Frank Rourke's Report from Formby Junior Sports Club

Formby Junior Sports Club had their twenty-fifth Inter Club session of the season last Saturday. There was a good attendance considering there were other distractions such as the Grand National, an Everton lunchtime kick off match and Easter holidays. There were some FJSC Representative matches played as well. The number of matches for the teams to fulfill are becoming less and less as league fixtures will be gradually coming to an end over the next two or three weeks. The good news for Inter Club is there are still four sessions left so the boys who normally just play for Representative teams on Sundays are invited to come along on a free weekend to Saturday Inter Club.

REPRESENTATIVE TEAM MATCHES

Owing to holidays over the Easter vacation, FJSC Under 11 Black had a number of absences from their squad and could only muster ten players for their important match away at Burscough Dynamo White. The match was played on a wide pitch, on a very warm day and Dynamo were at full strength.

The match started well as both teams found their feet, passed the ball and tackled across the park . After eleven minutes played Burscough Dynamo broke the deadlock with a well taken goal, struck from edge of the box. During the next period Burscough took more control as FJSC battled to get out of their own half. FJSC defended doggedly, but were unable to keep possession of the ball as it was passed forward. They did however make a break down the right with Tom Donnelly netting a goal before it was disallowed by the referee for offside. For the rest of the half the two teams were well matched, but just before the break Burscough added a second goal following a well worked move down the right side.

FJSC came out strong in the second half and were firing on all cylinders. Following some slick passing moves down the centre of the park, Samuel Lewis scored a goal on thirty-five minutes, but again agonising the goal was ruled out for offside. Burscough then broke down the left wing with their forward showing some fine individual skill and the lead was further extended.

FJSC never gave up and showed true grit to keep battling away. Abe Rice moved upfront to provide some more attacking options as FJSC sought to get back in the game. He was nearly rewarded after chasing a through ball, skipping past the keeper, only to hit the post from a tight angle. Despite only having one substitute, FJSC’s fitness shone through as they chased every ball down and were rewarded after fifty-five minutes when Tom Donnelly scored a goal from the right side.

FJSC kept up the pressure and two minutes later Samuel Lewis scored a second goal for his team. FJSC really had Burscough on the back foot now as they searched for the equaliser. Despite valiant efforts and an all-round team performance from FJSC an equalising goal that would have been thoroughly deserved sadly could not be found.

FJSC Under 9 White took an early lead against Southport Athletic with a goal scored by Zac Hooson-Jones. Southport came back strongly and scored twice before half time. There was some exciting end to end football in the second half with some excellent goals from both sides. Southport Athletic kept ahead despite a second FJSC goal coming from Jacob Davies.

FJSC U8 Reds played at Deansgate against Southport Athletic JFC Blacks in a very competitive game. Despite it being a well matched game the visitors took a two goal lead into half time with two well taken shots that gave the goalkeeper little chance to save.

The second half was again very even with plenty of goalmouth action including an acrobatic save by Joel Wright and some good goal line clearances and last ditch defending by Mason Todd and Tom Murphy. Joel Craven came close to scoring on a couple of occasions and on another day could walked away with a brace. The midfield gave a very good account of themselves with Jenson Gray, Isaac Pepper and man of the match Zac McHugh giving battling performances.

FJSC Under 8 White had an exciting match with Redgate Yellow. Clayton Gilbertson and Thomas Crutchley were on the scoresheet. Josh Halpin and Isaac Rimmer provided the assists.

FJSC Under 7 White played very well against Redgate Black with goals from James Smith, Jack Haggart, Harry O’Donnell and Seb Hodgson.

FJSC Under 6 team made a determined effort in their friendly fixture with St George’s. Jacob Givin scored twice.

INTER CLUB SECTION

New four year olds came along last Saturday and joined in with the coaching and the mini games. Each coaching session went well with all the boys showing much enthusiasm as the varied fun practices are helping to develop skills.

The Year 6/7 match was closely contested with the Orange team winning 3-2 against the Blue team. Ethan Donegan scored twice and Ben Ryder was also on target with a goal for the Oranges. Henry Renton and Sam Uttley replied with one goal each for the Blues.

INTER CLUB ARRANGEMENTS FOR SATURDAY 16th APRIL 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

NEW MEMBERS IN ALL AGE GROUPS ARE WELCOME.

INTER CLUB NEWS FOR PRE SCHOOL CHILDREN

Saturday, 16th April 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.

REMAINING INTER CLUB SESSIONS THIS SEASON

There are still four Saturday Inter Clubs this season.

Weather permitting Inter Club will be on the following days :–

April 16th (Easter Saturday), 23rd, 30th and the final Saturday of the season 7th May.

CLUB NEWS

NEW PLAYERS NEEDED FOR NEXT SEASON’S UNDER 13’S

THIS SEASON’S FJSC UNDER 12’S TEAM WHO PLAY ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS WILL BE MOVING UP TO 11 ASIDE FOOTBALL NEXT SEASON FROM SEPTEMBER AND ARE LOOKING TO INCREASE THE SIZE OF THEIR SQUADS. IF INTERESTED PLEASE CONTACT FRANK ROURKE at stellathecat4@gmail.com