After 3 consecutive wins and a lengthy winter break, Stretford Paddock’s return to action saw them concede 5 goals at home to St Michaels DH. For the first time since August, Paddock failed to score a single goal in a game – something Ste’s men will be hoping is just an anomaly.

The game started fairly evenly however, in the 20th minute, the away side broke the deadlock. A nicely struck shot from outside the box was headed goal-wards but fortunately, straight in to the path of Paddock’s keeper, Dan McKenna. Disaster struck. A mistake from the home side’s keeper saw the ball bounce underneath him and into the back of the net.

5 minutes later, the away side doubled their lead. A shot from a similar position to the first goal was guided into the bottom corner of McKenna’s net. This time round, there was not much Paddock’s man in net could do – 2-0 St Michaels.

HT: Stretford Paddock 0-2 St Michaels DH

The first 5 minutes of the second half were bright for Stretford Paddock however, a sloppy mistake resulted in a terrible start. Paddock were pressed whilst in possession and then a loose pass from Kayode Adewale left St Michaels number 9 in on goal. The visitors’ attacker nicely beat the keeper and slotted the ball into an empty net to score his side’s third goal of the day.

In minute 60, St Michaels put the game to bed. A freekick from 30 yards out quite beautifully hit around the wall and into the near corner of the goal. Paddock were on their way to their first loss since November.

Before the 70th minute mark, things began to border on embarrassing for Paddock as they conceded goal number 5. St Michaels’ number 7 received the ball in behind the Paddock defence after a beautifully waited pass from his teammate in the middle of the park. What followed was a direct and skilful run goal-wards before a perfectly executed finish past the keeper from a tight angle.

Already well and truly defeated, Paddock were handed the chance for a consolation goal when substitute, Cameron Watters, was brought down in the box in the 85th minute. Vice captain, Nosa Iyamu’s penalty however, was saved to complete a truly forgettable day for Stretford Paddock.

FT: Stretford Paddock 0-5 St Michaels DH

Stretford Paddock: Daniel McKenna, James Oatt (C), Thomas MacFarlane, Michael Burke, Paulo Incaque, Dom Molloy, Nosa Iyamu, Janiero Salmon-Harris, Tom Jones, Joao De Andrade, Abdullah Saeed.

Subs: Kayode Adewale, Ronaldo Brown, Raphe Barber, Cameron Watters, Nasser Shakoor