SCORES ON THE DOORS!
U8 Blue
U8 Runcorn Linnets Blue vs U8 Runcorn Linnets Green
The last week saw a change in management at Linnets Blues, we thank outgoing coach Alan Dimelow for all his efforts with the lads and welcomed in Keith Hecky and Mike Thompson who had settled the boys with a good midweek training session. Mistaken for Guardiola and Oxade Chamberlain on their last trip to Asda for sausage rolls these gents are football people offering a fun and inclusive environment for the boys to develop. It was a beautiful day at Halton Sports as the blues played their first game in a number of weeks looking forward to a derby with Linnets Greens.
It was clear that the boys hadn't played for a while as the whistle blew, a slow start giving impetus to the greens who were excellent in the early stages. Slightly against the run of play Harley Heckingbottom drilled one low, the first of his hat trick and a welcome return to a player who can only be described as David Ginola crossed with a bull. Harley's goal changed the course of the game with Ole Croxton the next to hit the back of the net turning in a fantastic Vinny Farrington corner. Croxton was to complete his hat trick later in the game, lewandowski later called asking how he does it now he has notched up 33 in 15 games, wonderful technique for a right foot half volley and a cross shot that his stepdad and coach Mike Thompson would have been proud of. Harley scored again before half time a half volley that Tony Yeboah had to rewind and watch again. Harry Brown is nothing if not consistent, he said Javier Mascherano wasn't fit to lace his boots and we saw why as his ridiculous strength and guile saw him act as the big brother for the rest of the team protecting and martialing like a very friendly lion. The greens worked their socks off and came back with 2 goals in the first half leaving debutante Alfie Smith with no chance.
Vinny Farrington, if he eats more doughnuts, is basically maradonna, with quick feet and determined runs this boy is developing at a rate of knots, the 2nd half belonged to him. His best performance to date. Farringtons passing stats would have broken the internet and his 2 goals in the 2nd half were testament to his hard work. Alfie Smith was a debutante for the blues making some fine saves and charging out, his distribution was excellent for a boy so new to the game and his attitude around his teammates was great to see, as the greens piled the pressure on in the 2nd half his safe hands gave the boys confidence. The last paragraph is saved for Captain Michael Heckingbottom, what is missing from the English game is the emergence of a footballing center half (apart from John Stones) Heckingbottoms leadership, passing, decision making and movement with the ball was second to none. A smile on his face all game long and motivational words to his team mates Michael was also the Man of the Match.
Big Credit to Anno and Linnets Greens, a great game played in a good spirit with smiles all round
GU13 Yellow
Runcorn Linnets Girls u13s Yellow 0 - 1 Davenham Dynamoes
Saturday morning saw the long awaited top of the table clash between Runcorn Linnets Girls u13s Yellow and Davenham Dynamoes. Both teams had a 100% record coming into the weekend so something had to give! As expected it was a closely fought game with neither team giving much away. Both sides had chances to take the lead though as we went into the break goalless. The second half continued in the same fashion, in a tight tactical encounter. But Davenham did manage to take one of their chances with a well-taken finish. But our girls heads never went down and they battled away to the end, putting great pressure on the Davenham back line - and on another day and with a little more luck we could have put a couple of our efforts away. But it wasn't meant to be in the end, but each and every one of those players can hold their heads high and be proud of that wonderful team performance. They all put a shift in! That 1-0 defeat will be fuel for the remainder of the season. I, for one, can't wait to take Davenham on again in the reverse fixture later in the season. Excellent and disciplined in every department, that was a real team performance - but special mention to Taylor Braithwaite for her superb, PoM-winning performance and to Goalkeeper Megan Shone for a couple of top drawer saves.
Well done girls. Be proud of yourselves, because I know I am!
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