Frank Rourke's Report from Formby Junior Sports Club

It was another very good weekend at Formby Junior Sports Club. Inter Club Saturday morning was open to Nursery for the first time and it was great to see these new boys giving football a go for the first time. Another noticeable factor is seeing how much the boys particularly in the younger age groups are improving on Saturdays and then on Sundays when many of them proudly wear the black and white striped shirts of our FJSC Representative teams. There were pleasing results for FJSC’s Under 6’s, Under 9’s, Under 11 Whites and the Saturday FJSC Under 12’s. There was also a wonderful effort made by FJSC Under 11 Blacks in their cup semi-final.

REPRESENTATIVE TEAM MATCHES

FJSC Under 11 Blacks travelled to Hesketh Colts Reds to play their much awaited cup semi final match. FJSC started the match confidently and looked in control during the early exchanges but against the run of play Hesketh Colts scored with an excellent long range shot to go 1 nil ahead. Before the FJSC boys could regroup Hesketh Colts were awarded a penalty and went further ahead. FJSC responded well and Patrick Fleming nearly scored with a clever back heel from an out swinging corner just before half time.

The second half started in similar fashion to the first with FJSC controlling possession but a defensive mix up saw Hesketh extend their lead with a third goal. Despite the setback FJSC did not let their heads drop and started to pile on the pressure, pinning Hesketh Colts back in their own half. Their efforts finally paid off when Ethan Richmond collected the ball in the left channel and seeing the goalkeeper off his line, cleverly chipped it over him into the corner of the net. Now with real belief in themselves FJSC drove forward from the re-start and quickly earned a corner which Ethan Richmond swung into the six yard box and Abe Rice powered in a header at the back post for a wonderful goal. A very tense finish followed with FJSC desperately trying to find the equaliser and Hesketh Colts Reds clinging on to their very slender 3-2 lead. FJSC Under 11 Blacks kept up the relentless pressure forcing corner after corner but somehow Hesketh Colts Reds held firm. One last FJSC effort went over the crossbar. The referee then blew his whistle to end a very competitive and thrilling cup tie. FJSC’s man of the match was Ethan Richmond for his goal and overall contribution to the game.

It was a fantastic effort by the FJSC squad. The improvement this team has made this season has been great to see. See the photograph above.

FJSC Under 11 White played Southport Trinity White and produced one of their best performances of the season so far. The all- important goals were scored by George Hansen, Sami Abdelhamid and Niall Brennan. There were a number of other chances created but not finished. Man of the match was George Hansen for controlling the midfield.

FJSC Under 12’s Saturday team played the first game of the Hightown Spring League against JN Sports. It was an end to end encounter from start to finish. After a goalless first half FJSC’s Charlie Garvey scored the only goal of the match in the forty-first minute with a great low shot which nestled in the corner of the JN Sports net. In a nail biting finish goalkeeper Max Hall made two very good saves. Man of the match was Franky Moon.

Two first goals from Nate Daniels and Albie Salters gave FJSC Under 9’s a comfortable lead against Southport Trinity. There were some excellent defensive performances from Ephraim Sutton, Gregory Houghton and Rowan Jones. Late on Trinity scored but the Under 9’s maintained their composure to record their third win in succession. Man of the match went to the all action Archie Weir.

FJSC Under 8 Reds hosted Churchtown Athletic at a windy Deansgate Lane. The Reds took the lead with a good finish from Zac McHugh with the assist coming from Joel Craven. There was also some good tackling and attacking play from Isaac Pepper and Jenson Gray in the first half.

The second half proved to be another closely matched half with the Reds going close on a number of occasions. Churchtown created chances themselves and scored from three of their opportunities. It was an overall strong team performance with Joel Wright and James Hannan producing some tireless play. Tom Murphy was also unlucky not to get amongst the goals after a number of attacking runs from deep. Man of the match was Zac McHugh who scored the Reds only goal and gave a battling performance throughout.

FJSC Under 6’s played Clay Brow Madrid. It was goals galore in all the three periods of the match. After the first fifteen minutes FJSC went into the lead with Jacob Givin scoring all of his team’s goals. During the second third Oliver Parrish grabbed his first goal of the season and Matthew Miles was also on the scoresheet. Clay Brow came back with a couple of well-deserved goals in the last session before Jacob Givin and Michael Miles scored again. Archie Phenna then completed the scoring.

FJSC Under 16’s played very well but narrowly lost 1 nil to second placed Hesketh Colts Blue in the Craven Minor League Under 16 Premier Divisin. Next Saturday there is a repeat fixture but this time in the cup.

FJSC Under 8 Blacks drew with Crosby Stuart. This was a very good result having lost the two previous matches against the Crosby team this season.

There was an excellent defensive display from Daniel Johnson, who also made some great saves during his spell in goal. Harrison Weir also worked tirelessly throughout. Man of the match was Oliver Parrish for his first ever goal for the team, his constant running and also for some good saves when it was his turn to go in goal. It was another impressive all round performance and everyone is delighted to see the boys progressing and growing together as a team.

INTER CLUB FOOTBALL

All the coaching sessions were very active and the Inter Club matches were enjoyed by all.

The Year 4/5 match saw the Blues win 3-1 against the Reds. Ralph Renton scored a hat trick which included two headed goals and Lucas Lewis was also a scorer for the Blues. Dylan Hyslop capped a good match scoring the Reds goal.

The score was also 3-1 in the Year 6/7 game with Sam Uttley, Henry Renton and Tom Donnelly on target for Samuel’s team. Scoring for Josh’s team was Henry Cowpland.

There were also entertaining matches in all the younger age groups.

INTER CLUB ARRANGEMENTS FOR SATURDAY 19th MARCH AT DEANSGATE LANE PLAYING FIELDS

GOALKEEPER COACHING 9.00 am

YEAR 4/5. 9.30 am

YEAR 6/7. 9.45 am

NURSERY. 10.45am

RECEPTION. 10.45 am

YEAR 1. 10.45 am

YEAR 2. 11.15 am

YEAR 3. 11.15 am

MORE INTER CLUB NEWS FOR PRE SCHOOL CHILDREN

Saturday, 19TH March children who are pre-school age (four years of age) are invited to attend at 10.45 to 11.45am for coaching and a fun game of football. These taster sessions are free of charge.

A FEW PLACES ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR NEXT SEASON’S NEW FJSC UNDER 10’s TEAM AND THE NEW FJSC UNDER 11’S TEAM .

All enquiries to Frank Rourke at stellathecat4@gmail.com

NEW MEMBERS IN ALL OTHER AGE GROUPS ARE WELCOME.

The subscription to the end of the season for new members is now Reception £5, Year One £10 and Year Two and above £20. Inter Club Coaching is £2 each Saturday.

In the event of bad weather, if sessions are cancelled a message will be placed in the News Section on the Club Website, Twitter and Facebook. Parents can also call 01704 873238 to hear a message on the club telephone .