Football was finally back for Formby Junior Sports Club enjoying second half of the season

Jan 2111 min read

At last football was back for Formby Junior Sports Club after an extended winter break due to holidays and awful weather. Freezing cold temperatures did not deter the young footballers from having a great time as the second half of the season got underway.

It was a superb weekend of junior football with many memorable highlights including Representative team cup successes including anail biting penalty shoot-out win for FJSC Under 12 Whites and double Saturday and Sunday successes for FJSC Under 15’s, Under 13 Blacks and FJSC Under 12 Black.

Just to mention some of FJSC’s younger teams- two of FJSC’s new teams this season FJSC Under 10 Gold and FJSC Under 8 Blacks had wonderful results. Also the club’s latest new team FJSC Under 7 Whites played their first ever match and made a very encouraging start.

At Inter Club there was a very good attendance with potential new members coming along to see if they enjoyed the Inter Club experience.

All in all it was a wonderful first 2025 weekend of football at Formby Junior Sports Club.

FJSC REPRESENTATIVE TEAM MATCHES

FJSC Under 15 Saturday team played Northfield FC in the Hightown League and could have been three goals ahead in the first five minutes only for some outstanding savesmade by the Northfield goalkeeper. Archie Ogden gave FJSC the lead only for Northfield to score twice. Isaac Loxham-Keenan scored early in the second half to make it a 2-2. In a very exciting finish to the match Berat Ulusoyscored for a 3-2 victory. Man of the Match was Daniel Hill.

On Sunday in the Tuebrook League FJSC Under 15’s were in action again. Their opponents Churchtown took the lead in the second minute. Charlie Garvey equalised soon afterwards. Lucas Bowles then gave FJSC the lead after twenty-eight minutes. A minute later it was 3-1 when Man of the Match Luca Massey headed home from an Archie Ogden cross. No further goals were scored.

FJSC Under 14 Blacks played their first match of the year and came up against a strong Paige Celtic in the Skelmersdale League. Both teams looked to impose their passing game from the outset, but it was Paige Celtic who had most of the possession as FJSC created chances on the break, with Tom Donnelly and Ethan Richmond combining well on a couple of occasions. Paige Celtic opened the scoring with a well taken goal and then added to the scoreline when a marginal offside decision went in their favour. A third goal came just before half time through a penalty.

The second half saw FJSC come back strongly as they began to control the game forcing Page Celtic back into their own half, as they created chances with some probing passes from midfield. Against the run of play Paige Celtic added a fourth but FJSC pushed on and continued to attack. Abe Rice was the first to benefit as he produced a clinical finish to make it 4-1 before Josh Kierney chipped the keeper from the edge of the penalty area to make it 4-2. Other chances came and went in an entertaining and hard-fought game, but FSJC were unable to find the goals needed to equalise.

There were some excellent performances all over the pitch and there was a joint award for player of the match, with it going to Abe Rice and Evan Hughes.

FJSC Under 13 Blacks played against Maghull FC and won 6 nil. The management teamwere so pleased with the performance from the boys. They played excellent passing football and crucially kept working hard until the end. There were a number of outstanding performances right across the pitch. ReubenBurke almost scored the fastest ever hat-trick with a goal on 9 and 10 minutes. He wasreally unlucky with a chance on 11 minutes! Connor Howells scored a goal of the season contender when he took the whole team on, and Ben Harris was superb up front and scored. Seth McNamara and Joe Tucker also scored one goal each. The team kept a clean sheet which the defence and keeper had a big part in along with the rest of the team. Bananas Tattoos Player of the Match goes went to Jen Heron for a calm and mature performance at holding midfield.

FJSC Under 13 Black produced anotherexcellent performance on Sunday winning 7-1 away at Southport FC. All thirteen boysplayed their part. The coaches were again delighted to see the strong work rate and team ethic in action. Even when comfortably ahead the boys kept working hard. Again it was difficult picking the Millennium ScafffoldPlayer of the Match as there were so many outstanding performances not least by the defensive unit. The parents decided and they went with Seb Stevens who really did set the tone early in the match and was pretty unplayable at times. Ben Harris gets an honourable mention for scoring yet another hat trick! Also on the scoresheet with one goal each were Will Madutlela, Harry Redhead, Jen Heron and Seb Stevens.

FJSC Under 12 Blacks started the group stage of the Hightown Cup after a deserved threeweek break after winning the Hightown League before Christmas. FJSC started well with some really good passing being dictated by an outstanding performance from Ellis Coyne in the centre of the park. After twentyminutes Hillside played a through ball which the Hillside striker ran onto before forcing a good save from Oscar Phillips but the rebound was tapped in for Hillside to take the lead. This didn’t faze FJSC and within a few minutes a great through ball saw Isaac Jones break the Hillside back line and calmy finish past the advancing keeper to make the score 1-1 at half time.

The second half continued in much the same pattern with FJSC playing some great football. However a corner from Hillside was not dealt with very well and somehow the ball crept in to make the score 2-1 to Hillside. Again FJSC replied within a few minutes after good work by Finley Scott. At 2-2 FJSC kept pressing in the last twenty minutes but Hillside held on.Man of the Match was Ellis Coyne.

FJSC went to Marina Sands in the Quarter Final of the Craven Minor cup knowing that two wins will take them to the final again and as such started this game in lightning fashion. FJSC dominated possession for the full sixtyminutes with great play by the whole squad.

In the first half goals by Charlie Richardson(2), Isaac Jones(2) and Caden Walker(1) saw FJSC go into half time with a commanding 5 nil lead. There was good play all over the pitch but non-stop running by Charlie Richardson with some great link up play by Isaac Jones made the space for the rest of the team.

In the second half Charlie Richardson got the rewards his hard work deserved with another three goals to add to his two in the first half. Leo Fagan scored a bullet header for his first goal of the season and Louis O’Connor finished well to make the final score 10 nilwith FJSC progressing to the semi-finals again. It was an all-round team performance.Man of the Match was Charlie Richardson.

After six weeks off due to a combination of Christmas and poor weather FJSC Under 12 Whites went straight back into a tough cup game away at Southport Athletic. Two very evenly matched teams fought out an epic cup battle. Southport Athletic struck first when their winger found some space for the first time and slotted home. FJSC threatened from numerous corners and set pieces but could notfind the final finish.

In the second half FJSC started strongly equalising within a few minutes of the restart with a fine long range effort from NikKoskatis. Nik went close again with a couple of long range efforts and a goal mouth scramble near the end nearly found a winner for FJSC. A draw though was a fair result andthe match went straight to the dreadedpenalties!

A brilliant start was made by FJSC when goalkeeper Harry Jones made a fine save. Successful penalties from Matthew Crutchley, Gregory Houghton and Nik Kostakis plus more heroics from Harry Jones meant that it fell to Lewis Cregeen to step up and slot the winner. On to the semis!

FJSC Blacks Under 10’s lined up against Southport Trinity Blue.

FJSC Blacks started strongly and Jack Hansen gave them an early lead. The game was end to end before Olly Stinson sent his free kick into the box to give Isaac Melton a goal and send the teams in all square at half time.

From the kick off the game continued to be end to end, with a lot of strength and battling from the Blacks. Jack Hansen had a lovely run down the wing to score a great goal to secure his brace. The performance was a stark contrast to that against Southport Trinity earlier in the season. All the boys were excellent and did everything asked for. It was difficult to pick a MOTM but it was awarded to Olly Stinson for quality tackling and strength all over the pitch.

In a stellar display of youth football, FJSC Under 10 Gold delivered one of their finest performances of the season against Southport Athletic Black. The team's disciplined positional play and fluid passing game laid the foundation for a commanding victory, highlighted by a clinical hat-trick from centre-forward Paolo Raffo.

The defensive unit showed excellent match awareness, timing their pressing movements with precision and providing a solid platform for the team's attacking play. This defensive solidity enabled smooth transitions through midfield, with many incisive through-balls creating dangerous three-against-two and four-against-two situations.

Player of the Match Peter McCormick epitomised the team's work ethic, covering every blade of grass while also contributing to the scoresheet. Also on target with a goal was Mason Davies. The wingers maintained constant pressure on the opposition's defence, while goalkeeper Lewis McColl, though largely untested, produced some excellent crucial saves when called upon.

This complete team performance showcased not just individual talent but also the squad's growing tactical maturity and teamwork, particularly evident in their transitional play and final-third efficiency.

Debutants Charlie Herbert and Lewis Kirkby both played well .

It was a tough morning for FJSC Blacks Under 9’s as they faced an experienced and well-organised Southport Trinity Whites. The first half saw a spirited defensive effort from the home side. The FJSC goalkeeper made several brave saves early on, and the defenders and midfield worked tirelessly to contain the relentless attacks. Despite their resilience, the visitors’ pressure eventually broke through, and they found the net four times before the break.

As the game went on, the cold seemed to sap the energy from the Formby players, while Southport just kept on going. Wave after wave of attacks overwhelmed the home defence as the visitors added to their tally.

Despite the heavy defeat, there were encouraging signs that the boys are beginning to bring the skills learned in training onto the pitch. The team showed glimpses of progress, stringing together some good passing moves that highlighted their development and hinted at the potential of a strong footballing side coming together.

The final whistle brought relief and a chance to warm up, but the young players held their heads high despite the result. The team will regroup and take valuable lessons from this match as they prepare for future games. Coaches and parents were proud of their effort and resilience.

FJSC Under 8 Whites were in action against Southport and Ainsdale Blues. S & A started very strongly with some quick passing which helped them race into a 4-1 lead after just tenminutes. FJSC showed great character to comeback to make it level at 5-5 at half time. FJSC were even stronger in the second half, keeping a clean sheet and adding three further goals.

Henry Ade scored a hat trick. Archie Jones pressed really well and added a goal. Man of the Match Luke Clarke scored an impressive four first half goals and then went in goal for second half and kept a clean sheet. LoganHaggart was awarded the second Man of the Match trophy for an impressive defensive performance. ( See team photograph above.)

FJSC Under 8 Blacks played Southport Trinityon a freezing cold morning. Trinity took an early lead, but great team work gave Sam O’Brien the chance to equalise. FJSCcontinued to keep the pressure on with further excellent positional play and great passing. A few attempts at goal failed to be converted and after a few goals from Trinity which werescored in quick succession, FJSC remained undeterred. Several more attempts at goalwere made by Formby via coordinated passes and after a sustained effort the Blacks scored a great goal combining Sam O’Brien’s corner, Seb Downes’s ball control and then Ted Middleton scoring. Top defending was made by Oscar Craven, with timely tackles and important clearances from Trinity’s free kicks and corners. There was a great save made byTeddy Ball as Southport Trinity had anothergoal attempt.

It was end to end football and bags of excitement. A goal kick by Teddy Ball wentup field and was met by Ted Middleton whofound the net for another goal. Trinity thenwent close but were prevented from scoring by some more last ditch clearances being made by Oscar Craven and another wonder save from Teddy Ball. FJSC were really showing their hard work and training was paying off with great passing and disciplinedpositional play. At half time only one goal separated the two teams.

Seb Downes took on the role of goalkeeper in the second half. Almost immediately there was a big scrabble in the Trinity goalmouthwith Ted Middleton’s tenacity on full show. Several Trinity attacks and corners were expertly cleared by Oscar Craven, who has been in fine form. Theo Dunn came on for Teddy Ball for the rest of the second half and supported his team well. A pass from Oscar Craven was converted by Sam O’Brien for the equaliser.

It was a fantastic match and FJSC now startedto look dominant with excellent runs, passing and teamwork. The pressure was put on Trinity for the rest of the game. Another corner from Sam O’Brien resulted in a goal and a FJSC lead for the first time. Southport Trinity tried to make a comeback but were thwarted by some outstanding saves by SebDownes who has been tremendous in goal showing nerves of steel! Another defence clearance from Oscar Craven reached Sam O’Brien who scored his fourth goal to double FJSC’s lead. In the last minute of the game, Sam O’Brien scored a beautiful goal from a free kick which sailed into the top of the net.

The Man of the match award was shared bySam O’Brien and Ted Middleton, but all the players deserved congratulations on playing so well as a team.

FJSC Under 7 Whites played their first-ever match in what was an exciting, high-energy encounter against Redgate Rovers Green. The opposition took full advantage of the early nerves and raced into a three goal lead leaving the Whites with plenty to do. However the new team showed immense character and resilience to fight back.

There were two goals for Anders Carter and one for Sammy Porter, with others going very close with some brilliant efforts on goal as the new team came within one goal of gaining a draw. The whole squad played their part and worked tirelessly throughout to ensure a close result. Player of the Match was Sammy Porter.

FJSC Under 7 Blacks played very well against arguably the best team in the division Southport and Ainsdale Red. For much of the match the Blacks held their own. Man of the Match was captain Ollie Jones who drove his team forward throughout the match. The Medal Award went to Dylan Wood for making some great tackles and looking to make for the right pass.

INTER CLUB SECTION

There was a very good attendance at Inter Club last Saturday with a number of new recruits attending for the first time. The combination of fast moving and fun coaching followed by a match helped to keep all the very enthusiastic footballers warm on a very cold morning. There were many new football kits and colourful new football boots on show following the Christmas break.

Scoring the goals on Saturday which arerecorded on the club website statistics pages for each age group were – Michael Short, Ezekiel Fitzgibbon, Oscar Stainthorpe, Kayden Dowdall, Edison Foy, Toby Woodcock, Teddy Gillingham, Ted Middleton, Sammy Porter, Jacob Holton, Jacob Cargill, Chase Lowen, Archie Taylor, Peter McCormick, Sonny Callister, Paolo Roffo, Luke Greenbank, Will Rawsthorne, Patrick Bodziany, Jeron Fox, Dennis Kallianiotis, George Kallianiotis, Ethan Tucker, Josh Kearney, Noah Ratnasingham, Ezra Sutton and Henry Todd.

INTER CLUB START TIMES AT DEANSGATE LANE ON SATURDAY 25thJANUARY

9.00am - 9.30am. - GOALKEEPER COACHING

9.30am - 10.40am. – YEARS SEVEN/ EIGHT / NINE

10.00am – 11.10am. – 4’s / RECEPTION/ YEAR ONE

10.40am – 11.45am. – YEAR TWO / YEAR THREE

11.15am – 12.30pm. - YEARS FOUR / FIVE / SIX

ALL GROUP SESSIONS WILL COMPRISE OF COACHING AND A FUN MATCH. THERE IS A £3 CHARGE EACH SATURDAY FOR COACHING.

INTER CLUB NEWS

NEW MEMBERS IN ALL AGE GROUPS ARE MOST WELCOME

Parents may bring children along for a taster session to see if they like it before joining the club.

For new members there will now be reduced club membership fees as we are just over half way through the season.

£10 for four year olds and Reception.