Congratulations to Formby Junior FC U14 Blacks on becoming Hightown League Cup Champions

Congratulations to Formby Junior Sports Club Under 14 Blacks who became Hightown League Cup Champions last Saturday morning.

REPRESENTATIVE TEAM MATCHES

FJSC Under 14 Blacks played Crosby Stuart Youth in the Hightown Junior League Cup knowing that a victory would mean that they would win the title.  The Blacks started the match nervously and Crosby Stuart capitalised scoring an early goal.  The setback was short lived and Ben Harris equalised before half time.

FJSC began to dominate the game in the second half and Ben Harris scored the vital second goal to give his team a 2-1 lead.  The Blacks continued to bombard the Crosby Stuart goal in an attempt to stretch the lead. In a frantic last five minutes Crosby Stuart powered forward in search of an equaliser but a determined effort by the whole FJSC team was enough to hold on for the 2-1 victory and three points which made certain that the League title was going to FJSC with two match results to spare.

It was a wonderful effort by the FJSC Under 14 Black squad and congratulations also to the management team of Paul Wood, Mark Wynne and Simon Redhead.  Man of the Match was Harry Redhead.  See photograph above.

FJSC Under 13 Whites had a very competitive game against League Champions Marina Sands. Both teams played some excellent football. Formby’s goals came from NikKostakis and Man of the Match GregoryHoughton who was excellent throughout. FJSC finished the stronger team and were unlucky not to score a winner.

FJSC Under 13 Black Saturday team edged an entertaining and evenly balanced contest, coming out on top with a 4–3 victory over Town Green. In a game that was finely poised throughout, FJSC showed resilience and composure to make the difference in a sevengoal thriller. FJSC kept the pressure on their title run with two goals from Alfie Frost and further strikes from Louis O’Connor and Charlie Richardson. It was an even game with chances at both ends, but FJSC’s clinical edge proved decisive in an open and competitive match.

FJSC Under 13 Black Saturday team also produced another commanding performance as they ran out 6–2 winners against Forefield FC, maintaining control throughout the match.From the start, FJSC set the tempo and took charge of proceedings, moving the ball confidently and creating regular chances. Isaac Jones led the scoring with a brilliant hattrick, while Caden Walker added two goals of his own and Josh Burr also found the net to cap a dominant attacking display. Although Forefield FC managed to score twice, FJSC were rarely troubled and always looked in control, showing composure and quality in all areas of the pitch to secure a welldeserved and convincing victory.

FJSC Under 13 Black continued their strong form with an impressive 6–2 victory over Crosby Stuart on Sunday in an important Craven Minor League match, delivering another confident and wellrounded performance.

FJSC took control of the game early on and never looked back, moving the ball well and creating chances throughout. Charlie Richardson was the standout performer, scoring an excellent hattrick to lead the attacking display. He was supported by goals from Caden Walker, Oscar Buch-Platt and Ellis Coyne, underlining FJSC’s depth and attacking threat.  Although Crosby Stuart managed to get on the score sheet twice, FJSC remained composed and in control, dictating the tempo and limiting any sustained pressure. It was a clinical and dominant showing, with FJSC deserving their comfortable win.

FJSC Under 11 Blacks travelled away to playa strong Crosby Stuart side. The team were trying out a new formation which immediately paid off with some lovely flowing passing moves through the midfield and allowing the forwards and wingers more freedom.

The opener soon followed and after some good inter play the ball was worked out wide to left winger Ethan Catleugh.   His inch perfect cross was converted at the back post by Ashley Jones. The second goal was much of the same with the dangerous Ethan Catleugh putting in another dangerous ball from the left flank.  This time the ball was half cleared allowing Olly Stinson to fire home from the edge of the box.

In the second half Crosby Stuart showed their strength from set plays grabbing a goal from a corner to make it 2-1. FJSC Blacks then extended their lead after a quickly taken free kick.  Isaac Melton’s measured pass was met by Asher Fields who slotted the ball past the keeper. Crosby Stuart then pulled another goalback from a great cross and header before the result was sealed after an early cross fromFJSC’s Jack Hansen was met at the back post by Ashley Jones for his second of the day.

The result capped a wonderful league season and the managers are extremely proud of how the whole squad has developed. They take the positivity from this result into the cup final next weekend when they play Forefield Rangers at the Southport FC Stadium at 10am.

Man of the match was Asher Fields. He excelled in midfield, grabbed his goal as a striker and also filled in as defensive cover when a teammate got injured. It was a great technical and all round performance by the team.

FJSC Under 11 Gold were left disappointed after a hardfought defeat against Southport Athletic Blacks in a competitive contest. The Gold team started brightly, moving the ball well in the early stages and showing good intent going forward. Their pressing caused problems for the Blacks, and for spells they controlled possession, creating several promising moments without quite finding the final touch.

As the game settled, Southport Athletic grew into the match and began to exploit space, applying sustained pressure. Despite a determined defensive effort from the Goldteam and some strong individual performances, the Blacks managed to capitalise on key moments that ultimately swung the game in their favour.

In the second half, FJSC Gold showed real resilience. The team continued to battle, chasing the game and refusing to give up, with improved tempo and commitment. However, Southport Athletic defended well and limited clear chances, making it difficult for the Golds to get back on level terms.

Although the result didn’t go their way, there were positives to take for the FJSC Gold team, particularly in work rate, periods of controlled play, and team spirit. With reflection and focus on decisionmaking in the final third, the Goldteam will look to bounce back stronger.

It has been a difficult season for the FJSC Gold team but thanks to the encouraging efforts from Team Manager Heather McColl and Assistant Manager Craig Canavan the team has gained confidence and togetherness which will be taken forward next season.  

FJSC Under 10 Whites also played their lastleague game of the season. Their opponents Southport Athletic Red scored five goals

in the first half.   After a good team talk at half time the FJSC boys showed determination andnot to concede again and that’s exactly what happened. The Whites had a few chances and nearly scored. Man of the Match was defender Oliver Parrish.  

The Under 10 Whites were virtually a new team at the beginning of the season.  The Management team of Michaela Reid and Jenny Faraday have done a great job with the team and a lot of progress has been made due to the hard work of every member of the small squad.

On a warm spring day,  FJSC Under 10 Blacks and Burscough Dynamo Yellow Junior Sports  served up an entertaining end-to-end contest with FJSC finishing their season in style with a deserved victory.

Knowing this would be their final game as a team, with the squad not continuing next season, the FJSC boys were determined to sign off with a win. They started brightly, playing some excellent football and capitalising on a couple of goalkeeper errors to race into a 3-0 lead. Burscough responded well and pulled one goal back just before half time to keep themselves firmly in the game.

Having learned from previous matches that no lead is ever safe, FJSC stayed focused after the break, working hard to stay organised and looking to extend their advantage. They managed exactly that, making it 4-1 before Burscough hit back strongly with two quick goals to make it a nervy 4-3. Thankfully, FJSC found the all-important fifth goal and held firm until the final whistle, ending the season with smiles all round and a well-earned win.  

A big thank you to team Manager Alex MacArthur and Assistant Team Manager Mike Follett for their hard work over two seasons and to the boys who have tried so hard and have made a lot of progress.  

FJSC Under 9 Whites visited the Rookery, in Southport, on Sunday morning to take on Southport Trinity for their last match of the season.  It was another dominant performance from the team which produced six FJSC goals and six different scorers .  Henry Ade, Archie Jones, Rex Byrne, Ben Donnelly, Luke Clarke and Lucas Byrne all scored one goal each.  

It marks the end to a fantastic season for this group of players who have played in the North Division of the Craven Minor League since after Christmas.  The strong work ethic and excellent team dynamic has resulted in an unbeaten record in this league with only one draw.  The team were also finalists in the Karen Potter Craven League Jim Rourke Cup last month.

A big thanks to Manager, Chris Jones with the help of Assistants, Paul Byrne and Andy Donnelly for their efforts in making it such an enjoyable and successful season.

It was also the last match of the season for FJSC Under 9 Blacks.  It was the third time that FJSC have played Burscough DynamoGreen since the start of the New Year. FJSC had gained the upper hand on the two previous meetings. Playing at home was no advantage for the Blacks in this close encounter.

Burscough took an early led which despite the Black’s best efforts Dynamo kept a hold of the very slender lead throughout the game. There were plenty of chances and rattling of the woodwork only to be denied every time by Dynamo’s keeper who had a phenomenal game.

Despite the score line FJSC Blacks played well as a team and shown how far they have come this season with this being their only loss since November.  Man of the Match wasOscar Craven for an

outstanding defensive performance.

In only their second season FJSC Under 9 Blacks have come on leaps and bounds.  Well done also to Team Manager Naomi Murphy and Assistant Manager Chris Ball who have worked so hard with the squad.  

FJSC Under 9 Reds played their last game of the season on Sunday morning. The game started well with Finn Constable nearly scoring on two occasions in a bright opening for the Reds. After the first ten minutes Southport began to get back in to the game and scored two quick goals. The Reds managed to regain their composure and again tested the Southport keeper who starred throughout the game. Southport added two further quick goals just before half time to put an unfair slant on the half time score.

A rejig of the formations early in the second half resulted in Lucas Kelly moving in to a central attacking position and Ed Makinsonmoving back in to defence. This together with valuable contributions from Oliver Horderdown the right hand side of the midfield and Alex Kirkby in defence meant that the team began to find their mojo in a spirited second half showing. Midway through the second half Ed Makinson pounced on a bouncing ball in midfield and played a ball through to Lucas Kelly who despatched over the despairing goalkeeper’s grasp. The Reds doubled their tally with a smart corner from Ed Makinsonwhich was finished sweetly by Lucas Kelly.At the other end of the pitch Finn Constable produced two fine saves to continue his fine season.

As the season draws to a close the Reds can be proud of their commitment throughout their first season together. They have been a credit to their parents.  A big thank you to Team Manager Steve Makinson and Assistant Managers Scott Kirkby and Matt Horder wholook forward to seeing the boys enjoy their football again next season.

FJSC Under 7 Whites played a strongSouthport Hesketh team and this game was certainly a game of two halves. The Whiteslooked dominant from the start with Albie York and Kayden Dowdall both scoring on the break. With excellent skill Shayan Palin dribbled his way through the Hesketh defenceto score confidently. Despite some excellent saves from Toby Woodcock in goal Southport Hesketh got on the scoresheet. The goal of the game was scored by William Laugley who made an excellent tackle and then ran with the ball from defence up the pitch and with a solid strike scored in the bottom corner.

After half time Southport Hesketh made some changes and FJSC struggled to get past their new goalkeeper who was excellent.  Teddy Gillingham made some great runs and McEddy Osei Assibey once again showed his value to the team with lots of tackling. After a few defensive mistakes which led to three goals for Southport Hesketh the team started to lose confidence leading to conceding more goals. The team will learn a lot from this experience and in future need to keep working hard as a team right up to the final whistle.  

It was a very pleasing first season in the Craven Minor League for FJSC Under 7 Whites who have been well coached and drilled by Manager Adam Woodcock and Assistant Manager Brad Laugley.

INTER CLUB SECTION

Last Saturday’s goal scorers were Hudson Kenny, Johnathan McFadden, James McManus, Archie Ellis, Louie Winsor, Adam Jadid- Leech, Reuben Pearson, Jimmy Duckworth, Anders Carter, Sam O’Brien, Charlie Barnes, Chase Lowen, Archie Marronand Frank Kulazinski.  

INTER CLUB ARRANGEMENTS FOR SATURDAY 2nd MAY AT DEANSGATE LANE PLAYING FIELDS

9.30am- 10.40am       Year Two

9.30am –10.40am      Year Six/Seven/Eight

10.00am – 11.10am.  4’s and Reception.  

10.00am 11.10am.    Year One

10.45am- 12.00pm    Year Three

10.45am -12.00pm.   Year Four/Five

NEW MEMBERS IN ALL INTER CLUB AGE GROUPS ARE VERY WELCOME.  

COME ALONG AND SEE IF YOU ENJOY IT.

INTER CLUB NEWS

The last Inter Club session of the season will be on Saturday 9th May.

CLUB NEWS

TWO MANAGERS NEEDED THIS WEEK

FOR A NEW UNDER 8 BLACKS TEAM FOR NEXT SEASON

FOR A NEW UNDER 9 BLACKS TEAM FOR NEXT SEASON

FJSC hope to form a new Under 8 and Under 9 team for next season and to find two volunteers who are willing to manage them.  

There are sufficient number of boys for the two teams but the club just can’t find volunteers to fill these positions.  It will be very disappointing if we can’t go ahead with these teams so if you can help us please contact the club.

Managers are urgently needed this week or it will be too late to enter the league.   The teams will be playing home and away matches on Sunday mornings from September.

Enquiries - please contact Club Chairman Frank Rourke at stellathecat4@gmail.com for more information as to what is involved and required to manage a team.