Formby Junior Sports Club’s new teams this season did the club proud at the weekend

All Formby Junior Sports Club’s new teams this season did the club proud at the weekend with pleasing team displays.  In addition all three FJSC Under 12 teams won.  At Inter Club numbers continue to grow particularly in the Reception age group.  New members are very welcome.

REPRESENTATIVE TEAM MATCHES

FJSC Under 15’s Sunday team went one goal down very early in the match against TownseyColts but equalised after twenty minutes play when Thomas Prior scored with an assist from Berat Ulusoy.  Just before half time Taj-DeenAbdulai gave FJSC the lead.  Townsey scored twice after the interval to lead 3-2 before FJSC drew level at 3-3 when Man of the Match George Dent scored with just five minutes remaining.  

FJSC Under 14 Blacks returned to league action with a match against TQ Academy. FJSC got off to a great start as Patrick Fleming pressed the TQ defence, winning the ball before playing it to Joseph Norrie who despite playing in defence found himself in an advanced position and confidently slotted the ball past the keeper to make it 1-0.  TQ equalised but FJSC took the lead again through Ethan Richmond who finished well, running onto a long pass from Evan Hughes, to make it 2-1. Moments later Ethan produced a sensational strike from the corner of the penalty to give FJSC a deserved 3-1 half time lead.

The second half started strongly with FJSC launching a good attack down the left-hand side through Tom Donnelly and Patrick Fleming, but the shot went just wide of the post. TQ then pulled one back to narrow the deficit and then a defensive mix up allowed TQ to equalise soon after. FJSC regrouped and pushed forward creating further chances and Ethan Richmond and Ethan Murphy came close to scoring on several occasions but as injuries began to take its toll on the team, TQ found space and broke forward to score another to make it 4-3.

There were some strong performances all over the pitch but Player of the Match went to Joseph Norrie who was full of running throughout the game, defended well and scored his first goal.

FJSC Under 13 Blacks Saturday team narrowly lost 2-1 to Tower Hill.  Despite the defeat it was a performance to be proud of. The boys really played like a team and gave their all for the cause and showed outstanding levels of commitment to make it very hard fortheir opponents. Tower Hill maintained their100% record, but were relieved when the final whistle was blown.

Every member of the FJSC squad deservespraise. Goalkeeper Ben Gregory continued to grow in the role of sweeper keeper and pulled off a couple of great saves, one of them from a penalty. The back four worked so hard to keep their opponents out. Although Harry Redheaddidn’t see much of the ball he stuck to his defensive task. On the other flank LucasLewis did manage to start the play on a few occasions whilst working hard to mitigate the threat of possibly their best player, the rapid right winger. Henry Wynne and Joe Tuckercomplimented each other well in the centre. Will Madutlela and Jen Heron worked hard centrally. Out wide Connor Howells was a thorn in the side of the opponents with one run in particular where he looked unstoppable. Fabian Reilly showed some classy touches and had another strong game, almost scoring himself. Luke Greenbank came into the teamand showed huge defensive commitment, using his pace to track back to great effect.Luke scored FJSC’s goal with a header from a corner. Up front Ben Harris, Eoin Dwyer and Seb Burdett-Clarke all worked hard.

In terms of Man of the Match, it was shared by Joe Tucker who had a brilliant match and lived up to wearing the armband and Jen Heron who was exceptional in midfield with his tackling and tracking.

On Sunday FJSC Under 13 Blacks played  Fleetwood Hesketh eventually succumbed to a 6-1 defeat after playing exceptionally well in the first half.  Fabian Reilly scored a brilliant opener with a couple of step overs on the right hand side, gaining half a yard before arrowinga lovely shot into the far top corner of the net.  This is another contender for goal of the season. At half time the score was 1-1 against high quality opposition but in the second half a combination of tiredness from a huge battle the day before and playing on a full adult size pitch was too much to overcome and the lads simply tired and Fleetwood Hesketh took full advantage scoring five more goals without reply.

Ben Harris worked tirelessly up front and was a superb example of an attacking playermaking some surging runs down the right wing. Ben shared Man of the Match with Henry Wynne who demonstrated his leadership skills once again and showed composure on the ball.

FJSC Under 13 Whites played Southport FC Yellow in another tough game. After going one down the boys pushed on and with a great ball by Harry McCluskie, Franek Banasscored to make it 1-1.   The game ended 4-1 toSouthport but the score line could have been much closer. There was some excellent play by Dylan Hyslop and Luke Greenbank down the left. Ben Gregory also had a solid game in midfield with a lot of energy and grit. Man of the Match was Luke Greenbank who ran his socks off and was a constant threat on the left wing. 

FJSC Under 12 Whites welcomed Crosby Stuart to Deansgate Lane for a league match. Having drawn 4-4 earlier in the season another exciting game was predicted. FJSC opened the scoring this time, with a first goal of the season from Will Gregory. Will then added a second goal. Despite being ahead in the first half Crosby Stuart were still well in the game and they came back strongly in the second half scoring twice from corners which FJSC failed to deal with. Although being pegged back FJSC showed their fighting spirit with a goal from Matthew Crutchley to retake the lead before further goals from Archie Marron andMan of the Match Gregory Houghton for a 5-2 win.

FJSC Under 12 Black went into the match against a very good Silcox Villa team knowing that it was a must win game to give them any chance of staying in the Hightown Premier Cup after a draw and a loss in the first twogames. The pressure did not tell though as FJSC settled into the game.

With plenty of the ball on a very difficult pitch, FJSC prodded and probed until eventually after twenty minutes, a great through ball split the Silcox defence with Charlie Richardson running onto it and finishing calmly into the corner. The lead only lasted one minute.  After some good play down the FJSC right wing, a cross into the area was steered well into the FJSC net for 1-1. FJSC kept going and just before half time Charlie Richardson found the net for the second time to make the score 2-1.

As the second half kicked off FJSC kept on pressing and Isaac Jones latched onto a through ball down the right and from the tightest of angles found the back of the net. FJSC kept pushing and it soon became 4-1 up with a very good team goal finished off by Alfie Frost with smart finish from the edge of the area. As the second half wore on FJSC twice switched off at the back allowing SilcoxVilla back into the game before the end butFJSC luckily managed to hold on for animportant 4-3 win.

On Sunday FJSC Under 12 Blacks played against a very resolute Southport Trinity White at the Rookery. FJSC started with plenty of the ball but could not find theirtouch, pass or communication. FJSC hadplenty of the ball in the first half without creating any real clear cut chances.

The second half started much better and FJSC forced the Southport Trinity keeper into making some good saves but the frustration of not being able to break through started to rise again. With just one minute remaining the ball was played out to the left where Charlie Richardson controlled and whipped in a great cross which Louis O’Connor with a deft touch found the bottom corner of the net. It was ahard earned 1 nil win but they all count and the result keeps the Under 12 Blacks at the top of the Premier Division.

FJSC Under 11 Reds were away to 11 Soccer Bayern at JMO Sports Park and started off strong.  In a close first half the Reds took the lead when Campbell Woodcock won the ball in the opposing half and good teamwork and pressure with Chase Lowen set up Tom Murphy to score for the Reds. The Reds looked like they were going to take the lead into the break when a long shot from the hosts before half time made it all even at the break.

This was definitely a game of two halves. Bayern took the game to the Reds in the second half and were too strong for the visitors and eventually ran out winners. If the Reds can replicate their first-half performance in a full match in the upcoming weeks, they will undoubtedly improve their standing.

FJSC Under 10 Blacks were up against Southport Athletic Reds  in the  Wilf Jenkinson Cup First Round. The Blacks, buoyant from their last outing were once again, quick to capitalise when a perfectly weighted pass by Isaac Melton through the centre of the field found Alex Rowley who had anticipated the pass and took it past the Southport defence to nestle the ball into the back of the opposition net to establish an early lead.

The Blacks continued their dominance  resulting in Jack Hansen delivering a precision ball through to Ethan Catleugh,  who converted nicely giving the Blacks a solid 2-0 lead. Moments later, with the Blacks still basking in the glory of a great start, got caught napping with a ferocious shot by an opposition player, halved FJSC’s lead. Soon after, keeper Max Byford was once again tested resulting in an outstanding save to maintain the lead.

The Blacks defence, marshalled by Idris Jones, continued to be put to the test but ensured that the opposition were prevented from getting the final ball away for the most of the game.  Ethan Catleugh and Ashley Jones then joined forces which resulted in a goal for Ashley giving the Blacks a comfortable 3-1 lead.

It was looking like the Blacks were on for a back to back win when an attack by Southport resulted in a penalty which was converted, ebbing away the Blacks lead. With minutes to go FJSC decided to push forward rather than rest on their lead and  Ethan Catleugh popped up again to secure the 4-2 win. The Man of the Match award went to Ethan Catleugh.

Despite some brilliant individual displays, this was a game which had everything, commitment to every tackle, teamwork andplayers who wanted to play for one another particularly as this was a team who were missing some very key players.   It was a great game to watch.

Despite conceding an early goal, FJSC Under10 Gold delivered another commanding cup performance against a resilient Marina Sands side. The team's response to the early setback demonstrated their growing maturity and tactical understanding in this knockout fixture.

The foundation of the victory was built on a characteristic solid defensive display, with tenacious tackling and aggressive pressing giving the opposition little time to settle on the ball. The goalkeeper complemented this defensive effort with several fine saves throughout the match.

Swift transitions through a very creative and resilient central midfield were a particular highlight, with the team's developing interplay creating numerous opportunities for both wingers and forwards. Player of the Match, Paolo Raffo capitalised on this service with a spectacular hat-trick - his second of the season - including a remarkable bicycle kick that stood out as the goal of the cup tie.  Also scoring was Peter McCormick.

This cup performance showcased not only individual brilliance but also highlighted the team's evolving ability to play effective, cohesive football, particularly evident in their assist play and transitional movements.

FJSC Under 9 Black put in their best performance of the season.

Facing a strong Redgate Rovers Yellow’s teamthe boys showed resilience, determination, and noticeable improvement in their play.  The opening stages saw some excellent defensive work, with brave tackles and well-organised positioning keeping the visitors at bay. The away team managed to find the net three times before halftime, but the home side never let their heads drop.

In the second half, the team continued to battle, pressing higher up the pitch and showing confidence on the ball. They created a few promising chances but couldn't quite find the finishing touch. The visitors added one more goal, but this was the least the team had been beaten by all season—clear progress in their development.

Every player gave their all, remained focused on the game throughout, and the teamwork on display was fantastic. This performance was a step in the right direction, and with continued hard work, a well-deserved result will surely come soon.  See team photograph above.

FJSC Under 8 Whites played Crosby Stuart in a high scoring eleven goal match.  Luke Clarke scored twice and there was one goal each for Ben Donnelly and Archie Jones.  The Whites played well against a very strong team.  It was their first league defeat in eight games.

FJSC Under 8 Blacks played in their first tournament as a team, which despite some strong opposition saw Isaac Murphy, Ted Middleton and Sam O’Brien score in various games throughout the afternoon.  There was strong defensive play from Oscar Craven along with fantastic goalkeeping skills from both Teddy Ball and Sebastian Downes.  Fine midfield performances from Eddie Ball andTheo Dunn made for some exciting matches.Despite not going through to the final FJSC Blacks played strong attacking game in whichthe team can only capitalise on moving through the rest of the season. All the boys enjoyed their afternoon’s football at Edge Hill University.

FJSC Under 7 Whites were in action against Redgate Rovers Yellows in only their second ever competitive match delivered a complete and cohesive performance, with every player contributing to a fantastic display. The team scored five goals, were solid in defence and crucial saves were made in an exciting match.

After a very close first half, the team came out strong in the second half. Anders Carter was quick to get the scoreboard ticking with a nice run and finish. Anders added a second goal soon after with a composed finish from a tight angle. Redgate scored a well-deserved goal from a corner but then Jimmy Duckworthsmashed in a third goal before Anders Carter completed his hat-trick. Just before the final whistle Izzy Radcliffe scored the Whites fifthwith a great bit of skill in front of goal.

It was a very pleasing team performance with the team learning from their mistakes in the previous match. Also playing well were Corey Flynn, Sammy Porter, Luca Sheehan-Selby and James Witterick.

INTER CLUB SECTION

New members are coming along each week to join the Inter Club Section where the combination of coaching and a friendly match is proving very popular particularly at both the younger age groups including Reception and the oldest group the year nines.

Amonst the goals last Saturday were Ezekiel Fitzgibbon, Calum Travers, Michael Short, Tayo Popoola, Tom Babun, Anders Carter, Sammy Porter, Jimmy Duckworth, Vinnie Yearsley, Eddie Bell, Sam O’Brien, Dennis Kallianiotis, Josh Kearney, Ethan Murphy,Henry Todd, Noah Ratnasingham and Ezra Sutton.

Year Two Players of the Match - Tayo Popoola and Jimmy Duckworth

Year Three Players of the Match – Ted Middleton and Sam O’Brien

INTER CLUB START TIMES AT DEANSGATE LANE ON SATURDAY 8thFEBRUARY

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

Children in Year 4, 5 and 6 are invited to come along for a Taster session and join in the coaching and friendly match to see if they like it from 11.15am to 12.30pm at Deansgate Lane on Saturday.   For more information please contact Frank Rourke at stellathecat4@gmail.com

For new members there will now be reduced club membership fees.

£10 for four year olds and Reception.

£20 for Year One’s

£30 for Year Two’s and above.

ADVANCED INFORMATION

Inter Club will be ON both Half-Term Saturdays – 15th February and 22nd February .