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1st Team

Final Table, Results and Match Reports - 2015/2016 season

POS 1st Team - Prem Division P W D L F A GD PTS
1  Southport & Ainsdale Ams 20 14 4 2 76 22 54 46
2  Preston Wanderers 20 14 3 3 97 37 60 45
3  Eccleston & Heskin 20 13 2 5 69 39 30 41
4  Bolton United 20 9 7 4 50 25 25 31*
5  Hoole United 20 7 8 5 51 37 14 29
6  Broughton Ams 20 7 7 6 43 42 1 28
7  Newman College 20 7 6 7 46 43 3 27
8  Walmer Bridge 20 8 3 9 59 71 -12 27
9  Penwortham Town 20 6 3 11 58 84 -26 21
10  Anchorsholme 20 2 1 17 24 89 -65 7
11  Baxters 20 0 2 18 19 103 -84 2
* = Points Adjustment   

1st Team Fixtures + Results, Scorers and Match Reports (where submitted).
Broughton Score First.

Sat. 15th Aug 2015

V

Freckleton (h)   7 - 0   (ht.4-0)    
scorers :  K. Cummins 3, D. Cooper 2, M. Pendlebury 2
  FRECKLETON HAVE WITHDRAWN FROM LEAGUE SO THIS RECORD IS EXPUNGED
I can't help but think that things that will get tougher, but we’ll take it as the first game in the top division. In fact we started off somewhat hesitantly, maybe the pressure of the ongoing run or maybe the uncertainty about our place in the new Division, but somehow it took a while to click. Thankfully defensively we looked strong all game. Defensively,a posse of Horns plus a Monks thrown in for good measure restricted Freckleton to a few long shots, and when Joe Harrison replaced Rob Horn the defensive wall was undiminished. Slowly the game started to flow however and then suddenly the flood gate opened to such an extent that we were 4 goals to the good after only 30 minutes. Dan Cooper made the breakthrough after seizing onto a loose ball before rounding the keeper and slotting home from a tight angle. Pendlebury extended the lead after using strength and pace to get behind the Freck defence but it was the third that was the pick of the bunch. Cooper applied the finishing touch, but the move involved almost everybody in a move that went from Keeper to 5 yard finish. Even the ref applauded. Pendlebury rounded off the scoring with a neat touch and finish and we headed to half time in something less than overdrive. Words of wisdom at half time pointed us in a better direction and midfield started to find more of the fluency that we have come to expect. Not everything worked, but the short ball gave served us better and was much more fun to play in and watch. Scoring wise, the second half was a triumph for Kev Cummins with 3 goals – all headed. The first followed a superb run and cross from Ash Butterworth ,the second a long angled ball that evaded the keeper and the third an unopposed finish from Stu Horn corner. Now for the rest of the season. db
Tue. 18th Aug 2015

V

Preston Wanderers  (a)   3 - 3   (ht.3-1)
scorers :  J. Mottley, D. Cooper 2
  Well, after last weeks jaunt we suspected that the games would get tougher - and we weren’t disappointed. Wanderers were last years run away winners and on a perfect Bamber Bridge playing surface it was always going to be hard - especially with a significantly reorganised midfield. Wanderers clearly had the edge at the start with Broughton old boy, Sean Bynoe, pulling the strings and 2 very fast wingers looking to exploit the space, but defensively we started with 100% concentration on the job in hand and that concentration never wavered throughout the whole game. Full backs Stu and Andy horn got a grip on their wide men and slowly we started to exploit the pace that Wanderers had left. It was clear that our front men – Dan Cooper and James Mottley - had the beating of their defence and with the limited possession that we had we started to threaten. It was against the run of play - but infact no surprise – when Dan Cooper dispossessed a defender and slotted home to give us the lead - and the pattern was repeated 10 minutes later when Mottley did pretty much the same thing and applied a cool finish from the edge of the box to double our lead. The play settled down into a stalemate for 10 minutes as both midfield cancelled each other out before a late flurry sent us to half time. Wanderers got a goal back in the strangest of circumstances as our 2 most reliable defenders managed to convert a harmless free kick into an own goal - and in doing so earned themselves a joint "worst moment” award. This could have been a disaster, but 5 minutes later our best move of the half released Cooper to outpace his defender and provide the best finish of the game. The second half was fairly one way. The possession-o-meter would show a significant swing to the blues of P.W., but that tells only part of the story and it did show that collectively last years team spirit still exists – and that though they had a lot of the ball, they were restricted to very few clear chances. Every body played their part from front to back. Matt Billington came on and made an immediate impact in that we did start to hold the ball upfield more effectively. Cooper continued to threaten and was only denied his third by a “worldy” save by the keeper. At our end the pressure built. Eventually a great fast move brought Wanderers closer and with 10 minutes to go they drew level. There was an element of controversy about the goal, but Wanderers had clearly earned the point. In a final twist we could have stolen it as with just a minute to go Ryan Alston threaded a pass through to brother Alex but his fine shot brought an equally fine save – and we took the point. db 
Sat. 22nd Aug 2015

V

Southport & Ainsdale  (h)  3 - 0  (ht.2-0)  
scorers :  K. Cummins, D. Cooper, S. Horn
  As Southport were warming down I heard their Coach say “how can they have 3 shots and win the game“ ? Get decent strikers and better defenders was my unspoken response. It was a bit of an over simplification, but he had a point though. Southport had a very strong midfield and had the balance of play in both halves, but struggled to create clear chances – and when they did either missed them or were thwarted by last ditch defending or by keeper Greg Lopko who put in a MOM performance. The first save came after just 5 minutes – to salvage a defensive mistake – and this was followed by a series of other great saves in the first half that cumulated by a penalty save just before half time. At the other end Broughton were clinical with their chances – much to the frustration of the opposition bench and delight of our side (where 3 generations of Horns witnessed our battling performance). The first goal came after 15 minutes when Broughtons utility man Kevin Cummins burst forward from full back and whipped in a shot that rattled in off the base of the post. The second came from a Cummins cross and Dan Cooper rose highest to nod it hope. Cooper nearly exended the lead to 3 from a free kick, but this time the ball hit the post and bounced away. Just before half time Lopko performed his heroics from the penalty – and that was important as it gave us more latitude in how to approach the 2nd half. Trouble was – how to approach the 2nd half. We needed to continue to pose a threat, but not leave our selves exposed to a free flowing Southport attack. Cooper dropped a bit deeper and that helped, but not a lot, and so it came down to our collective defensive concentration vs Southports ability to break us down. Defensively we were super from front to back and very few chances were conceded much to the chagrin of our friends on the far touchline. Stuart Horn bent in a swerving free kick to extend our lead and send the opposition frustration levels to overdrive and infact we did finish the half looking the most dangerous. Again a great exhibition of team spirit and defensive know how. db  
Sat. 29th Aug 2015

V

Bolton United (a)  0 - 0  (ht.0-0)  
scorers :  -
  Report to follow. 
Sat. 5th Sep 2015

V

Newman College (h)  1 - 4  (ht.1-1)  
scorers :  J. Mottley
  Well, it had to happen sometime, and finally the long, proud, unbeaten record came to an end. We were missing a couple of key players, but the players that we had were more than up to the job. Truth be told we just had one of those days – and whereas last year we could still squeeze by, this year we have and will get punished. We started off slowly and with Newman clearly “up for it” we looked 2nd best for most of the 1st half. The work rate was there, but we just couldn’t control the ball for long enough to create any pressure on the on the Newman defence. Our back 4 held out for the first 25 mins, but eventually the pressure told and the nature of the goal, (slightly flukey) couldn’t disguise the fact that it was merited. The goal jolted Broughton into some degree of life and our strongest period of the game followed the goal and up to half time. After 30 minutes we fought our way into the game and Mottley forced the ball home – and at that point our star seemed to be on the ascendency. That star looked to be rising even quicker when Luke Taylor single handedly won a penalty, but we came metaphorically back to earth when Taylor himself converted the penalty in a style more reminiscent of Jonny Wilkinson. The ball is probably still rising. Who knows if that wouldn’t have been a turning point, but it would be unfair to pin the blame on that moment. We again lapsed into mediocrity for the 2nd half and not even the most ardent Broughton fan could deny that Newman deserved the points. It was a jolt, but we are still good enough to recover quickly. We will need to. db .
Sat. 12th Sep 2015

V

Penwortham Town (h) 4 - 3  (ht.2-1)  
scorers :  L. Taylor, M. Billington, J. Yates, A. Alston
  After last week's disappointing result, we got back to winning ways with an unconvincing 4-3 victory over Penwortham Town. After a difficult morning for Doug, culminating in him spending 45  mins running around looking for the keys to the dressing rooms, morale was good in the dressing room. Butler's dodgy toe condoms, large shorts and baggy "Once upon a Smile" trackies had a lot to do with the buoyant mood and, after a good warm up, we hit the ground running. Straight from kick off, Cumbo, back in the starting line up after swanning around the French Riviera, snapped at the heels of their centre mid and pinched the ball, laying it into the path of Billington. Billy neglected to slip in Ryan 'No Goals' Alston, dropped his shoulder and smashed an unstoppable shot past the 'keeper and into the bottom corner. 1-0 after 20 seconds. After this both teams settled down into a fairly even 20 minutes until Stuart Horn went on a uncharacteristic mazy run before putting in a characteristic hard challenge on their full back. This left their full back unable to continue and, with them having no subs, they were forced to continue with 10 men. Soon after we scored our second Stu floated "a shit ball" (his words) into the box, but, under the challenge of Butterworth and Billington, the ball broke to Jamie, who calmly slotted it into the far corner. Unfortunately, from this point onwards we lost our way a little. Whether we thought the game was won at this point or not, we stopped working hard, failed to work out who our extra man was and became sluggish and slow with our passing. Straight from the kick off, Town floated a ball over one of our centrebacks (who inexplicably must have put in lead studs before the game) and their lively and tricky number 11 brought it down and slipped the ball past Greg. Cue our first collective loss of heads as everybody shouted at each other and we were lucky to make it to the break still leading. After sensible words at the interval, we started the second half well and started to play some good football. McGill and Butler looked strong and composed at the back, and we started to play our short passing game. We made use of the extra man out wide and soon started to create chances. From this area, we got our third. Stu slipped a lovely ball down the line to play in Luke whose first touch put the ball into his path before he smashed a shot past the goalkeeper at the near post. At this point, we were in complete control and continued to create chance after chance. Doug brought on a now moleless Andy Horn, as well as Alex Alston and Penidorm and it was a combination of two of these that brought our fourth. Gilly played the ball into Pendle, who held up the ball and turned his defender. He played a defence-splitting pass into Alex Alston on the left wing, and he raced into the box before placing it coolly past the goalkeeper. 4-1. After this we continued to attack and create chances, but we neglected to work hard off the ball and we soon conceded. We left ourselves exposed in midfield and they capitalised on the extra space. Their winger outmuscled our defence before squaring the ball for their centre forward. 4-2. We then lost our collective head for the second time: cue lots of angry shouting, poor decisions with the ball and a lack of discipline. And soon after, they scored their third after we failed to clear the ball from a corner. Again, instead of calmly reorganising ourselves, we continued our meltdown and they sensed blood. They pushed us back in an attempt to get an equaliser and Stu threw himself, John Terry-like, at a goal-bound shot. Eventually, we held out and could even have had a fifth if the ref hadn't blown for time when Billy was clean through on goal. Another 3 points in the bag, but we are nowhere near our best. Still, a wise man once said that the sign of a good team is playing badly and winning. There were a number of people repeating that adage at the end of the game. It's the cup next. Onwards. RA
Sat. 19th Sept 2015
LFA Cup Rd 1

V

Wardle (h)    5 - 1  (ht.3-1)  
scorers :  L. Taylor 3, M. Billington, J. Mottley
  LANCASHIRE FA - AMATEUR CUP Round 1
In the last rays of summer sun, we progressed to the next round of the Lancashire cup with a 5-1 win over Wardle of Rochdale. Before the game, it seemed that members of our squad were intent on bagging the worst moment. We had an unprecedented Twitter announcement of injury news before the game. Captain Horn wanted to put it out there that he wasn't playing due to an injury and not because he was dropped; Alex Butler, whose odds for getting worst moment are always at evens, showed up with the windows down and the system up in his new Seat Mii; and Popworld Alston tried to eclipse them all by forgetting the early kick off time and and turning up at 1:30 with the kit. However, we soon got ourselves focused and started the game in the right tempo. Our passing game was crisp for once and the midfield three of Cumbo, Alston and Kev Nev Cummins benefitted from the extra space. However, it was our pressing game that brought the first goal. After pressing their back four, Billington managed to capitalise on a defensive lapse and was brought down by the on-rushing keeper. Up stepped Luke Taylor and, like Stuart Pearce in Euro 96, he banished the demons taunting him after his last penalty miss and placed the ball in the bottom left hand corner. We then continued our superiority by passing the other team off the pitch. The midfield and Andy Horn in particular saw a lot of the ball and the forward line looked dangerous every time they attacked. Eventually, we got our second when Billy fed Luke who put the ball in off the far post. With Rob Horn and Butler looking solid at the back and Alex Alston flying forward, the confidence continued to flow, and we went close a few times before Cumbo's cleverly disguised pass put in Billington who smashed his shot past the 'keeper. 3-0. However, the champagne football was not to last. An increasingly frustrated Wardle started putting in some meaty challenges and, after Rob Horn had pointed this out to the ref, their next hard challenge on Kev Nev resulted in their player being given his marching orders. Cue a masterclass in winding up the opposition from Pendle which resulted in 5 of their players wanting to "smash his face in." And this is where we should have learnt from last week and kept working hard, passing and keeping our cool. We didn't and had another collective meltdown. We got lazy and they scored a goal after we failed to clear the danger. 3-1. Everybody then lost their heads: we started to get dragged into their game and started to lump it forward. They continued to put in hard challenges (although Taylor's dramatic dying soldier impression earned him a yellow for simulation) and we continued to be lazy off the ball. At half time, we spent most of it dragging Dennis away from the opposition and discussing the need to get back to our passing game. And that's what we did for 10 minutes, apart from one pass from Cumbo that was so misplaced that it caused people to think he was being sporting by kicking it out of play for a player to get treatment. For 10 minutes, we looked in complete control and created a lot of chances. This did not last. The catalyst for this seemed to be Billy getting outpaced by their 20 stone Fijian defender. As our fans off the pitch couldn't contain their laughter at this, on the pitch the familiar faults had started to rear their heads: everyone piled forward wanting to score but nobody wanted to track back, and, suddenly, it soon looked like they had the extra man. They put us under pressure and could've scored a second had Greg not pulled off a great save with his legs. We then started losing our cool and shouting nonsense instead of keeping the ball. However, despite this, we did create chances and Mottley tried his hardest to win worst moment by missing two one on ones before achieving the accolade with a wondrous air shot and face plant. The last ten minutes were not seen by this reporter as myself and Pendle went "Brokeback" (Taylor's words) and took a paddle in the river on Doug's instructions, looking for a ball that turned out to be later found nowhere near the river. Anyway, as Wardle began to commit men forward and get tired, we finished them off with two goals. Mottley coolly finished after racing through and Luke Taylor slotted home after the keeper parried a volleyed Butler shot/pass. 5-1. After the game, East 17's It's Alright went down a storm in the dressing room, but that really sums up our performances at the moment: they're alright. RA
Sat. 26th Sep 2015

V

Baxters (a) 3 - 2  (ht.1-1)  
scorers :  M. Billington 2, A.Alston
  Winning feels great. But winning against a team ‘run’ by a former Broughton manager feels even better. And considering the amount of chances we fashioned, it’s fair to say the 3-2 scoreline flattered Baxters. Before the game, chatter among the home team was heard to include, “They’ve got that Jamie Yates up front” and , “There’s that blond lad in midfield who’s decent”. Assuming they were referring to Butler, they might have thought their luck was in when they realised those two were missing, along with a big name trio of S. Horn, A. Horn and Mottley. But they’d have been wrong to think that, because we now have quality and steel throughout our squad. Monks slotted in at centre back alongside skipper for the day R. Horn, while K. Cummins moved to left back and self-proclaimed “best right back at the club” Pendlebury was given a chance to offer proof of his claims. Butterworth returned after a brief dalliance with the third team and A.Alston was pushed forward to left wing. In a cagey opening 10 minutes, neither team was able to take advantage of the lovely surface, with both sets of players opting to lump the ball to safety. However, as things settled down, it became clear we possessed the greater quality and threat. Having said that, it was Baxters who came closest to scoring first. A bouncing shot from the edge of the area was spilled by Lopko and their onrushing forward looked certain to score until Pendlebury, showing cheetah-like speed reached the ball first and hooked it to safety. “Maybe he is the best right back at the club,” murmured the fans. Moments later at the other end Taylor was set free in the left channel. Leaving his marker for dead, he reached the byline and picked out strike partner Billington, who stabbed home from close range. While Baxters enjoyed a decent amount of possession in midfield, largely due to them having an extra man in there, it was Broughton who created the better chances, particularly down the left, where the opposition looked vulnerable. An inswinging corner from that side saw Billington rise highest to head against the underside of the bar. The ball bounced over the line and back out, but the young linesman kept his arm down and the referee waved play on. As is often the case in football, the other team went straight down the other end and scored. Despite having two or three chances to clear the ball, we couldn’t manage it. A.Alston was outmuscled near the corner flag before Pendlebury intervened, bundling down their forward inside the penalty area. “He’s definitely not the best right back at the club,” uttered the fans. Penalty dispatched, 1-1. We created a couple more chances, with Taylor and Billington causing their backline problems, but a combination of poor decision making, bad luck and rusty execution saw us disappointed to be drawing at half time. Fifteen minutes into the second half, Pendlebury, who on the whole put in a solid performance against a speedy left winger, gave his customary nod to the bench and made way for Harrison. Minutes later, a quick counter attack saw Butterworth break at pace before clipping the ball over the top for Billington. He rounded the keeper and calmly slotted home. With Baxters tiring and Broughton looking increasingly dominant, it looked as though we’d see the game out comfortably. But a rare Baxters foray into our box ended with K. Cummins ‘doing a Pendle’ and bundling over their forward for another penalty. Dispatched, 2-2. With 25 minutes to go, 16-year-old debutant Joe Ryan replaced Butterworth, taking his place in a midfield three alongside R.Alston and S. Cummins, with A.Alston being given a free role behind the strikers. Ryan made an immediate impact, providing much-needed energy, winning tackles and stopping attacks. And moments later, A. Alston scored what proved to be the deciding goal. Taylor, again with space in the left channel, went through one-on-one, but unselfishly squared for the bow-legged lonely heart to finish from two yards out. They screamed offside. We screamed no way. The goal stood. The game might have been put out of sight a minute or two later when Ryan was played in by Taylor, but he watched his firm shot fly wide of the far post. With 10 minutes to go, the Baxters captain was shown a second yellow for a late challenge on S. Cummins and departed for an early bath. The most noteworthy incident in the closing stages was a cameo by S. Horn, who replaced a hobbling S.Cummins. Honourable mentions: R. Alston, who worked tirelessly, and teenager Ryan, who helped us over the finish line. MOTM: Billington, who should have had a hat trick and led the line well. Worst moment: Harrison for sporting deck shoes with tracksuit bottoms. You’re not in Hartlepool now, Joe. JL.
Sat. 3rd Oct  2015
GH Cup Rd 2

V

Sharples  (a)   11 - 0  (ht.4-0)  
scorers :  M. Billington 4, R. Alston 2, A. Alston 2, K. Cummins, L. Taylor, J. Yates
  GUILDHALL CUP ROUND 2
Disclaimer: owing to a glut of goals scored combined with a large amount of alcohol consumed in the following, the author cannot be held responsible for inaccuracies or discrepancies.
By Broughton standards, the preparations for this match weren’t exactly ideal. Motorway incidents leading to unintended tours of Lancashire, 4am finishes in Popworld resulting in eyes resembling the proverbial urine-holes in the snow, and a rapid change in a freezing cold room weren’t what we’ve been accustomed to in recent years. On the plus side, though, our preparations were positively professional compared to Sharples’ provisions. A last minute change of pitch, failure to inform the referee and a general attitude of nonchalance towards organisation meant we kicked off half an hour late with Doug performing referee duties, on a pitch boasting nets without any pegs. The message before the game was to make sure they wouldn’t want to see us anywhere near Bolton ever again. And that’s exactly what we did. Right from the off, the chances came thick and fast. After 10 minutes or so, Billington got us off the mark, volleying in from close range after good work on the right from Taylor. Next, Sainsbo’s-shopping A. Alston scored a rare header, connecting firmly with Butterworth’s pinpoint cross. In one of our subsequent attacks, Billington turned provider, crossing for Taylor who slid in, slotting the ball under the Sharples goalkeeper. Billington notched another before half-time, racing on to a Butler through ball, rounding the keeper and putting the ball in an empty net. Truth be told, we could, and should, have been seven or eight up by this point, but we were often wasteful in front of goal. In the second half, thankfully, we were more frugal. Yates got on the scoresheet, diving to head home a cross from R. Alston. Billington completed his hat trick, knocking the ball past the Sharples goalkeeper and A. Alston scored again from close range. Then the unthinkable happened. R. Alston, who’s been like Broughton’s smaller, paler John Obi Mikel in recent times, ended a two-year goal drought. Taking out the frustration of his slop-slinging ordeal during the week, the pint-sized pass master first buried a pity penalty moments before rounding off a fantastic team move by dancing past the keeper and finishing from close range. There was still time for K. Cummins to bundle home a cross and Billington to grab a fourth, slotting home after the Sharples manager had begged the referee to put them out of their misery. In the dying moments, S. Horn claimed the dishonour of the game’s worst moment, calling himself out for an offside despite there being no sign of a flag from the linesman. Fellow goal machines Billington and R. Alston shared the man of the match prize. Next week it’s back to Bolton for a different challenge altogether. Odds on a R. Alston hat trick have been slashed to 2/1, apparently. JL.
Sat. 10th Oct 2015
LFA Cup Rd 2

V

Little Lever SC (a)  2 - 1  (ht.2-0)  
scorers :  L. Taylor 2
  LANCASHIRE FA - AMATEUR CUP Round 2
As the cliché goes, football is a game of two halves. And if ever there was a game to prove it, this was it. Broughton arrived at Little Lever brimming with confidence after an 11-0 win against Sharples just up the road the previous week, but with one or two niggling injury concerns. On the journey to the ground, captain S. Horn, by his own admission, was “high as a kite” after triple dropping co-codamol to ease the pain of a swollen knee, while veteran R. Alston had concerns over a back injury caused by the arduous task of “standing up”. To make matters worse, Yates ruled himself out after he angered a groin problem during the warm-up. Thankfully, the management team was in fine form, making sure the squad arrived in Bolton a good hour before kick-off and allowing for the longest game of ‘two in the middle’ (without bibs) in the history of the beautiful game. By the time kick-off arrived (which seemed like a lifetime), the Broughton players were warm to the point of cramping. However, an early contender for worst moment soon looked like a masterstroke as we started on the front foot, catching Little Lever cold and leaving them visibly rattled. Flying high in their league and having won the Lancashire FA Amateur Cup on multiple occasions, the Boltonians must have fancied their chances. Unfortunately for them, they found Broughton – S. Horn in particular – in fine form. With a clear size advantage, the home team’s game plan appeared to involve hitting their centre-forward early and picking up the pieces. What they hadn’t prepared for, though, was S. Horn. Leading by example and punching above his weight (just as he does in the wife department), our skipper won every header, read every through-ball and intercepted every loose pass. Following his lead, the rest of the team took the game to Little Lever. First, a long ball up to Taylor fell at the feet of Billington, who sidestepped the defender before collapsing in a heap under the subsequent challenge, arms aloft, shouting, “Penalty!” Well-placed, the referee shook his head with the self-assured sureness of a seasoned official. There were no complaints – except from Dennis, obviously. Around 10 minutes in, a throw-in just inside the Little Lever half resulted in a neat one-two, which afforded impish Irishman K. Cummins just enough time to thread a bouncing ball through to Taylor inside left channel. The Little Lever centre-half had looked favourite to reach the ball first until he stopped, inexplicably, drawing a nudge from Broughton’s sandy-haired striker, whose momentum had carried him forward. The defender jolted, allowing Taylor to lob the keeper from a tight angle. And it wasn’t long before Taylor was at it again. Collecting another bouncing ball forward, this time from Butterworth, the Jordan Henderson doppelganger cushioned a right-footed volley over the keeper, doubling our lead. The interminable warm-up was looking better by the minute. For the next 15 minutes or so, Little Lever struggled to deal with Broughton’s short, sharp passing game. A. Alston twisted and turned on the right, causing problems for his marker, while Butler and R. Alston kept things ticking over nicely in the middle. With the strikers looking dangerous and the backline – shepherded expertly by S. Horn – looking solid, we appeared comfortable and good value for our lead. Then, as is often the case in football, there was a change in momentum. Rather than turning the screw, we dropped our intensity levels (maybe that mammoth warm-up wasn’t such a good idea after all) and Little Lever stepped things up a gear or two. The home team ended the first half strongly, exerting pressure but without really opening us up. We held firm, but the warning signs were there. At half-time, the message from the management was to keep concentration and start the second 45 minutes as we had the first. Sadly, we just couldn’t manage it and the 45-minute warm-up was now looking worse by the second. Enjoying the lion’s share of possession, Little Lever, strengthened by a couple of substitutes, made several forays into the Broughton half. Our passes grew sloppy and tired, and our clearances became increasingly panicked and wayward. But if the quality of our play was wanting, the same could not be said about our commitment and desire. Time and time again, our players put their bodies on the line, preventing Little Lever from scoring by whatever means necessary. When their top knot-sporting forward finally made it beyond our backline, stand-in keeper Sprake made a fantastic save, denying him with his feet. The bench watched nervously, hearts firmly in mouths, as the ball broke free, but Butterworth was first on the scene, clearing from inside the six-yard box. Panic over – at least for the time-being – it looked as though we might have weathered the storm. But things are very rarely that simple. A Little Lever corner was floated into the box, with Sprake rising highest to reach the ball. However, under pressure from several bodies, it slipped out of his clutches and landed at the feet of a Little Lever player, who smashed it against the underside of the bar. A pin-ball scenario saw the ball bounce all over the place, including somewhere near the goal-line, before S. Horn hooked it away. The home side were certain it had crossed the line. We were hopeful it hadn’t. The referee decided to make things interesting and ruled in their favour. Cue squeaky bum time. With 12 minutes still on the clock, now it was Broughton's turn to be rattled. Every clearance seemed to land at the feet of a Little Lever player. As the home team piled men forward, it inevitably left holes at the back, giving substitute Mottley one or two opportunities to capitalise. In the first instance, the chain-smoking speed demon skipped past his marker in the corner, but chose to shoot rather than cut the ball back from a tight-angle and his tame effort was gratefully accepted by the keeper. The levels of tension, excitement and entertainment obviously weren’t enough for Taylor, though. Ten minutes from the end, he dodged two or three naughty challenges on the halfway line. Then, as he later described, he thought he was “about to be done” so decided to “do him first”, aiming a two-footed lunge at Senor Top Knot. Pandemonium ensued, with Mr Man-bun mounting Taylor before and doing a spot of wrestling. A dejected Taylor headed for an early bath while the squeakometer on our bottoms was cranked up to 11. In the dying moments, Sprake made another vital stop from close range before Mottley made a late bid for worst moment, attempting a Kanu-style shot from the byline. The full-time whistle was music to the ears of the Broughton army. Make no mistake, this was a great win against a decent team – and we managed it with a couple of key players missing. Man of the match was captain marvel, S. Horn. Worst moment was captain marvel S. Horn for a first-half free-kick Jonny Wilkinson would have been proud of. Dishonourable mention for Harrison and his safari trousers. JL.   
Sat. 17th Oct 2015

V

Southport & Ainsdale (a)  2 - 5   (ht.1-3)  
scorers :  L. Taylor, M. Billington
  4 weeks ago we beat Southport 3-0, a great victory but truth be told the opposition probably deserved something from the game. A very powerful midfield was let down by some wasteful finishing on that occasion, but this time there were no such weaknesses and we were undone by an altogether outstanding display. Missing a couple of key men in Butler and captain Stu Horn we knew we would have to match Southport from the off - and though the workrate was there, we were constantly a yard behind in both attack and defense. Manager Jon assured the boys that “they cant keep this tempo up for the whole game" – but in fact they did. Despite the possession–o–meter being decisively in favour of Southport we coped well defensively for the first 25 minutes. One of the key battles was between Rob Horn and the opposition number 9 and it was worth the money to watch a very good attacker being shackled by a very good defender and it felt that as long as that battle remained a stalemate then we had a chance. The breakthrough however came in a fairly random way when a defensive error let Southport in with a one on one – and they made no mistake. Just 10 minutes later we further contributed to our down fall when a wicked swerving free kick found Monks isolated on the edge of the 6 yard box. Head it or leave it – where was the helpful shout - what to do ? Well his header went perfectly into the bottom corner of our net and we were 2 down. This was a shame as we had been starting to show some attacking threat – albeit on limited possession - and Billington continued his good run of late to power past 2 defenders and hit an unstoppable drive to make the score an encouraging 2-1. Any hopes of a recovery were squished within 5 minutes when a classy move from Southport cut open our defence and the 2nd half was a battle. Southport got 2 more good goals – the last a great strike every bit as good as Matt Billingtons in the 1st half. Billington and Taylor continued to work hard and Luke got a just reward for that effort with a good goal on the hour mark. Debutant Gary Longshaw showed enough to suggest that he will be a significant addition to our midfield and Sean Cummins made a late return from injury, but apart from Horn scoring a points victory in the battle with their no 9, that was about it for “positives” - db  
Sat. 24th Oct  2015

V

Hoole Utd (h) 2 - 2 (ht.2-1)  
scorers :  M. Billington, J. Yates
  Definitely one that got away and really, after the very impressive first half performance, it should have been a nailed on 3 points. Making light of the extensive injury list Broughton played some expansive free flowing football for the first 45 minutes. The midfield 3 were everywhere and as a result we found space in practically all areas of the field. Full backs Horn and Alston particularly benefited and were able to push deep into enemy territory and all in all it was jolly good fun to play in and watch. The inevitable happened after about 20 minutes when Billington got across his man from a Yates corner, and soon after Yates finished off yet another free flowing move to make it 2 . Other good chances came and went – and we came to rue that profligacy when on the stroke of half time we switched off to allow a soft goal. Hoole had been slowly coming into the game for the last 10 minutes of the half and continued to get stronger as the second half started. If the first half had been clearly ours, then the second clearly belonged to Hoole. We need to analyse why - and will prior to the next game - but essentially we were toothless for almost all the 2nd half. Defensively we continued to battle and only conceded a late equaliser, but it really wasn’t good. DB
Sat. 31st Oct 2015
LFA Cup Rd 3

V

Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs  (a)  0 - 3  (ht.0-2)  
scorers :  -
  LANCASHIRE FA - AMATEUR CUP Round 3
A second visit to Southport in October and sadly a similar result. Significantly hampered by absentees, seven in total, for a variety of reasons (some more valid than others) we had to significantly re-organise to try to create a challenge to the best team we have played for many a year. A defend deep and hit em on the break policy seemed to fit the bill and available players. It sort of worked in that Southport were restricted to relatively few chances throughout the game though the balance of play was again firmly in their favour. It meant , however, that we had a lot fewer, and our constant problem was that when we did win the ball back we were unable to get support to Jamie yates quickly enough , though Sean Cummins tried hard and with some limited success. Our best chances came from the boot of Yates, one a shot that was blocked and the other a swerving free kick that evaded the southport defence and just by passed Rob Horn. Any sort of contact would probably have been decisive. Our nemesis were the tough and skilful no 9 (of whom I am a fan) and their will o the wisp no 6 who ran midfield and was constantly in space – despite our best efforts. The game plan fell apart in a 10 minute spell towards the end of the 1st half, when a good move put Southport ahead and then our Mate the no 9, took the ball in the box and rolled our defender. Both went down in a heap and a penalty given. It was 50:50 as to whether it was truly a penalty, but the result was 2-0. The 2nd half was a repeat in which we tried to find a way to hurt their defence – but without leaving ourselves too exposed. For a while things looked positive and our best spell saw medium range efforts from Butler and Cummins and a couple of other efforts that were saved or blocked. Eventually however Southports no 6 played a defence splitting ball to no 9. Lopko saved the first effort well , but the ball rebounded to hit no 9 in the goolies and it trickled over the line. There was no way back from that. db .   
Sat. 21st Nov 2015

V

Anchorsholme (a)  5 - 0   (ht.3-0)  
scorers :  A. Butler 2, M. Billington, J. Yates, U. Bux
  Contrary to expectations the pitch was in almost perfect condition and conducive to our preferred style. Still missing Stu and Rob Horn through injury and Luke Taylor at last ending suspension we welcomed Boardman Butterworth and Umar Bux from the u18 to boost the squad - and we started on the front foot. After 10 mins Billington escaped his marker but rushed the finish when in space and time. Soon after, in an almost carbon copy, the finish was back to his usual standard - and we had a deserved lead. 20 minutes later and the lead was 3 thanks to goals from Butler and Yates. At this point the play was lacking fluency, but compensated for by effort and desire and at half time the team talk for management was one of continue but improve. And we did. Top performances were evenly spread but perhaps the standouts of the 2nd half were Monks, Al Alston and Sean Cummins - though its probably unfair to single people out. As the half went on the short game started to flow and passes that in the 1st half had been going astray now began to hit their targets. Players that had previously seemed hesitant to commit to pass and move started to demand the ball and suddenly you could sense last years self-confident style starting to return. The 4th goal was a classic counter attacking move. Al Butler started it by breaking up an Anchorsholme move deep in our half. Matt Billington timed his run perfectly to collect Butlers out ball and then Billington released the ball into path of Butler who was by now on the edge of the opponents box. The resulting drive was unstoppable. Umar Bux made his debut and once certain timing issues were overcome (3 offsides in 10 minutes) he began to find space and time - culminating in a crisp left foot finish after great work down the left by Butterworth and Alston. Bux has now scored for the 1st 2nd and u18. db
Sat. 16th Jan 2016

V

Eccleston & Heskin (a) 1 - 3 (ht.1-2)  
scorers :  J. Yates
  Full of anticipation we approached the second half of the season under dry skies and on artificial turf. We even (almost) had a full squad – or as near as we have been for many games - and all in all we were in good spirits. This was reflected in the balance of play in the first twenty odd minutes as we worked hard as a team and clearly had the balance of play. Most of our threat came down the right where Andy Horn at full back pushed forward to link with Pendlebury and then Billington and Yates further forward. A couple of “round the corner” touches and turns from Pendle had the home crowd in raptures and it seemed that it wouldn’t be long before a goal came. Well we were right, but it came at the wrong end. Whilst we had showed some good football in the first 30 mins, the majority had been at the back and midfield - without really too much in the way of goal threat. Eccleston played one up, but this one, though slightly awkward, was highly effective at holding up play - and the opposition midfield attacked in numbers and at speed. As time went on they began to threaten and took the lead from one such quick break. Debutant keeper Will Vaughan had no chance. We did rally briefly and equalised quite quickly. Our best move saw a good interchange between Pendle and Billington, Sean Cummins burst into the box and Yates hammed home his pass. A similar move soon after was thwarted by the keeper and then a super whipped cross from Stu Horn was headed on for Yates’s follow up to again go straight at the keeper Snow started to fall and stick and for some reason this presaged the start of a sloppy period that lasted for the rest of the game and as the snow got harder our control diminished Just before half time a corner lead to pandemonium in defence and the ball was forced home. We couldn’t argue with the scoreline. The second half saw much of the same. We had the ball but couldn’t fashion an opening. Our closest effort coming from Umar Bux who got behind the defence and narrowly failed to lob the keeper, but that was probably that for attacking threat. Our shape constantly was over-run by the fast moving midfield and we had to rely on a couple of good saves and some last ditch interceptions to keep us in the game. Finally Eccleston got deserved third and we just knew that it wasn’t our day. db 
Sat. 23rd Jan. 2016
GH Cup Rd 3

V

Whittle  (h)  6 - 0  (ht.2-0)  
scorers :  J. Yates 4, M. Billington, L. Taylor
  GUILDHALL CUP ROUND 3
It turns out Max and Paddy’s Road to Nowhere does in fact lead somewhere after all – somewhere being a wet field in Bilsborrow on a grey Saturday afternoon. Yep, Broughton’s first team welcomed defensive stalwarts R. Horn and Monks back into the fold after their booze-fuelled Australian adventure for a cup match against lower league opposition, Whittle FC. But in terms of personnel, that was about it for positives. With Lopko, S. Cummins, S. Horn and R. Alston all injured, and Butler ruled out through illness, Hayhurst was brought in from the seconds and Glynn pinched from the thirds to bring the squad number to 12. The starting line-up was somewhat unfamiliar, with Butterworth filling in at left-back, an engine room of K.Cummins and Boardman, and usual strike duo, Taylor and Billington, on the wings. Nevertheless, it was clear from the outset that, not only did we have more quality than the opposition, but the lads were also keen to banish the ghosts of the previous week’s dismal performance. K.Cummins and Boardman – who was glad to see a couple of fellow veterans in the Whittle side – quickly took control of the midfield and the chances came thick and fast. Taylor latched on to a Yates header, chesting the ball down, but fired wide. Next, Yates capitalised on uncertainty in the Whittle backline and went through on goal, but decided against using his left foot, choosing instead to tee-up Billington, whose rasping drive from the edge of the box was well saved by the opposition keeper. A succession of corners spawned a few half chances before the breakthrough came around 15 minutes in. Pendlebury, doing his best Berbatov in his pomp impression once more, found space in the opposition half before threading a ball through to Taylor, who steadied himself before finishing confidently when one-on-one with the keeper. A few minutes later, K. Cummins’ game came to a premature end when he stretched for the ball and felt his hamstring twinge. He gave the ‘rolling’ hand signal and Glynn was handed an earlier introduction than he was expecting. To Glynn’s credit, the change didn’t affect our game plan or ascendancy as he slotted in seamlessly and it wasn’t long before our lead was doubled. A brilliant inswinging corner from Taylor was met by Yates who rose highest to plant a powerful header beyond the keeper. The message at half time was to match the opposing team’s effort and keep composure in front of goal. Astonishingly, the players took heed and did just that. A few minutes into the second period, the Whittle left-back landed a reckless studs-up tackle on Billington that was so late it was almost in next week. Billington responded in the best possible way – by creating goal number three. Who the goal belongs to, though, is open for debate. A loose ball in the box was swept towards goal by Billington’s left boot, but connected with Yates, leg, arse, balls or some other part of his body, before rolling past the wrong-footed keeper. By the law of the land – and according to Broughton’s democracy, the goal goes to Yates (sorry Billy). By this point, Billington was proving something of a thorn in Whittle’s side, bullying his marker at every opportunity. One of the opposition’s senior citizens clearly wasn’t a fan of the Tanterton Typhoon’s tactics, though, as he directed a late and hefty challenge at the big man. Billington responded by throwing the ‘mature’ midfielder to the ground and was given a cheeky crack for his troubles. Billington was shown a yellow card while his opponent was given an early bath. With an extra man, the remainder was something of a breeze. If there were doubts over who should claim the third goal, the same couldn’t be said of the fourth. Billington, who moments earlier had hit the post after clambering over two defenders, advanced in the inside right channel and buried the ball in the bottom corner. Yates then completed his hat-trick, ignoring calls for a pass, checking on to his right foot and finishing low and hard. In the final moments, R. Horn, channelling Sol Campbell in France ’98, carried the ball out of defence all the way into the final third. The ball eventually broke to a Whittle defender, but when he failed to clear, Yates picked his pocket before running through and completing the rout. Worst moment goes to Yates for a stinker of a dive, although Taylor’s cramping up episode and Glynn chasing a player for five minutes after play had stopped certainly ran him close. Man of the match also goes to Yates and an honourable mention for A. Horn, who now boasts a 100% record as captain. Corner turned? Let’s hope so. JL
Sat. 13th Feb 2016

V

Baxters (h)  2 - 1 (ht.0-1)  
scorers :  J. Yates, L. Taylor
  With it being Valentine's weekend, love was clearly on the managers' minds as they made sure both teams celebrated it by wearing red. However, the ref was not in such a loving mood and insisted one team wore bibs, miserable bastard. And so that is how the game started, with Baxters wearing bright bibs, and maybe this accounted for the bright start from both teams. Starting 4-3-3 against a side second from bottom, the home fans expected champagne football and goals, and the ease with which we created our first chance suggested expectations would be met. A long ball upfield found its way to Jamie, whose clever flick into Luke's path sent our skinny, blonde White Sturridge through on goal. However, for once, he chose the wrong finish and tried to lob instead of slotting it past the 'keeper. And much to the fans' disappointment, this early promise faded, and we were second best for the next half an hour. Baxters pressed and harried and soon got the momentum back as we failed to compete, trust each other or keep the ball. Bar one sublime touch from Andy Horn, the fans were given very little on the field to cheer about. Luckily, there was enough happening off the field to keep us entertained: first a mystery sniper took out their left winger, then Doug rolled back the years by leaping into the air, like a graceful Pacific dolphin just freed from SeaWorld, to catch a miscued clearance before crumpling into a heap as he tripped over the first aid kit. And finally, and perhaps best of all, Tony Horn unveiled his new flask bought only that morning. He dished out the soup to demonstrate the Thermos quality before realising the last bit of soup was thicker that the rest as it contained the flask's instructions that he hadn't realised were in there. As the group recovered from the laughter, Baxters took the lead when their left winger recovered from his sniper wound and ran through on goal to place the ball in the corner and it was no more than they deserved. That seemed to spark us into life as first Gilly's backwards header forced a great save from the keeper, and then Kev Nev went close before the ref blew his whistle for half time. This late flourish did little to gloss over the poor first half performance, and there were strong words from Doug and Stu and a change of shape and personnel at half time. Zolly (who was making a welcome return to the club) was replaced with Scott Mitchell, Pendle (who spent most of the first half telling Stu he didn't know what he was doing) was officially moved up front, and the team went to 4-4-2. Instantly, we looked happier and the team started looking a lot more cohesive: people wanted the ball and passes were finding their men. Soon we were level. Pendle challenged the centre back and the ball dropped to Jamie who placed/mis-hit a shot into the corner. We then continued to use the momentum to create chances. Stu, who was playing his final game before his Papa Boupa Knee Op (pun courtesy of ex Lonely Hearts Club chairman, Alex Alston), started to overlap and link up well with Luke and we looked dangerous every time we attacked. Doug then replaced Billy with slimline Guycle Heywood, who was making a return after spending all his spare time avoiding carbs and cycling up hills and measuring his power output and heart rate. Jamie went over to the right and we continued to press for an equaliser. First, Pendle wriggled his way into the penalty area before a well-timed last ditch challenge robbed the ball from him, then Luke went through on goal but was denied by the keeper's legs. Then Guy attempted a halfway line lob by swinging his left leg at a poor clearance from their keeper, seeing his effort just go over the bar. The traffic was very much one way at this point, and the crowd began to sense that a winner was not far from coming. Sure enough, we made the break through with 8 minutes remaining. Jamie floated a ball over to Luke, who brought it down, rounded the keeper, and lovingly and tenderly, for it was Valentine's weekend, stroked the ball home. It was nothing more than our second half deserved and there was just time for Guy to miss a one on one before the whistle blew for full time. Strangely, for a team that came back from a goal down to win, the changing room was muted. Whether this was down to a poor first half or Stu's terrible choice of music was unknown. However, the mood was lifted back in the Bull for Captain Horn's birthday, who celebrated with a few pints and a curry. And we all left safe in the knowledge that we won and nobody blew it for Stu's birthday. RA.
Sat. 27th Feb 2016

V

Anchorsholme (h)  5 - 0  (ht.2-0)  
scorers :  L. Taylor 2, M. Billington, A. Crossthwaite, P. Monks
  An icy chill in the air, a home fixture against league strugglers, and Peter Monks, like Broughton’s very own bearded and bellied Santa Claus, arriving with a big box of presents to put smiles on all the boys’ faces. It was like Christmas all over again. The mood pre-match was upbeat as the Broughton lads squeezed their rusty frames into their brand spanking new gear. We certainly looked the part (ish), but could we act the part? The answer was yes – eventually. The first five or ten minutes were scrappy, with Anchorsholme’s industrious and direct approach making it difficult for the Broughton boys to find their collective mojo. To the away side’s credit, they won a succession of second balls and might have even gone ahead when a hopeful punt into the box fell to their striker, who somehow managed to smash his shot wide from all of eight yards. Thankfully, the reds decided to get on board with the belated Christmas spirit by dishing out a few gifts for the management team and fans. Taylor, feeding off strike partner Pendlebury, started finding space between defenders. After seeing a couple of half-chances thwarted – by the keeper and the woodwork - the breakthrough came following a textbook counter attack Arsenal’s Invincibles would’ve been proud of. An Achorsholme corner was cleared to Lauren-esque A.Horn. Breaking quickly, he moved the ball down the line to Matt ‘Slightly Uglier Ljungberg’ Billington, who played a one-two with the Broughton Begkamp, Pendlebury, before crossing for Taylor to finish like Henry. Mojo found. For the next 20 minutes, though, Taylor was more Jérémie Aliadière. With Monks and R.Horn dominating at the back, and Butler and Murch getting a grip of the midfield, we started to take control. Chances came thick and fast, and if it wasn’t for ring rustiness, whether it was executing a final pass or finishing in front of goal, we could’ve been five up within half an hour. After seeing a couple of good chances go begging, Taylor resorted to a ‘Hand of God’ effort in the style of Maradonna, slapping a deep cross past the keeper with his right hand. He might have avoided a booking, but couldn’t do anything to swerve Worst Moment. We needed another goal to settle the nerves, and it came just before half-time. Good work on the left by Boardman, Butterworth and Butler saw the ball worked wide. A low cross found the feet of Taylor, who helped the ball on to Billington. Dummying a shot, he cut back inside, leaving a defender on his backside, before slotting past the keeper with his left foot. There was still time for Taylor to sting the keeper’s hands with a curling free-kick from the edge of the box that looked destined for the top bag, before the referee blew for half-time. During the interval, a rousing speech from Captain Butler implored the Broughton army to kill off the opposition quickly and efficiently. They did just that. The likes of Boardman, Butterworth, Butler and Murch grew into the game, while Billington and Taylor stepped things up a gear, terrorising their markers at every opportunity. First Boardman, who was by now linking up well with Butterworth, went on a marauding run down the left, before squaring to Taylor on the six-yard line. Unfortunately, he couldn’t quite get the ball out from under his feet and it was scrambled away. Then, Taylor struck the outside of the post for a second time after beating his man inside the box. Next, the inevitable happened. Pendlebury was spotted having a little nap on a defender’s shoulder mid-sprint, signalling the end of his game. On 55 minutes, under 18s forward Andy Crossthwaite came on to make his first team debut, and it seemed to spark us into life. Monks, continuing his theme of present-giving, appeared out of nowhere on the left-wing, overlapping past Butterworth and collecting a wide pass. Resembling Olof Mellberg in is pomp and channelling former fellow Lonely Heart A.Alston, the bearded centre-back dropped a shoulder, skinning the full-back. At the byline, he picked his head up to see three or four teammates screaming for a pull-back, but Monks fooled everyone by cutting back inside and rifling a shot high into the net from a tight angle. The Broughton Santa always delivers. The game was put to bed, when Billington linked up with Taylor, who passed for Crossthwaite to score from a few yards out, earning him the honour of having scored for every one of Broughton’s four teams in the same season. With Anchorsholme down and out, Taylor gave the scoreline a respectable look, collecting Butler’s inch-perfect through-ball after yet more good work – and one deft touch – from Man of the Match Billington. Taylor rounded the keeper and slotted home, claiming his second of the day. From the sublime to the ridiculous, we saw great goals and slick football, sandwiched between last man stepovers (Boardman), ballooned free-kicks (Butterworth) and the berating of a linesman for ruling off-side when he was in fact signalling a goal-kick (Dennis). Second in the league, nine games to play. Next up, Eccleston and Heskin. One word: revenge. JL..
Sat. 12th Mar. 2016
GH Cup Rd 4

V

Southport & Ainsdale  (a)  2 - 3  (ht.1-1)  
scorers :  J. Yates 2
  GUILDHALL CUP ROUND 4
Spring has sprung and, rather than a time of new beginnings, Broughton were faced with one of the age old problems of running an amateur football team: struggling to put together a team. All the talk before the game was about how numerous players couldn’t play and whether we would have 11, let alone a team strong enough to compete against a team that were comfortably the best we have played this season. But, is always the case, Jon, Doug and Monksy’s hard work behind the scenes meant that, not only did we have 11 players, we had a decent starting 11 at that. We lined up 4-1-4-1 to try and pack the midfield to stop them playing and hit them on the break. But, within five minutes, we soon found ourselves 1-0 down from a penalty. Due to my late arrival because I was tutoring GCSE students on how to get an A* by analysing my match reports, I missed the foul, but Doug described it thus: “5 mins. Great passing movement pulled us to bits. No. 11 burst into the box and drew the foul.” The danger was that we would crumble, but the players out there were better than that, and we soon found ourselves competing and creating chances. The midfield began to win the loose balls, and through simple passing and trust, we began to impose ourselves on the game. We looked most dangerous down the left, where Boardy and Kev began to link up well, and it was from this area that we equalised. Greg passed the ball short to Boardy, who looked up and played a delicious curling ball behind the centre half. Luke exploded on to it, skinned the centre half and pulled a great ball back towards the penalty spot. Jamie showed great anticipation, pace and a striker’s instinct to nip in front of the defender and finish confidently. 1-1. From this point onwards, we continued to work hard for each other, trust each other with the ball and look dangerous on the break. The centre halves of Ryan and Monksy marshalled the centre forward well, and Boardy and Joe (who had just returned from a yachting holiday in Hartlepool), provided great cover. Anytime Ainsdale did break through, Greg was more than equal to it, pulling off one great save to deny a goal-bound effort midway through the half. The widemen of Kev and Jamie put in a great shift and Butler, Hubbers and Cumbo worked hard to get the ball back and keep possession. Luke, up front on his own, chased down loose balls, competed with their centre half and offered a target when needed. And, as the half time whistle went, the team looked confident and in the ascendency. The second half continued much the same: with us being tactically intelligent and working hard for each other. Ryan began to grow in confidence at the back and began using the ball well to start moves. Hubbers, the white Makelele, snuffed out any danger and Luke continued to look sharp up at the top. Cumbo showed great desire to get up to support Luke any chance he got, and Butler’s steel in the tackle and accuracy of passing (!) meant we controlled the game. And soon we were 2-1 up. From a (mishit?!) freekick from Ryan, the ball was flicked on to Kev whose strike smashed against the bar, and, in an almost carbon copy bit of movement, Jamie came alive and reached the ball first to calmly place it past the ‘keeper. 2-1. From the touchline, the management team of Den, Doug and Jurgen Horn-Klopp sensed Ainsdale’s frustration and our confidence, and they urged us forward. However, we soon began to tire and this coincided with Ainsdale creating chances. Nevertheless, Greg stepped up, and De Gea-like, pulled off saves he shouldn’t have. With only a half-fit Ryan Alston as sub, we didn’t have the luxury of changing players who looked dead on their feet, and maybe tiredness accounted for us conceding the freekick that led to their equalising goal. The foul was conceded on the left side of our penalty box, and Horn-Klopp (whose betting account suggests he has a sixth-sense for goals), looked at me and mouthed, “Goal here.” And so it was, albeit with a large slice of good fortune for them. They whipped in a ball low and hard, and after it bounced around our area, they bundled it over the line. 2-2. Horn-Klopp then had to decide who was most tired: a jade green-faced Jamie, a huffing and puffing Hubbers or a cramping Cumbo. He settled on Cumbo and replaced him with Alston and moved Kev Nev into centre midfield. However, with 2 minutes left to play Ainsdale took the lead. A misplaced pass from a tired centre midfielder, probably his only one of the game, put Ainsdale into the penalty area. Greg saved the first strike on goal, but it bounced out to their centre forward, who managed to squeeze the ball in for 3-2. It was a sucker punch and undeserved, but, our response epitomised our attitude, and we did not give up and should have equalised in the final minute. Boardy delivered a swirling free kick and Ryan, who won every header in the game, rose to meet it but could not quite get it on target and our last chance came and went. It was hard on us, and it would have been interesting to see what would have happened if, like them, we had another 2 subs. It was also hard to single out star performers. This was a game where if we had carried one or two players, we would have got hammered. However, Hubbers was outstanding and selfless in his work; Ryan Walsh showed great maturity and confidence against a tough centre forward, and Monksy played through the pain barrier to get us through the game. It was Greg, though, that was awarded the MotM. His handling was faultless all game, and he pulled off two or three saves he had no right too when tiredness caused a lack of concentration in front of him. After Valencia’s defeat to their rivals Levante on Sunday, Gary Neville said, “I apologise to the fans of Valencia because the very basic premise of a football match is that you run, fight and tackle as hard as the opposition.” Sometimes even professional players forget the basics, and overlook the work that goes on behind the scenes to prepare a team for a game. At amateur level, this work behind the scenes is done without much thanks and they only pay those individuals get is to see players working hard for them. It was encouraging to see us get back to those basics and show confidence to also trust each other and play football when needed. Finally, worst moment was Joe, who turned up with some market special white socks and faded cotton boat shoes. He has been awarded worst moment for these before. JL  
Sat. 19th Mar 2016

V

Walmer Bridge (h)  2 - 1  (ht.1-0)  
scorers :  K. Cummins, L. Taylor
  After a fun-filled Friday spent furiously tapping out WhatsApp messages, a few of the lads might have been suffering from tired fingers, but thankfully they’d conserved enough energy for a big league game against one of our old rivals, Walmer Bridge. And judging by the mood in the camp, there’s nothing quite like losing in the quarter final of the cup to boost confidence. A narrow 3-2 defeat to high-flying Southport and Ainsdale had left the lads feeling truly optimistic as we resumed our league campaign. With clubman extraordinaire Doug assisting with the second team, the one-man management team finished digging out corner flags just in time to see the team lining up. In hindsight, it wouldn’t have been a crying shame if I’d missed the opening stages as both sides struggled to string more than one or two passes together on what was a dry and bobbly surface. Captain Butler did his best to spark his teammates into life, wasting no time getting acquainted with the referee as he threw in a couple of hefty, if a tad over-exuberant, challenges on his midfield adversaries. It seemed to do the trick. Moments later, he found himself in the middle of the park with the rare luxury of time and was able to release Yates on the right wing. The pot-smoking paceman burst into the box and squared a bobbling pass to Taylor, who swung a right leg, guiding the ball into the bottom corner. Unconcerned with the risk of catching the Deepdale dynamo’s debilitating dose of man-flu, Yates raced in for a celebratory cuddle. The ease with which we were able to carve open the Walmer back line suggested their defenders were no match for our front two, particularly in the speed department, but, in all honesty, we found it difficult to capitalise. Taylor almost doubled his tally, showing great skill to work a yard of space inside the box, but saw his curling right-footed effort tipped over the bar by the keeper. Then Butler came within a hair’s breadth of connecting with a cross inside the six yard box. But that was as close as we came again in the first half. Walmer packed the midfield and started to exert pressure. A flurry of long balls, corners and throw-ins were launched into our box, but Monks and Harrison were equal to the challenge. On the one occasion they did manage to breach our back line, Lopko pulled off a great save down to his left, making sure we remained in front at the interval. Much to the spectators’ delight, we weren’t long into the second half when the game opened up. Alston’s tenacious harrying rubbed off on the Cummins cousins, while the Walmer strikers lost interest in trying to beat Monks and Harrison. Alston, who had grafted like a young, mulleted Lee Cartwright, was replaced by Butterworth as we pressed for a second goal. Leading the charge, Butler threw himself into a 50/50 in the centre circle, but got there a moment too late and was, quite rightly, booked. Moments later, he was heading for an early shower – but it was through no fault of his own. An innocuous challenge and awkward landing left him with an ankle the size of Monksy’s post-Christmas paunch. Continuing wasn't an option. On came a quarter-fit and dosed-up Pendlebury, who went up top, with Yates dropping to right wing, Butterworth switching to the left and K. Cummins slotting inside. The enforced changes combined for a masterstroke. Butterworth worked the ball out to Boardman. He delivered a pinpoint cross into the path of K. Cummins, who planted a powerful header into the bottom corner. The pint-sized Irishman was rewarded with a S. Horn squeeze. Clearly buoyed, we piled on the pressure. First, Taylor skinned his marker in the inside left channel, but could only pull the ball across goal from a near-impossible angle. Within minutes, he was at it again, this time tying a defender in knots on the opposite side before delivering a sumptuous cross which sparked panic among the Walmer defenders. Both S. Cummins and Pendlebury tried their best to put the game to bed, but the opposition keeper did well to snuff out the danger. A scrappy Walmer goal made sure the final 10 minutes were much nervier than they should have been, but with Man of the Match Monks leading by example, we held firm for the win. An ever-increasing injury list, yet more mid-season holidays, one striker with flu and another at the zoo – and we still find a way to win. UTB. #PrayForButler. JL 
Sat. 26th Mar. 2016

V

Penwortham Town (a)  1 - 1  (ht.-)  
scorers :  J. Yates
  .
Tue. 5th Apr. 2016

V

Walmer Bridge (a)  3 - 3  (ht.-)  
scorers :  S. Horn, J. Yates, A. Crossthwaite
  Report to follow. 
Sat. 9th Apr. 2016

V

Newman College (a)  2 - 2 (ht.-)  
scorers :  R. Alston, J. Yates
  Report to follow. 
Sat. 16th Apr. 2016

V

Preston Wanderers (h) 1 - 2 (ht.1-1)  
scorers :  M. Finney
  Another week and another selection headache for the management, namely one caused by the stress of trying to find 11 bodies to put on the pitch. With 9 of the squad out injured or MIA, Jon and Doug's weekly task is to ring 800 people in the hope that one would fancy a game. But we ended up with a strong and attacking personnel, and, with two 'emergency' subs in Doug and myself, we lined up 4-4-2. The away fixture against last year's champions was a difficult game but one of grit and determination, so we expected the same. Nevertheless, within a couple of minutes, we had taken the lead almost too easily. Finney, who looked sharp in the warm up, took advantage of a defensive mixup and calmly rounded the keeper before stabbing the ball home. It seemed to shock the opposition into action and from that point on they began to push for an equaliser for the next 10 minutes. However, the back 4 looked strong and, with help from the post on a few occasions, we managed to weather the storm and look threatening on the break. Stu began to use the ball well from left back to feed Pendle (who would later go on to drink Lytham dry), and he linked up well with Jamie and Finney in the channels to create some useful openings. For the next 20 minutes, the only real trouble to the back four was when Ryan's Chinese import 'Hadidas' boots had it and burst open. Luckily, Jon could lend him his as Ryan's replacement boots were blue so he couldn't wear those without getting fined. However, just as we were looking like pushing on and getting another, we conceded. Wanderers' centre midfielder unleashed, with the help of the wind, a vicious strike and Adam did well to parry it. But it fell kindly to their centre forward who put in the net. There were strong claims for offside and maybe it would have been given if the linesman hadn't been intimidated by the barrage of abuse he received minutes before for getting a decision wrong. At half time, Stu's and Jon's words were about sticking with our short passing game and believing in ourselves. But, as the second half started, we seemed to have not listened as, despite working hard, we kept giving them the ball back by lumping it forward. And, inevitably, we were soon behind. A long throw into the box wasn't cleared and their striker nipped in to score from 5 yards. Jon swapped Jamie, who again worked tirelessly all game, to right midfield and put Billy up top, and we then started to use the ball a little better. Kev and Barnsey worked incredibly hard against their midfield 3 to pick up second balls and give us the momentum, and with Pendle using the ball well and Finney dropping deep to run at the defence, we started creating openings again. Monksy and Ryan kept their centre forwards quiet (bar one incident where Stu cleared off the line), and Joe, who again defended superbly, picked up their wing back which allowed Jamie freedom to get forward. However, despite us looking dangerous, we couldn't muster the killer pass to get us back in the game and all our toil was not to be rewarded as Wanderers saw out the game and took the points. MOTM was Pisspot Pendlepops (who celebrated his award, and Dennis's birthday, by drinking until he couldn't stand and being rescued by his fiancée. Although, he thinks his drinks were spiked) and worst moment was Ryan Walsh for his boots. Eccleston next on Wednesday. Let the headache begin. RA.
Wed. 20th Apr. 2016

V

Eccleston & Heskin (a) 2 - 7  (ht.0-2)  
scorers :  M. Finney 2
  This was a real struggle with a whole list of players injured or missing and the usual trials and tribulations of getting to night games in time to get warmed up and our head “on the game” Eccleston started on the front foot – and to be honest we never really put them under any real pressure. To the lads credit we battled hard, but never found any rhythm. Our defence has been the rock on which our success has been built this season, but for once we creaked badly – though to be fair we were under constant pressure for almost 90 mins 2-0 down at h.t , but having had barely a chance on the Eccleston goal , we changed formation and for a while started to look a bit more coherent through midfield. Eccleston by now had added a third, but Finney gave us hope by finishing off a well worked corner routine that involved 2 fluffed headers, a mis hit shot and a fumble by the keeper. Any such hope was fully doused within 5 minutes when poor marking and a fast breaking opposition midfield created a simple chance It never improved and though Finney got his second of the night, Eccleston were clinical and worthy winners..db .
Sat. 23rd Apr. 2016

V

Hoole Utd (a) 1 - 3  (ht.0-1)  
scorers :  M. Finney
  After the death of Prince, another player shortage, and Wednesday's heavy defeat, this week we learnt what it sounds like when Dougs cry. But, with some old names making a welcome return, we ended up with 13. 13! However that included Neil Peter Eccles at centre half, Ian Jim Wynn in centre midfield and Alex George Alston up top. The talk before the game was to put Wednesday behind us and enjoy it, so we started with a 4-4-3 formation and attempted to play football on a unusually dry, hard and very bobbly pitch. However, maybe that was a mistake as they just whacked it up field for their quick strikers to chase and seemed to look more dangerous. And it was this attempt to play football from the back that caused us to be one goal down. After some attempted passes between Greg and the defence, a soft pass from Ryan Walsh (who paid £12 more for the same boots as me) let in their striker, and he placed it past Greg. We stuck to our philosophy of short passing and played some neat stuff through the full backs and midfield but we were slow to get support to Alston and didn't quite create the openings we needed, although both Alston and Jamie went close before the break. At half time the talk was to use the wind to get further up the pitch and for somebody to take the game by the scruff of the neck, and this saw an immediate improvement. Finney attempted to spark us into life and Wynn began to get forward and use his long throw to pile on the pressure. We controlled the game and began to push for an equaliser. However, we failed to capitalise on numerous set pieces or provide the killer ball, and we were punished. A quick break from Much Hoole saw their striker outpace the Friday night club-hopper N.P. Eccles and, with a suspicion of offside, he rolled it into the path of his strike partner, who tapped it in for 2-0. The heads could have dropped but we picked ourselves up and soon found a goal. After numerous chances went begging and we started to get frustrated, a good move down the left saw Ash smash his shot against the bar and Finney crack in the rebound. 2-1 and we had the momentum. We continued the press for the equaliser and create chances but we were sucker-punched on the break. A good through ball released their pacey number 10 and he rounded Greg to make it 3-1. The heads did drop this time and we struggled to find a way back into the game. There was still time for Greg to deny them a fourth with a great save at the feet of the striker, and Much Hoole saw the game out. Still, it was a much improved performance from Wednesday and there were a few positives to take away from the game. Motm was Matt Finney and worst moment was Ryan Walsh for his pass for their first. That's his hat trick of lottery tickets. DB.
Sat. 14th May 2016

V

Bolton United (h) 0 - 0
scorers :  -

 



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2nd Team

Final Table, Results and Match Reports - 2015/2016 season

POS 1st Team - Division 2 P W D L F A GD PTS
1  Ribchester Rovers 24 19 1 4 59 33 26 58
2  AFC Preston 24 17 3 4 68 34 34 54
3   Farrington Villa 24 15 2 7 70 46 24 44*
4  Broughton Ams Res 24 15 3 6 76 38 38 42*
5  Chorley Athletic 24 12 3 9 73 65 8 39
6  FC Ribbleton 24 12 1 11 65 58 7 37
7  Lytham 24 10 4 10 48 57 -9 34
8  FC Bolton 24 9 3 12 59 64 -5 30
9  Whittle 24 9 3 12 69 81 -12 30
10  Eagle 24 8 2 14 51 55 -4 26
11  Springfields  24 6 3 15 40 62 -22 21
12  Cottam Corinthians  24 6 3 15 48 72 -24 21
13  Newman College Res  24 2 1 21 24 85 -61 7
* = Points Adjustment   

2nd Team Fixtures + Results, Scorers and Match Reports (where submitted).
Broughton Score First.

Sat. 15th Aug 2015

V

Whittle  (a)    7 - 1   (ht.3-1)  
scorers :  J. Cove 2, C. Higgins 2, L. Bocchino, N. Balch, og
  With a new dreamy manager and new players, you would think it would take some time before the team settled down. Not the case!!!. We got off to a great start pressing the from the start, closing down and getting stuck in. The right hand side of Nathan and P.Harford looked particularly strong with nice pings down the line tying the left back in knots. It’s from this side that we broke the deadlock with a nice passage of play between Newby and P.Harford which resulted in a quality cross where Higgins had slipped his marker to tap in from 5 yards (rumour has it, it came off his shin). Not long after this we got the second after their centre half headed past his own keeper after a slingshot of a throw from Nathan. Not to get complacent we kept pressing and this time down the left, good work from Iddon and Schultz resulted in a nice cross to the back stick where Bocchino was lurking to tap in 3-0. At this point we were in cruise control and took our foot of the gas which unfortunately led to some sloppy defending and Whittle pinched one back. Things could have got even worse one minute later, but a worldie save from Hayhurst kept the gap at 2 and sent us into half time with a nice 2 goal lead. The first ten minutes of the second half was pretty scrappy, Whittle were reduced to half chances as the centre back pairing of McGill and Owens looked solid though out. With 60 minutes on the clock the ‘messiah’ made his first change bringing on Lever who was straight away involved with some nice crunching tackles. Our 4th came after some neat 1-2 football between Pomfret and Newby where again Higgins somehow how managed to bundle to ball over the line this time with his other shin. Shortly after that we should of made it 5 after a mazy run down the left, Iddon found himself alone in the box 6 yards out, with a nosebleed and instead of tapping it in decided to smash it straight up in the air clearing the crossbar by 60 yards. The ‘brain’ then made his final sub bringing on Cove who had an instant impact tapping in at the back post from an amazing whipped cross from Owens. The 7th and final goal came soon after where again Cove tapped in after some suspect keeping. Special mention for Higgins as Man of the Match. All in all a class start to the season, everyone put a shift in and played well. But it’s only going to get harder #WEGOAGAIN. JS
Wed. 19th Aug 2015

V

Springfields (h)  5 - 1  (ht.3-0)  
scorers : C. Higgins 2, J. Cove 2, M. Turner
  As the score suggests we outplayed and outclassed our opponents but it was far from easy. From the off, Springfields should have be down to 10 men after an off the ball kick (which the ref saw and did nothing about) that pretty much set the tone as Springfield tried to kick and bully us of the park. Fortunately for us we now have a team who kept their heads (Nathan included!!!) who let their football do the talking. We got off to a great start after a scramble in the box resulted in Cove lashing the ball in from 8 yards. Soon after we were two nil up again with the impressive Cove getting his 4th in two games. I can’t really give a report for the third as I was too busy fagging the ball out of the river but have been told by Iddon that Higgins grabbed our third after their defender smashed the ball onto his shin, to go into the break 3-0. The second half was much the same with Broughton out classing their opponents. At one point the game did threaten to boil over as the ref refused to punish some horrific challenges, even though he did threaten to abandon the game!!! Strange. Anyway we finally wrapped the game up with Higgins 4th of the season . Some say he dribbled from his own half and cool slotted the ball past the keeper but some say he tripped and stumbled his way through and shinned it in!!!. Following the fourth the game became a bit flat, during this point Springfield grabbed a consolation. The best moment of the match came when both substitutes combined. Kelvin played a classy through ball to the overlapping Turner who controlled the ball with his first touch and with second lobbed the stranded keeper with a delicious finish. Man of the match was Aidy who was a class act throughout the game even though he did require a change of underwear at the end. No worst moment this week as everyone put a shift in and played well, so I’ll get the Euro-millions ticket J. - JS  
Tue. 25th Aug 2015

V

Lytham  (a)  2 - 1  (ht.1-0) 
scorers :   J. Cove, L. Shultz
  With confidence high, we travelled to Lytham with high hopes. But with players arriving late due to work commitments a quick shuffle of the pack was required. We got off to a fairly solid start but didn’t look quite as threatening going forward as in the previous two games. Although Nathans long throws was causing panic in their defence. The game was 50/50 and no team really looked like scoring when we nicked our first. Their keeper produced a great save from a corner but the 2nd ball popped up and was met by the leaping salmon Schultz who nodded over the hapless keeper to take us into the break one up. Into the second half we looked slightly stronger and looked the more likely to score. Typically that’s when Lytham equalised. A back pass from Lever somehow got trapped under Hayhursts foot and their striker nipped in to take advantage. The match could have gone either way at this point with both teams cancelling each other out. But we kept pressing and got the winner after some tenacious play down the left by Nathan who cut the ball back for the superb Cove to sweep in to keep our 100% record going. The whole team who admittedly weren’t at their best still put in a gritty hard working performance and showed they could grind out a result when needed. Man of the match was Cove who never stopped running for 90 minutes. Quality again. Well done lads. - JS   
Sat. 29th Aug 2015

V

Farrington Villa (h)  1 - 2   (ht.1-0)  
scorers :   C. Murch
  Good solid first half performance. Went in at half time 1 up due to a cool flicked finish from C.Murch after some great wing play from Myres. 2nd half Pathetic. - JS
Sat. 5th Sept 2015

V

Eagle (a)  7 - 0 (ht.7-0)  
scorers :  L. Bocchino 2, J. Yates 2, C. Higgins 3
First 15 minute poor. Second 15 minutes scored 7. Game Over. Man of the Match Lee Schultz. - JS  
Sat. 26th Sept 2015

V

Newman College Res (h)  3 - 0  (ht.2-0)  
scorers :  C. Higgins 2, N. Russell
  After a two week layoff and a stag do from hell, the rezzies were looking to consolidate their position near the top of the league. With thanks to the Harford twins not showing up, we were left with a bare 11. We got off to a fairly good start playing some nice football but 10 minutes in our shocking fitness levels started to show. I've seen quicker snails move uphill. Luckily for us are opponents weren't the best and our snail pace was slightly quicker than their slug pace. We should have took the lead after 15 minutes, when after some slick play down the right resulted in Newby skying the ball over from 2 yards out. Best/worst moment of the match occurred in in 25th minute when Mcgill tried a spectacular overhead bicycle kick but ended up kicking fresh air and knocking himself out for the second time in a week ;). We continued to look for the opener which eventually came from a goal kick from Rob 'the emu' Pomfret which was flicked on from the salmon like Russell, into the path of the Tank (Higgins) who beautifully half volleyed the ball past the keeper. I unfortunately missed our second as again I was in the river fishing the ball (can we get a pole with a net on the end???). Apparently the Tank spanked in another beaut to take us into the break 2 up. The second half felt more like a training match due to the quality of the opposition and understandably the game was flat for long periods. The midfield trio of Newby, Barnes and Turner continued to work hard and the defence and emu never looked like conceding. The clincher came with 10 minutes to go when some good work between Newby and Russell ended up with Russell hitting a low drive into the bottom corner. Albeit some say Lever got the final touch. Owens, Iddon and Mcgill all said they saw it skim Lever's studs but I’ll let them decide. Man of the match was a close call between Higgins and Newby with Higgins just nicking it. Wasn't the greatest performance but a wins a win!!!!. Well done. - JS  
Sat. 3rd Oct 2015

V

Lytham A (h)  3 - 1 (ht.2-1)  
scorers :   C. Higgins, L. Bocchino 2, J. Cove
  With the return leg against a team we have already played and beaten away loomed the whole club was saddened to hear Seddy had been taken sick again and found himself hospitalised and bed bound unable to even get down to watch! #prayforSeddy was the theme of the day as the boys aimed for 3 points as the only get well wish appropriate! Pros and cons again with Pommy in nets, pros being we didn't have to play him outfield and cons being we had to play him in goals for the second game running. Game started edgy with some early door handbags but it was Broughton who took the lead just before half time with HIGGINS shinning a free kick that bobbled over the sand covered goalmouth and into the net, pommy aka THE EMU then dropped a long free kick into the box and after some scrambling and half an attempt from Aidey to clear it off the line but instead just went down in about 8 stages the visitors drew level. The hosts then took the lead for the second time when some slick interplay between the midfield and the attackers combined that resulted in Higgins sliding in COVE who calmly sat the keeper on his backside and lifted it over him. Second half started abit flat but we got the goal that sealed the game when the ball was just rattling about in the defensive area that seen BOCCHINO calmly slide the ball past the goalkeeper, 3-1 game over. Not much happened from that moment apart from a decent fingertip save onto the bar from THE EMU and of course the worst moment... If you missed it, I feel for you, it was a wonderful sight. A set piece that was clearly something off the training ground resulted in Newby air swiping and ending up with a face full of dirt. Overall a good performance and another good 3 points for the gaffer. Special mention to Josh for MoM. CH 
Sat. 10th Oct 2015

V

FC Bolton (h)  3 - 1 (ht.0-0)  
scorers :   C. Higgins, R. Lever, N. Russell
  Looking for our 4th win in a row, things didn't go to plan at first, as again we were let down with players not showing up. 20 minutes before kick off we only had 10 men. Luckily for us the 3rd team were playing at home and they kindly gave us a player. So we continued to play 4-3-3 system with 16 year old Jake debutising in pegs and Broughton under 18's player Lewis also making his debut having been promoted from the 3rds. The game started fairly slowly with both teams not really making any head way. As the game wore on we looked the more likely with the midfield trio of Russell, Newby and Lewis dictating the play. Against the run of play Bolton almost took the lead on a couple of occasions but a last ditch block from Lever and a great tip on to the bar from Jake saved us going into the break trailing. In to the second half we looked slow, and some casual sloppy defending resulted in the Bolton forward nipping in to put the ball past our stranded keeper. For the first time this season we had gone behind, heads dropped and also for the first time this season we didn't look like we wanted it. Bickering started, moaning at ref, we just didn't look interested. But with 20 minutes to go we were given a free kick after a "leave it" shout. Up stepped Higgins who layed the ball to Russell who clipped the ball over the flapping keeper. This gave us the spark we desperately needed. Lewis was running like a man possessed in the middle which gave a boost the rest of the team. This extra energy helped us grab the second after some good work down the left, Lever for some reason found himself alone in box and produced some wizardry, somehow hitting the ball so softly their keeper dived over the ball twice!!!. This sent their team into melt down partly because Higgins produced a master class in winding them up and at one point was spotted dragging their centre half around by his genitals. To top things off Higgins grabbed the third with the last kick of the game. Good result under the circumstances, but the performance needs to improve as better teams would have punished us. MOM Lever as he did the business at both ends. JS
Sat. 17th Oct 2015

V

FC Ribbleton (h)  3 - 5 (ht.3-3)  
scorers :  C. Higgins, L. Bocchino, C. Newby
  The first real test of the season was upon us against top of the table Ribbleton. Due to past experiences we knew it wasn't going to be easy. With a strong line up from front to back we was confident of getting a result. As the game started we was second to everything and Ribbleton's quick start resulted in their nippy forward putting them 1 nil up. Credit to the Broughton lads, this gave us the kick up the arse we needed and we started to dominate the game and quickly equalised after some great play by Bocchino who played in Higgins who swivelled and slotted the ball in. Shortly after this we lost our concentration and went behind again after some suspect defending. Like previously we struck straight back with Bocchino finishing a great broughton move. 2-2 after 20 minutes, great game for the neutral!!. Things got even more interesting minutes later when Russell's head fell off and was needed to be subbed off before he got sent off!!!!. Russell admitted he was glad to be brought off as he was seconds away from 'laying the referee out!!!'. Broughton then seemed to switch off again and gift Ribbleton a 3rd only for Newby to equalise seconds later with a thunderbolt from 25 yards. 3-3 at half time didn't reflect our dominance and going into the second half we was confident on getting the win. Broughton was the better team with most of the possession but Ribbleton did look dangerous on the counter. Worst moment of match/season then occurred when Lever decided to go on one of his mazy runs, with no-one within 10 meters somehow got his foot stuck in divot and took a fall Tom Daley would be proud of!!!. All 22 players, managers and spectators were in tears!!!. In a striking resemblance to the Arsenal v Bayern game, despite all our possession, chances and quality Ribbleton pinched the game on the counter. All in all was a disappointing result, can't concede 5 and expect to win. But the score didn't reflect the game and there was lots of positive to take, including Bocchino's first half display and man of the match Newby's class performance in the centre of the park. Lets get back on track next week!!!!!!. - JS. 
Sat. 24th Oct 2015

V

Newman College Res (a)  3 - 1 (ht.2-0)  
scorers :  U. Bux, C. Higgins 2 
  After last weeks disappointing performance, we needed a good result to stay in touch with the teams at the top of the league. Again with key players missing, a dip into the under 18's squad was needed. So with debutants Bux and Cook we went into the game in confidant mood. From the off we looked strong in all departments and quickly took control of the game. Young Bux was causing chaos down the right wing, i think their left back is still looking for him!!!. Despite our dominance we were struggling to make the break through, that was until Bux, from the edge of the box, curled in a fantastic shot that gave their goal keeper no chance. Not long after we went 2 up when some quick thinking from Higgins, caught their defence sleeping he took a quick free-kick whilst they were still organising the defence. Numerous chances came and went but we went into the break 2 up looking good. Into the second half, changes were made with Cook and the intoxicated Russell being brought on to help get the important 3rd goal. Cook made a great start with a lung busting run gliding past 3 players and almost scored on his debut but narrowly headed over the bar. The third eventually came after a great run by Bocchino, despite being hacked away at, managed to slide to ball through to Higgins who made no mistake with the finish to continue his impressive scoring record. Newman managed to grab a consolation after some comical defending. Less said about that the better!!!. Newman weren't the greatest but every player put a shift in and bounced back well from last weeks loss. Joint man of the match this week, Bux and Bocchino who both at times were unplayable!!!. No worst moment this week. Lets get another run of wins going!!!!! Up the reds!!!!- JS
Sat. 31st Oct 2015

V

Whittle (h)  4 - 2 (ht.4-2)  
scorers :   C. Higgins 2, J. Cove 2
  Looking to build on last weeks good performance, we were up against Whittle who haven't lost since we beat them in the first game of the season. From the off we seemed up for it and quickly took control. Some nice one touch football through the midfield resulted in Cove slamming the ball home. The second came a few minutes later from a goal kick, their center half miss judged the flight of the ball letting it skim off his ginger skull. But unfortunately for him, Higgins was lurking behind and smashed the ball into the top corner from 18 yards (Pommy really wanted a mention for the assist, so there you go). We were well on top, probably playing he best football of the season but things got even better. What can only be described a tiki-taki, the trio of Russell, Higgins and Cove made the game look ridiculously easy with some quick one touch football ripping the Whittle defense apart with Cove finishing of the Barcelona esq move. So we was 3-0 up after 30 minutes and cruising. But like in recent weeks we decided to give the opposition a lifeline. A mistake at the back put their striker though on goal who met the cat like pomfret who made a fantastic save which unluckily rebounded off the knee of the striker into the net. Shortly after, Whittle were gifted the chance to get to within one when inexplicably from a corner, Cove rose like a salmon and punched the ball clear (worst moment). Penalty was dispatched 3-2. Not to let our lead slip away the lads heads didn't drop and the midfield duo off Schultz and Newby continued to boss the battle in the middle of the park putting in some crunching tackles. One of these crunching tackles led to us regaining a two goal cushion when Higgins bagged his 16th (not that he ever mentions it) of the season. Fantastic 1st half performance. The second half was more about protecting our lead than going for the 5th. As good as we looked going forward in the first half, we looked as good if not better defensively in the second. With some good saves from Pom we managed to keep a clean sheet in the second half. Only slight blip of what was the best performance of the season so far, was Higgins losing the plot and having to be substituted for threatening to kill the ref!!!, i'll put it down to passion!!!. Man of the match was hard to choose this week as every player was quality, but this week its a joint one again, with Newby and Schultz picking up the accolade for being absolute monsters. Great game to watch, lets take this form into the cup next week!!!- JS
Sat. 21st Nov 2015
Cup Rd 1

V

AFC Preston (h)  7 - 9  AET. (ft.4-4)  
scorers :  C. Higgins 3, S. Hesketh 2, L. Bocchino, J. Harrison
  LANCASTRIAN BRIGADE CUP Round 1
Going into this match, the top two teams in the league wanted to put a marker down. As in usual fashion Broughton got off to a flier and opened the scoring in the first minute with Higgins finding himself alone in the box with too much space. Seconds later it could have been two with Higgins again, but this time his effort was off target. We didn't have to wait much longer for the second though as again AFC Preston didn't learn from their mistakes and Higgins smashed in a screamer after some good pressing from Harrison. We were cruising, but again in usual fashion we switched off for our obligatory 20 minutes. In that time we conceded twice - once from some slack marking from a corner and the second from some dodgy defending and a rush of blood from our keeper. Luckily for us that sparked us back into life and with the move of the match, Higgins and Bocchino combined like Yorke and Cole with Luca finishing off a fantastic move. The score remained 3-2 till half time. Into the second half we were looking to build on our lead and looking the more likely to increase it. As is the case AFC Preston pinched he equalizer out of the blue. For the next 20 minutes or so both teams was cancelling each other out until Higgins grabbed his hatrick after some good work down the left. All we had to do now was defend for the last 5 minutes and see the game out. That's what we did till until the last second of the game, from a last ditch cross the ball pinged off one of our defender’s and looped over our stranded keeper. Their ecstatic screams drowned out our disappointment. So into extra time. The Broughton lads were running on empty and to make matters worse Newby received his second yellow after a clash of legs, quite harsh to be fair. But things went from bad to worse when Higgins overdid the protesting at Newby's red and got himself sent off. So with nearly 25 minutes of extra time left we were down to 9 men on a huge pitch already knackered. AFC Preston soon took of advantage with a quick double. Not to completely give up the lads battled on despite constant provocation from the other team and managed to grab a goal back through Hesketh. Unfortunately the numbers game came into play again and AFC Preston put the game to bed with another couple of goals. Surprisingly the highlight of the game came in the last few minutes when their keeper decided to put his grubby mitts on Lever who in turn produced a monster of a haymaker to the chin of the unsuspecting keeper who went down quicker than John Terry on Bridges wife. The ensuing kick-off quickly calmed down as their keeper flat on his back got sent off alongside Lever. Amazingly we managed to grab a couple of consolations with Hesketh getting his second and Harrison registering with the last kick off the game. We need to improve our discipline or it will end up costing us more than just money!!! But we go again in the league!!!- JS
Sat. 5th Dec. 2015

V

Cottam Corinthians (a)  6 - 2 (ht.3-1)  
scorers :   L. Tayor 3, J. Yates, A. Alston, M. McGill
  Report to follow. 
Sat. 9th Jan 2016

V

Cottam Corinthians (h)  6 - 1 (ht.0-0)  
scorers :  M. Pendlebury 2, S. Cummins, A. Butterworth, L.Tannock, A. Crossthwaite
  So after a booze and pigs in blanket filled Christmas we rolled up at home against Cottam with quite a few regulars missing due to either injury or suspension the whole Broughton firm was called into action to fill the voids. The game didn’t start great … we didn’t get out of second gear really but they didn’t look like scoring either! Sums up the first half - poor from a spectators view anyway! However the second half was a different story. Around the 55-60 minute mark Mr.Russell decided to receive his second yellow card for kicking the ball away! (great for us as he now owes us all £10 at the end of season do!!) not so great for the team cause we are now down to 10 men on a massive pitch! However for some strange reason we now decided to play football and immediately got a goal through Ash with a bar and in finish from just inside the box. After making an inspirational substitution Lewis came on and soon linked up with Pendle and Ash and the second soon came with Pendle firing home neatly into the bottom corner. The 3rd soon followed with Lewis scoring with second touch! Queue another super sub moment, Andy came on to cause havoc on our left wing. This resulted in a corner with Pendle nodding in off the back of his head for the 4th. Andy continued to cause havoc and he got his reward soon after with a goal to make it 5-0. Then we had a typical lapse in concentration and they managed to pull one back to make it 5-1. Not long after that Sean stepped up to take a free kick which he duly smashed into the top corner to make it 6-1 game over. Great second half for the spectators! Good second half performance by the team and a solid performance by the defence and unlucky to concede a goal. MOM Pendle WORST MOMENT Nathan (make sure you all turn up for the end of season do lads - drink's are on Nathan!) - RP  
Sat. 6th Feb 2016

V

Sharples (h)  6 - 1 (ht.3-0)  
scorers :  L. Bocchino 2, M. Turner 2, M. Billington, S. Cummins
  This week the Rezzies welcomed the visiting Sharples FC. With a last minute switch to the 4G. KO was delayed for 15 minutes as they found themselves wandering round the garden centre looking for the changing rooms. As the game kicked off the conditions were perfect. Sharples started the game better and sharper (no pun intended) even though we did have a 45 minute warm up! Their positive start didn’t come to much as they were lacking in quality. Before Broughton had the chance to take a grip on the game, we were forced into changing the formation after big dog Murch’s calf exploded. Shortly after this we took the lead through Cummins who pounced on a lovely flick from Luca. Again we had to make our 2nd substitution as Cummins was unable to carry on after a crunching tackle in the first minute. The goal appeared to kick start us into life and we grabbed the second of the game, Bocchino finishing off a quality team move. With half time approaching and Bocchino causing chaos we grabbed a deserved 3rd from the spot with Billington calmly stroking the ball home. As in previous weeks, the standard dropped in the second half although we did manage to get fourth from Turner who smashed in a peach of a volley from a corner. Shortly after this Sharples grabbed a consolation. Not to accept a 4-1 we carried on attacking with pace and were rewarded with a quality goal from man of the match Bocchino who brought the ball down with one touch, swivelled and lashed the ball into the bottom corner. To finish the rout, Mitchell aka ‘the sprinkler’ fed a sumptuous though ball to Turner who finished like a striker. Not bad for a right back. Good performance all round, but much harder games to come!!!!  JS
Sat. 12th Mar 2016

V

Chorley Athletic (h)  3 - 4 (ht.-)  
scorers :  C. Butler, L. Zolotarczuk, L. Tannock
  -  
Sat. 19th Mar 2016

V

Ribchester Rovers (a)  2 - 2 (ht.-)  
scorers :  R. Horn, D. Green
 
Sat. 26th Mar 2016

V

AFC Preston (h)  1 - 1 (ht.-)  
scorers :  A. Bux
 
Sat. 2nd Apr. 2016

V

Sharples (a)  8 - 2  (ht.3-1)  
scorers :  M. Finney 3, C. Newby 2, C. Butler, L. Bocchino, K. Bangi
  8 of last weeks 1st and 2nd team took themselves off to PNE this week and this together with an inventive catalogue of others reasons why NOT to play left Jon, Jay, Ade and me with a nightmare Friday trying to put together 3 teams. Luckily the managers exhibit a level of commitment well above could be reasonably expected - and by Friday at 9pm we had 3 teams named and informed. Ironically the 1st team were called off at 11.15 am on Saturday and so I, as temporary 2nd team manager went from a squad of 11 – to 14 - which then dropped to 13 as somebody pulled out late in the morning. You get the picture ? Having arrived at Bolton it was clear that the pitch was going to cut up so we settled on a plan to counter attack at speed. It worked to a limited degree but we tended to over complicate and it allowed less able defenders to crowd us out. Still we went into the break with a 3-1 lead. The main threat came down the left with Butler and Russell taking turns to overlap and from one such break the ball landed at the feet of the newly returned Matt Finney. Finney did what he does best and hammered the ball into the top corner. 5 minutes later Finney added a second after Bocchino turned himself and the Sharples defence inside out. Sharples have a couple of decent midfielders and started to push us back as Newby and Bangi started to get overrun. U18 debutant Jack Ryan and the slightly less fresh faced Monks were stretched to the limit for a while, but standout defender was Chris Bell (dare I say rolling back the years) who made at least 3 crucial interceptions. Clearly 10 days snowboarding is the perfect preparation for a Bolton bloodbath. Against the play at that time, Walsh broke away and was fouled in the box. Butler rammed home the spot kick, but any feeling of superiority was short lived when a horrible swirling clearance dropped onto the edge of our 6 yard box. Keeper Williams handling had been immaculate under difficult conditions, but this one was a step to far and the ball, once spilled, was forced home. Talk at half time was of simplification and with that message taken on, the 2nd half was a canter. Bocchino got the half off to a great start when a fast passing move released our Italian front man and he skipped past the keeper and rolled the ball home. The next 10 minutes belonged to Craig Newby. Having spent to previous hour doing midfield doggies in the mud he first latched onto a poor keeper clearance to lash it Beckam style past a despairing custodian. 10 minutes later a ball squared to Newby on the edge of the box was hit cleanly to the bottom corner. Bangi then got on the act to cap a successful return to action (we won't mention his previous attempt) and his reward was the hook. Harrington added a fresh impetus and with his efforts our superiority was well established. So well established that the manager felt confident enough to launch himself onto a somewhat bemused Broughton team. There was still time for Birch to win a header into the path of Finney to complete his triple and then for Birch to combine well before shooting over. Butterworth beat a couple of defenders and narrowly missed scoring a “worldy” and with the game in the bag we headed off for a shower. In the dark – and smelling of god knows what – so maybe not. db. 
Tue. 5th Apr. 2016

V

FC Ribbleton (a) 3 - 3  (ht.-)  
scorers :  D. Green, S. Mitchell 2
  -
Wed. 13th Apr. 2016

V

Springfields (a)  2 - 0 (ht.-)  
scorers : D. Green, A. Owens
 
Sat. 16th Apr. 2016

V

FC Bolton (a) 3 - 4  (ht.-)  
scorers :  L. Bocchino 2, N. Russell
 
Tue. 19th Apr. 2016

V

Farrington Villa (a)  4 - 1 (ht.-)  
scorers : L. Bocchino 2, P. Monks, O.G.
  -
Sat. 23rd Apr. 2016

V

Ribchester Rovers (h)  2 - 1 (ht.-)  
scorers :   M. McGill, J. Cove
 
Sat. 30th Apr. 2016

V

Eagle (h)  2 - 1  (ht.-)  
scorers :  M .Pendlebury, C. Newby
 
Sat. 7th May. 2016

V

AFC Preston (a)  1 - 3  (ht.-)  
scorers :   C. Higgins
 
Wed. 11th May 2016

V

Chorley Athletic (a)  0 - 1 (ht.-)  
scorers :   -

 



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3rd Team

Final Table, Results and Match Reports - 2015/2016 season

POS 1st Team - Division 3 P W D L F A GD PTS
1   Tarleton Corinthians Res 26 21 3 2 91 27 64 66
2  Walmer Bridge Res 26 18 2 6 96 53 43 56
3  Cottam Corinthians Res 26 17 2 7 72 57 15 53
4  Southport & Ainsdale Res 26 15 6 5 86 45 41 50*
5   Hoole United Res 26 14 5 7 83 45 38 47
6  Broughton Ams 'A' 26 14 5 7 84 60 24 47
7  Appleby Bridge 26 12 7 7 72 56 16 43
8  Burscough Dynamo 26 12 5 9 73 48 25 41
9  International All Stars  26 11 6 9 71 54 17 39
10  Penwortham Town Res 26 6 3 17 56 90 -34 21
11  Adlington 26 6 2 18 45 77 -32 20
12  New Longton Rovers Res 26 5 2 19 54 102 -48 17
13  Eccleston & Heskin 'A' 26 3 5 18 33 73 -40 14
14  Chorley Town 26 1 1 24 31 160 -129 4
* = Points Adjustment   

3rd Team Results, Scorers and Match Reports
Broughton Score First.

Wed. 19th Aug 2015

V

Penwortham Town Res (a)   5 - 1  (ht.2-1)    
scorers :  N. Balch 2, R. Czerczak, M. Bowerman, M. Hubbersty
  First game of the new season without a single pre-season match to prepare meant that this could have been a tricky fixture for Broughton’s third team; add in that it was an evening match meant it could have been even worse. However, we turned up with a strong squad with a good balance of players. We played some good football and worked the ball forward from the back. Whilst this is the right way to play, it does leave you open to the danger. A poor pass from full-back to centre-back, followed by the centre-back slipping leading to their forward being one-on-one with the ‘keeper and scoring to put the hosts 1-0 up. We didn’t let this change what we were doing and carried on playing some good football. Bowerman was brought down on the edge of the area when clean through and we were awarded a free-kick. The free-kick was saved but not cleared and Bowerman was able to score from inside the 6-yard box to put us level. We went ahead when Balch controlled a cross with his back to goal and managed to turn and shoot despite being under pressure from a couple of defenders. We were in control of the match after that although Sprake did make a couple of good saves when he was called upon. We doubled our lead after the break with Hubbersty scoring directly from a corner. It sounds impressive but it wasn’t. It was poorly hit corner that hit their ‘keeper in the balls before going in! Penwortham heads went down after that and it was a matter of how many we’d get. Balch scored a great goal where he beat several players before smashing it past the helpless ‘keeper. We won’t mention all the easier chances that he missed before that. Czerczak sealed the win by beating the offside trap and rounding the ‘keeper before putting it in the net. All-in-all, it was a good performance which should only get better as we get more game time together. The defence was solid, Hubbers and new signing from Spain, Eduardo, bossed the middle of the pitch and the two forwards tormented their back-line for 90 minutes. MB 
Sat. 22nd Aug 2015

V

Walmer Bridge Res (h)  7 - 4  (ht.4-1)  
scorers :   N. Balch 4, A. Crossthwaite 2, M. Harrington
  The 2nd match of the season, and with a few players and the manager unavailable, it was all hands to the pump with Jose Cheesinho coming in as caretaker manager, a few players doing us a favour and a referee called Lucy (who was probably one of the best refs we've had for a while). With a plethora of centre backs (5 or 6), the formation was always going to be of interest. In the end we plumped for a 4-1-4-1 line up for the visit of Walmer Bridge Res. The first half started slowly, we were solid at the back but chances were few and far between. A twenty minute hat-trick from Nathan Balch (one from a sublime chip over the top from Ryan Walsh) and a "worldy" from Matt Harrington from out on the wing (was it a shot, was it a cross?) saw us go into half time with a comfortable 4-1 lead. To give the subs a run out, the formation was changed early in the second half to a 4-4-2 formation with young Andy Crossthwaite joining Nathan up top. The defense suddenly looked less assured, conceding 3 goals, but these were interspersed with a 4th goal for Nathan and 2 well taken finishes from Andy Crossthwaite to give us a deserved 7-4 victory. The 100% record retained and onto next week where there will be more fiddling with the squad by The Special One and I expect nothing less than a 5-2 victory. IH 
Sat. 29th Aug 2015

V

Burscough Dynamo (h)  5 - 2  (ht.2-2)  
scorers :   N. Balch 2, M. Bowerman, R. Catlow, R. Czerczak
  This was another good win against a team that had plenty of age of their side and plenty of energy without having a lot of quality. The visitors did start more brightly and Sprake pulled off a great save from a header early on in the match. Burscough went ahead when their pacey forward beat the offside trap and fired past our ‘keeper. We equalised after Catlow found the net from close range. We went ahead shortly after; Sprake big-kick, their defenders left it, Balch had a header well-saved and Czerczak put home the rebound. In added on time in the first half, their fast forward beat the offside trap again and equalised for Burscough. We stepped up a gear in the second half and improved in some of the areas we were weak in the first 45 minutes. The game balance of the game tipped in Broughtons favour after a double substitution with Pendlebury and Bowerman coming on. We managed to create more chances and the ball was sticking with our forwards more. Bowerman made an instant impact when he headed home after a great cross from Bell. Balch doubled the advantage with a good strike from the edge of the area. Balch scored his second and Broughton fifth, after Bowerman played him in from the left. This was another good result that we had to work hard for. The good thing so far this season is that we look capable of creating chances and scoring plenty of goals. MB
Sat. 5th Sept 2015

V

Southport & Ainsdale Res  (h)  2 - 2 (ht.2-1)  
scorers :  R. Czerczak 2
  This was another game against a side that had a much lower average age than we had, although Southport had a lot more quality than last week’s opponents. We had a number of players missing from last week and were forced into making a number of changes, which included two new centre-backs. The visitors started strongly and their pace, energy and good play caused us problems. However, Broughton took the lead when Bowerman played in Czerczak and he found the bottom corner at the second attempt after his first shot was well blocked. We doubled our advantage quickly after the first goal with Czerczak scoring a cracking goal after he took the ball past three or four defenders. Southport played some good football throughout the game but it was a long-ball over the top which allowed them back into the match when their quick forward was put through and scored. The visitors should have equalised but their winger hit a shot over from a yard out. The game changed after half-time with Southport getting a large amount of decisions in their favour. Czerczek was brought down in the box for what should have been a certain penalty but the ref wasn't interested. Both teams had a number of chances to score before the ref gave Southport a soft penalty in the final few minutes, which they scored. Southport had the chance to take all three points but Sprake saved well. This match could have gone either way but a draw was probably a fair result. MB
Sat. 12th Sept 2015

V

Hoole Utd Res  (h)  7 - 4 (ht.-)  
scorers :  N. Balch 3, R. Czerczak 2, R. Pomfret, E. Tasis 
  Report to follow.   
Sat. 19th Sept 2015

V

New Longton Rovers Res (h)  3 - 1  (ht.2-0) 
scorers : N. Balch 3
  I couldn't resist the chance to pick up the pen again ! Another Saturday afternoon and another dose of late changes which resulted in a solid first 11 but a subs bench with a cumulative age of over 120 years – more speed of thought than movement. Set up in the traditional 4-4-2, rather than the current trend for any number of false 9’s, 10’s etc, the team had a solid spine with the ever dependable Andy ‘Gary’ Sprake in goal, Edwardo (who resembles a cross between Socrates, the 80’s Brazilian maestro not the Greek philosopher, and Andrea Pirlo) providing the class and Mediterranean flair at centre half, Hubbers (who resembles a miniature bouncer chewing a wasp) the steel in midfield and Nathan and Rafa the menace up front. How could we do anything other than win? The first half was fairly even in terms of possession with both sides enjoying periods of control of the ball however we were far more ruthless in front of goal than they were – well at least Nathan was with two goals coming from him during the first half. Rafa had one of those Saturdays where he could still be playing now (without the benefit of a goalkeeper) and he still would not have scored. A number of chances came and went his way, however as ever (to his eternal credit) he kept running and trying and if you buy enough tickets you will eventually win the lottery – you just might not make any money!. During the first half we looked at our best when using the width down our flanks where both Luke and Ash (making a rare appearance for the thirds) provided pace, menace and no little skill – they were ably supported by both full backs who were solid. At the back Edwardo impressed with his cool, laid back approach to defending and his use of the ball – throughout the 90 minutes I am not certain he broke sweat. 2:0 up at half time we should have expected some reaction from our opponents which we duly got. We helped them by dropping off them and allowing them to play, which you could put down to complacency or the 20C temperatures. For the first 20 minutes of the second half they dominated possession but seemed to lack the killer touch, missing or being denied by Sprake and some last ditch defending from getting a goal. We still briefly threatened with Nathan, Ash and Rafa all going close but these were limited excursions up front. Longton eventually got the goal their pressure deserved when they scored from a long range free kick which missed the wall, most of the defenders in the box and kicked up off the pitch (which resembled Blackpool beach only without the human excrement) to beat Sprake. This seemed to act as a wake up call and the whole team began to wrest back control of the game – particularly Hubbers in midfield. As we entered the last 20 minutes Jay began to ring the changes with Bowerman and a youngster named Winn (making his first appearance in 16 months in borrowed boots) coming on to shore up midfield. It seemed to have the desired effect and with 5 minutes to go Hubbers burst through into the penalty area following a 1-2 and was upended to give the referee his easiest decision of the day. Nathan duly converted the penalty to make the score 3:1 and complete his hatrick. Another 3 points secured and I think the youngster Winn coming off the bench may have a future :)  IW.
Sat. 26th Sept 2015

V

International Allstars  (a)  4 - 1 (ht.-)  
scorers :  N. Balch 2, E. Tasis, R. Czerczak
  . . .   
Sat. 3rd Oct 2015

V

Appleby Bridge  (h)  2 - 4  (ht.-) 
scorers : R. Czerczak, N. Balch
   . . .
Sat. 10th Oct 2015

V

FC Adlington  (h)  1 - 4 (ht.0-0)  
scorers : R. Czerczak
  . . .    
Sat. 17th Oct 2015

V

Chorley Town (a)  6 - 1  (ht.3-1) 
scorers : M. Harrington, L. Walsh, M. Ryan, R. Czerczak, A. Crossthwaite, og.
  We headed to play bottom of the league on the back of a couple of bad results and minus our regular goalkeeper and top scorer. We were able to promote two players from the youth team and welcome back Broughton "legends" Matt Ryan and Tom Lowcock. On a small pitch with long grass, we found it hard to get going and our hosts started more strongly. However, we took the lead midway through the half when Harrington headed in from a corner. We doubled our lead from another corner but this time it was courtesy of a Chorley defender who headed in whilst under pressure from Roy. Any thoughts of the game being over were soon gone when Chorley pulled one back immediately after a number of defensive cock-ups. We did regain the two-goal advantage before the break when Ryan headed in from a famous Buxton long-throw. The second half was a more one-sided affair and Chorley struggled to get out of their own half. Crossthwaite scored a header before Czerczak beat the offside trap to score our fifth. Walsh saved the best to last and hammered in a quality strike from 20 yards out. It wasn't the toughest match we'll have this season but it was good to get a win again. MB.
Sat. 24th Oct 2015

V

Cottam Corinthians Res  (a)  2 - 2 (ht.-)  
scorers :   N. Balch 2
  . . .   
Sat. 14th Nov 2015
Cup Rd 1

V

FC Adlington (h) 4 - 1 (ht.2-0)  
scorers :  L. Walsh, N. Balch 3
  LANCASTRIAN BRIGADE CUP Round 1
We moved over to the cup competition this week and the Myerscough all-weather pitch was the venue, which allowed the game to go ahead despite the recent downpours. We were up against a side that beat us recently, although this time we had a full squad, including a goalkeeper. We were on top from the beginning and we caused them trouble every time we went forward, particularly Balch. We took the lead when Walsh met a cross and looped the ball over the 'keeper. Balch doubled our lead as we took control of the match. The second half continued in the same vain as the first, with Broughton on top and Adlington struggling to put together a meaningful attack. The biggest competition was between Balch, Walsh and Czerczak to see who could cock up the most one-on-ones. The Adlington defence and stand-in linesman really struggled with the offside rule and, as a result, we had a number of opportunities to put the game to bed but somehow managed to cock them all up. I think Walsh won the competition in the end with his effort going high and wide but Czerczak ran him close with an effort that went out for a throw-in. In typical Broughton fashion, we tried our best to allow our visitors back into the match and they scored with their first shot on target with a few minutes to go with a penalty. Any hopes of an equaliser and extra time were ended by Balch who scored twice in the final minutes to complete his fourth hat-trick of the season. Both goals were a result of Adlington still not really understanding what offside was. It was a decent performance but we have to be more clinical in front of goal. MB
Sat. 23rd Jan 2016

V

International All Stars (h)  0 - 4 (ht.-)  
scorers :  -
  . . .  
Sat. 30th Jan 2016

V

Penwortham Town Res (h)   3 - 2   (ht.2-2)  
scorers :  A. Bux, R. Czerczak, M. Buxton
  Following last week's debacle we returned to Myerscough hoping for an improved performance and result. Changes were made, Pete Monks coming in and managing to cause a problem without kicking a ball or player. We started the first half kicking into a swirling wind. The opening 25 was a very open game. They missed a sitter and also hit the post from their two chances. Asim's towering header and Rafa's well placed finish giving us a two goal lead against the adverse conditions. Penwortham were then awarded a penalty for a fair tackle and the 50 mph horizontal hail forced the ref to seek shelter. After the break their semi pro ringer scored a good goal to send us in level at half time. Somehow the wind died down during the break, getting rid of any advantage we might have had in the second half. In better conditions the game became a tighter affair. Buxton managed to find space after a late run from full back to "place" the ball home to give us a deserved lead. The later stages of the game were a nervy affair. Mainly because we we failed to take chances to kill the game off. Buxton had another chance but proved he had used up his one good shot of the game. We held out for a well deserved and hard fought victory Onwards and Upwards. TL  
Sat. 13th Feb 2016

V

Tarleton Corinthians Res (h) 3 - 3 (ht.-)  
scorers :  N. Balch 3
 
Sat. 5th Mar 2016

V

Eccleston & Heskin 'A' (h) 3 - 0 (ht.-)  
scorers :  N. Balch 2, R. Czerczak
   -  
Sat. 12th Mar 2016

V

Tarleton Corinthians Res (a) 4 - 2 (ht.-)  
scorers :  N. Balch 2, R. Czerczak, E. Tasis
  . . .
Sat. 19th Mar. 2016
Cup Rd 2

V

Appleby Bridge (h)  0 - 2 (ht.0-2)  
scorers :  -
  LANCASTRIAN BRIGADE CUP Round 2
This week our attention turned to the cup and we were looking to build on last week’s impressive victory. We were down to 12 players after a couple of late withdrawals and whilst we had a decent squad there wasn't quite the right balance between defensive and attacking players. We didn't start very well against one of the few teams that have beaten us in the league this season. The visitors were first to almost everything and we were mainly slow and making too many mistakes. In the first half, Goalkeeper Sprake was our best player as he made a few vital saves to keep us in the game. We rarely attacked although when we did we were unlucky not to score; Balch hit the bar from a header and fired just wide from 35 yards after he saw their ‘keeper off his line. We needed to improve in the second half but we allowed Appleby Bridge to score two almost identical goals within a minute of each other shortly after the re-start. We re-shuffled things a bit to give us more of an attacking threat and we did improve a bit after this and started to create some chances. We should have got ourselves back into the match but the normally reliable Balch under-hit a long range shot when the goal was empty after their ‘keeper had come out of his area to stop a corner. We were then awarded a penalty with 5 minutes left but the ‘keeper guessed the right way and made a good save to deny Balch at the bottom corner. It wasn't good enough from the team and Balch was unable to save our under-performance as he so often has in the past. This does mean we can concentrate on the league now… MB
Sat. 26th Mar 2016

V

Eccleston & Heskin 'A' (a) 3 - 2  (ht.1-2)  
scorers :  M. Hubbersty, M. Buxton, N. Balch
  Our focus returned to the league after last weeks disappointing cup defeat. We welcomed back Czerczak and our youth 'keeper to cover for Sprake who is running the Paris marathon next week and didn't want to risk getting injured. We stared the match brightly and created a chance in the first minute but then we allowed the hosts to dominate the match. They passed the ball around well and caused us problems. They deservedly took the lead with a good near-poster header from a corner. We were unlucky not to instantly level the score when Balch hit the inside of the post from outside the area seconds after we kicked off again. We fell two goals behind after a good finish from a cross from our left was put away superbly after a good counter-attacking move. This did bring us to life a bit with Czerczak and Ryan both missing good chances either side of us being denied a clear penalty. In the final stages of the half we were awarded a soft penalty which Hubbersty duly put away with the last kick of the half. The second half was a different story as we dominated the game. We equalised from a corner after the wind stopped the ball mid-flight and fell kindly for Buxton to head home. After that, it was only a matter of time before we took the lead and it came from Balch who poked the ball in after a penalty box scramble after some good work by Ryan. We should have been awarded a second penalty after their 'keeper pushed Czerczak over in the box but bizarrely the referee gave a free-kick the other way. It was a good three points in the end in tricky conditions against a team that passed the ball well. We showed good character to win after being two goals down but we need to start games better. MB
Sat. 2nd Apr. 2016

V

Burscough Dynamo (a)  4 - 4 (ht.2-3)  
scorers :  R. Czerczak 3, M. Buxton
  We had an away trip to Skelmersdale this week with a full squad thanks to the hard work of manager Jay (and other games being called off earlier in the morning). When we all eventually made it to the venue, Tom Lowcock attempted to try a new pre-match ritual by throwing down a large pack of condoms. It still remains unclear what his intentions were and whether those intentions were supposed to be used as the carrot or the stick. Our two newest members of the squad did look concerned. We were on a big 3G pitch, which we should be used to after playing a number of our home games on a similar surface. However, we didn't start the game well. Our passing was poor and there were large gaps between defence, midfield and attack. This was largely caused by their forward, who was nicknamed “Linford” who caused us problems throughout the first 45 minutes. Our defence were reluctant to get too far forward and allow the opportunity for their speedy forward to get in behind. This meant that we were not functioning well as a team and surrendering procession too easily. Our hosts took the lead after Linford scored from close range from a good cross. They doubled the lead within 2 minutes with Linford turning provider this time and his cross was headed home. Being two goals down seems to be the trigger for us to start at the moment and we did play our way into the match. We pulled one back after the ball was played in to Czerczak who turned and shot into the bottom corner to half the deficit. We drew level after Czerczak volleyed in a Buxton long-throw. Burscough took the lead again before the break. Despite another below-par half, we were still in the game and felt we could win if we improved on a few areas; mainly passing and cutting out the ‘Hollywood ball’. The half-time team talk didn't have the desired effect and Burscough went two goals up again after Linford got in behind the defence and scored at the second attempt after a good initial save from youth ‘keeper Will. Will made another good save to keep us in the game from a cross that was going in. With twenty minutes to go, our right-winger forced a fine save from a 30-yard effort and this seemed to get us going again. The end of the game was almost all one-way traffic but Burscough still carried a threat on the break and it took a brilliant last-ditch tackle from Lowcock to stop Linford getting in on goal (I think that upgraded him to a ribbed variety). We had a lot of possession in their half without creating too many clear-cut chances. We did pull one back with ten minutes to go when Boff got on the end of a Bowerman corner and directed it toward Buxton, who managed to score his second in two matches. We really turned the screw in the final stages and half chances fell to Hubbersty, Roy, Ryan, Balch and Czerczak, who was inches away from putting away a Bowerman cross. It was looking like it wasn't going to happen for us as the hosts tried to waste time by taking the ball into the corners. However, in the fourth minute of time added on, Catlow put in a superb cross from the left which fell to Czerczak who shot on the turn and found the bottom corner to complete his hat-trick. A point rescued with four seconds to spare! We did well to come back from two goals down twice but we really need to stop putting ourselves in that position. Our next two games are against the two teams below us in the league and we need to improve if we want to get out of this division.MB.
Sat. 9th Apr. 2016

V

Cottam Corinthians Res (h) 2 - 4 (ht.-)  
scorers :  M. Smith, og
  As we reach the business end of the season we welcomed one of our main rivals for promotion, Cottam Corinthians, to Myerscough in the week that the mid-week matches begin. We welcomed back into the squad, goalkeeper Sprake, who successfully beat Donald Duck and Goofy in the Paris Marathon last week, and veteran Mews who was drafted in for Lowcock who couldn’t decide whether he was available to play or not. After some recently poor performances we were eager to start the match better than we had in recent weeks and did start the game well. We went a goal up mid-way through the first half when Boff headed in from a Walsh corner. Unfortunately, we were forced into an early change as Hubbersty went off injured, so Mews moved into midfield and Lowcock came on (he was available after all) to play centre-back. The change seemed to disrupt us and the visitors came into the game. Sprake made at least three very good saves to keep our advantage. Towards the end of the half, against the run-of-play, we doubled our advantage as a Cottam defender scored an OG whilst under pressure from Ryan following another corner. We re-composed ourselves at the break and began the second period with our best spell of the match. Walsh put a decent chance high and wide from the edge of the area and Balch was inches wide from a shot inside the area. However, we were punished for these missed chances when Corinthians pulled one back after one of our centre-backs was caught in possession by their forward who the scored a one-on-one with Sprake. We should have scored shortly after but it appears we were a bit unlucky. On first viewing it looked like their ‘keeper made a world class save tipping the ball onto the post when it was heading into the top corner but their full-back told anyone that would listen that it was him that had made the save. It should have been a penalty and a red card but we got nothing. To be fair to the referee, no Broughton player claimed it and it did look like the ‘keeper had made the save. Shortly after that, the score was level after a poor Lowcock clearance fell to their forward who scored from inside the 6-yard box. They then went ahead when a cross beat Sprake at the near post. An injury to Balch made it tricky to get back into the game and they finished it off with a good volley from outside the area with a few minutes to go. We now need to win on Wednesday away to Walmer Bridge..
Wed. 13th Apr. 2016

V

Walmer Bridge Res (a)  0 - 4  (ht.0-2) 
scorers : -
  Since beating league leaders, Tarleton, last month, it is fair to say that our form has dipped. Since that win, which should have been the foundation of a solid end of season, we have been knocked out of the cup by a team below us in the league, scraped a win against one of the division’s strugglers, scraped a draw with a last minute equaliser and lost to one of our promotion rivals. There was no more room for error as we fought through rush hour traffic to get to Walmer Bridge to take on the team right behind us in the table (with games in hand) for our first mid-week game of the season. We were missing a few of our squad, most noticeably ‘keeper Sprake; king of the throw-ins, Buxton; utility defender, Towcock; and injured captain, Hubbersty. However, we did welcome Monks and Cummins; Tasis, who hadn't featured since our win against Tarleton (although he was more of an unwilling sub), and youth player, Crossthwaite. The mind-game started from the beginning as we were forced to change in a storage container with no electricity whilst our opponents enjoyed the luxury of a newly built facility. We started the match brightly and we should have been two goals ahead in the first ten minutes. The first chance came from a Balch cross which Walsh didn’t strike cleanly allowing the ‘keeper to save after the ball had passed him. The ball looked over the line but no goal was given. The second chance came from a Cummins cut-back after he had beaten two players but the pass was behind the three Broughton players waiting for the easy tap-in. Walmer Bridge took the lead after their right-winger beat the offside trap and placed the ball past stand-in stopper Catlow. They doubled their lead before the break after their right-winger crossed in for it to be put in at the back post. We lost Cummins to injury and this saw a reluctant Tasis return to action. A big improvement was needed in the second half if we were to get anything from the match. We certainly did improve and for most of the half it was one-way traffic. Balch had the best chance at the start of the half when we rounded the ‘keeper and hit the post with an open goal at his mercy. Czerczak flashed a powerful shot wide minutes later. Other chances came and went; Ryan had a free header from a corner, Crossthwaite went close with another header and Tasis had a heavy touch when he looked like he was through on goal. Inevitably, Walmer Bridge killed the game with their first decent chance of the half. We continued to attack with Crossthwaite causing them the most problems on the left. They finished us off with a fourth goal in what must have been their third attack on the half. 4-0 flattered them a lot but we have been lacking something for the last few matches. A better performance and result is needed on Saturday. MB
Sat. 16th Apr. 2016

V

Chorley Town (h) 6 - 0 (ht.-)  
scorers :  N. Balch 2, R. Czerczak 3, E. Tasis
  Report to follow. 
Wed. 20th Apr. 2016

V

Hoole Utd Res (a) 0 - 0 (ht.0-0)  
scorers :  -
  Another mid-week match and another struggle to get a team out, this time at Hoole. We turned up with 11 players which included veteran Cheesy, playing his first game of the season. Luckily, the 11 players we had were able to fit comfortably into a familiar formation as we came up against a side that looked a little stronger than when we played them earlier in the season. This game wasn't a classic. The pitch was hard-to-bobbly which made it difficult for both sides to play, particularly with a low sun blinding everyone that looked across the field. There were no real chances of note of either side in the first half although ‘keeper Catlow tipped one long clearance onto the crossbar when it looked easier to catch the ball. We were stronger in the second half but were unable to create many chances. Czerczak almost got on the end of a Bowerman cross and Balch shot wide mid-way through the half. Catlow did make one half-decent save from a header from a corner but the hosts never really looked like scoring. Their second best chance came from a 40-yard pass-back from Lowcock. A draw was probably a fair result and it is always pleasing to get a clean sheet. A big match on Saturday comes next. MB.
Sat. 23rd Apr. 2016

V

Southport & Ainsdale Res (a) 2 - 3 (ht.0-2)  
scorers :  M. Bowerman, E. Tasis
  Another away trip (we end our season with 8 away games in the last 10) this week and this time we were off to Merseyside to play the division’s in-form team, Southport & Ainsdale Reserves on a day which a trip to the seaside might have been a better option. With five players missing from the mid-week draw, we had six players come into the squad which gave us the luxury of a substitute in what is starting to feel more like the judging panel in the North-West’s crappiest pitches rather than a football team. On a really poor pitch, which was hidden by a thick layer of long grass, it was difficult for both teams to play much football. Our much younger opponents worked hard to put us under pressure and didn't allow us to play our usually free-flowing attacking football. The hosts were quick to close us down and this tactic worked in preventing us from getting into the match. Sprake, made a couple of good tackles/saves on the edge of his area but was eventually beaten by a stunning strike from their forward on the edge of the area which hit the underside of the crossbar and bouncing behind the line. They doubled their lead in bizarre circumstances. The referee over-ruled the linesman to give them a throw-in which was clearly ours, and from the throw they attacked us a won a penalty that nobody on the pitch could quite work out the reasoning for it. Sprake did get a hand to the resulting penalty but was unable to keep it out. At the break the message was clear, work harder, stop feeling sorry for ourselves and get the next goal to give us a chance. We were much improved after the break. We pulled one back quickly when Bowerman lobbed the ‘keeper from a tight angle in a brilliant shot which fooled the entire Southport team as it was disguised as a cross. We drew level after a good run from Tasis saw his shot take a wicked deflection off a defender to lift the ball over the oncoming ‘keeper. It was starting to look like a Southport collapse and we missed two good chances to take the lead. We should have done better with a back-post header from a Macca cross. Czerczak somehow beat the offside trap to put himself through on goal at an angle. Everyone expected the Polish forward to put us ahead but he had Balch to his right and a decent ball would have meant a tap in for his strike partner. Unfortunately, the pass was behind Balch and the Southport defence were back quick and the chance was gone. Not long after that Southport took the lead again with a well worked goal, although a couple of players had switched off from their defensive duties. We had a good chance to equalise again after Adil was sent through on the right but his shot was saved and rolled agonisingly across the goal line with nobody there to finish it. Southport then saw the game out without much fuss as we failed to make the most of a number of free-kicks and corners.  MB
Sat. 30th Apr. 2016

V

Appleby Bridge (a) 0 - 2 (ht.0-0)  
scorers :  -
  With the title challenge a distant memory the attention is now firmly on the prize for the divisions worst pitch. This weeks entry was near Wigan and when we arrived an hour before kick-off there was a full scale operation taking place which involved people filling large bins with water and emptying them on the sideline, numerous people with pitchforks, a man with a roller and another with white line marker. It was like being back on the old Broughton pitch. This is a strong challenger for the worst pitch competition. The match, against the team that have caused us the most problems this season, wasn't a classic. The hosts were the stronger side but neither played much football. Sprake was responsible for keeping us in the match in the first half with a number of decent saves and one which was particularly outstanding, although we did have the ball in the net but the effort was ruled to have been offside. Our best chance of the game came directly from the re-start on the second half as Czerczak and Tasis powered through but the final shot went agonisingly wide. We went behind shortly after with their forward tapping in a rebound after another Sprake save. They doubled their lead when Boff flicked on from their goal-kick and their sub, a George Boyd Mini-me, went through a finished well with just Sprake to beat. We didn't really cause them too many problems after that. The pitch was swamp-like but it wasn't the worst we've been on recently. MB.
Tue. 3rd May 2016

V

FC Adlington (a) 3 - 1 (ht.0-1)  
scorers :  R. Walsh, R. Czerczak, N. Balch
  The worst pitch title race took us to Chorley on a fine Tuesday evening. There is nothing quite like trying to negotiate 47 round-a-bouts during rush-hour. This week’s entry was a bobbly pitch on a hill with long grass that was doing its best to cover the dog crap and dead birds that were waiting for the unsuspecting slide tackler. Surprisingly, for a mid-week match, we had two subs. The first half was played in a similar fashion to our recent performances – not very well. We started the match playing downhill but struggled to get out of our half. Adlington took the lead after we committed too many players for a free-kick which was under-hit and allowed them to break, cross and head in at the back post. They had a couple of chances to extend the lead but some good goalkeeping and defending kept us in it. Our best chance came after Czerczak played an excellent ball to Balch but a wicked bobble took the ball away just as the forward was about to pull the trigger. Roy came close too but his shot lacked the power to trouble the ‘keeper. The second half, going uphill, saw us play a lot better. We got the ball down and tried to play a bit. We equalised early on in the second half when Walsh scored a goal reminiscent of Bowerman v Southport. It is good to see the younger players learning from their more experienced team-mates. We went ahead shortly after with Czerczak finishing well after Balch set him up. After that both teams had plenty of chances. They came close a few times with Pomfret making one vital block and their winger getting in the way of another goal-bound shot. Our chances came through Roy, who hit well over from close range, and Walsh who hit a tame shot with just the ‘keeper to beat. Balch made sure of the three points in the last minute with a good strike from inside the area after he eventually got the ball from under his feet. A good second half earned us three points but it will take more than a hill and a dead bird to win the crap pitch prize. MB.
Sat. 7th May 2016

V

New Longton Rovers Res (a) 7 - 3  (ht.-)  
scorers :  N. Balch 3, R. Czerczak 3, E. Tasis

 

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Youth (U18) Team

Final Table, Results and Match Reports - 2015/2016 season

POS U18s - Youth Div White P W D L F A GD PTS
1  New Longton Rovers 20 17 1 2 90 30 60 52
2  Broughton Ams 20 16 1 3 96 28 68 49
3  Ribbleton 20 16 0 4 99 39 60 48
4  Tarleton Corinthians 20 13 0 7 89 45 44 39
5  Coppull United Blues  20 12 1 7 76 44 32 37
6  Astley & Buckshaw 20 10 1 9 72 57 15 31
7  Ribble Wanderers 20 7 2 11 46 69 -23 23
8  Walmer Bridge 20 7 1 12 59 70 -11 22
9  Lostock Hall SC 20 4 1 15 34 97 -63 13
10  Croston 20 3 2 15 32 79 -47 11
11  Sir Tom Finney 20 0 0 17 28 163 -135 05

Youth Team Results, Scorers and Match Reports.
Broughton Score First.

Sun. 6th Sept. 2015

V

Sir Tom Finney YFC (h)  5 - 2  (ht.4-1)    
scorers :  U. Bux 3, A. Crossthwaite, J. Ryan
  The reds started the game well and had the most possession, passing quickly and moving the ball well, Andy C was close after great play from Tom Williams and Umar had a shot cleared off the line. We scored after 15mins after some great link up play down the left from Liam and Lewis T and Umar opened his account smashing the ball into the back of net. Joe Ryan then got on the score sheet with a hard low shot after a great cross from Liam. More great pass and move and Andy C had an easy finish from close range after Tom W played him in. Finney FC never gave up and battled well. Joe R had a shot saved and a quick goal kick caught us out a flick on and our defence a little static the striker nipped in to finish well for 3-1. The lads woke up and confusion in the Finney box saw Umar nip in and from an impossible angle curl the ball into the top corner for a fantastic finish. Half time 4.1 Nearly straight after the half time whistle a long ball was played over the top and Mason clipped the heels of the striker even though he wasn’t getting to the ball and Will had gathered into his hands a red card was issued and we now had 10 men for 42 minutes. The game became a little scrappy and both teams passing was going astray at times. Finney started to attack and reduced the arrears with a well struck shot after some lacklustre defending from the Broughton defence. Broughton then gained a penalty but the keeper did well to save and Jack hit the rebound against the post. Jayden had a clear shout for a penalty when swiped in the box as about to score but unbelievably not given. Jayden then went on a great run after Mikey had put him through but the keeper diverted wide. We finally put the match to bed when after a goalmouth scramble Umar smashed in a wonderful shot for his hatrick. LT
Man of Match: Umar Bux
Sun. 13th Sep. 2015
CUP Prelim

V

Blackpool South (h)  14 - 0  (ht.4-0)    
scorers :  J. Ryan (2), M. Matthias, A. Crossthwaite (4), U.Bux (5), D. Cobban, D. Topping
  SYNDICATE TRUST YOUTH CUP - Preliminary Round
We entertained Blackpool South in the 1st round of the Syndicate Youth Cup. We started the game on the front foot with exciting pass and move. 9 mins in and Andy finished a quality move only to be ruled offside. 15 mins in Daz made the breakthrough after a superb corner from Mikey was headed goal wards by Lewis Tan and Daz stroked home from close range. We then scored 3 quality goals, Umar with two quality strikes and using his pace and Dan Topping with a sweeping move down the left involving Liam and Mikey and Umar and a brilliant low ball swept into the box for Dan to smash in. Half time 4.0 The 2nd half began as the 1st finished with Broughton on the attack and playing fast paced passing football, it wasn’t long before we scored again, our football was irrepressible and we scored a further 10 times. Umar totalled 5, Andy 4, Joe R 2, Dan Topping 1, Daz Cobban 1 and Mikey 1 for an unbelievable 14.0 win There will be harder games ahead but we kept our shape and professionalism throughout the game playing great football, record win for the youth team and a clean sheet!
Man of match: Mikey Matthias  
Sun. 20th Sep. 2015

V

Ribble Wanderers (h)  12 - 0   (ht.-)     
scorers :  D.Topping, U.Bux 3, M.Mathias 2, A.Crossthwaite 3, L.Thom, J.King 2
  Report to follow.  
Sun. 27th Sep. 2015
LFA Rd 2

V

Warton Typhoons (h)  19 - 2  (ht.-)    
scorers :  Z.Moosa, U.Bux 6, L.Tannock 2, A.Crossthwaite 4, M.Mathias 2, C.Young, D.Cobban 2, J.King
  LFA SUNDAY TROPHY YOUTH - Round 2
... 
Sun. 4th Oct 2015
CUP Rd 1

V

Chipping  (h)  6 - 0  (ht.2-0)    
scorers :  D. Topping 2, U. Bux, Z. Moosa, A. Crossthwaite, L. Sharpe
  SYNDICATE TRUST YOUTH CUP - Round 1
Broughton Youth entertained Chipping in the 2nd round of the Syndicate Cup. A late withdrawal meant Chipping only had 10 players so it was agreed to be sporting that Broughton would play only 10 players. Credit to our team for agreeing as it meant one would have to give up his place and go on subs bench. The game started and Chipping parked the bus our passing style was great to watch and Andy C was proving to be a menace down the left. It took 20 mins for our 1st goal great work in CM from Lewis Tan and Thommo put Dan T through he cut inside beat his man and shot hard and low into the back of the onion bag. We were knocking the ball round well but Chipping were defending magnificently and the keeper was having an inspired game. Dan T then hit the post, Umar just wide and Thommo hit 2 great efforts just over and just wide. Andy linked down the left with Liam overlapping and fed Umar who bagged with a trademark strike after a great run and hard shot into the bottom corner. Half Time 2-0 The 2nd half started again with relentless pressure from Broughton and their keeper pulled off 2 cracking saves. Thommo went on a run and beat about 5 players before the ball took a bobble as he struck goalward and it shanked to the corner flag! It would have been goal of the season so far! We scored again when Umar turned provider to Zaid to turn in from close range after some great wing play. Andy then scored a cracker after a great pass from Lewis Tan he smashed the ball into the bottom right corner on the half volley. Dan then scored his 2nd with a superb half volley after a great ball in from Zaid on the right. Liam wrapped things up with his 1st goal for the club in over 30 appearances with a bullet header from a corner. Final score 6.0 and into the 3rd round! Man of match Lewis Thom  
Sun. 11th Oct 2015

V

Coppull United Blues (a)  3 - 2  (ht.3-1)    
scorers :  M.Mathias, U.Bux 2
  Broughton Youth travelled to Coppull for what we knew was going to be our first real test of the season. On a great pitch the match started and Umar was narrowly judged offside after a some great play. From the free kick, a through ball was played and Will in the Broughton goals made a great save coming out and narrowing the angle. We started to get the ball down and a fantastic move - passing the ball from defence to attack saw Andy C put an inch perfect cross for the on running Umar to volley expertly into the roof of the net. This settled us down and we started to get a grip of a very competitive game with both sides trying to get the ball down and giving no quarter. Mikey then turned his man just outside of the box and struck an Exocet shot into the bottom corner for 2-0. We gave a free kick away and Will made a superb one handed save then caught the resulting corner. We went 3 up when super inter passing from Joe, Andy and Daz set up Umar to notch his second goal with another well placed finish. We had the upper hand but stepped off the gas a bit and on the stroke of half time Coppull pulled one back after we didn’t clear our lines after blocking a shot and the Coppull striker poached a good finish past Will. 3.1 half time. The lads started the 2nd half well and Andy was narrowly wide. Umar then went on a run and squared the ball across the box for Lewis T to be inches away. Umar through again and over, Andy volleyed over, we needed that fourth goal but it wouldn’t come. Lewis T put Umar through and he lobbed the keeper for what would have been a great hat trick but was ruled offside! Again we were put under some massive pressure from Coppull and Will made an amazing double save. With 13 minutes left Coppull struck with a great move and finish down the right. We held on for a nervy 10 mins although both teams could and should have added to their totals. A great game of football played in a competitive but fair spirit from both teams, our 1st half performance won the game as did the resolute defending in the 2nd half, Coppull will be a match for any team in this division. Great performances from Zaid, Will, Joe C, Jack, Umar and Daz but all the lads put a great shift in. Man of match –Tom Williams
Sun. 18th Oct. 2015
LFA Rd 3

V

Bolton Wyresdale (h)   3 - 2   (ht.2-1)    
scorers :  L. Thom 2, A. Crossthwaite
  LFA SUNDAY TROPHY YOUTH - Round 3
Broughton entertained Bolton Wyresdale FC in the 3rd round of the LFA Cup. The game started and for the 1st 15mins the game ebbed and flowed with no real clear cut chances. Andy put Umar through and he rounded the keeper only to run out of room for the shot. Bolton had a chance and scored but ruled out for offside, then Umar finished from close range only to be ruled offside. Tommo hit the bar from a superb free kick. Some great play in midfield from Jadyn and Joe R saw Tommo latch onto a loose ball and smash in an unstoppable shot from the edge of the box into the bottom right corner. The game continued to be competitive and a few yellow cards were shown to both sets of players. More ball won in midfield by Joe R set Andy C on his way to smash in for 2-0. Bolton never gave up and got a well-deserved goal on the stroke of half time. Half time 2.1 We started the 2nd half a little sloppy and Bolton came out all guns blazing and soon equalised with a great move down the left and fine finish. We re-grouped and started to play some decent pass and move Umar driving down the right only to see his cross scooped off Andy’s toe as he was about to finish. Lewis T with a header inches over from a corner. Umar put through by Tommo only to see his finish hit the post. Bolton were also creating chances looking for the winner and Will pulled off a marvellous full stretch save. We finally got the winner when the impressive Joe R sent Tommo through to calmly finish past the oncoming keeper. Jack had to be at his best when clearing an opportunity for Bolton and collided with Will, luckily both were able to continue. There was still time for some hairy moments in defence with Bolton throwing everything at us but Will, Mason, Jack, Zaid and Tom stood firm and we shut the game out by going on the attack. A superb game to be involved with, both teams playing very good football and Broughton just shading the spoils, in a tight game. Man of match – Jack Ryan  
Sun. 1st Nov 2015
Cup Rd 2

V

Atherton Town (a)  3 - 0  (ht.-)    
scorers :  L. Thom, L. Tannock, M. Mathias
  SYNDICATE TRUST YOUTH CUP - Round 2
 
Sun. 22nd Nov. 2015
LFA Rd 4

V

Coppull United (h)  3 - 2  (ht.2-1)    
scorers :  U. Bux 2, M. Hughes
  LFA SUNDAY TROPHY YOUTH - Round 4
The Under 18's travelled to unbeaten Coppull United, in the last 16 of the LFA Cup. We knew we were in for a tough game and a few injuries saw the Amateur’s down to 12 fit players with 1 player unwell. On a heavy pitch the game start at a furious pace with both teams playing fast attacking football. We carved out our first chance with a fast move down the right and a cross to Jaydn who couldn’t get his shot off first time and the ball was scurried away. We then set Umar away to finish well but was ruled just offside. Mikey down the right was a proving a thorn and after Lewis T won a great tackle and passed wide to him he passed inside for Umar to curl a brilliant shot into the back of the net for 1-0. Coppull then came into the game and forced Will into a fine save with his legs. From a fantastic corner Will tipped over to keep the score intact. We then won a free kick on the left and Mason curled a brilliant ball in Lewis T went for the header but the ball sailed into the right corner without a touch for 2-0. Joe C then started and nearly finished a fast flowing move from back to front. Coppull then tested our defence with some immense pressure but we stood firm with all the lads fighting for every tackle and header. With 43 minutes gone a great move from Coppull saw Will beaten by a great shot and finish from the Coppull striker. Half time 2-1. The 2nd half started and Coppull began to get the game by the scruff of the neck but our defence expertly marshalled by Jack and Mason stood firm. A great move down the right saw Coppull equalise with a firm header 2-2. We looked dangerous on the break and Umar had a shot well saved. Will then pulled off the save of the season when a rocket shot from the outside of the box from the Coppull midfielder was tipped onto the bar. With tensions running high in this ultra-competitive game the Coppull striker was sent off on 80 mins to swing the game in our balance. Dan T who was having a fine game sent Umar through he expertly placed past the keeper but offside given and goal ruled out! Again with Umar pushed right up Lewis T sent him through no chance of offside due to being in his own half and straight race to goal with the Coppull centre half was won by Umar who rounded the keeper and smashed into the onion bag to spark joyous scenes amongst the team with every player going to celebrate with him. We saw the game out with another couple of chances and after the longest 5 minutes of added time won through to the last 8 of the LFA Cup. A superb resilient performance from all the team with great football played from both teams in a game that had everything. It was tough on Coppull Utd to lose but thank the Lord we weren’t put through penalties! The team should be proud of themselves, they are playing some brilliant football and are all in it together. Man of the match . . . all 12 of them - Well done to all ! 
      
Sun. 13th Dec. 2015
LFA Q.FINAL

V

Charnock Richard (at LFA HQ Leyland)   0 - 5   (ht.-)    
scorers :  -
  LFA SUNDAY TROPHY YOUTH - QUARTER FINAL
Played on 3G Pitch at LFA HQ Leyland
The U18's played, and sadly lost to, Charnock Richard FC in the LFA Quarter Finals at the LFA HQ, Leyland.
Over 200 hundred teams entered and we managed to reach the last 8 which was a massive achievement.  
Sun. 24th Jan 2016

V

Ribbleton (a)  6 - 2   (ht.1-1)   
scorers :  A. Crossthwaite 3, U. Bux, L. Thom, J. King
The team travelled to local rivals and one of the favourites for the league title Ribbleton, with a few notable absentees. The depth of our squad would be tested. The game started and we were on the front foot, with Ribbleton barely mustering an attack for the 1st 15 mins. We tried to pass the ball and had some great possession, Thommo drove through and shot narrowly wide, Daz’s long throws were causing chaos and a number of goalmouth scrambles ensued without us capitalising. The 1st goal was scored by Andy C after neat hold up play by Umar he fed the back to Dan T and he clipped in a great cross for Andy C to expertly volley home from 10 yards. We continued to press Ribbleton and nearly went 2.0 up when a great passing move found Mikey who just put wide from the penalty spot. Ribbleton then had a great 15 min spell in the game forcing corners and putting us under pressure. They scored a deserved equaliser 2 minutes before half time with a good move down the right and fine finish past Wills despairing dive. The half time whistle came at a good time for us and we galvanised the troops. We started really well and it came as no surprise when Umar crossed in and Thommo expertly picked his spot after delaying his shot and dummying the defender before firing home hard and low. Our reshuffled defence was really coping with Ribbleton’s attack with Zaid M having a fine game at right back repelling Ribbleton’ s attacks then starting our own with trickery and pace. We went 3.1 up a when the busy Jaydn turned his man and shot low inside the near post for a fine strike. We thought we had the game won!, you never do that against Ribbleton they work to the end! and we switched off and conceded a soft 2nd goal from a cross from the right which hit the post then bounced in off Will’s head when he dived, didn’t deserve that with his faultless display!. We held our nerve and Umar was put through by a peach of a ball from the impressive Dan T and he finished with a superb strike after drawing the keeper. We then forced a corner and Andy C timed his run to perfection and put a bullet header in from the back stick 5.2. We had further chances and it was no surprise from another expertly taken free kick by Thommo picked Andy C out again to put another super timed run and header into the bag. Final Score 6.2 for 10 wins out of 11 games for this talented bunch of young men. This was a tough game and the opposition manager was magnanimous in defeat saying our lads had more heart and desire to win the match. I agree and also think we played some really good attacking football on a gluepot of a pitch which could have been a leveller. Credit to all the players Andy C with a marvellous hat trick, Thommo pulling the strings, Big Daz going about his business in an effective no nonsense way and the back four which were awesome. Great team spirit, fantastic fun bunch of lads to coach they are credit to Broughton Amateurs FC. Well done!! Mom Zaid Moosa.   
Sun. 14th Feb 2016
CUP QF

V

Coppull United  (h)  3 - 2  (ht.-)    
scorers :  J. Cook 2, U. Bux
  SYNDICATE TRUST YOUTH CUP - Quarter Final
 
Sun. 28th Feb 2016

V

Ribble Wanderers (a)  1 - 2   (ht.-)   
scorers :  L. Thom
  .  
Sun. 6th Mar 2016
Semi-Final

V

Lytham Town  (N)  0 - 2 (ht.-)    
scorers :   
  SYNDICATE TRUST YOUTH CUP - Semi Final - Played at Cottam UCLAN
  
Sun. 13th Mar 2016

V

Lostock Hall (a)  5 - 0  (ht.-)   
scorers :  J. Cook, A. Crossthwaite 2, M. Mathias, L. Tannock
  .  
Sat. 20th Mar. 2016

V

Croston (a)  4 - 0   (ht.-)   
scorers :  A. Crossthwaite 2, U. Bux, J. Cook
  .  
Mon. 28th Mar. 2016

V

Croston (h)  3 - 1  (ht.-)   
scorers :  Z. Moosa, A. Crossthwaite 2
  .  
Sun. 3rd Apr. 2016

V

Tarleton Corinthians (h)  6 - 1  (ht.-)   
scorers :  M. Hughes, J. Ryan, M. Mathias, U. Bux 2, A. Crossthwaite
  .  
Thu. 7th Apr. 2016

V

Ribbleton (h)  4 - 2   (ht.-)   
scorers :  J. Cook, U. Bux 3
  .  
Sun. 10th Apr. 2016

V

Astley & Buckshaw (a)  4 - 0   (ht.-)   
scorers :  J. King, U. Bux 2, A. Crossthwaite
  .  
Thu. 14th Apr. 2016

V

Walmer Bridge (a)  4 - 2   (ht.-)   
scorers :  J. Cook, J. King, U. Bux 2
  Report to follow.  
Sun. 17th Apr. 2016

V

New Longton Rovers (h)  5 - 2   (ht.2-0)   
scorers :  A. Crossthwaite, J. King, U. Bux 3
  Broughton Under 18s looked to continue their fine form with an 8th straight league win v 2nd place New Longton Rovers themselves in great form. The game started and after 2 minutes New Longton found themselves through on goal and Will in goals made a superb 1 on 1 save. We seemed to wake up and in a high tempo match began to impose our passing style. Lewis T won a fine tackle and passed the ball left to Andy C he drove into the box and played an inch perfect cross into Jaydn cutting in from the right and he smashed the ball low into the net for a fine finish. Umar then was put through by Andy and the Longton keeper made a fine a save. The lads were switching the ball well and Umar was put through again and just fired over lobbing the keeper. Umar was not to be denied and Joe C played a great ball through he latched onto it and buried the ball into the net. Joe C then went agonisingly close from the edge of the area but his shot just skimmed the bar. Both teams began to cancel each other out with great defending and commitment. Half time 2-0. The 2nd half began and after 10 minutes Longton pulled a goal back with a deflected effort of Jack R which looped over Will in goals. 3 minutes later we got to 3.1 up when Mikey beat his man and laid the ball to Umar who hit a low rocket shot into the net just inside the 18 yard box. After some great midfield play Daz was upended and Joe C smashed a shot from 30 yards the keeper made a great save but Andy was following up to score from an acute angle for 4.1 Broughton. New Longton went 3 at the back and threw everything at us but the defence was immense and stood firm with Tom, Jack, Zaid and Liam having great games and repelling most threats. Out of nothing a shot from 25 yards from Longton’s midfield nearly burst the net for a fantastic strike. We upped our game again and Joe C sent Umar down the right he cut in and looked to cross, turned his man and fired home to seal a great hat trick and win for the Broughton Youth Under 18 team. The lads played really well today against an excellent New Longton side. We need to continue this form and focus now we are at the business side of the season and there are more tough challenges ahead. We are 5 points clear at the top with 7 to play ! Come on the Reds! - LT
Men of Match Umar Bux and Joe Cook   
Thu. 21st Apr. 2016

V

Lostock Hall (h)  8 - 1   (ht.-)   
scorers :  A. Crossthwaite 3, U. Bux 2, L. Sharpe, J. Cook, M. Mathias
   -  
Sun. 24th Apr. 2016

V

Astley & Buckshaw (h)  4 - 1   (ht.-)   
scorers :  J. Cook, J. King, U. Bux, A. Crossthwaite
   -  
Thu. 28th Apr. 2016

V

Coppull United Blues (h)  3 - 3   (ht.-)   
scorers :  J. Cook, J. King, A. Crossthwaite
   -  
Sun. 1st May 2016

V

Tarleton Corinthians (a)  2 - 3   (ht.-)   
scorers :  J. King, A. Crossthwaite
  -
Sun. 8th May 2016

V

Sir Tom Finney YFC (a) 10 - 1  (ht.-)  
scorers :  Z. Moosa, J. Cook, L. Tannock 2, U. Bux 2, A. Crossthwaite, D. Cobban, M. Mathais, og
   -  
Sun. 15th May 2016

V

New Longton Rovers (a)  2 - 3   (ht.-)   
scorers :  J. Cook, A. Crossthwaite
  -  
Sun. 22nd May 2016

V

Walmer Bridge (h)  5 - 0   (ht.-)   
scorers :  L. Tannock, A. Crossthwaite 2, D. Topping, J. King

Report to follow.  
 

 

 


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Friendlies, Vets Team, and Other Matches
during 2015 / 2016 season

No Vets competition this season.
Broughton Score first

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY
Sat. 8th Aug 2015

 

Broughton v Walmer Bridge (h)  3 - 3
scorers: -
PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY
Sat. 25th July 2015

 

Broughton v Baxters (h)  4 - 0
scorers: -                                                                                         

 


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