After another loss on the road, an opportunity has risen this weekend for Paddock to get their away form back on track going into the seasons final stretch. Paddock’s last 4 away results have all been losses however, this weekend they face a Pilkington side who find themselves in a relegation battle. With the added motivation of putting right a 2-0 loss to Pilkington earlier this season, this might well be the perfect opportunity for Ste’s men to kickstart a strong finish to a very mixed season.
Opponent Watch
Pilkington U23s currently sit in 12th place in the Cheshire League Division 2. They sit 2 points ahead of Mersey Valley who are in 13th however, Mersey Valley have played two games less. With the bottom two teams getting relegated (13th and 14th), it’s vital for Pilkington that they get as many points as possible from their remaining two games. Survival is not in their hands.
Pilkington’s form of late has certainly been that of a side in a relegation battle. They have not obtained a single point since February where they were involved in a thrilling 3-3 draw away to F.C. St Helens. Their last win was way back in January against non other than, Stretford Paddock.
Pilkington have struggled for goals this season, with their top scorer Dylan Ross, only netting 3 so far this season. Ross also has 3 assists.
Situational Preview
Recent form has meant Paddock have now slipped into the bottom half of the table. When considering the side were pushing from promotion before Christmas, it’s certainly a tough pill to swallow thinking about where the side are at currently. Injuries, suspensions and players leaving the club however, has made things very difficult for the YouTube side.
Despite this, a top half finish is very much still on the cards – Moore United are only a point ahead of Paddock. For that to happen though, Paddock need to register a win, something they’ve not done since last month. But as previously stated, they face a side tomorrow who are in a very bad place – this is a great opportunity for Stretford Paddock.
Paddock will also be looking to get revenge after a disappointing defeat against Pilkington back in January. Tomorrow’s hosts shocked Paddock with a 2-0 victory. It was especially shocking since Paddock were in mighty form – they had won 9 of their last 11 league games at the time.
Team News
Tomorrow, Stretford Paddock will be without their captain, James Oatt. Suspension is what will keep ‘Oatsy’ sidelined after he picked up a second yellow card in the dying seconds last weekend. Paddock were 2-0 down and their opponents, St Helens, were running the clock down in the corner. A moment of frustration got the better of Oatsy and rash tackle on the man in possession made him see red.
James Oatt will be out of tomorrow’s game but back next weekend when Paddock take on Lymm Rovers. With the squad already being depleted, who will be partnering Thomas MacFarlane at Centre Half still remains a question.
🚨𝗙𝗜𝗫𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦🚨
Up next we take on 𝗣𝗶𝗹𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗨𝟮𝟯𝘀 away from home, hoping to get some points on the board.
📅 Sat 22 Apr
🕛 12:15PM
📍 Ruskin Drive Sports Ground, WA10 6RP
🏆 @CheshireFL
🎫 FREE#UpThePaddock pic.twitter.com/5nuArmhbfo— Stretford Paddock FC (@SPaddockFC) April 21, 2023
