chance to settle it when Cain rounded the man in the sticks but his shot was cleared off the line, lucky for us we scored from the resulting corner when Stuart poked home inside the 6 yard box. A good win for us in a game in which we never excelled but that’s 4 wins on the bounce and first clean sheet of the season!! - NE
Sat. 28th Feb 2009	V	Little Lever SC Res (h) 4 - 1 (ht.2-0) scorers : A. Richards, S. Bynoe, B. Stuart (2)
		Only goal difference separated us from Little Lever in the league and there was nothing to choose between the 2 teams in the opening 30 minutes. It was a closely fought contest but the game swung our way when Richards expertly converted a free kick. The goal was just what we needed as it sparked us into life and we took control of the game. It wasn’t long before the pressure paid off when Bynoe nipped in at the back post to finish off an excellent low cross from Cummins. After the break it was much of the same as we totally dominated the game, Stuart got his first as his low shot slipped through the keeper’s hands. We gave them a soft goal back though, letting Little Lever pull one back after we failed to clear our lines quickly enough. This set back didn’t alter the pace of the game as we continued to push forward. Stuart grabbed his second when he capitalised on a defensive mix up and from that point it was all over. It was a great game to play in as everyone was full of confidence which showed in our ability on the ball. This has to be one of the best performances of the season and with some good luck and continued good play our winning streak could continue for a bit longer. - NE
Sat 7th Mar 2009	V	Tyldesley (h) 3 - 1 (ht.0-1) scorers : N. Eccles 2, S. Bynoe
		The story of not starting games well continued this week when we fell behind to an early goal, one that our keeper won’t like to remember in a hurry. We never really got going in the first half and don’t remember us having a single shot on goal, the break was what the team needed as we hadn’t settled at all. After the restart we were a completely different outfit, the whole team had upped their game and we started to look like a team in form. We started to put Tyldesley under some serious pressure and it finally paid off when Eccles headed home from a great corner by Cain. This was the break through needed but it wasn’t all that easy because Tyldesley were awarded a penalty for a trip in the box. Stone put his earlier mistake behind him and pulled off an excellent save. This proved to be the game's turning point as Tyldesley collapsed after the penalty miss. We seized the advantage taking the lead through Bynoe, his mazy run past 3 or 4 opposition players was finished off in style with a super strike from 30 yards. We finished the comeback when Eccles grabbed his second firing past the keeper from just inside the area. A game of 2 halves saw us over power Tyldesley in the second as we deservedly came out on top. - NE
Sat. 14th Mar 2009	V	Little Lever SC Res (a) 2 - 3 (ht.1-0) scorers : N. Eccles, S. Bynoe
		Again we didn't start the game well and if Little Lever could hit the target we would have 3 or 4 down inside of 15 minutes, against the run of play we did take the lead when Eccles neatly finished from a Cummings cross but going ahead didn’t really kick start us. Into the second half and Little Lever pressed for an equaliser and eventually the inevitable happened, for some reason this goal sparked some life into us and within 5 minutes we were back in front When Bynoe headed home but we couldn’t capitalise on this and it wasn’t long before we were under pressure again. A slip at the back let Little Lever in for another equaliser and with minutes to go a poorly defended corner resulted in their third. We would have been lucky to come away with a point today so lets hope we can make things right next week. - NE
Sat 21st Mar 2009	V	Chadderton Res (a) 3 - 3 (ht.1-3) scorers : I. Latham, B. Stuart, P. Harford
		Well we’ve some bad starts to games this season but this one has to be the worst, in the opening 7 minutes we were 3 down as Chadderton took full advantage of our dismal start. A change in formation shortly followed as we started to play a little bit of decent football and we pulled a goal back when a saved Bynoe shot fell kindly to the feet of Latham who slotted home into the empty net. It could have got worse moments later as chadderton were awarded a penalty only for it to be blasted wide. Into the second half we went and it was us who stepped up a gear pulling another goal back when a good ball forward from Eccles was met by Stuart who easily beat the keeper. The momentum was now with us as we pinned Chadderton back in the own half, chances came and went but we grabbed a well deserved equaliser when Harford popped up in the box to squeeze the ball into the bottom corner. With 20 minutes left to play there was plenty of time to grab a winner but it never came, we survived a late spell of pressure from them to hold on for the point which in the great scheme of things was well earned. The dreadful start was amended with some good football in patches but we're going to have work on playing from the start instead of forcing ourselves to play catch up. - NE
Sat. 28th Mar 2009	V	Hindley Juniors (a) 3 - 4 (ht.0-2) scorers : B. Stuart 3
		After the start we had to last weeks game it was a must that we were switched on for the game from the off. It was a pretty even start from both teams but after half an hour Hindley took the lead from a very good counter attack. It wasn’t long before they had doubled there lead as they capitalised on us failing to clear the ball quickly enough. At half time changes were made but straight after the restart we found ourselves 3-0 nil down. But for some reason being 3 down is what we need to start playing decent football!! Our passing became sharper and as a team we started helping each other out, we pulled a goal back when Stuart headed home an excellent Harford cross and minutes later Eccles’s good run forward saw him play through Stuart who coolly slotted past the advancing keeper for his second. We were right back in the game and team's spirit was up, we pushed for an equaliser and Eccles turned provider again for Stuart who’s good finish brought us level. After some good hard work to get level again Hindley were awarded a free kick which was a very harsh decision, when those calls go against you you no it isn’t your day, and Hindley took advantage of some poor marking to take a 4-3 lead, the action wasn’t over there as our Manager and a Hindley player both saw red which pretty much summed up the afternoon. One very bad refereeing decision saw what would have been another excellent come back thrown away. - NE
Sat 4th Apr 2009	V	Horwich Victoria (a) 0 - 2 (ht.0-0) scorers : -
		On a very windy afternoon against one of the top teams in the division we started reasonably well, we didn’t really create a lot going forward but in defence we were very tight which was a vast improvement from previous weeks. At the interval the game was still level and with the wind right behind us it was our chance to push forward. With us on the attack though Horwich caught us on the counter and took the lead, and things got worse moments later when a low cross was parried by our keeper only to rebound in off the back of our last defender. As we searched for a break through Horwich held firm and the likelihood of another comeback looked grim. When the final whistle went we knew we had been beaten by the better team so as soon as this game is forgotten about the better. - NE
Sat. 11th Apr 2009	V	Mostonians (a) 1 - 4 (ht.0-0) scorers : I. Latham
		A depleted first team squad travelled to Greater Manchester to face title chasing Mostonians, with a makeshift backline in place we did very well not to make any early mistakes and it was us who had the best chances with Latham coming close on a couple of occasions. It stayed at 0-0 until the break which was credit to the team. But we all know how quickly things can change and within 15 minutes of the restart we found ourselves 3 down, we didn’t deserve to be 3 down but teams punish you for making errors at the back. We didn’t give up though and carried on playing reasonably well considering, Latham pulled one goal back when he smashed home from a very tight angle and on another day we could have scored 3 or 4 more because the chances were being created. It just wasn’t our day and to rub salt in the wounds Moston capitalised on our inability to communicate at the back and score a fourth. It wasn’t a bad effort from the team that was put out but the result could have been a lot different if we had just done the simple things better. - NE
Sat 18th Apr 2009	V	Spotland Methodists (a) 5 - 3 (ht.4-1) scorers : N. Eccles 5
		A near full strength team travelled to Rochdale to face already relegated Spotland Methodists. We started poorly and felll behind very early on but their lead didn’t last long when Eccles headed home a Cain free kick. We continued pressing forward and Eccles got his second neatly finishing off a Cummings cross, we were totally dominating the game and Eccles completed a first half hat trick when he fired home a great cross from Bynoe. His goal scoring antics didn’t stop there as Eccles claimed his fourth with the pick of the lot firing across the keeper from just outside the box (not bad going playing in midfield). We were in cruise control by the break so a few changes were made and pretty much from the restart Eccles, again, now playing upfront scored his fifth as he collected a neat through ball and easily beat the advancing keeper. We had plenty of chances to even double the score line but slack defending cost us and Spotland caught use out twice before the final whistle. Hopefully the last 30 minutes of the game was a learning curve for the young back line not to slacken off at any stage of a game.
Mon. 20th Apr 2009	V	Chew Moor Brook (a) 0 - 2 (ht.-) scorers : -
		Match Report will appear here when submitted.
Sat 25th Apr 2009	V	Thornleigh (a) 2 - 4 (ht.-) scorers : D. Morgan, I. Latham
		Match Report will appear here when submitted.
Sat. 2nd May 2009	V	Chew Moor Brook (h) 0 - 3 (ht.-) scorers : -
		Match Report will appear here when submitted.

Back Row: Billy Walton, Tom Lowcock, Mick Jones, Paul Coulton, Ade Owens, Scott Iddon, Rob Pomfret,
Rob Lever (Capt), James Mottley
Front Row: Simon Hurst, Mark Birkett, Lee Plaskett, Rohan Kinsley-Smith (mascot), Pete Monks, Tony Martin,
Danny Barry (player/manager)

Sat. 23rd Aug 2008	V	Rochdale St. Clements 'A' (h) 0 - 3 (ht.0-2) scorers : -
		We began brightly but could not convert possession into goals. Then after quarter of an hour Rochdale had a free kick just out of the area which was expertly taken and resulted in a goal. Ten minutes later a quick raid put Rochdale further ahead. Other than goals the first half belonged to Broughton. Again in the early exchanges in the second half our quick passing meant we had most of the possession but just when you expected some reward Rochdale scored again. The match then became a stale mate as both sides began to tire.
Sat. 30th Aug 2008	V	Bolton Wyresdale Res (a) 1 - 2 (ht.1-0) scorers : P. Monks
		With many players returning to the squad this week we travelled to Bolton with a very strong starting eleven, we were looking for our first victory of the season and we started on the front foot playing some very good football and creating lots of chances. We went 1-0 up 20 mins into the game when Monks was fouled in the box, he took the penalty himself and sent the keeper the wrong way, the game continued at a good tempo but with decisions going against Wyresdale tackles started flying in which the referee had no control over. Positive words from the manager at half time set us on our way but we really never got going like in the first half, things weren’t helped when Eccles saw red for reacting to a horrific challenge on himself, the opposite player only received a yellow. Backs against the wall for the remainder of the game saw them equalise then take the lead from the spot after a deliberate handball on the line. After a great opening to the match the game was spoilt by an inconsistent referee who had no control over what was happening on the pitch. NE
Wed. 3rd Sept 2008 Cup Rd 1	V	Hesketh Casuals Res (a) 1 - 2 (ht.1-1) scorers : I.Latham
		We travelled to Southport with a mixed squad hoping to upset the league winners of last season, we started poorly and really never got ourselves going for a good 20 mins, we fell behind from a quick counter attack and were trailing for most of the first half, we started showing signs that we can play good football and got a deserved equaliser when Latham scored a brilliant free kick. After the break it was pretty even between each team with both teams hitting the woodwork. Then like usual an outrageous refereeing decision changed the match, Hesketh were awarded a penalty for what the referee called a dangerous sliding challenge in the box, Dan clearly won the ball fairly and not one of the Hesketh players could believe the decision themselves. The penalty was converted as the protests to another useless referee continued, we never recovered from this which saw us exit the cup at the first hurdle. A few things need to be worked on and then hopefully we can turn this awful start to the season around. NE
Sat. 13th Sept 2008	V	Hesketh Casuals Res (a) 4 - 1 (ht.3-0) scorers : C.Duffy 2, P.Monks, A.Spencer-Richards
		After missing the last three games due to 1st team duty the manager returned to a depleted squad and the prospect of playing last seasons champions was going to be a tall order. However we started the game on fire with Richards scoring a screamer from 20 yards out stunning the opposition. Then when Duffy rounded the keeper and Monks converted a penalty Hesketh just gave up. At half time we looked the fresher until Richards vomited all of the previous night ale up to the wrath of Barry who would have taken him off if he wasn’t having such a class game. We started the stronger and missed several chances which Hesketh capitalised on scoring from a free kick leaving Hurst stranded. This left time for more missed chances until Duffy sealed the game when their defender tried to dribble the ball out only to be mugged by Carl who calmly slotted home. This then presented Coulton with his outfield debut when he replaced the now sober Richards. Just shows you if you put in 110% what rewards you can get especially against the league champions away - DB.
Sat. 20th Sept 2008	V	Mostonians Res (a) 1 - 5 (ht.0-2) scorer : G.Winter
		We travelled to Manchester on a warm and sunny indian summer day hoping to cause an upset to one of the leagues early pace setters. Disorganisation reigned before kick off, with 2 of the starting 11 being locked in the changing room and several others getting lost on route. We carried these delays on to the pitch and soon fell a goal behind - a terrific finish into the roof of the net but could've been prevented if we had cleared our lines properly. The 2nds then moved up a gear and matched Moston with Carl Duffy having a header at the back post cleared off the line. Unfortunately a minute before the half time whistle, they scored a break away goal - helped by a lack off communication at the back. We were not out of the game by any means and the team talk centred around the need to fly straight out of the traps after half time. Unfortunately this did not happen. On several more occasions there was more kamikaze defending and we were fortunate to come away only conceding 5. The one thread of silver lining came in the form of a classy goal from Gaz "Geppetto" Winter with a clearance cannoning of his shoulder into the roof of the net. A game to forget!! - PC
Sat. 27th Sept 2008	V	Failsworth Dynamoes Res (h) 2 - 2 (ht.2-0) scorers : M.Jones, F.Farrington
		Against top of the league Failsworth we fielded a strong side and started brightly, however but for a good save by (big daft) Paul the hard work could have been undone. On the 20 minute mark the early pressure came good and we took the lead with a neat finish from Michael Jones. Broughton did not cease and a second soon followed when Fraser Farrington scored with volley from close range. To add to Failsworth misery they had a player sent off for a reckless tackle which deserved the walk of shame it got. Playing against ten men we wasted several opportunities before and after Failswoth went down to 9 men due to an injury with no substitutes remaining. The failure to convert their chances came back to haunt us on the 75 minute mark where a top class free kick beat the despairing dive of Big Daft and crashed into the net via the top corner. Despite having 9 men they maintained their onslaught - just when we thought we had got away with all three points Failsworth sneaked in with a back post header - though he was so far offside I would be surprised if the referee has slept since. All in all a good point based on the opposition - but it should have been all 3 !! - PC
Sat. 4th Oct 2008	V	Little Lever SC 'A' (a) 1 - 4 (ht.1-1) scorers : C.Duffy
		The seconds, rejuvenated from the previous week's gutsy performance travelled to Bolton hoping the avenge the 4-2 drubbing from last season having been 2-0 up for 75 minutes. We started brightly and should have been awarded a penalty when Rob was ankle tapped by the keeper when clean through. Despite plenty of early chances we failed to convert and it was the Bolton outfit that took the lead when Rob allowed the ball to squirm like a lubricated bar of soap under his foot - the striker latched onto it a calmly slotted into the bottom corner. We then hauled ourselves back into the game with a well worked goal finished by Duffy. The second half should have been straight forward but the suicidal defending witnessed earlier in the season raised it ugly head allowing the Bolton outfit to quickly grab a 4-1 lead at the same time as Broughton being guilty of missing four sitters. A very disappointing result - a game which we could have won even after conceding 4!! - PC
Sat. 11th Oct 2008	V	Rossendale Ams 'A' (h) 3 - 4 (ht.1-1) scorers : M.Jones, R.Pomfret, A.Dale
		Following the worst performance so far this season away at Little Lever, we entertained Rossendale in the first match of a double header against the east Lancashire outfit. We started brightly and created several chances but failed to convert. Then on the half hour mark hesitant defending from a corner followed by a game of head tennis was abruptly ended by Rossendale's very own Robby Savage look a like, who smashed a crisp volley into the roof of the net. We soon equalised with a shot from Jonesy, the lack of power fooling everyone as the ball trickled into the net. The second half started in scrappy fashion, with little quality and several dodgy challenges. We broke the deadlock on the hour mark when a lobbed drive from Pommy hypnotised the goal keeper into thinking he was waving his family off on holiday, as the ball floated in under the cross bar. We failed to capitalise on the lead and shortly after found ourselves 3-2 down after conceding two near identical goals, where the Rossy attack far too easily passed through our defence and slotting home from 10 yards. We then fell further behind when Rossendale struck on the counter attack with a well worked goal. This seemed to awaken the 2nds who responded instantly, this time through Dale, whose long range cross-shot beat the keeper at the near post. Broughton finished the game with lots of pressure but no final product to lose yet another game that should have been won by half time!! - PC
Sat. 18th Oct 2008	V	Rossendale Ams 'A' (a) 1 - 3 (ht.0-1) scorer : C.Duffy
		After throwing away a comfortable 2 -1 lead in the previous week to lose 4-3 to the same team, we made the ascent to Rossendale knowing what we were up against and what was required to take all three points. After a shaky start in less than ideal conditions we took control but were not able to make the most of the few chances on offer. It looked as though we had lady luck on our side, after Ade Owens nothing short of assaulted Rossy's centre forward in the box, but the referee made the worst decision since Juande Ramos signed Heurelho Gomes - waving away the home cries of "penalty". We did not make the most of the second life, when seconds before half time some slack defending followed by a woeful offside shout allowed the opposition to poke home from close range. The second half started in worsening conditions and as the broughton defence switched off again the Rossy's centre forward to ghosted in onto the end of a very long ball and headed in from 16 yards. The second goal seemed to waken us, and we were right back in the game when Duffy unleashed a 30 yard thunderbolt that crashed in via the cross bar. Just when a positive result looked likely, suicidal defending by Barry gave Rossendale an early Christmas present which their centre forward gobbled up confidently. A further late rally from us came to nothing - another game that we should have at least a point from but came away with nothing!!! Our Man of the Match was Fraser Farrington whose only mistake was the offside shout. - PC
Sat. 25th Oct 2008	V	Lymm Res (h) 3 - 0 (ht.2-0) scorers : C.Duffy, P.Harford 2
		In our first competetive game since Dave Wilson passed away the 2nds did him proud with a great win - Well done Lads !! After back to back defeats against Rossendale we entertained fellow strugglers Lymm Reserves looking for a much needed win to kick start the season. The game marked the return to fitness and action of keeper Paul C, who was immediately in the thick of things. After comfortably taking a cross the big keeper punted the ball up field to give his forwards an early through ball to try and get on the end of. The distance of the kick made a fool of the Lymm keeper, caught under the flight of the ball and getting done by the bounce - Carl Duffy was on hand to side foot the ball into the empty net from all of 2½ yards. Lymm came back strongly and forced a good reaction save from Paul C, before the keeper's clearance undid the Lymm defence again - this time with Duffy heading the ball on and into the path of Paul Harford who expertly slotted home from close range. In the second half Broughton wasted several glorious chances before Harford grabbed his second goal as the poor conditions started to take its toll on the players and the game fizzled out. A good win without getting out of second gear!! - PC
Sat. 1st Nov 2008	V	Accrington Ams Res (a) 1 - 0 (ht.1-0) scorers : M.Jones
		An awkward fixture on a dodgy pitch in bad conditions saw us digging deep and standing as a team to be counted when we needed to. We dominated most areas, but they did have their chances however a deserved win was sealed with a good strike from Jones as we record back to back wins.
Sat. 8th Nov 2008	V	Bacup United (h) 2 - 1 (ht.0-1) scorers : J.Mottley 2
		The run continues with another solid team performance. All units worked hard to close the opposition down and when we were in possession we crafted several good opportunities two of which were converted by Mottley to seal the deserved win.
Sat. 15th Nov 2008	V	Old Mancunians Res (a) 1 - 1 (ht.0-0) scorers : J.Mottley
		The seconds travelled to Manchester on a chilly Autumnal day brimming with confidence having won the last three on the bounce. Top of the league Old Mancunians, were the opponents, with the 2nds looking to avenge the Extra Time defeat in the semi final of last seasons cup competition. Despite the recent heavy rainfall the pitch was in good condition and despite having to endure early midfield pressure it was Broughton who carved out the first opening with the keeper producing a superb save to deny Paul H. Further chances were missed by Broughton before Old Manc's moved up a gear and created a series of chances. The first came from a neat interchange of passes before Old Manc's lanky striker turned outside then inside followed by a low shot which Paul C did well to keep out. The same striker failed to make the most of a good position when he blasted over before forcing another save from Paul this time at his near post. The scare lifted the seconds once again with the Old Manc's keeper producing a string of top notch saves and Broughton squandering a number of glorious chances. The second half started in the same fashion with yet more brilliant interventions from the Old Manc's keeper, before a quick counter attack caught the Broughton defence, keeper (and tracking midfielders) on their heels, as a shot cross from the corner of the 18 yard box was flicked on at the near post and into the back of the net. The goal deflated Broughton somewhat and just as an Old Manc's second goal looked more likely a neat interchange between Fraser F and Paul H opened up the goal for Mottley who slotted home from close range. Further chances passed by in the closing minutes, notably from Man of the Match (and all round nice guy) Mark Birkett, whose rasping, spinning drive produced another fine save from the keeper. A game we should have won but could have easily lost - the unbeaten run continues. - PC
Sat. 22nd Nov 2008	V	Tottington United (h) 3 - 1 (ht.1-0) scorers : M.Jones, P.Monks, P.Harford
		We turned up at Myerscough with time to burn and with a full strong squad even though there were players missing. We started the game very well and outclassed Tottington, with Mottley carrying on his recent form. He made some great runs through on goal but was pulled back for off side, we were also unlucky when Danny 'the old man' Barry had a shot from no less than 35 yards which struck the joint of bar and post. Mid way through the 1st half Jones pounced on a loose ball in the area smashing it home for us to take the lead. We had many more chances but could not capitalise on them Tottington then had a man sent off for violent conduct. At HT a few words of encouragement from the management made everyone in the dressing room get themselves up and ready for the second half. We put the Tottington defence under pressure and they hacked down one of our players in the area. Jones stepped up coolly only to see the penalty saved down to the keepers right. We kept coming at Tottington and added a second, when from a set piece the loose ball in the area fell to Monks he then drilled it home past about 4 defenders from all of 2 yards out. We scored a 3rd when a through ball was nicely picked up on the left by Harford whose pace took him past the Tottington defender like he wasn't there then coolly slotted home for 3-0. We were on for a clean sheet 1st one of the season but 5 min's from time with us pushing for a 4th, leaving just Barry on his own at the back, Tottington broke out for the 1st time in a 15 minute patch, Barry was never gonna catch the striker in a month of sunday's. Keeper pulled off a good 1st save to spare Barry's blushes but the ball came straight back to the striker's feet and he slotted home. 3-1 overall a great performance from the Broughton boys who have got a bit of a winning streak in them at the moment. Long may it continue. - CD
Sat. 20th Dec 2008	V	Mostonians Res (h) 2 - 3 (ht.1-0) scorers : P. Monks, J. Mottley
		With us being unbeaten in our last five games we fancied ourselves against a strong Mostonian side. The game was very tight until Mottley left their defenders for dead to slot home which really unsettled them as they are used to intimidating teams. They resorted to some late tackles causing the game to start to boil over which wasn’t helped by an inexperienced referee? We held on until half time but the second half was wave after wave of Mostonian pressure but the defence held out until 20 minutes to go when Coulton and Barry hesitated on a deflection allowing their forward to fire in from close range. This then opened the flood gates as they scored two more with some good forward play showing why they had only lost one league game. Barry took himself off and pushed everyone forward and when their captain was sent off for an offence in the area all hell broke loose with the ref losing control as Jones was stamped on while receiving treatment reducing us to 10 men. Monks showed composure to convert the penalty and we nearly snatched a point. I cannot fault the effort of the lads but the actions of some of the opposition were a disgrace to the game, which is sad, as they can be a good footballing side - DB.
Sat. 17th Jan 2009	V	Lymm Res (a) 2 - 1 (ht.1-1) scorers : P. Harford, R. Lever
		We travelled to Lymm looking to get back to winning ways following the last gasp loss in the last match. A very scrappy start with little quality threatened to boil over with several reckless challenges flying in. The worst challenge of the lot made by the Lymm number 8 fortunately missed Mark Burket (all round nice guy) to connect with Lymm's centre forward leaving him needing treatment. The game came alive when first Motley squandered a one-on-one following a huge clearance from Paul (who some say is big and daft). A carbon copy long ball followed but this time, as Motley was about to pull the trigger he was cynically brought down, with the ref have no option to award a penalty and send off their centre half. Motley stepped up and coolly slotted against the keeper!! Fortunately for him in the scramble that followed, Rob Lever produced a stunning finish on the turn to give us the lead. (Rumour has it that it was the first goal Rob had ever scored including training.) As we looked like taking the lead into the break a double deflected shot left Paul C flat footed - though the ball came back off the post Lymm's centre forward was the fastest to react, smashing the ball home. The second half began in equally scrappy fashion with Paul Harford squandering two glorious chances before taking his third opportunity well giving us a much deserved lead. Lymm then applied some pressure but some safe handling from Paul C thwarted any danger. Just as Lymm were trying to build up for one last push, their number 9 got slightly angry with Tom's lego man looks and lashed out - followed by the inevitable walk of shame! PC
Sat. 31st Jan 2009	V	Bacup United (a) 2 - 1 (ht.2-0) scorers : P. Harford, M. Jones
		Following a weekend off we travelled to an arctic wind blown Rawtenstall to play Bacup. Though 4 of the team arrived with plenty of time for preparation and warm ups, the rest of the team went on a sight seeing tour of East Lancashire. The lack of preparation showed in the early stages when aided by a gusty wind we failed to make the conditions count. A fine save from Paul C from a looping, swirling, spinning, lobbing, deflected shot denied Bacup possibly a deserved lead. However on the half hour mark Broughton stepped up a gear and having missed a few half chances we took the lead. Harford took the ball from the right just inside the area, and though it looked as the chance had gone, turned magnificently to drill low, past a flat footed keeper. Broughton soon doubled their lead when Mick Jones lifted the ball over the keeper from a tight angle. As the 2nd half began it started to become apparent that we had possibly not made enough of the conditions, with bacup pressing to get back into the game. Though some top goalkeeping from Paul C and some brave defending by Barry, Owens and Lever kept Bacup at bay, in the 68th minute they got the goal that the pressure deserved. This seemed to put life back into us who and we had a few chances to extend our lead - with Pommy's continuous running and ball retrieving of key note. A stupid, childish petulant kick out then saw one of Bacup's players sent off, though this did not act as a hindrance as they pressed for an equaliser. It never came as our defence stood tall! A solid result!! - PC
Sat. 14th Feb 2009	V	Tottington United (a) 2 - 1 (ht.1-0) scorers : T. Martin 2
		The 2nds travelled to Tottington looking to bury the the ghost of last years fixture where we twice threw away comfortable leads. The pitch was a little boggy in places - this reflected in the early exchanges with neither team settling. It was Tottington who had the early chances with (all round nice guy) Mark Burket being unusually sloppy at right back giving the ball away. On two occasions however, the Tottington attacker struck the ball straight at Paul (who some say is big and daft) and who comfortably saved. It was us who took the lead with Tony Martin finishing a slick passing move. After the break the game continued in scrappy faction, however on 60 minutes a little bit of quality lit up the gloom. Paul smartly took a looping cross before throwing it straight to fire place Scott at left back. As he was closed down he flicked the ball up the line to Mottley who raced up the line before producing a slide rule pass for Martin to side foot low into the net. Just as looked as though we were cruising another uncharacteristic error, this time from Pommy, gave the ball to a Tottington player in an advanced position. A clever diagonal pass by-passed the heart of the our defence, leaving the attacker to slot past the helplessly exposed Paul. As Tottington then pressed for an equaliser, some brave defending and a good saves from PC, following a goal mouth scramble, ensured the points went back up the M61 to Broughton. Man of the match - NOT Pommy or Burket! - PC
Sat. 21st Feb 2009	V	Ashtonians (h) 3 - 3 (ht.1-3) scorers : P. Monks, J. Mottley, T. Martin
		With us only recording one defeat in our last nine games confidence was very high and when we went one up after Jones was allegedly fouled inside the box resulting in one of their players to be sent off for dissent to the dismay of everyone. When order was restored Monks converted the penalty. We then missed several chances which gave them hope and they levelled from a poor clearance from a corner we just folded and they grabbed another two. We got to half time with the manager making some tactical changes going 3-4-3. This seemed to work as we began to create chance after chance and with some solid defending from Lever, Osgood and Barry we got our break when the ref awarded another dubious penalty which Mottley converted. Then with minutes to go we broke down the right with Mottley who squared it to Jones causing a scramble and Martin fired in the equalizer. Today we got out of jail with a gutsy performance and tactical changes that pulled off. However we can’t think we can just turn up and win every week; you have to earn it by giving 100% - DB.
Sat. 7th Mar 2009	V	Ashtonians (a) 0 - 5 (ht.0-1) scorers : -
		This is the game that never was !! We started with 9 men as two players got lost in transit forcing us to use the spectator Lever to give us 10 men. Despite this we had chances to take the lead until Monks made a reckless challenge and was sent off reducing us back to 9 again. We then had to reshuffle leaving poor Jones upfront on his own chasing shadows. The rest is history as 9 men can rarely get a result especially at a team that’s chasing promotion too. Well done to all of the lads for giving 100% I just hope this result doesn’t cost us? - DB.
Sat. 14th Mar 2009	V	Hesketh Res (h) 6 - 3 (ht.2-1) scorers : T. Martin 4, J. Mottley 2
		Following an extremely disappointing result away at Ashtonians the previous week the seconds were looking forward to the opportunity to get back to winning ways on a blustery but dry day at Myerscough. However it was Hesketh who took an early stranglehold on the game, forcing two smart saves from Paul, one a looping shot from the angle, the second drilled from 8 yards out. A free kick led to a further opportunity which was well smothered by Paul who took a knock for his efforts, with the striker being booked for a high boot. Broughton eventually took control with a clever finish from Tony Martin, to be pegged back almost instantly due to a lapse at the back. Hesketh pressed to take the lead, however a commanding catch from Paul followed by a long kick put Tony Martin clean through to give the seconds the lead once again. The second half started in scrappy fashion before Mottley scored a classy goal, first taking the ball on his knee before flicking it over the advancing keeper. Again a Broughton defensive laps allowed Hesketh to claw a goal back before two Hesketh players were sent off, the first was the striker for a second bookable offence, the second their other striker for dissent. Lego man Tom (replacing first team bound all round nice guy Mark Burket) at right back produced a wonderful mazy run only to be let down by an embarrassing shot. Two further goals from Tony Martin and a further one from Mottley gave Broughton a bigger lead, with Hesketh scoring a third somewhere in between due to further slack defending. Man of the Match Pommy had an excellent game playing behind the back two, cutting out the needless errors that have haunted him recently. All in all a terrible performance and a good win!!! - PC
Sat. 21st Mar 2009	V	Little Lever SC 'A' (h) 7 - 0 (ht.2-0) scorers : M. Jones 4, J. Mottley 2, C. Duffy
		On a very pleasant spring day the seconds entertained Little Lever who had become a bit of a bogey team in recent times. The early exchanges were scruffy with neither side creating any clear cut chances. However on the half hour mark all that changed with a touch of class from M. Jones, taking on a defender before shooting across the keeper. The game remained tense and Broughton wasted several chances to extend their lead. Fortunately just before the half time mark, Jonesy again got on the end of a well worked moved - started by Danny Barry at the back. After some strong words during the half time interval due to the lack lustre performance so far, the second resumed the game transformed with Man of the match Pommy driving the midfield and all round nice guy Mark Burket being not so nice, applying some crunching tackles. Mottley's quick brace, both on the break, killed off any chance of a Little Lever fight back before Jones completed a superb hatrick and Duffy snuck in on the act. Not a bad performance in the end but should have been double figures!!! Man of the match: Pommy.
Sat. 28th Mar 2009	V	Failsworth Dynamoes Res (a) 1 - 1 (ht.1-0) scorers : L. Plaskett
		With a massively depleted squad the Seconds travelled to Failsworth looking to continue their impressive run and late push for promotion. A torrential down pour shortly before kick off transformed a perfect playing surface into an ice rink. The early exchanges were not pretty to watch with neither team creating clear opportunities in the blustery conditions. A sliced clearance by Lever left Paul rooted with ball zipping fractions wide of the back post. Failsworth began to build up pressure and nearly capitalised on it when Barry missed a diagonal ball to allow one of the forwards in on goal. Fortunately Paul C was quick off his line to make a smart block with his legs. Against the run of play Plaskett intercepted a poor pass and following burst of pace neatly tucked the ball past the keeper to give Broughton the lead. In the second half the game continued in scrappy fashion with Duffy passing up two good chances to give the seconds a more comfortable lead. As the half progressed Failsworth laid siege the Broughton goal with some exceptional defending from Barry, Lever and the oh so brave Monks (playing with a back injury). Paul C then produced a top class save from a 20 yard curling free kick to further frustrate Failsworth. Just as it looked like Broughton had weathered the storm Failsworth snatched a scruffy late goal, the ball being smashed home from 5 yards following a scramble that started with poorly cleared corner. All in all a deserved point - should have won but then again could have lost! - PC
Sat. 4th Apr 2009	V	Old Mancunians Res (h) 1 - 0 (ht.0-0) scorers : J. Mottley
		After last weeks disappointment we still had a small chance of gaining the second promotion spot but knew we would have to take all three points against our bogey team. Both teams started at a frantic pace and with some goal keeping heroics by our stand in keeper Carl "The Cat" Duffy the game would have been dead and buried. We then began to get a foothold in the game by frustrating the opposition to shooting from 40 yards out. After the break Mottley and Jones began to run riot up front but couldn’t get the breakthrough. With Old Mancs tempers flaring resulting with their winger getting sent off for swearing we seemed to get control of the game and with minutes to go Mottley went on a mazy run and scored to give all three points to us and seriously dent Old Mancs promotion hopes. The dream continues but we do need other teams to slip up. MOM Mottley. DB.
Sat. 11th Apr 2009	V	Bolton Wyresdale Res (h) 1 - 2 (ht.0-1) scorers : T. Lowcock
		After last weeks result we welcomed the return of Simon as Paul was still away on 1st team duty but we were reduced to only having one sub. We started fairly brightly and had most of the early exchanges until some sloppy play in their half ended in them breaking quickly and going one up. This seemed to deflate the lads and we were lucky not to go in 2 or 3 down by half time. After the break nothing really changed as they out battled us and they delivered the killer blow when Owens mis-header hit Barry on the heel to land them with a gift of an opportunity 2 nil and game over. We did get a consolation deep into injury time when Barry crossed for Lowcock to head in at the far post but it proved to be too little too late. Division three football again next season as all teams above us won - DB.
Sat. 18th Apr 2009	V	Rochdale St. Clements 'A' (a) 2 - 2 (ht.2-0) scorers : M. Jones, J. Mottley
		The seconds travelled to Rochadale in buoyant mood and form following a run of a mainly positive results. Welcoming back several regulars, we took the game by the scruff of the neck with Jones latching wonderfully onto a pin point free kick from Barry to volley past the keeper. Adding to the impressive start, a smart move, started on the left by (fireplace) Scott culminated in Mottley smashing the ball in from close range to double the advantage. For the remainder of the half Broughton attempted to squander as many chances as possible, with Rochdale offering nor more than long balls to trouble the broughton defence. The second half continued in a similar fashion, with plenty of Broughton pressure but no end result. The only notable pressure from Rochdale was a shot from the corner of the box which Paul did well to tip past the post (though the ref did not notice and gave a goal kick). Then came the turning point - following being booked for dissent, Tom lost all sense of reality and carelessly lunged at the Rochdale winger. Fortunately proper contact was not made, however the ref had no option but to give Tom his marching orders. The advantage then seemed to give Rochdale ambition, almost instantly pulling one back with a smart volley from within the area. The Broughton defence stood strong for the next twenty, but poor marking following a free kick allowed Rochdale space close to goal, to smash in from close range. Resolute defending to finish ensured that we left with a point - but it should have been 3, as Tom is well aware!!
Sat. 25th Apr 2009	V	Accrington Ams Res (h) 6 - 1 (ht.3-0) scorers : M. Jones 4, T. Martin 2, R. Pomfret
		At Myerscough for the last time, the seconds entertained Accrington knowing that a win could secure 4th place. A very scrappy start led to chances for both teams, neither showing the quality needed to take a grip of the game. Woeful Accrington defending allowed Tony M clean through and then poor positioning from the keeper gave him pretty much an open net to take the lead. The sloppy play continued before Broughton moved up a gear and started to zip the ball about. A well worked moving involving Pomfret allowed Jonesy an opportunity which he took well doubling the advantage. What then became a scoring competition between T.Martin and M.Jones saw Tony run onto a long ball from the back and dink in over the keeper. Solid defending stopped any attacks of note from Accrington in their tracks. The second half started with Broughton once again in the ascendancy, however sloppy defending allowed Accrington in, and with little defensive cover the pull back was drilled in low past Paul. The seconds were not ready to let the season end just yet, and clicked back into gear with a host of chances squandered before M.Jones bagged two more and then Rob Pomfret scoered a collectors item goal to seal the win. All in all a good season with many solid performances - however a better start would surely have led to promotion…what if???? - PC. Man of Match: Tony Martin

Tue. 2nd Sept 2008 Cup Rd 1	V	Accrington Ams 'A' (a) 3 - 3 (ht.2-0) WON 4 - 3 on Penalties scorers : S.Rawsthorn, R.Swan, A.Alston
		We started well against a team from a higher division and were well on top for most of the first half. Doug Low and John Seddon blended well in midfield and combined well with Rawsthorn and Grundy to create a constant threat going forward. The back 4 equally were also on top of their game with Lathom and Mierzajewski (to be known as Marcin for the rest on the season) dealing with any threat. Following a number of close attempts Rawsthorn finished a flowing move to give us the lead after 30 mins and this was doubled a minute later as Swan caught a defender napping, burst into the box and finished coolly. Alston made an immediate impact just after the break to increase the lead to 3 - and that should have been that, but Accrington slowly increased the pressure and brought themselves back into the game, equalising with 10 mins to go. It was clearly too dark for extra time so we went straight to a penalty shoot out. It was now so dark that the only indication of a missed penalty was the clang as the ball hit the tin shed behind. Our boys held their nerve, they had 2 clangs to our one, and victorious we groped our way back towards the changing rooms. - DB
Sat. 20th Sept 2008	V	Lymm 'A' (h) 5 - 2 (ht.4-1) scorers : T. Bowerman, J. Bowerman, S. Rawsthorn 2, A. Hayhurst
		A winning start to the season, but one which left a good deal to be improved on. Two outstanding aspects were the performance of Simon Rawsthorn ran for the full 90 mins and was a constant thorn in the side of their defence – and the fact that we had 4 from the Bowerman family on the field at various stages of the match. In the first half we tore the Lymm defence the shreds. In midfield our 4 out-matched their 5, and as a result when we broke forward we were constantly able to get around and behind their defenders. Rawsthorn capitalized to score 2 good goals and also to set up Bowerman and Hayhurst who made good runs to combine and finish well. Lymm scored from a defensive lapse, but in reality we could easily have been even further ahead at this point. Lymm are a young and reasonably talented side and in the second half they combined well to push us back. We had made a good start to the half and Joe Bowerman, on for injured brother Tim, had extended our lead as he reacted first to a loose ball in the box, but as the half wore on it was the defensive organization that was most needed and John Major organized things well to keep the men in green at bay. They clawed one goal back from a flukily deflected free kick, but otherwise things looked sound. We had further chances to extend our lead. Fenton and Ryan came close and Rawsthorn was again unlucky. We weathered the storm and with 10 minutes to go dad Dave Bowerman was pressed into service to help shore up midfield and we had a trouble free run to the whistle. - DB
Sat. 27th Sept 2008	V	Hesketh Casuals 'B' (a) 2 - 3 (ht.0-3) scorers : S.Rawsthorn, D.Lowe
		A really good game between 2 well matched sides. Hesketh had the better of the first half as they seemed to be able to find more space and retained possession much better than Broughton. We defended too deep and so invited pressure, but nevertheless looked comfortable (if unthreatening) for most of the first half. It all went wrong in the last 15 minutes as our right side got opened up twice - for the resultant cross to be met by midfield runners. A fluke from a corner compounded the misery. A confidence transplant plus a couple of positional changes saw a vastly improved second half and we dominated them for the next 45 mins. Doug Lowe in midfield drove us forward and with fullbacks and wide midfield pushing forward the football was well joined up and good to watch. As the pressure grew Rawsthorn was denied a clear penalty, but then 5 mins later was able to convert a spot kick following another foul as the Hesketh defence grew ragged. John Major then found himself on the end of a flowing move but just failed to hit the target from 20 yards. With 10 to go Doug Lowe produced a Van Basten like volley from a corner to reduce the deficit, but despite a number of close efforts we just failed to bring things level. - DB
Sat. 25th Oct 2008 FRIENDLY	V	Rossendale Ams (a) 3 - 2 (ht.-) scorers : A.Hayhurst, T.Bowerman, J.Major
		Without a game for a number of weeks we took on a friendly game that because of the weather was played on Astroturf. Rossendale adapted much the better and for 20 minutes we struggled to get any control on the ball. Hard work kept us in the game and though we conceded poor goal by half time we were back in the game. We could have been level but Rawsthorn for once spurned a goal scoring chance with a weak penalty. This was equalised just after the break as a good move with Lowe and Bowerman opened up the space for Hayhurst to complete the move with a fine shot. The good work was undone as Rossendale went back ahead soon after, but from then on the defence held firm and Rick Grundy showed immaculate handling to steady the ship. Tim Bowerman brought us back level after brother Mick and Jim McHugh combined to split the defence for Tim to cooly finish. The decisive act was created by great work from Swan to get behind the defence and finished by a disorientated (reliving dreams of being a striker) John Major who lashed it in from the edge of the box. Steve Fenton and Marcin held the line to see the the game out. It was also pleasing to see the return of Chris Bell after an enforced lay off due to a very badly broken leg. Chris played the first 45 mins without any serious reaction. Refs need to start being afraid. - DB
Sat. 1st Nov 2008	V	Old Mancunians 'B' (h) 3 - 1 (ht.1-0) scorers : S.Rawsthorn, J.Major, T.Bowerman
		With a few enforced changes we still managed to kick-off in fine form and pleasingly we maintained high tempo throughout the full 90 minutes. Key to this was the central midfield pairing of Doug Lowe and Adam Hayhurst who worked well as a defensive team and played intelligently to create space. Also important was the performance of Rick Swan to provide a focal point for the attack. With this strong central spine we were able to free up the forwards and wide midfield and such a well worked thrust released Rawsthorn twice in the first 20 minutes. One was saved well, but the other he converted to give us a well deserved lead at half time. The second half saw a continuation on the same. John Major extended our lead with a great finish after another sustained period of pressure but frankly if could have been 4 by now. Lowe saw 2 efforts well saved and others went close on a number on occasions before Tim Bowerman finally got a reward for all his hard work by poking an effort past the keeper. It looked like we would keep a well deserved clean sheet, but we conceded late to blot the copybook. - DB
Sat. 8th Nov 2008	V	Radcliffe Town 'B' (a) 7 - 5 (ht.2-5) scorers : I.Winn, M.Bowerman, J.Major, A.Hayhurst, S.Rawsthorn, C.Ryan, og.
		This was a crazy game with a crazy score line, 12 goals, 4 penalties (1 missed), 2 sending offs plus 2 disallowed goals and the post hit twice. Frankly I cant remember definitely who did what and in what order. It all started calmly as we worked against a strong wind and playing well we took the lead after 15 minutes. Rawsthorn worked his way down the left and crossed for Winn to hammer in a shot from the edge of the box. Mick Bowerman performed a similar cool finish from a similar move 25 minutes later, but in between we witnessed the biggest defensive shambles in living memory. Long throw ins caused panic and in the first half we conceded 3 goals from slack marking at long throws, one to slack marking at a corner and one to a penalty. To compound the situation Keeper Rick Grundy managed to get himself sent off for prolonged chuntering at the ref. At 5-2 and a man down at half time the situation looked grim and tactical changes and full and frank exchange of ideas and views were called for. This was delivered and the next 45 minutes was an outstanding display of ability and determination. John Major extended his scoring run to 3 games by pushing home a loose ball to bring us closer, but then blotted his copy book by missing a penalty but as the pressure built we drew level through a Rawsthorn penalty, and an own goal. Tim Bowerman went close as we pushed for a for an unlikely win BUT it was left to a 30 yards, wind assisted, thunderbolt from Craig Ryan, to complete the turnaround. Ian Winn and Doug Lowe had been outstanding throughout the 2nd half and ended as they had started by breaking up an attack and fashioning a break that led to new signing Leroy ? (Hayhurst!!), who had looked lively in the last 25 minutes, to provide pretty much the final act and convert yet another penalty. Management was exhausted and retired for a lie down. - DB
Sat. 15th Nov 2008	V	Lymm 'B' (h) 3 - 1 (ht.0-0) scorers : S.Rawsthorn 2, C.Ryan
		After last weeks decidedly down and up performance we picked up from the highs and kept it going. Lymm had a mobile midfield and concentration was needed to keep them in front of us but we had the edge going forward - so the outcome was dependent on containment and making the most of chances as they came along. With the exception of a couple of corners the back four of Major, Lathom, Rose and Marcin Mier.... kept Lymm at arms length and except for an attempt from Swan, nothing much happened at the other end either. We got off to a flyer in the second half as Rawsthorn latched onto a long clearance to finish coolly - he is a constant threat at the moment. Ten minutes later a similar move ended with an even better finish from Rawsthorn ,again. For the first part of the second half we really were playing well. Lymm started to come back into the game but Rick Grundy handled immaculately and pulled off a sensational stop to keep the 2 goal difference in place, and the confidence that this gave us allowed us to continue pushing on and a crisp finish from Craig Ryan made things safe. A late goal conceded was annoying, probably deserved, but never likely to effect the result. - DB
Sat. 6th Dec 2008	V	Thornleigh 'A' (h) 6 - 2 (ht.2-0) scorers : T.Bowerman, D.Lowe 2 , L.Gavigan, C.Ryan, S.Rawsthorn
		The boys spent 45 minutes rolling the pitch prior to the game and this seems to be an effective pre match warm up as we hit the game looking lively and never really lost the edge for most of the next 90 minutes. Though we had the bulk of the possession it took 30 minutes before the breakthrough was made, debutant Tom Potts released Tim Bowerman to squeeze through the defence to finish well Doug Lowe then scored 2 goals either side of half time, the first a solo effort breaking through from midfield and the second after Marcin Mierc....... broke up an attack and surged forward to release Doug for a close in finish. Craig Ryan looked stronger as the game went on and after 2 close efforts finally got his reward driving in a shot from 10 yards after the Thornleigh defence had again been split open. At 4-0 the temptation is to shut the game down, but we decided to continue to push on and though we scored another 2 through Leroy Gavigan and Simon Rawsthorn, we did allow Thornleigh to deservedly get something from the game. We don't go in for this man of the match stuff but Adam Hayhurst and Doug Lowe received a post match round of applause for outstanding performances. - DB
Sat. 20th Dec 2008	V	Lymm 'A' (a) 2 - 2 (ht.0-2) scorers : L.Gavigan, C.Ryan
		A thoroughly miserable game on a thoroughly miserable day. A 45 min drive in the murk, a wet game on a very poor wet patch then a 45 min dive back in the dark and murk was not what we needed just before Xmas. Our keeper was delayed and so we had no warm up and limited time to organise with the absence of our normal centre defence and as a result we were 2 down after 20 minutes and lucky not to be worse by half time!! Lymm had speedy attackers and with the midfield strangely out of sorts we were being exposed to pace at the back with any cover. As the first half went on a few positional changes seemed to help and we rode our luck and slowly started to get back into the game. Arrandale Richards pretty much was our only guy in any form in that first 45 minutes. At half time we took a few deep breaths, got things organised and didn't really find ourselves troubled for the whole of the second half. Though things improved we never played as well as we can and so it was a steady grind to get back into the game. As 2nd half went on the chances started to come. Leroy Gavigan spurned a couple before a class finish from 20 yards gave us encouragement. Ten minutes later we were level as Ryan rose well to meet Rawsthorns corner and then it was question of whether we could find a winner. Mark Shirley, happily safely back from dodging the Taleban, came on to give some fresh legs, Tim Bowerman had the ball over the line only for the goal to be ruled out for offside, but try as we might it just wouldn't go in. Given the relative league positions this is 2 points lost, but given the position after the first 30 minutes in reality it was a gritty performance to salvage a point - Santa Doug.
Sat. 27th Dec 2008		Read about Xmas Friendly v GESM
Sat. 24th Jan 2009	V	Old Mancunians 'B' (a) 4 - 2 (ht.1-1) scorers : L. Gavigan 3, S. Rawsthorne
		Another trip down South and another adventure. This time we got there without incident to find ref and opposition stood outside locked gates looking forlornly in. In fairness however the Old Mancs guys managed to find another available pitch, so after a 25min journey though Stretford we kicked off at 2.30. The first half was well balanced with Old M having slightly more of the ball, but we looked the more dangerous through Gavigan and Ryan. The only 2 real lapses of concentration in the first 45 mins led to the 2 goals. First a fairly aimless ball from a Mancs defender was allowed to make its way though our defence. Simon Hurst in nets failed to collect cleanly and the resultant loose ball was knocked home, Simon redeemed himself later. Five minutes later a combination of Bowerman and Gavigan released Rawsthorne to break free on the left and finish clinically into the bottom corner. The second half saw a continuation of the first. Broughtons defence had to concentrate hard to keep things level but we continued to threaten on the break. Craig Lathom had his best game for a while and worked well in partnership with Ryan, but it was a fine challenge and through ball by Adam Hayhurst that released Gavigan to outpace their defence and finish well. Mancs pushed on and we had a crazy 10 mins that threatened to undo the good work. They equalised when Ian Winn marred an otherwise impressive game by catching an attackers heels to concede a penalty that was converted. 5 mins later another lapse of defensive concentration led to a hand ball in the box. The penalty save by Simon Hurst was probably the make or break part of the match. As a result, we made the most of our good fortune and finished the game well on top. Gavigan's pace had been a constant threat all game and he finished with 2 more excellent goals to secure an important victory. - DB
Sat. 31st Jan 2009	V	Radcliffe Town 'B' (h) 4 - 2 (ht.2-1) scorers : M. Finney, C. Ryan, D. Lowe, S. Rawsthorn
		A major pre match rolling effort got the pitch into a reasonable state, but it remained dampish and consequently soon cut up and this had a noticeable effect on the standard of football played. We got off to a good start and had already hit the post and bar before a great turn and cross by Craig Ryan was met by Matt Finney to head calmly into the bottom corner. This should have been a launch pad but we never really settled and misplaced and over hit passes continued to hurt us. Ryan continued an impressive scoring streak after 30 minutes, pulling away from his marker to secure space in the box and firmly meeting a Rawsthorn corner. Late in the half Radcliffe pulled a goal back, an unstoppable drive from the edge of the box, but we should have cleared the danger well before this. The second half continued with largely the same pattern. We were the better team and were on top for most of the time, but as a team we continued to show a lack of quality and composure when in possession. Our main threat tended to come from quick breaks rather than patient build up and so it was after 50 mins as Doug Low intercepted a ball in midfield and evaded a number of desperate challenges to burst into the box and finish coolly. Rawsthorn repeated the trick 10 minutes later, Gavigan and Finney went close and it looked at that point that we might run up a good score, but Radcliffe rallied and dominated the last 15 minutes. Marcin and Mick Bowerman looked solid in defence, but with 5 to go we courteously stepped aside whilst a Radcliffe forward volleyed home from a corner.. it shouldn't have happened and summed up the frustrating element of the performance. - DB
Sat. 14th Feb 2009	V	Bolton Wyresdale 'A' (h) 2 - 0 (ht.0-0) scorers : L. Gavigan, A. Hayhurst
		This was against a mid table side, but one that concede few goals so we had to work hard to achieve the result. In actual fact we pretty much dominated from start to finsh, defending well from front to back and restricting Bolton to just 2 efforts on goal. In possession we showed patience and control and generally looked dangerous whenever we went forward Gavigan and Matt Finney looked especially sharp and combined well throughout the first half, coming close on a number of occasions. The move of the game just before half time saw a move though midfield find Finney on the wing and his Beckham quality cross-field ball was met on the volley by Rawsthorn. The attempt shaved the post, but deserved better. Eventually after the hour the breakthrough came, Gavigan collecting the ball on the edge of the box, rounded his marker and slotted home from 15 yards. Hurst saved well to deny Bolton on their only real opportunity, but from then we needed to play out the game whilst looking for a goal to settle the match. It came with 15 to go and was the scorer was the subject of some vigorous (friendly) debate that ended with the dubious goals panel (me). For you, dear reader, who may not have seen the goal clearly I shall describe the action and let you decide Ashley Butterworth broke down the left and forced the keeper into a good save. The resulting corner from Rawsthorn was brilliantly met by Craig Ryan who drove the ball goal wards. Adam Hayhurst lurking close to the goal line managed to make some small contact and the ball trickled over the line. If he hadn't, it may have been cleared by a defender, but then it might not. - DB Voting Panel says: He touched it - so it's Adam's goal !!
Sat. 21st Feb 2009	V	Radcliffe Town 'A' (h) 2 - 2 (ht.2-1) scorers : S. Rawsthorn, M. Finney
		We were ahead twice in this game but in reality this was a losing draw. Radcliffe had the better of the game for a good part of both halves but it did prove our ability to break quickly and decisively and then maintain shape and concentration to keep the bad guys at bay. New keeper - Jonathon Topping - had his nerve tested after only 5 mins having to act quickly to smother a dangerous through ball, but we survived this test and almost immediately broke forward for Rawsthorn to score what has become one of our signature goals. Defence then through midfield before an accurate ball inside the fullback for Rawsthorn to break forward and hit the bottom corner has worked a number of times this year and it was there again on Saturday. Radcliffe kept the pressure on and drew level when a good free kick was met with an equally impressive header, but we ended the half on a high as Matt Finney stayed on side long enough to dispossess a defender, beat two more and slip the ball calmly past the keeper - a classy goal. We had a number of good chances in the second half, but again Radcliffe had the better of the possession. What we did prove is that we can defend effectively if we need to. The back four of Winn, Major, Miercejewski and Bowerman held an effective back line, covered each other well and kept the attackers by and large in front of the back line. Ashley Butterworth and Doug Low battled to hold midfield - helped by Finney after a formation change, and it looked like we would hold out for a battling win, but then with just a few minutes to go a long ball was taken on and turned in to give Radcliffe a deserved point. - DB
Sat. 28th Feb 2009	V	Oldham Hulmeians Res (a) 2 - 2 (ht.1-1) scorers : L. Gavigan, S. Rawsthorn
		An evenly matched clash of 2 teams with very similar records saw Broughton come very close to taking all 3 points , but in the end have to hang on to claim just the one. Playing a very secure formation Broughton had hold of midfield in the first half and came close to taking the lead on a number of occasions. Gavigan and Ryan had efforts well saved, Finney shot high from a good position and we went close from a number of corners, but it was Oldham who took the lead. A long free kick caused confusion in the box, and with bodies lying everywhere an Oldham forward forced the ball in. We retained composure however and 10 mins before the break Finney released Gavigan and he turned and finished well from 10 yards. The second half started very even. We threatened along the flanks whilst Oldham pushed more men through midfield and for 20 minutes the game was in stalemate. Eventually this was broken when Rawsthorn took the ball in well and from 10 yards turned and buried the ball in the bottom corner. Oldham upped the tempo, we started to defend deeper and it was a question of whether Major and Mireczeskiniski in defence could hold out. Hurst in goals was required to make a number of comfortable saves and though we were absorbing pressure we were looking under control. With 10 mins to go however the ball broke to an Oldham forward and with the Broughton defence for once out of shape, he finshed well to bring the scores level. Simon Rawsthorn seemed to have taken exception to something at this point and was duly sent off for violent play (your correspondent will claim a Wenger moment and I didn't see nothing - so I can't comment). Either way this development didn't help the cause and for the last 10 a major effort was needed. As usual Low and Hayhurst stepped up to the mark, we saw the game out - and even had chances to win it. - DB
Sat. 7th Mar 2009	V	Radcliffe Town 'A' (a) 4 - 2 (ht.1-0) scorers : M. Finney 2, L. Gavigan, C. Ryan
		This was a much better performance against a team that we struggled against only 2 weeks ago Goalkeeper issues saw John Major revert from centre back to keeper, but he dealt competently with anything remotely savable - so thanks & well done to him for that. We started off slowly, but with Bell looking strong at the back we took confidence and pushed on. Chances started to come. After the half hour, Gavigan burst into the box but was foiled by the keeper and the ball cleared. 5 minutes later, in an almost identical identical move, the ball broke loose from a Gavigan shot and Finney was on hand to hammer the ball home. The second half saw us up the tempo even more and within 10 minutes we were 3 ahead. Gavigan, occasionally out of control, but mainly uncontrollable, again burst free and this time lashed the ball past the keeper from 20 yards. 5 minutes later Ryan broke down the right and his cross was met on the run by Finney to give us a comfortable lead. With 20 mins to go things were looking good , but then a Radcliffe player decided that a missed handball decision on the half way line was sufficient cause to nut the ref - an action totally out of character with the game and the Radcliffe club. Either way, his departure seemed to unsettle us more than them. Eyes were taken off balls, a degree of complacency set in and before we knew it Radcliffe were pressing and had clawed 2 goals back. A frustrated management took the only possible course of action - and brought himself on. This move paid dividends as with 5 to go the aforementioned management expertly laid the ball into the path of Craig Ryan and his decisive finish settled nerves and the game. - DB
Sat. 21st Mar 2009	V	Lymm 'B' (a) 0 - 2 (ht.0-0) scorers : -
		With 6 regular players missing, the Broughton bandwagon came to a juddering halt on a very rough and hard pitch at Lymm. With so many changes the plan was to hold a determined formation, stop Lymm playing and work on the break. The plan worked reasonably well and with the pitch killing any chance of constructive football we went in 0-0 at half time. Neither side had shown much of a threat and Rawsthorns turn and shot against the post was the nearest either side came to a goal. Against the wind in the second half we needed to stay tight for the initial period, but after 15 mins a long punt forward evaded 2 defenders and was finished well by the Lymm forward This put us in a quandary. The existing formation looked defensively tight but the Lymm defence were totally in control of any threat we tried to throw their way. We changed formation to try to put pressure on. The effect was that we did start to pose some form of threat, but at the cost of a weakened defensive line. Rawsthorn again came close - forcing a great save from the Lymm keeper and had that gone in we might have been able to force our way into the game. The killer blow however came as the Lymm attack combined well to outflank our defence and we never looked like recovering. Indeed without 2 good one-on-one saves from Hurst it could have been worse. - DB
Sat. 28th Mar 2009	V	Thornleigh 'A' (a) 7 - 1 (ht.3-1) scorers : L. Gavigan 3, M. Finney 2, R. Grant, C. Lathom
		The depression following the defeat last week was quickly blown away as Broughton started the game at a high tempo. It took just 10 seconds to take the lead. Thornleigh kicked off and 2 slack passes gave Gavigan the opportunity to slip in between 2 defenders and lob the keeper. It got better just 2 minutes later. Good play freed Finney in space on the right and he rounded the last defender and finished cooly. After this sprint start the game went into a phase where no side really exerted any real domination. Rawsthorn went close , Finney and Gavigan went closer still, but it was Thornleigh who capitalised on a mistake to get the next goal. This seemed to knock Broughton out of their lethargy and with the last kick of the first half - a quite stylish overhead kick actually - Rob Grant restored our advantage and sent us into the 2nd half in good heart and we domninated for all the next 45 minutes. Butterworth was outstanding in midfield and his prompting released Finney to round the keeper for Broughton's 4th goal. Birch made an entrance after 75 mins and after twice testing the keeper, delicately chipped through to find Gavigan and he finshed well. Lathom burst forward to lash home the 6th from 15 yards and finally Gavigan rounded off an outstanding performance by converting a Finney cross. - DB
Sat. 4th Apr 2009	V	Oldham Hulmeians Res (h) (a) 3 - 4 (ht.2-3) scorers : S. Rawsthorn 2, L. Gavigan
		This was a really good game of fluctuating fortunes as befits a game between teams 2nd and 3rd in the Division. We got of to the best start with, as usual, Gavigan and Finney looking dangerous. Bell had the defence in hand and Cooper and Lowe just had the edge in midfield. It was justice therefore when Gavigan finished a good move, the pace of the ball (slow) fooling the keeper as it rolled into the corner. That was it good as it got though in the first half. Oldham started to play really well and the movement and interplay through midfield had our defence at full stretch. It broke after 25 minutes when a change in direction from right to left found the right side of defence missing and Oldham had plenty of time to finish. The pattern continued and though Rawsthorn converted a penalty we finished the half down by 3-2. Changes were needed and Lowcock was introduced to add a greater physical presence to the attack. This worked well and in the second half we dominated for almost the full 45 minutes - a really good performance. Lowcock won a deserved penalty, confidently converted again by Rawsthorn to bring the scores level, but chances continued to come and be spurned. The usually lethal finishing boots of Finney were strangely off target, Rawsthorn hit the post, Low shot over and then as it seemed that a goal must come- it did - at the other end! Readers of this column will know of my reluctance to be critical of officials, but this ref didn't want help with offsides and as Oldham for once broke quickly forward, the Oldham forward finished from a clearly significantly offside position. Even their supporters were laughing. We continued to push on but never really threatened in the last 10 mins. - DB
Sat. 11th Apr 2009	V	Thornleigh 'B' (h) 2 - 2 (ht.1-1) scorers : S. Rawsthorn, A. Butterworth
		Communication problems meant that we started this game without a keeper and elected to play the first 15 minutes with 10 men until Adam Huddleston came to the rescue. Sadly, by this time we were a goal down, Thornleigh having scored from a header with their only attack of that initial period. With a keeper safely installed we set about making good the deficit, but unfortunately pretty much the whole team were below par and at no time did we look in control against a team that the form books said we should have dominated easily. We actually looked more menacing when playing with only the 10 men! After 30 minutes we did get back on level terms as Rawsthorn rose well to steer Cooper's cross past the keeper. The second half continued in the same vein. Thornleigh went back ahead after a defensive disaster presented a surprised Thornleigh forward with a clear shot of goal from 8 yards. The Broughton defense worked hard to get back into the game, but nobody seemed capable of stitching play together and so our attacking efforts were disjointed if well intentioned. Ashley Butterworth did draw us level with a cracking free kick, but that was that - and another 2 points lost. - DB
Tue. 14th Apr 2009 Cup Rd 2	V	Old Boltonians 'A' (h) 3 - 2 (ht.2-2) scorers : T. Lowcock, A. Butterworth, S. Rawsthorn
		A difficult cup game that required a considerable improvement in form over that seen in recent weeks. This was duly delivered and we put up one of our best performances of the season. The game was very even for the initial 25 minutes, Gavigan having the best chance, but heading just wide from close in. Old B took the lead on the half hour with a penalty following a slightly harsh decision, but not one we should argue with too strongly. There then followed a flurry of goals before the break. Adam Hayhurst had suffered a recurring leg injury and his replacement, Tom 'the presence' Lowcock was on hand to force the ball home after Gavgian had pressured the Bolts defence into a mistake. Immediately Bolts re-took the lead and as the keeper was asleep as the ball bounced in the 6 yard box and an attacker nodded home. Then Ashley Butterworth seized on a loose ball to hammer home from 15 yards for the goal of the game. The second half continued in the same vein. Both sides playing well, but with chances at a premium. Having woken up, Hurst in goals was in great form, collecting high and low balls with equal assurity. One save at the foot of the post was of particular note. With 20 minutes to go Broughton made the decisive breakthrough. A free kick, well won by Finney, was driven into the box by Doug Low. Movement across the ball confused the keeper and the resultant loose ball was hammered home by Rawsthorn. Old B tried to up the tempo, but we played out the game with a very pleasing degree of control and composure. - DB
Sat. 18th Apr 2009	V	Bolton Wyresdale 'A' (a) 5 - 0 (ht.3-0) scorers : L. Gavigan 2, S. Rawsthorn, D. Low, M. Shirley
		Though we made a slow start, we were never really troubled other than for a couple of early forays down our left. Ian Winn stamped on that early on and from then on Winn, Lathom, Bowerman and particularly Chris Bell restricted the Bolton attack to mere crumbs. New keeper Rick showed good hands and with that solid base we pushed on. The initial breakthrough was made by Gavigan who met a Rawsthorn corner with a firm header, then Rawsthorn then doubled the lead, converting a penalty after Bowerman had been up-ended. The third was slightly fortunate, though Mark Shirley will claim that his long cross field ball was meant to swirl over the keepers head into the top corner!! 2nd half, against the wind and we played much better, resisting the temptation to play the long ball and thereby retaining the ball under more control. Doug Low and Butterworth worked really hard and had control of midfield for most of the half and Doug put his stamp on the game with a well taken 4th goal- evading 2 defenders in the box before rifling home. Managerial carelessness allowed Bolton a brief flurry, and they had a penalty well saved by Rick, we got our organisation back and Leroy Gavigan finished things off in trademark style - bursting free of the defence to hit the bottom corner. - DB
Tue. 21st Apr 2009	V	Thornleigh 'B' (a) 3 - 3 (ht.2-1) scorers : S. Rawsthorn, M. Finney, L. Gavigan
		There are times when top managers have thoughts along the line of - "whats the point". Arsene has them, Shearer must be currently having them- and the Broughton management certainly had them on this Tuesday. Despite a last minute pitch change we had started the game well, Rawsthorn calmly side footed in to give us the lead. Gavigan extended the lead and though Thornlegh got one back, we looked comfortable at half time. Finney extended the lead just after the break, brillant close control plus finish should have made the game safe. With 10 to go we still lead 3-1. That we ended up drawing resulted in a frank managerial discourse that was basic in form and content- and hopefully wont need to be repeated. - DB
Tue. 28th Apr 2009 Cup Semi Final	V	Radcliffe Town 'A' (h) 5 - 3 (ht.3-0) scorers : S. Raswthorn 3, L. Gavigan, Cooper
		After last week's diabolically bad performance – deemed unreportable by your correspondent - a major improvement was needed if we were to return to winning ways. Thankfully this happened, and in front of a capacity crowd of supportive 2nd teamers we put on a decent showing. We got off to a flying start and dominated the first 45 minutes, indeed we were 2 up within 15 minutes as first Gavigan broke free of his marker to burst into the box and finish well, then Rawsthorn turning and shooting from the edge of the box fooled the keeper by the lack of pace on the shot and 15th bounce saw it nestle in the corner of the net. Midfield with Butterworth and Low well on top provided a solid platform and this should have improved further following the award of a penalty. Rawsthorn, who has scored his last 6 spot kicks elected not to take it. Butterworths effort was good - but not good enough – and the advantage remained at 2. The lead was increased however just before the break. Rawsthorn scored it, or at least he tells me he did because frankly I cannot remember how. The 2nd half started again with some great football. Within 5 minutes we had our 4th, a flowing move saw Finney release Rawsthorn down the left and his cracking shot off the far post left the Radcliffe keeper immobile. Radcliffe started to push on and exert some influence on the game and Bell and Miercejewski needed to remain sharp to keep the opposition's lively forwards at bay. With 20 minutes to go Radcliffe got some reward for their efforts, dozy defending allowing a free header from a corner, but we hit straight back as Cooper worked a great opening and finished coolly. The game went through a phase of end to end football. The crowd (Monks actually) was warned for excessive use of the horn and the rain finally stopped. Two Radcliffe late goals from freekicks served to increase the tension levels, but we saw the game out a look forward to a final tie with a team from Div 3. (gulp) - DB
Sat. 2nd May 2009	V	Hesketh Casuals 'B' (h) 7 - 1 (ht.-) scorers : L. Gavigan 4, S. Rawsthorn 2, Cooper
		A great way to finish the season, though the game was close for about the first 30 minutes. We sterted to threaten and gradually the pace of our front 2 and midfield began to overwhelmed the opposition. I won't bore you with commentary on each goal. Rawsthorn got two typically opportunist goals, Cooper cut in from the wing, and his diverted shot flew over the keeper, but pride of place went to 2 screeeeeming goals from Gavigan. The first, a great effort into the top corner from the edge of the box was outdone in the second half by an outrageous effort from 35 yards that left the keeper standing and without hope. - DB
Tue. 12th May 2009 Cup Final	V	Rochdale St. Clements 'A' (ht.1-0) 3 - 2 Venue: DAISY HILL FC scorers : M. Mirecejewski, R. Cooper, L. Gavigan Click here to see the Cup Winning Team
		After a recent barren spell Broughton again have silverware to celebrate following a pulsating encounter in this 3rd team Cup Final at Daisy Hill FC. Although never behind during the 90 minutes, the balance of the game swung between the 2 teams and Broughton had to be on top of their game throughout. Starting against a strong wind Broughton looked the most dangerous in the initial stages and the game plan to get the ball wide and forward early clearly unsettled the Rochdale defence. With Gavigan attacking the back line at pace and Matt Finney working hard and effectively to link midfield to attack Broughton worked a number of good chances. Gavigan broke free then crossed slightly too high for Finney, and soon after Finney beat the offside trap and laid the ball into Rawsthorn's path – only for the keeper to scramble the ball away. When a goal came however, it came in a most simple form. Marcin’s long free kick caught the keeper unsighted and nestled in the back of the net. Rochdale came back and good play through midfield forced a last ditch tackle/back pass that Hurst in goals had to half-handle to prevent a goal. The resultant free kick from 10 yards hit the bar and the danger passed. Rochdale did manage to draw level just after the break however forcing a handball and penalty during a sustained period of pressure that tested the Broughton formation to the limit. The response was almost immediate. Tom Lowcock – who was in outstanding form throughout - for once broke free of his defensive duties and carried the ball into the last third. His cross-shot, though goalbound-ish would probably not have troubled the keeper, but Rob Cooper cut in ahead of the keeper and defence to steer the ball into the corner. Rochdale came back again. Chris Bell and Marcin marshalled the defence expertly and for 10 minutes the game was in stalemate with defences on both sides looking sound. Eventually a breakthrough occurred and again the sun and wind played a part. A long hopeful through ball for once mis-controlled in the defence and a Rochdale forward finished calmly. 2 minutes later came a key moment. A long ball into the box caused all sorts of problems for the Broughton defence and as the ball broke loose a Rochdale forward hammered it goal ward from 6 yards. Somehow Simon Hurst reacted in time and palmed the ball clear - a sensational save. At that point as the game entered the last 20 minutes it could then have gone either way. Rochdale brought on a lively looking wingman who flattered for 5 minutes, but then Bowerman again got control down the right side and that worry subsided and slowly Broughton began to establish some slight superiority. The decisive breakthrough, when it came, was again simple in its form and execution. Bowerman fed the outstanding Ashley Butterworth and as he moved past 2 defenders he was flattened for what seemed like the 10th time on the night. The resulting free kick from 35 yards was driven into the box by Miercejewski and met on a diagonal run by Gavigan - the keeper had no chance. Doug Low, who had been the cornerstone of midfield had to leave the field with 10 mins to go (on the arm of a pretty woman actually - but you had to be there) and his replacement Mark Shirley then came close to sealing the game. John Major came on to bolster midfield and we saw the game out with gratifyingly little drama. An outstanding effort from everybody. - DB

Back row: Andrew Baldwin, Tom Strangeway, Dan Harle, Tom Greenhalgh, Dave Downham, Sam Thompson, Jason Yates,
Joe Fannon, Rick Fenton (Manager).
Front row: Chris McCrudden, 'Des' Robinson, Stefan Corrigan (capt), John Wilson, Darren Sanders.

Sat. 13th Sept 2008	V	Horwich RMI 'A' (a) 7 - 2 (ht.1-1) scorers : C.Bradshaw 2, J.Fannon 2, A.Robinson, Own goals 2
		A delay in kick off due to us going to the wrong place meant that it was a rush from arriving all the way till kick off. Usually this is our downfall, not today! An opening 20 minutes of brilliant football from the reddies. Strangeway more vocal than ever before, the defence giving the ball to the midfield and the partnership of Robinson and Bradshaw providing the clinical goal threat. The early dominance was rewarded for us, with nice link up leaving Robinson with a clear run on goal. Nonchalantly, he lofted the ball over the advancing keeper. 1.0. As in recent times we then backed off, allowing Horwich to get a foot-hold. Only minutes after taking the lead we were back to square one. Corner whipped in from the right and slack marking resulted in a free header being won. 1.1. For the rest of the half it was a hard fought contest, with neither side doing anything spectacular going forward but staying relatively solid at the back. Fenton and Wilson were excellent in shutting out the bulky strike force of Horwich. 2nd half carried on like the end of the first, apart from Andrew Baldwin starting to come alive. He was harder in a tackle, using better ranges of passing, clearly showing he wont give up his shirt without a fight. As the game wore on Horwich began to tire, Bradshaw steering one in from outside the area and Joe scoring a dubious goal after seemingly kicking the ball out of the keepers hand not once but twice!! Chances were coming thick and fast and the score would have been higher for us if Chris had taken a few more chances. Sprinting away from the defenders, he became one on one with the goalkeeper after 5/6 step overs he elected to...PASS?! Chris did score another and also created several opportunities together with Dan, the substitute, and Joe (who also got another), helped contribute to another 2 goals both of which were OG's with Horwich also getting a goal in reply. Fitness prevailed over a side just relegated from the above league. A performance full of promise. - RF
Sat. 20th Sept 2008	V	Oldham Hulmeians 'B' (a) 5 - 1 (ht.3-0) scorers : C.Bradshaw 2, D.Bingham 2, J.Fannon
		We started the game with 2 changes, Dan in for injured Daz and George in for unavailable Shane. The game kicked off! & straight away we took control passing it around extremly well all over the park, we were creating lots of goal scoring opportunities. We finally broke the deadlock through a great ball in from Chris which was neatly slotted in by Dan. We carried on playing well after the goal, and it payed off again with Dan getting his second of the game. After this we were getting pressed back a couple of times but i thought the defence and keeper Tom were solid and delt with it all very well. Chris B then got played through and finished well to make it 3-0 going in at the break. The second half kicked off with us again controlling the game, we continued pressing but to be honest missed a lot of good goal scoring opportunities. Joe then went on a great run which ended by him finding the top corner brilliantly. After this i introduced the first substitute Tom on for Yatesy, we then from nowhere conceded a silly goal which came from nothing. After this again we were pressing them, Chris B had a shot from just inside the box which ended up finding the bottom right corner, great finish. Shortly after his goal i made another 2 changes bringing Dave on for Chris and Dan Harle on for Joe. All in all it was a very comfortable win for us lets hope we keep it up, well played boys - RF.
Sat. 27th Sept 2008	V	Bury GS 'B' (h) 6 - 0 (ht.2-0) scorers : C.McCrudden 3, C.Bradshaw, D.Bingham, S.Yates
		What a difference a pre-season can make. The season is a contrast to the latter of the last, where confidence was low and a complete breakdown in team spirit resulted in a modest league standing, when we seemed happy to accept mediocrity and inconsistency. Not this season. Corrigan has the troops driving forward at all times, concentrating from the first to the last minute. With the defence superb, the midfield organised and effective, and the forwards doing what they should be doing - scoring goals - we can realistically expect to be challenging as long as we avoid that poisonous and infectious characteristic - Complacency. The game started with us racing out of the blocks, calmly stroking the ball round when in possession, but hunting the ball down when we lost possession. Yates had his best game of the season to date. Coasting round the pitch picking intelligent passes, committing hard tackles and keeping the ball going at a tempo that suited us. The debate has been there over whether Yates and Corrigan's roles in the team are so similar that it conflicts with the balance of the team. That argument can be put to bed. For, unlike Gerrard and Lampard, the two are happy to share the workload equally. Good work down the right between Cornwell and the advanced Connolly resulted in Broughtons opening goal. Connolly's precision cross was met with an excellent volleyed finish by Dan. There only seemed one outcome from then on, that Broughton would push on and win the game. We did not disappoint. Wicked, bending corners from McCrudden were catching the eye, so it was not surprising that the second goal game from a set-piece. Static defending and marking by Bury allowed Yates to make an uncontested dart to the front post, and a diving header sufficed as, like a bullet, the ball shot into the Bury net. 2.0. The second half started uncomfortably for us as Bury were closing down faster, forcing a few wayward passes. The spirit of Bury must be commended, and is a reason for their superb 4th finish of last season. Our crosses were still causing problems and Bradshaw and Dan were linking up well. It took a while but the third goal came, McCrudden twisted and turned on the edge of the area and managed to dig a shot out, which found the inside corner of the net. 3.0. Broughton were beginning to feel the goal-scoring mood again, largely down to Burys efforts causing them to tire. Bradshaw picked up a loose ball in the centre-circle and ran towards goal. A few tricks led him slightly wide only for him to cut inside and curl a delicious shot inside the far post. Subs were made and the introduction of Robinson gave Broughton an injection of speed. A great ball from the right was controlled beautifully by Robinson, who unselfishly teed up McCrudden for his second of the game, courteous of a left foot half volley. Robinson was again the provider for the 6th, with the ball on the left, he cut inside to deliver a precision cross between defender and goalkeeper. McCrudden's late run and goal finished off his hat-trick, much to the delight of the screaming fans bearing his name on the reverse of their replica shirts. There was time before the end for Bradshaw to hit a thunderbolt which cannoned off the far post from the edge of the area. Let's not get carried away, but it's a great start - RF.
Sat. 4th Oct 2008	V	Rossendale Ams 'D' (h) 6 - 1 (ht.3-0) scorers : J.Fannon 3, D.Bingham, A.Robinson, J.Yates
		We again delivered a scintilating display of footballing magnificence to send a definant message to any promotion rivals - we mean business. A depleted squad was sent to Rossendale to try and continue Broughtons best start to the season for years. Missing were John Wilson, Tom Greenhalgh, Chris Bradshaw, Richard Fenton. With a back four of George at right back, Dave Downham, Shane Connolly, Andrew Baldwin, the cynic would have been excused for thinking that only a near faultless display coupled with a decent share of good fortune would allow us to keep out a useful Rossendale side. How wrong could one be? For again this season, the back 4 were awesome, with Dave Downham forging a solid partnership with Connolly. They won everything, dealt with everything, and looked every bit a sturdy unit. The midfield, with 'Joe the ginger assassin army beard guns' back on the left and Jay and Ste in centre-midfield with Chris Mac on the right, looked comfortable. The attack of Robinson and Dan looked as potent as ever. Barely 20 seconds on the clock and we were ahead, Dan running at the defenders before his deflected shot ended up in the bottom corner, 1.0. Our second came from a piece of individual brilliance from Robinson. Picking up the ball deep, he shrugged off a challenge from a defender to unleash an unstoppable arrow-like shot into the far corner. 2.0. Joe was causing problems and it was no surprise when he got his first goal. 3.0. The second half began like the first, Broughton in Rossendale's faces, hassling them, and Jay, who'd had a few efforts in the first half, unleashed a ferocious pile driver which flew into the top corner, 4.0. Joe added 2 more, one of which was a fine solo run, dancing through like a spanish waltzer !! In reply Rossendale got one back in consolation. - CMc
Sat. 11th Oct 2008 Cup Rd 1	V	Old Boltonians 'B' (h) 5 - 3 (ht.1-2) scorers : A.Robinson 3, J.Fannon 2
		After delays in getting to the ground, Broughton had little time to prepare for this almight encounter with a team sitting pretty in Division 5. This season Broughton have never conceded first. So it was difficult to predict the start that we endured. For the first 10 minutes Bolton came out of the traps on fire, and an early cross caught our defence and goal-keeper wrong-footed. An exceptional header resulted in the first goal. 1.0 Bolton. Broughton were asleep. Their tenacious style looked like a tame poodle puppy compared with the ferocious efforts of Bolton. A second cross was thrown into the box, with Cornwell breazed off the ball too easily - 2.0. Was this capitulation? If this game had been on TV, the neutral would have been forgiven for thinking that it was now a foregone conclusion, and that Broughton were out of their depth. Not so!! Like a sleeping giant we started to wake. And after a few words worth savouring from Strangeway and the people on the sideline, we began to perform. We started to pass the ball. Pass? Yes, the thing that we had seemingly forgotten to do for the first 15 minutes, when we hoisted aimless, long passes at Robinson and Thomson as if they were target men in the form of Alan Shearer. As we began to pass and move we started to believe that this game was winnable. Cornwell from no-where, came alive, Baldwin wanted to ball, Broughton pushed the attackers of Bolton high up the pitch as they realised that not one of their players had anything near to a half-yard of pace. Cornwell gave the ball to McCrudden, who cut inside and played what can only be described an a nonchalent pass to Thomson who inturn, fed Robinson. 2.1...Half Time... Broughton were the ones to start the 2nd half in a determined fashion and began to push Bolton back into their own half, leaving just one target man up to challenge for ambitious clearences from their defence. Our endeavour finally got its reward, McCrudden, whose crosses had not been their usual potent self in this game, at last crossed the ball expertly to the back post, poised like a snake ready to strike was Robinson who executed a nice finish, 2.2. we should have pushed on, but a freakish incident from a corner ended with the ball going between Strangeway and post. 3.2. to Bolton totally against the run of play. Bolton then of course sat back, soaking all our attacks. It looked for a long time like we'd run out of ideas, until Fannon struck. His shots in this game were not good. So it was a surprise that when he shifted inside, and with one last throw of the dice, tried to place the ball into the top corner, the ball hit the back of the net, largely thanks to a deflection. 3.3. As the full-time whistle blew, we entered extra-time. The two teams looked like they had used every ounce of effort they had in them. This is when leadership is so important. Up steps Corrigan. The words were obvious, dig deep, keep going and would you like to be the one to disappoint him? Broughton gave it their all, but to no avail. They knocked and knocked on Boltons door but they couldnt find a way through in the first half of E.T. They couldnt that is, until Sub Harle unlocked the gates like a true veteran locksmith in the 2nd half. A delicious curling pass over the Bolton defence arrived at the feet of the pacey Robinson who buried the ball with a vicious pile-driver of a shot. It was hard to see Bolton getting back in the game, and Fannon duly added another for Broughton with another arrow-like finish. As the final whistle blew, Broughton stood tall. This by far their hardest test of the season. We should not get too carried away, but belief is so important. Belief that this is our season. If this is anything to go by, no-one could argue if every Broughton player believes this very thing. Well played lads i'm proud of you keep it up for your crippled managers sake. - RF
Sat. 1st Nov 2008	V	Old Blackburnians 'C' (a) 1 - 3 (ht.0-3) scorers : A.Robinson
		Pace, aggression, technique, patience, precision and calmness. All the above spring to mind when one is asked to name the footballing characteristics that we have successfully implemented into our game this season. It was baffling, therefore, to see that all these things were missing as we were well beaten by Old Blacks. This season has not seen a team dominate us quite like Blackburnian's did for the majority of the game. One touch passing, fluent build up play, composed defending and a few star players mixed in the ranks condemned Broughton to their first defeat of the season. Blacks came out of the traps quickest, they were the predators, and Broughton the prey. They immediately had a number of goal-scoring chances in the opening exchanges, a combination of brave and desperate defending was the only thing coming between Blackburn being rewarded with a hefty lead. We were pressed into making unforced errors with stray pass after pass occurring, the pressure seemed so much that tents and fires were being set up as we were literally camped in our own half. Robinson and Thomson were isolated figures, even on the small pitch at Blacks ground. Our shape had begun to diminish as we were forced further and further back. Total disarray had occurred. In spells like this in previous games it is usually the skipper Corrigan who riles his team and gets them going. In this game though, he was being out battled and out muscled by Blackburn's centre midfielders who were completely dominant. After half a dozen missed chances, Blacks scored 2 goals in quick succession leaving us staring at the prospect of the winning streak being ended. Blacks third was marmite. To some, it was fantastic, a passage of play that reeked of footballing genius. Others will conclude that Broughton were all over the place defensively and no-one put in a tackle of any significance. Several one-two's together with some clever movement ended with the striker one on one with Strangeway, and needless to say he made no mistake. 3.0. Blackburn understandably began to coast and why not? They were controlling the game as if their were facing a school boy side, around about the under 12's level. A team talk of a few stern words from manager, and a statement of stand up and be counted from the captain. And to be fair we did improve. We began to hustle the opponents, we began creating chances, and most importantly began asking questions of Blackburn all over the pitch. The introduction of Bradshaw have us a little spark but nothing to warrant a resurgence or a change of score. We did score, courteous of a generous penalty given for a foul on Corrigan. Robinson stepped up and calmly stroked the ball home. 3.1.How do we come back from this defeat? We must regain our composure immediately. Bouncebackability. Does the word or the idea of the word exist? We'll find out next match. - RF
Sat. 8th Nov 2008	V	Oldham Hulmeians 'A' (h) 6 - 0 (ht.3-0) scorers : A.Robinson 2, C.Bradshaw 2, J.Fannon, S.Corrigan
		On a bleak and wet Saturday afternoon, we hoped to bounce back from the crushing loss to Old Blacks the week previous. A few changes were required and the pitch looked a nightmare, hardly a great motivator for a huge bounce back . . . . . . The game started with a feeling out process, both sides looking a bit hurried on the ball and trying to gain control of the first meaningful possession. It didn't take us long to stamp there authority on the game, the ball was moving well even on a poor pitch and Broughton were controlling the tempo and possession, so it came as no surprise when Joe Fannon received the ball with his back to goal on the 18 yard line, pivoted and rolled the ball into the net. From this point onwards, we completely dominated proceedings in the first period, Stefan and especially Jay Yates were bossing the midfield and creating chances almost at will, and Dan Harle and Anthony Robinson possibly could've both put the game out of sight early on, however it was midfield general Corrigan slipping in Broughton's second after a fine move in the middle of the park. Chris Bradshaw added a fabulous third before the break and we looked comfortable. The HT message from the gaffer and captain was simple, change nothing! Keep the ball moving and make the opposition work for it. That they did and in no time, Bradshaw had his second of the game, we were out of sight. They barely mustered a strike on goal, which was a shame as there was some very impressive forward play but no killer touch and our backline were all outstanding. The only question left to ask was is Anthony Robinson prepared to let his partner Bradshaw take all the plaudits? Very unlikely! A long throw from Andrew Baldwin found Shane on the right and after some brilliant work from him, the ball eventually found 'Des' and he smashed the ball into the roof of the net. 5-0 and Robinson had his goal, but like all good strikers it wasn't enough for him . . . Never to be outdone, within moments Robinson had sealed his second and the Broughton win was complete. An impressive comeback from a difficult week saw us show a lot of character and more importantly, some great football on display. Jason took the man of the match award, so influential in the centre and created chances in the blink of an eye. - RF
Sat. 15th Nov 2008	V	Castle Hill 'A' (a) 2 - 2 (ht.1-2) scorers : D.Bingham, D.Sanders
		We started the game with a few changes, Chris Bradshaw dropped back into the centre of midfield to replace the absent Jay. Also we had Shane absent with an illness. Kick off came and we started very lively, it wasn’t long until we were rewarded for are great start with Danny Bingham scoring his 5th in 7 games. At the re-start Castle stepped up their game, they began to put us on our back foot. They were a much more physical side than we and it showed massively on the pitch. Half way through the first half we conceded a sloppy goal from a set piece which we should have dealt with comfortably. From the retake we continued getting pressed, at this time we were giving the ball away far too easily. They then received another corner which again we failed to clear and it ended in the back of the net 2-1 Castle. Half Time! The second half began, we started playing a bit better football, it was still far from our best. On around the 65 minute mark we made the first change. On came Daz, this injected some pace on the wing. Soon after this change Daz was looking very dangerous, along with his balls he was playing which were spot on. Still the game was looking very scrappy at this stage. It was vital that we get the next goal! With around quarter of an hour to go I made the last two changes of the game. Off came Des + Joe; on came Tommy G + Dan Harle. I then pushed Chris Bradshaw up top with Tom taking up the centre midfield role, Dan stayed on the wing. This all paid off with 5 minutes to go when Baldy ran down the left wing and produced a great cross that Daz slotted home for his first of the season. I was very relieved in that we may have done enough to at least scrape a point from the game. Full time came it finished 2-2. In the end there were no excuses. Just a rank bad performance against a hugely spirited and well organized Castle. And when the time of reckoning comes, these lost points against sides we should be skipping past could prove costly. - RF
Sat. 22nd Nov 2008	V	Bolton Wyresdale 'B' (h) 8 - 0 (ht.5-0) scorers : J.Fannon 3, D.Bingham 3, C.Bradshaw, D.Downham
		We brushed aside Bolton with a display of vigour, expressiveness and class. Quick touches, probing passes and clinical finishes, all characteristics of winning sides. A hat-trick a piece for Fannon and Bingham, together with a goal from Bradshaw and rare finish from Dave Downham rounded off an impressive afternoon for Broughton. From the very first minute we dominated proceedings with attacking impetus and aggressive style. It was no surprise when Chris picked up the ball and jinked inside, proceeding to give the ball to Corrigan. Instantly he gave the ball back to Chris, he fed Bingham, who turned and fired past the keeper. We did not stop there and quickly added a second. Bradshaw receiving a pass and nonchalantly chipping the ball to Bingham who made no mistake. The third goal oozed class and perfection. Right-back Sanders who was enjoying his place in the side, played forward an exquisite long ball. Thomson collected the pass and, after initially hesitating, lofted the ball to the back post. Arriving late was Fannon who nodded into the empty net. Fannon, feeling the scoring sensation, wanted more and duly obliged with another 2 goals, making the half-time team talk nothing more than a plea to not let up and go and improve the teams goal-difference. The second half was nothing more than a formality. The pitch became very boggy and apart from a penalty from Bradshaw, Bingham completing his hat-trick and Downham getting his first of the season spread across the 45 minutes. It was a comfortable win for us against a lacklustre Bolton side. The fact that we scored so many goals was a major plus for the fans and the goal difference. Long may it continue!
Sat. 29th Nov 2008	V	Horwich RMI 'A' (h) 6 - 1 (ht.-) scorers : J. Fannon 3, D. Bingham, D. Bradshaw, T. Greenhalgh
		We started the game with a few changes, the main one was Tommy G starting up front. The game kicked off and we started brilliantly, we all looked up for this game. Our positive start paid off when we took the lead, it was a great ball through from Tommy G to start the move, which was capped of with a splendid finish from Danny B. The pressure we were putting on Horwich continued following the goal, and again it paid off with Tommy G scoring a great solo effort for his first goal of the season, well done son. Furthermore I must say at this time we were playing some great football, totally dominating the game. We went further ahead when a great team move was finished off well by Joe. The first half ended at 3-0, a very much deserved lead. At half time a few words were said about keeping this up after the break and not to start relaxing, thinking the game is dead and buried. In all fairness the second half kicked off how we left off from the first half, we carried on playing really well, but from nowhere they pulled one back from a long shot. Straight from the restart we continued to press and we scored again through Joe, making it 4-1. Now into the last 20 minutes I made a double substitution, Danny B and Tommy G off, George and Dan Harle on as a straight swap. With about 15 minutes to go Joe got that Hat Trick goal, and a well deserved one at that. With just a few minutes left Darren got the ball at right back, went on a mazy run which he ended with a stunning strike right into the top left corner, brilliant!! Full Time came, a much deserved 3 points if you ask me.. Well done lads keep it up. - RF
Sat. 17th Jan 2009	V	Rossendale Ams 'C' (a) 3 - 0 (ht.1-0) scorers : T. Greenhalgh 2, S. Thompson
		Due to the bad weather Rossendale changed grounds to a so called better pitch, all seemed good until we stepped out onto the pitch or should I say pond. It was horrendous; the game should have been called off straight away. To all our surprise the ref said it’s still on. On we went with the game, there was no way we could play passing football on this pitch, it was just a case of getting it out of the mud. In all fairness to the lads they started very well and ended up scoring with a great volley from Sam. By now the pitch was completely churned up, it was by far the worst pitch we have ever played on, and that is some going. Throughout the first half was scrappy with both sides having few chances. The second half kicked off and we started pressing Rossendale, this pressure paid off when Tommy G slotted the ball home making it 2-0. It continued to be a scrappy game after the goal, but we then finally put the game out of Rossendale’s reach with around 10 minutes to go with Tommy G slotting home his second of the game. The game ended at 3-0, all in all I was very pleased with the win specially in those playing conditions!! RF
Sat. 24th Jan 2009	V	Old Blacks 'C' (h) 1 - 2 (ht.1-2) scorers : S. Thompson
		This was a game that we all really wanted to win as they’d beaten us earlier on in the season. We couldn’t have asked for a better start, scoring with a route 1 goal which started from Tom’s kick out, Tommy G’s flick on and Sam’s clinical finishing. After the goal we continued to play some good football, but ended up conceding a sloppy goal when their striker was able to turn, shoot and score in our box. In all fairness to the lads this didn’t affect us as we carried on playing some decent football. Again we were made to pay with an under judged challenge which led to their striker finishing well. We began the second half exactly how we left off and continued playing are good football. The only problem was we didn’t have that final finish. This was the story for the whole of the second half we just couldn’t score. The closest we came was when Tommy G smashed one onto the bar from long range. The game finished 2-1, in the end I was pleased with our performance but not the result. I’m sure we’ll bounce back in style next game!! RF
Sat. 31st Jan 2009	V	Oldham Hulmeians 'A' (a) 6 - 0 (ht.3-0) scorers : S. Thompson 3, J. Fannon 2, S. Corrigan
		Our title aspirations were very much back on track! After a fantastic performance by the lads. When the corresponding fixture finished 6-0 to us we wanted to try and better that this time around, we ended up matching it which I was very pleased with!! We dominated the tie early, with a combination of slick passing, intelligent movement, and direct, intelligent play causing Oldham all sorts of problems and took the lead through a great team goal scored by Fannon. We did not stop there instead we began to exert more pressure, with most of the play being down the flanks where McCrudden and Sanders, Baldwin and Fannon were combining well. The pressure again paid of with a well deserved and rare goal scored from the skipper Corrigan!! We ended up finishing the half 3-0 up when Joe scored his second goal. The second half started comfortably for us and our spirit must be commended. Our crosses were still causing problems and Dan and Sam were linking up well. It took a while but the fourth goal came, Thompson was played through and let fly with his shot, which found the inside corner of the net. We were beginning to feel the goal-scoring mood again, Dan picked up a loose ball in the centre of the field and ran towards goal. He then unselfishly set up Sam for his 2nd of the game. Subs were made and the introduction of Wilson gave Broughton so fresh legs. A great ball from the right was controlled beautifully by McCrudden, who unselfishly teed up Sam for his third of the game. This is how the game ended 6-0. All in all it was a very comfortable win for us lets hope we keep it up, well played boys. - RF.
Sat. 14th Feb 2009	V	Bolton Wyresdale 'B' (a) 2 - 0 (ht.1-0) scorers : T. Greenhalgh, D. Sanders
		A miserable day at Bolton with our high title hopes still very much intact, we made the often difficult away trip along the M6. A couple of absentees including Connolly, McCrudden and George Cornwell meant we only travelled with an 11 man squad including Daniel Harle who had played so well up front the week previous having to play a make shift right winger. Could the thread-bare squad play a factor?? The early play was good, with most of our good work coming down the left side, in particular leading scorer Fannon who looked lively in the early going. As Darren Sanders collected the ball at right back and planted a beautiful delivery to an unmarked Tom Greenhalgh in the area he had to score . . . but he did not, spurning the chance and nodding over. Was it going to be one of those days?? Not for much longer, a carbon copy of the aforementioned chance allowed Tommy G to nod the ball firmly home and give us a deserved lead. Wyresdale mounted no serious attacks as such and their lone frontman was becoming increasingly frustrated, especially with him finding Broughtons centre back Dave Downham in inspired form. Second half saw Full back Sanders make it 2 with a wonderfully placed free kick and we saw the match off with ease. With keeper Strangeway having only one routine save to make all game. a very polished performance from the league leaders in a tricky away contest, Broughton continue to fly high. - RF
Sat. 21st Feb 2009	V	Chadderton 'B' (a) 1 - 3 (ht.1-1) scorers : J. Fannon
		We all met up knowing in a couple of hours we would be playing the biggest game of our season. We arrived at Chadderton to be told the changing rooms had been broken into and trashed - great start. Anyway we managed to get sorted out and onto the pitch ready for the game. The game kicked off with both teams were wanting to win this game, it was very scrappy for the first 10 or so minutes but both teams started to settle down and play football. It was us that struck first when Joe received a great through ball and comfortably chipped the keeper! After the goal the game continued to be end to end with both teams coming close. As the half was closing the ref game them a free kick 25 yards out which was never a foul. From this resulting free kick they scored, it was a soft goal to concede. The second half began with Chaddertons pressing forward more and putting us under pressure, this paid off for them when 10 minutes in they pounced on a communications error at the back to make it 2-1. I was pleased with the lads response to this goal, they never let their heads drop and began to play the football they know they can. We had a few good scoring opportunities but just could not find the back of the net. We were now running out of time, we needed that goal and soon. We pushed more players forward changing the formation to 3-4-3 this sadly didn’t pay off when we were caught on the break with their striker shooting from long range which some how got past Tom in the goal. The game ended 3-1 to Chadderton, all in all we know we can play better and hopefully will take 3 points back off them in a few weeks when they come to our place. - RF
Sat. 28th Feb 2009	V	Oldham Hulmeians 'B' (h) 6 - 2 (ht.3-0) scorers : S. Thompson (3), D. Sanders, A. Robinson, C. McCrudden
		Promotion push back on track with a straightforward win against lowly Oldham. It was a far cry from the Broughton we saw so despondent in the second half against Chaddertonians, with neat, intricate passing being the order of the day, coupled with efficient front play from Thompson and Brown. It did take a while for us to get into our stride though as a resiliant Oldham stood up to be counted against us. Only Change this week was Harle starting on the right hand side, we had a different look about us, with the defence playing a much higher line than they ever have before, pushing the play and allowing Strangeway to sweep up any long loose balls. The left hand side was looking solid with McCrudden and Baldwin combining well to create a few chances and it was from the left hand side that the first goal was created. McCrudden weaving in and out of the full back before delivering what looked like a wayward shot into the box, but the ball unintentionally looped over the keeper and into the top corner. Oldham's floodgates were opened. We began to apply more and more pressure, and with the Oldham defence wilting under the constant scrutiny of Broughtons midfield and the gusto of their strikers. Connolly was causing all sorts of problems, and it was his dilligence and persistent that allowed us to take total control, he dropped a shoulder to beat one man but was felled as he tried to beat a second. A free-kick being awarded just outside the Oldham box. Sanders, who had been on target in previous weeks with his set-pieces, duly stepped up to deliver a precise finish. The next goal was nothing short of team brillance, Sam received the ball from Yates after a luscious ball inside the full back and the centre half and Thompson cooly slotted home. 3.0. The half-time whilstle was blown and we were completely in the driving seat. Second half began with some individual excellance. Connolly picked the ball up on the half way line and beat no fewer than five players. He shimmied, twistered, turned, and eventually squared for Thompson to score. 4.0. Thompson added another before the returning Robinson grabbed a comeback goal, again after good work from Connolly could only be halted with a blatant foul. So was there anything for Broughton to be concerned about after such a performance? Well they again conceded 2 goals of sheer defence petulance. With the first coming from mis-communication after a free-kick and the other being a questionable finish, had it crossed the line? This should never have arose however if the back line had dealt adequately with nothing more than a hopeful punt from Oldham. - RF
Sat. 7th Mar 2009	V	Chadderton 'B' (h) 3 - 1 (ht.1-1) scorers : S. Corrigan, S.Connolly, C.McCrudden
		Here it was, officially the biggest game of our season so far. A game that had to be won, if we are going to win the title, Oh Boy we didn’t disappoint! We started the game on fire, we passed and played the ball around Chadds like they were one of the bottom sides in the division. With this great start it wasn’t long till we took the lead through a great lob from the unlikely source of Stefan. After the goal we continued to play some great football but were let down by a terrible back pass pounced on by their number 9 who rounded Tom to make it 1-1. So after all are hard work we went in at half time at level pegging. I told the lads at half time to keep playing like we were and we’d win the game. No changes were made at half time. They kicked off but straight away we were in their faces and carried on playing quality football, the only problem we just didn’t have that finishing touch. This wasn’t helped by their linesman who never had that flag down, every attack he raised the it. Then finally the ref eventually ignored his flag and we went on to score from this attack when Des shot, the keeper parried to Chris Mc who finished calmly. Was I relieved? You bet I was!!! After the goal there was around 15 minutes to go, in which this time Chadderton had gone to pieces, the win was finally sealed with a great solo effort from Shane. That has got to be the best result in my reign as manager, but now the question is can we win the title? - RF
Sat. 14th Mar 2009	V	Bury GS 'B' (a) 7 - 2 (ht.5-0) scorers : S. Connolly 2, S. Corrigan 2, J. Fannon 2, D. Downham
		After last weeks great Victory the spirit in the dressing room was at its peak and it showed on the pitch. We came out of the traps like hungry wolves, we were playing football at its top level, Bury just could not handle us. This lead to us taking the lead within the first 10 minutes, with Dave ‘The Gas Man’ Downham knocking the ball in at the back post. After this goal we continued to batter Bury scoring a 2nd through Stefan ‘The Body’ Corrigan. Within minutes of the retake we were at it again and added a 3rd again through the unlikely source of Stefan again, with his 3rd goal in two games. It must be said he got a massive help from Joe for the goal. Unlucky Joe lad u can’t have that one!!! With still only 20 minutes on the clock and 3 up the only thing going through my mind was how many are we gonna win by?.... As it happens the goals dried up for 10 or so minutes until we were awarded a Penalty, will Stefan step up for his hat-trick? Did he heck unfortunately Stefan forgot to bring his balls with him and jacked out of it!!! So in the end up stepped Joe who calmly slotted the ball home making it 4-0. We were now completely home and dry another 3 points in the bag already and it wasn't even half time. With just minutes left of the first half Shane burst though and easily slotted it home making it 5-0 at the half way stage. Nothing really got said at half time apart from keep it up and try to keep the clean sheet!!! We started the 2nd half in similar mood and it didn't take long until Joe finished well for his second of the game and our 6th. Slightly after the goal I made a substitution Sam ‘The Tears’ Thomson off and Des ‘The Machine’ Robinson on. The score had now stayed the same for a while until for the 2nd game running a howler at the back allowed Bury to score against the run of play. That’s the clean sheet out the window!! Anyway we kicked of and more or less immediately scored a 7th through Shane netting his second of the game, Great response from the lads. It stayed this way right till the end until Tom ‘Clumsy Feet’ Strangeway tried to take on an outfield player who tackled him with ease and passed it into the empty net making it a full time score of 7-2!! In the end I was very pleased with are performance but we can’t be making these defensive mistakes too often or we might pay the price. - RF
Sat. 21st Mar 2009	V	Castle Hill 'A' (h) 2 - 1 (ht.0-0) scorers : A. Robinson, S. Corrigan
		This was probably going to be the toughest game left to play this season. We arrived at the pitch nice and early to get everything and ourselves well prepared. I also must comment on a great job Doug and his friend had done rolling the pitch, cheers Doug. Now onto the game, I made one change to the team that had beaten Bury the week before and that was to give Des a start up top. We started the game very edgy but finally settled down and began to play after around 10 minutes. The first half was very tight with both sides creating opportunities but the half ended as a stalemate 0-0. With the team talk made at half time we went back onto the pitch unchanged. This was it we had 45 minutes to find that much needed win. This plan soon turned against us when their left winger from nowhere scored from a cross/shot which looped over Toms head. After this the lads began to play some great football refusing to let their heads drop after going behind. Then with around 20 minutes to go Des got played through and smashed the ball home into the bottom left corner making it 1-1 Game on. From this goal we continued to press Castle but it looked as if that second goal would never come. We got a corner with 2 minutes to go, in it came, up jumped Stefan!!! BANG in it goes, we’d done it we had got that winning goal it felt like a cup final winning goal the way we all celebrated. We were all so chuffed when the final whistle was blown. Well done boys only two mores wins and then that title is coming to Broughton!!! - RF
Sat. 4th Apr 2009	V	Rossendale Ams 'D' (a) 4 - 0 (ht.1-0) scorers : S. Connelly, D. Harle, J. Fannon, J. Yates
		When we arrived at Rossendale we all knew even though they were low down in the table we couldn’t let our guard down and slip up this late in the season. Furthermore we kitted up and got ready for the climb up the mountain or so if felt for me on crutches to reach the pitch haha. Anyway only one change again and that was to start Des & Sam together upfront for the first time in the history of Broughton. The game started and we were really poor we were at 6’s and 7’s at the back and nothing at all up front. To be fair to Rossendale they started like a house on fire and I don’t think the boys expected this. We finally got into the game half an hour in and it wasn’t long before we took the lead through an absolute screamer from Jay, no one saw that coming I don’t even think he did!! Half time arrived; we went in 1-0 up. A strong team talk from the captain whilst having a good scratch hopefully would motivate us. Unfortunately it didn’t, we continued to play very poorly for the first 20 minutes of the half. I decided a change had to be made, off came little drunken Des and on came Shane. This livened it up a lot but still wasn’t paying off with Sam missing the easiest chance he’s had all season. So off he came for a straight swap for Daniel Harle. Anyway to all our surprise Daniel was unbelievable when he came on, straight away he slid a ball in for Joe who finished superbly. That was the moment that kicked us up the backside and made us play like we can. From this we went on and scored another two goals again one set up by Dan, for Connelly, and then the last one scored by Dan, which got him the man of the match award. He did all this in 15minutes of being on the pitch, well done mate. The game ended 4-0, I was not pleased with the performance from some of the lads but we won the game and that’s all that matters. Only 1 game away can we become Champions? - RF
Wed. 15th Apr 2009 Cup Rd 2	V	Rossendale Ams 'D' (h) 3 - 3 (ht.0-0) LOST 3-2 on Pens scorers : S. Connelly 2, A. Robinson
		The game kicked off with a great fast tempo, we continued to play some great football just like the previous Saturday. We kept pressing Rossendale but just could not score that first goal. The half ended a stalemate 0-0. At half time I made 1 change bringing off a very quiet Dan for Des. Hopefully this would liven up the forward play. It paid off with 10 minutes gone when Shane broke through scoring well. Now we had finally got the first goal we could go on and score more, which we did through Des and again Shane. In between these goals we conceded a sloppy goal. At this point we were winning 3-1 with just under 10 minutes left. Then Rossendale pounced on an uncleared ball smashing it into the bottom corner of the net. Then with 2 minutes remaining the ref made one of the worst decisions I’ve ever seen awarding them an indirect free kick in the box which they ended up scoring from and pulling it back to 3-3. This meant it went straight to penalties which unfortunately we ended up losing. Oh well that’s the end of the cup run for this year, maybe next year boys. - RF
4th Team Table Sat. 18th Apr 2009	V	Rossendale Ams 'C' (h) 1 - 3 (ht.1-2) scorers : T. Greenhalgh
Latest Reports: 1st Team 2nd Team 3rd Team		The game started fairly evenly, neither side gaining any great dominance. We then started to probe their defence and got a few half chances, best of which was a Des effort just pushed wide after breaking a tackle and getting a clear sight of the goal, but it was all a bit frantic and the half chances appeared at both ends. Then after 25 mins came the big breakthrough, a flighted free kick from Joe was met at the back post by Tommy G who neatly turned it home. This we hoped would give us the confidence to settle into the game. However within two mins a goalkeeping error had gifted them a shock equaliser. Then five minutes later a loose ball outside our box was drilled low, and unstoppably, into the corner of our net. This rocked us, as they'd scored two goals out of nothing, we had not been under any great pressure yet we were suddenly behind. They then went on to create a couple more chances before half time but back four of Johnny, Tom, ?? and Baldy at the back held us together. A few stern but encouraging words at half time, Chris Mc making the good point that we were playing too narrow. So we came out and livened things up a bit pushing them onto the back foot and again creating a few half chances. Then after about 10 mins their first good move of the half resulted in a defence splitting pass that was tidily finished - nothing we could do about that one either. From this point on they were the better and more composed side and really shut us out effectively, even though we still created a few great chances in all honesty so did they, with Tom S making up for his first half mistake on a couple of occasions. We only needed to win to clinch the League title, but obviously we didn't. Such a disappointing and frustrating way to end an otherwise great season.

POS	Division 1	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Howe Bridge Mills	26	20	1	5	64	25	39	61
2	Chew Moor Brook	26	19	3	4	93	27	66	60
3	Prairie United	26	18	3	5	84	44	40	57
4	Horwich Victoria	26	16	3	7	64	42	22	51
5	Mostonians	26	13	4	9	64	48	16	43
6	Old Blackburnians Res	26	12	5	9	52	48	4	41
7	Castle Hill	26	10	8	8	62	49	13	38
8	Little Lever SC Res	26	11	4	11	64	66	-2	37
9	Hindley Juniors	26	9	4	13	51	64	-13	31
10	Broughton Ams	26	9	2	15	56	65	-9	29
11	Thornleigh	26	6	5	15	45	76	-31	23
12	Tyldesley United	26	6	4	16	36	65	-29	22
13	Chaddertonians Res	26	5	5	16	50	75	-25	20
14	Spotland Methodists	26	1	3	22	32	123	-91	6

POS	Division 3	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Mostonians Res	26	19	5	2	105	43	62	62
2	Old Mancunians Res	26	14	9	3	67	41	26	51
3	Ashtonians	26	14	6	6	67	36	31	48
4	Bolton Wyresdale Res	26	12	7	7	64	49	15	43
5	Broughton Ams Res	26	12	5	9	58	50	8	41
6	Rossendale Ams 'A'	26	10	5	11	64	54	10	35
7	Bacup United	26	10	4	12	58	52	6	34
8	Rochdale St.Clements 'A'	26	7	10	9	52	51	1	31
9	Failsworth Dynamo Res	26	8	9	9	56	65	-9	29 *
10	Tottington United	26	6	7	13	62	78	-16	25
11	Little Lever SC 'A'	26	7	4	15	54	88	-34	25
12	Lymm Res	26	7	6	13	55	80	-25	23 *
13	Hesketh Casuals Res	26	5	8	13	51	69	-18	19 *
14	Accrington Ams Res	26	6	5	15	41	98	-57	19 *

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY Thu. 31st July 2008		Broughton XI v Conti (h) 1 - 2 (ht.-) @ Broughton (scorer: S. Cummings)
		Match Report will appear here if submitted.
PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY Sat. 2nd Aug. 2008		1st / 2nd Team v REMYCA (h) 0 - 3 (ht.-) @ Myerscough
		Match Report will appear here if submitted.
PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY Wed. 13th Aug. 2008		3rd Team v 4th Team (h) 3 - 3 (ht.0-2) @ Broughton
		Match Report will appear here if submitted.
PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY Sat. 16th Aug. 2008		2nd / 3rd Team v Oswaldtwistle St. Marys (h) 3 - 1 (ht.2-0) @ Broughton
		A great match played in the right spirit but still very competitive giving both managers and teams plenty value, as usual, from the work out. OSM started brighter and looked more dangerous for the first 15mins of the match. We started to gain in confidence and control resulting in Sean scoring on 20 mins after some nice creative football down our right flank. Aaron then lost his marker to meet another cross from the right and finish neatly. Sean lobbed the keeper early in the second half to get our third. They got the goal their endeavour deserved to finish the scoring for the day. Note: This Pre-Season friendly has been played between our two clubs since 1993. Check out the Ossie St Marys website for more info on our long term friends and opponents. So far (inc this match) playing record is: P.16 - W.10 - D.1 - L.5 - F.51 - A.31
PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY Sat. 16th Aug. 2008		3rd / 4th Team v Catforth (a) 5 - 2 (ht.-) @ Catforth
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PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY Sat. 23rd Aug. 2008		3rd / 4th Team v Oswaldtwistle St. Marys Res (h) 1 - 4 (ht.-) @ Broughton
		A stronger Ossy side dominated and thoroughly deserved their win in another valuable run out for both sides. We look forward to being able to visit them in future years when the Heys project is complete.
MID-SEASON FRIENDLY Sat. 27th Dec. 2008		3rd Team v GESM (a) 4 - 4 (ht:2-3) @ Warrington Scorers: J.Major 2, L.Gavigan, Finney
		Xmas 08 and the tale of an unfriendly friendly In an attempt to reduce the effects of the xmas pud - and as an opportunity to give a trial to some new signings we embarked on a trip to Warrington for the second week running - and again kicked off late due to traffic problems. With a mixture of thirds, a couple of seconds and a couple of unseen new lads the start was always going to be uncertain, especially without any warm up (and in fact not even any changing rooms) to allow us to settle. As a result we started on the back foot and stayed there for a good 30 minutes. Rolling subs allowed us to change things about and this plus a change in formation slowly started to turn things around. Trouble was that we were 2 down by then as the opposition overran midfield and opened up the defence. With a change to 3 at the back and Pete Monks as holding midfielder the situation improved. As we started to move the ball though midfield our forwards came more into the game and from a Rawsthorn break and cross John Major stole forward to lash the ball home from 20 yards. A long shot from GESM restored the 2 goal advantage just before half time but with almost the last kick Leroy Gavigan broke forward and finished well and we went into the second half in good heart. Rick Swan, manager for the day, kept ringing the changes and though this did break up the pattern on occasions, it did serve to get everybody equal playing time. GESM extended their lead after 10 minutes - and should have had another as a good penalty claim was turned down (wrongly it seems) by the ref. Sadly the ref was me - and this didn't put them in a good mood and as a result the game started to get a bit more spirited and the whingeing levels went up 2 notches. New man Finney on the wing (now that conjures up a vision) started to find his feet, and looked threatening in partnership with Bowerman down the right. He got a deserved reward for effort as the other new man Ashley Butterworth played a telling ball to release Finney for a cool finish. The midfield battle had intensified to 100% with Low, Lowcock, Butterworth and (of course) Monks not giving nor receiving any quarter, but we were now paying higher up the field and for the last 15 minutes we had the majority of the pressure and came close on a number of occasions. With 5 to go the final drama unfolded. Scotty broke up an attack and released Craig Lathom. Duffy rose majestically to meet the through ball, fortunately he missed it, and the ball broke to Finney who rounded the full back and pulled the ball back for Major - yes that man Major again, to bring the scores level for a final time. The GESM whinge levels hit fever pitch so with 2 minutes to go so that seemed like a good place to end it. - DB

POS	Division 6	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Lymm 'B'	20	16	1	3	70	24	46	49
2	Oldham Hulmeians Res	20	14	2	4	63	35	28	44
3	Broughton Ams 'A'	20	12	5	3	73	39	34	41
4	Radcliffe Town 'A'	20	12	1	7	60	48	12	37
5	Old Mancunians 'B'	20	10	1	9	51	53	-2	31
6	Hesketh Casuals 'B'	20	8	2	10	49	50	-1	26
7	Thornleigh 'B'	20	6	5	9	35	47	-12	23
8	Thornleigh 'A'	20	4	5	11	43	62	-19	17
9	Bolton Wyresdale 'A'	20	4	5	11	23	50	-27	17
10	Radcliffe Town 'B'	20	3	5	12	37	65	-28	14
11	Lymm 'A'	20	3	4	13	30	61	-31	13

POS	4th Team - Division 7	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Chaddertonians 'B'	20	15	3	2	79	44	35	48
2	Old Blackburnians 'C'	20	14	5	1	83	36	47	47
3	Broughton Ams 'B'	20	15	1	4	83	24	59	46
4	Rossendale Ams 'C'	20	10	6	4	60	37	23	36
5	Castle Hill 'A'	20	9	6	5	60	41	19	33
6	Oldham Hulmeians 'A'	20	6	5	9	36	56	-20	23
7	Bolton Wyresdale 'B'	20	6	4	10	46	57	-11	22
8	Rossendale Ams 'D'	20	5	3	12	38	71	-33	18
9	Horwich RMI 'A'	20	5	2	13	34	64	-30	17
10	Bury GSOB 'B'	20	3	3	14	23	64	-41	12
11	Oldham Hulmeians 'B'	20	2	2	16	32	80	-48	8