A very enjoyable weekend of football at Formby Junior Sports Club - Franks report

It was a very enjoyable weekend of football at Formby Junior Sports Club. It was a delightful site seeing so many enthusiastic young footballers enjoying the beautiful game in the bright sunshine against the backcloth of the autumn leaves on the trees at picturesque Deansgate Lane Playing Fields.

FJSC REPRESENTATIVE TEAM MATCHES

FJSC Under 8 Whites continued their great start to the season with another impressive team performance against Southport FC Yellow. From the first whistle FJSC played with confidence and it didnot take them long to take the lead. The hard working, skillful midfield trio of James Smith, Jack Haggart and Seb Hodgson were at the heart of everything. Goals came from all areas of the pitch with Seb Hodgson, James Smith, Jack Haggart, Henry Williamson and Jack Hansen all on target with goals. Max Byford and Isaac Higgins also contributed well. The team’s application and attitude shone throughout the match.

FJSC Under 13’s Saturday team played Marshalls in the Liverpool FA County Cup. It was an even first half with no goals scored. Unfortunately there were some costly mistakes made in the second half by the Under 13’s which were capitalised on by Marshallswho scored four times without reply.

On Sunday with no Craven Minor League fixture, FJSC Under 13’s arranged a friendly fixture with Fazakerley Rangers. With a depleted squad the Under 13’s went twice behind but two goals from Charlie Garvey helped the team to gain a well-earned 2-2 draw. James Cook’s excellent assist for the second equaliser deserves a special mention.

FJSC Under 12 Blacks played against Southport Athletic Reds for the second week in succession.This time the match was an away fixture. Pre match, both teams came together to hold a minute silence in honour of Remembrance Day.

FJSC quickly settled into the match, passing the ball around well through midfield. The first chance fell to Southport when a long throw-in found their striker free in the box but his close-range shot went just over. Ethan Richmond was then involved in several chances for FJSC, as first he took a long throw from the right, which the Southport goalkeeper smothered after a scramble in the box, and then he collected a pass out wide and drove forward, but his shot was well saved. Moments later Ethan Redmond hit another long range shot just wide. Southport took the lead following another throw-in, which was well converted this time by their striker who made it 1-0. From the kick off, Abe Rice found himself in space as he ran forward with the ball but a last-ditch challenge prevented him from getting a shot off and just before half time Patrick Fleming took a long shot from the left wing which went wide.

The second half saw FJSC continue to defend well as Sam Uttley and Evan Hughes snuffed out any early threats from Southport. Abe Rice created a chance as he ran through at the Southport goal, but his attempt was well saved. Ollie Dean then saw a long shot go narrowly wide of the target after winning a challenge in the middle of the pitch. The breakthrough eventually came for FJSC through Charlie Knowles, as he won a series of duels on the right-hand side of defence and then burst down the right wing, with his pace and strength taking him past the Southport defender before he finished confidently from a tight angle to make it 1-1.

The game looked to be heading for a draw as both teams continued to compete well but in the final few minutes, a long ball forward from Southport fell to their striker who controlled it and was able to score with a good finish as he advanced towards the penalty box, to make it 2-1. FJSC piled on the pressure at the end, but they were unable to find an equaliser that their efforts deserved.

Man of the match was awarded to Aaron Pickard for his overall play but in particular for his strongtackling both in midfield and defence, and for hispositive attitude. Last week the team lost 5 nil to the same opponents. To put up such a tremendous effort this week and to lose so narrowly shows the wonderful team spirit this team has.

FJSC Under 11 Whites travelled to Crosby Stuart. The team played well in spells but could not convert chances when the opportunities arose. Clinical finishing by Crosby Stuart proved to be the difference. The Under 11’s competed well and with perseverance a first win for this new team playing in their first season of competitive football will not be far off.

The squad looked great in their new kit (see photograph above) and huge thanks for Paul Harris (LPS Personnel) and Chris Ball (Greenkeepers Garden Company) for their sponsorship and support.

FJSC Under 10 Whites against a strong RedgateYellow team. FJSC started the brighter team and found themselves 1 nil up from a super free kick by Archie Weir. The Redgate team came back stronglyand led by half-time and added some more goals in the second half. Credit to the FJSC boys for never giving up, particularly man of the match Archie Weir.

FJSC Under 9 Whites Sunday team played Crosby Stuart. It was a very good team performance withman of the match Diego Funes-Cervera leading the way with five goals. Also on the scoresheet were Isaac Rimmer and Josh Halpin.

FJSC Under 9 Whites Saturday team were in action against JN Sports in the Hightown Junior League. It was a very close match with Clayton Gilbertson, Diego Funes-Cervera and Josh Halpin scoring one goal each. Man of the match was Clayton Gilbertson.

FJSC Under 7’s played Redgate Rovers Green. It was a very entertaining match with all the boys of both teams playing really well. The highlight for FJSC was a fine hat trick scored by Jack Brown.

INTER CLUB SECTION

There was the highest attendance of the season in the Year 5/6 age group which made it possible to have two matches. The goal scorers were Lucas Lewis, Sylvan O’Hara, Noah Bate, Evan McKeown and Joby Varey.

In the other age groups the scorers were Archie Parrish, Georgie Williamson, Theo Kelly, Jack Brown, Harry Hughes, James Smith, William Gledhill, James Smith, Jack Hansen, Jack Haggart, Finley Cregeen, Henry Williamson, Jackson Ebo, Finn McDerby, James Hannan, Tom Murphy, Patrick Fleming, Aaron Pickard, Sam Uttley, Alfie Harcombe and Samuel Lewis.

INTER CLUB INFORMATION

The next session is on Saturday 19th November at Deansgate Lane Playing Fields.

TIMES

Goalkeeper Coaching is from 9.00am - 9.30am.

Any budding young goalkeeper is welcome to come along and join in.

Years 5/6. 9.30 am - 10.45 am

Years 7/8. 9.45 am - 11.00 am

Four year olds 10.45 am - 11.45am

Years 1/2. 10.45 am -11.45 am

Years 3/4 . 11.15 am - 12.15pm

Each session has coaching and a friendly match as well.

NEW MEMBERS IN ALL INTER CLUB GROUPS ARE MOST WELCOME

CLUB NEWS

Formby Junior Sports Club is pleased to announce that the club is now a Learning Destination for the Children’s University for participating schools in the Sefton area. Students may collect stamps to gain a maximum of ten credits per any one activity, per full term. Parents are asked to check whether their child’s school is taking part.