Frank Rourke's Report from Formby Junior Sports Club

It was Formby Junior Sports Club’s Representative teams’ best weekend of results so far this season. Taking pride of place was the FJSC Under 6 team who won their first ever competitive match. Unfortunately due to very strong winds and safety reasons the Inter Club Section had to be cancelled last Saturday.

REPRESENTATIVE TEAM MATCHES

FJSC Under 6’s played Kirkby Town Pumas in a thrilling match that produced a total of twenty goals. It was a fantastic advert for junior football as the two teams of boys gave it their all, resulting in goals galore and great saves from both sides. It was difficult to keep up with all the goals at times but there were some great strikes and free kicks which resulted in goals from Archie Phenna, Jacob Givin and Beau Brodrick. There was also a goal each from Harrison Weir and a first of the season for Finley Duffin which gave the Under 6’s by a narrow margin their first win in a competitive game. A mention also goes to Kirkby who had some fantastic individual performances with one of the boys scoring five goals and a hat trick goal direct from a free kick. FJSC’s Oliver Parrish and Rory Roberts put in great displays. Well done to all the boys on both teams. Man of the match was Harrison Weir for a great first fifteen minutes in goal followed by an outfield performance of tireless running for the team, excellent tackling and a goal.

There were very difficult playing conditions at Buckley Hill for the match between FJSC Under 12 Blacks and Northern Blues including a strong crosswind. After a goalless first half FJSC scored twice in the second half without reply to win 2 nil. The two goals were scored with wind assisted twenty yard shots from Charlie Garvey and Harrison McGrath.

FJSC Under 11 Black travelled to Southport to take on Southport Trinity White at The Rookery. All the training and hard work came to fruition as the FJSC Under 11’s teamwork shone through and the boys put in an excellent performance. A solid foundation was provided by the defence of Aaron Pickford, Charlie Knowles, Sam Uttley and Evan Hughes, who were all strong in the tackle and composed on the ball, and they were well marshalled by the goalkeeper Nathaniel Ryan who made some timely saves. Henry Renton and Ollie Dean combined well in midfield, driving the team forward at every opportunity and both showing excellent dribbling, passing and shooting skills. With Patrick Fleming, Ethan Richmond and Thomas Donnelly playing in the wide forward positions and Abe Rice in a more central striking role, they caused constant problems for the opposing defence with their pace and trickery.

The Blacks took an early lead as Ollie Dean took possession in the middle of the pitch and passed the ball out wide to Patrick Fleming who ran from just inside his own half to confidently beat the goalkeeper at the far post. Patrick Fleming scored again with a neat finish by chipping the goalkeeper from the edge of the area and then just before half time Abe Rice added a third with a well taken goal.

The second half continued in a similar fashion with the Blacks controlling possession and pushing Southport Trinity back into their own half. Ollie Dean scored his first as he burst through the defence and slotted past the advancing goalkeeper, before Ethan Richmond volleyed into the back of the net with a confident finish. Further goals came as Thomas Donnelly completed a second half hat trick including one from the penalty spot, and Abe Rice and Ollie Dean both scored one more each.

This was an excellent team performance and it was difficult to single out any one player but man of the match this week was Patrick Fleming for his fine overall display and two goals.

FJSC Under 11 White played at home against Southport Trinity Blue. FJSC took an early lead after a quick start with Ezra Sutton heading into the top corner. Southport Trinity came back strongly, eventually equalised and then took the lead. Man of the match was Thomas Szabo.

FJSC Under 9 White and Southport Trinity had a very closely contested match. Isaac Jones, Albie Salters and Nate Daniels scored first half goals but Trinity fought back after the interval to make the score all square. Man of the match was Isaac Jones.

FJSC Under 8 Blacks were in action at home against Churchtown Athletic. Jack Williams gave FJSC the lead with a great right foot finish from just inside the area half way through the first half. Joseph Kenyon and Rory Rankine both had efforts brilliantly saved by the Churchtown goalkeeper and one hitting the post. Five minutes before half time Churchtown equalised. However, with the last kick of the half FJSC went back in front when a cross from Rory Rankine on the right hand side was diverted into the Churchtown net.

In the second half the Blacks continued to have plenty of possession and chances. Will Roberts and Joseph Kenyon both hit the post before Rory Rankine scored with another good finish inside the box.

Joseph Kenyon had a chance from the penalty spot to extend the lead after being fouled in the box but the keeper saved with his legs.

Two minutes later Churchtown pulled one goal back with five minutes still to play. There were some last gasp challenges from Oliver Hall-Gleeson to prevent Churchtown scoring an equaliser. Just before the end Joseph Kenyon ran through to a great pass from Jack Williams to smash a shot against the crossbar. In this tense finish FJSC’s Harrison Hughes made some great saves to keep his team in the lead.

The away fixture for FJSC Under 8 Reds at Southport Athletic Blacks was unfortunately postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

FJSC Under 8 Whites played two matches at the weekend but no reports have been received.

FJSC Under 7 Whites played Redgate Rovers Green. The Under 7’s continued their fine form with all members of the squad playing very well indeed despite the cold conditions. Scoring the goals for FJSC were Jack Haggart, Seb Hodgson, Isaac Higgins and Jack Hansen. The highlights of the match included some lethal finishing by FJSC Under 7’s top scorer Jack Haggart, a superb goal from Seb Hodgson and some first class saves from the Redgate goalkeeper.

INTER CLUB ARRANGEMENTS FOR SATURDAY 11th DECEMBER AT DEANSGATE LANE PLAYING FIELDS

YEAR 4/5. 9.30 am

YEAR 6/7. 9.45 am

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.

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 tel. 01704 873238 to hear a message on the club telephone .

With the weather now getting colder it is recommended that the boys wear warmer clothing for the coaching sessions and matches.

OTHER CLUB NEWS

The FJSC Under 11 Blacks squad were invited to The Pure Stadium by Southport FC last Saturday afternoon to watch their game against Hereford United. The boys had a great afternoon and saw Southport win 2 nil. A big thank you to Southport FC for being excellent hosts.

See the photograph above.

FJSC Under 12’s had their Christmas party last Saturday. After a very good win on Saturday morning, later in the day the boys went Go Karting and had an amazing time before they finished the day off with a party at the Grapes in Formby.

Photographs can be seen on the Club Gallery.