Author: Website Editor

Welcome to the Paddock Roundup!

Last weekend, we had all 3 Paddock sides in action in their respective leagues despite the club only picking up one victory.

If you’ve not already, check out the First Team’s Match Report over on the News section of the club website. The First’s got an important victory on the board against Ashton Town Reserves, but they did made it difficult for themselves!

Let’s take a look at how the Amateurs and U21s got on!

Amateurs

Lancashire and Cheshire AFL

Irlam Steel Rangers 7-0 Stretford Paddock

It was another difficult day at the office for Stretford Paddock’s Amateur side. Despite a positive performance in their last fixture, Paddock were unable to carry across that form into an important game against their mid-table opponents.

Paddock conceded their first couple of goals due to individual errors. A disorganised defence failed to deal with a long throw in for the first goal before an intercepted loose ball leading to the home side’s second.

Rangers’ third goal was one similar to Bollington’s recent goal against Paddock Firsts. An injured player going down resulted in most players on the pitch stopping play however, the Rangers man in possession slotted the ball into an empty net.

Goal 4 was another unlucky one for Paddock. A beautiful long range effort found the back of the net however, a strong argument for offside could have been made. There was at least 1 Rangers player blocking the view of Paddock keeper, Tiz Archer.

Despite a spell of positive play, Paddock were well and truly beaten at this point. Paddock being unprepared again led to goal 5, an own goal led to goal 6 and the final goal was heavily aided by a wicked deflection.

It was a frustrating day at the office for our Amateurs which keeps them 11th in the table.

Will the lads be able to get back to winning ways this weekend against Hattersley?

U21s

North West U21 Development League

Hartford 3-0 Stretford Paddock

Despite the scoreline, Paddock’s 3-0 away loss the Hartford was a lot closer than it would seem. There were plenty of positives to take.

There were lots of good transitions from attack to defence, a solid CB partnership performance and a great show of physicality. Despite this, Paddock’s failure to be clinical with their finals ball ended up costing them the game.

An early injury for Paddock’s McLarty forced an unexpected change not long before Hartford broke the deadlock. The home sides second goal came from the penalty spot and another late goal sealed Hartford a 3-0 victory.

Despite the result leaving our U21s bottom still, Manager Nathan, believes there is plenty of optimism in the squad going into their next fixture, against Warrington Rylands.

Stretford Paddock are in desperate need of a win – has this Saturday’s fixture against the side sitting bottom of the league come at the perfect time? This weekend, Paddock host Ashton Town Reserves, a side struggling this season in League 2 of the Cheshire League. With both sides still with a glimmer of hope of achieving their own specific goals this season, Saturday’s match is set up to be a cracker.

Situational Preview

Stretford Paddock, after a disappointing loss to Bollington Town, remain in 7th position – just within the top half of the table. The club are now 11 points off 3rd, which is where they will need to finish to achieve promotion. With 6 teams all fighting for 2 promotion places, it does seem less and less likely that Paddock will be one of those 2 teams come the end of the season.

Having said that, Paddock have a handful of games in hand on different teams above them. However, if Paddock are going to take advantage of their games in hand, they need to start winning, and start doing it soon.

A win for Paddock would not see them move any higher than 7th place but could put them level on points with Haydock FC, with a game less played.

Ashton Town Reserves currently sit 20 points below Paddock, in bottom spot. A win for them this weekend would certainly give their survival hopes a boost. Hartford, who sit in 11th, are only 8 points ahead of Ashton Town.

Opponent Watch

We’ve already touched on it, but Ashton Town Reserves are not having the best of seasons. Having finished 9th last season, the club would have been hopeful of pushing on for a promotion challenge this season. With a record of 3 wins, zero draws and 17 losses, their hopes for possible promotion have become hopes of survival.

Their last victory came back in October of last year where they hammered 4 goals past Pilkington U23s. Since then, they have failed to amount any points and have conceded a total of 28 goals.

You’d think this would be an easy game for Paddock, and yes, you’d expect the home side to take all three points however, Ashton Town will be licking their lips at the opportunity to face a Paddock side with only 1 win in their last 6 league games.

Ashton Town also have a danger man which Paddock’s defence must keep quiet. Forward, Robert Ablewhite has bagged 10 goals this season in only 6 appearances. Should he feature tomorrow against Paddock, we should expect nothing less than an exciting game of football.

Team News

Ronaldo Brown is back available for selection this weekend and we expect to see him in the match day squad. Whether he finds himself in the starting 11 or not is a different question.

Over the past 2 weekends, Joao De Andrade and Ryan Katumba have been very busy up top – doing almost everything right other than finding the back of the net. We have also seen impressive performances out wide from Mikey Burke and Omar Sinclair.

After picking up an injury last Saturday against Bollington Town, Martin Flanagan will be out this weekend. The only goal in Paddock’s 1-0 loss was scored in controversial fashion. The ball was slotted into an empty net whilst Paddock’s keeper was down injured. The goal stood and Flanagan coundn’t continue.

Despite keeping a clean sheet, it is unlikely that James Oatt will keep his place in goal. An opportunity arises however for Victor Gimenez to claim himself a spot in the first team. It’s likely that Paddock’s expert shot stopper will be back between the sticks tomorrow.

🚨𝗙𝗜𝗫𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦🚨

With last week not going to plan, we hope to turn it around this week as we welcome 𝗔𝘀𝗵𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀.

📅 Sat 25 Mar
⏲️ 2:00PM
📍 Manchester Enterprise Academy, M22 9RH
🏆 @CheshireFL
🎫 FREE#UpThePaddock pic.twitter.com/nkOegrPYUl

— Stretford Paddock FC (@SPaddockFC) March 24, 2023

For the second week on the bounce, Stretford Paddock face opponents who also find themselves in the fight for promotion. After a good performance and well earned point against the league leaders last week, Paddock will be looking to get an important win against a side they have previously beaten.

Opponent Watch

Bollington currently sit in 3rd position in the division. Since the new year, Bollington have won 5/7 league games despite a disappointing draw last week away to West Didsbury & Chorlton. They are in good form therefore and will be looking to keep themselves in the top 3.

Should St Michaels DH win their two games in hand, they would go ahead of Bollington so a win this weekend against the Paddock would be a huge boost for their promotion pursuit.

Bollington’s main man this season has been Joshua Connolly. The forward has scored 10 goals in 10 appearances this season and will be keeping defenders James Oatt and Thomas MacFarlane on their toes should he start on Saturday.

Situational Preview

Paddock currently sit in 7th place in the league but could go as high as 5th should they win their 2 games in hand. That would put Bollington 3 points ahead of Paddock (both on 19 games), showing the importance of this Saturdays game.

Bollington have been more deadly in front of goal in contrast to Paddock this season. Bollington have scored 53 goals so far this season (played 2 more games), Paddock have scored 37. Interestingly, 6 of those 37 goals came in the first fixture between the two sides back in October.

Should Haydock lose and Paddock win convincingly beat Bollington, the club could jump up to 5th place by the end of the weekend and close the gap between the promotion zone to 7 points (Paddock with games in hand).

Bollington could go up into 2nd if they get a win.

Manager, Stephen Howson, shared his thoughts on this weekends fixtures:

“If we win this weekend then I think that promotion could be back on. If we don’t win this weekend, I think it looks unlikely”

Team News

Paddock’s availability for players this weekend is relatively strong in comparison to previous weeks. Omar Sinclair is now back from injury and on his way back to full match fitness and the club have new signings that are continuously impressing.

One man unavailable this weekend is forward, Ronaldo Brown.

🚨𝗙𝗜𝗫𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦🚨

After plating 𝟭𝘀𝘁 place last weekend, this week we take on 𝟯𝗿𝗱 place 𝗕𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻.

📅 Sat 18 Mar
⏲️ 2:00PM
📍 All Hallows Catholoc College, SK11 8LB
🏆 @CheshireFL
🎫 FREE#UpThePaddock pic.twitter.com/MRldboxhCO

— Stretford Paddock FC (@SPaddockFC) March 17, 2023

Welcome to the return of the Paddock Roundup! This is where we give you guys a quick summary about what’s been going on across the whole club. It wasn’t just the First team who played a friendly last weekend but so did our Amateurs.

Firsts: Stretford Paddock 2-7 Premier League XI

Paddock, last weekend, welcomed the return of a Premier League XI made up of ex footballers and, like the name suggests, some ex Premier League players. Last season, Joleon Lescott captained a side which beat Paddock by 4 goals to 1 however this season, it was ex Premier League winner, Danny Simpson who wore the armband.

Paddock were facing a very high quality football team on Saturday – and the scoreline showed that. Our opponents were fantastic in possession and clinical in front of goal. Paddock conceded 7 goals in the end but managed to bag a couple of ‘worldies’.

A freekick from the edge of the box was whipped into the top corner with pace from Omar Sinclair and James Oatt ended the game with a stunning volley to give Paddock another consolation.

Despite the scoreline, Paddock had a few spells of possession where they managed to get beyond the Premier League XI’s high press. The First’s return to action tomorrow in the Cheshire League against Haydock FC.

Amateurs: Stretford Paddock 6-0 Bolton Lions

In our friendly against Bolton Lions, Paddock sailed their way to a 6-0 victory – a result which will give the club confidence heading back into the league.

Manager, Tom Evsi, said that the football he saw last weekend was “the best football of the season”. It was evident that work from the training ground was finally getting through to the players.

Our Amateurs are currently bottom of the Lancashire and Cheshire AFL Premier Division but now have a bit of momentum behind them.

U21’s: Stretford Paddock 0-2 UDA Soccer Royals

A 2-0 loss at home means that Stretford Paddock remain bottom of the North West Under 21 Development League Championship A.

During the first half, Paddock seemed to be panicky in possession and struggled to penetrate effectively. However, during the second half, they managed some good passing plays and adapted well to the new shape.

Despite losing 0-2, the team’s performance did not resemble that of a bottom-ranked team, giving optimism for future games.

6 goals and an exciting performance from their new signings is just what Stretford Paddock needed to end a dreadful run of 4 losses in 4 games. A brace from new man, Ryan Katumba as well as goals from Nasser Shakoor, Nosa Iyamu, Ronaldo Brown and Aftab Jan was more than enough to sink opponents Lymm Rovers and just as importantly, give Paddock a new platform to build from.

It took Paddock’s new striker just 13 minutes to get himself on the scoresheet. Some great link play between Ronaldo Brown and Mikey Burke resulted in Paddock’s left back getting himself in and behind the Lymm Rovers defence. A nicely weighted ball across goal was picked up by Katumba. A nice touch and finish inside the box put Paddock 1-0 up.

Paddock continued to dominate the first half and eventually doubled their lead not long before the break. A loose ball in the box picked up and struck goalwards by long standing midfielder, Nasser Shakoor. His shot was blocked well but his rebounded effort flew past the Lymm keeper with pace.

There was still time for a third. A mistake from Lymm Rovers at the back was hunted down by Ryan Katumba. His hunger to win the ball was rewarded with a one-on-one opportunity against the keeper. He finished beautifully by slotting the ball between the narrow gap between the keepers hand and the near post.

HT: Stretford Paddock 3-0 Lymm Rovers

4 minutes was all that it took Paddock to bag their 4th goal of the afternoon. A great run from Katumba down the left allowed him the space to shift the ball across the goal and into Nosa Iyamu’s feet. A simple finish past the keeper was no issue for Paddock’s vice captain and just like that, the home side had put the game to bed.

The game was out of Lymm’s reach but they managed to score a consolation. A beautifully whipped corner was met at the back post by Lymm’s Ridley-Thomas. He headed the ball into the back of the net and prevented Paddock’s new man in net, Martin Flanagan from bagging a debut clean sheet.

With 5 minutes to go, Paddock made it 5-1. Just like Katumba’s second goal, good pressure onto the Lymm defender from Ronaldo Brown gave an opportunity against the keeper, one-on-one. Ronaldo finished nicely and sent the Paddock bench into frenzy.

And just when we thought it was all over, substitute, Aftab Jan got on the scoresheet to make it 6. Zak Bell, Paddock’s new midfielder, crossed accurately from the right hand side and Aftab was there to guide the ball home.

FT: Stretford Paddock 6-1 Lymm Rovers

Stretford Paddock: Martin Flanagan, James Oatt (C), Thomas MacFarlane, Michael Burke, Richard Adjei, Nosa Iyamu, Zak Bell, Nasser Shakoor, Ryan Katumba, Ronaldo Brown, Joao De Andrade

Subs: Raphe Barber, Will Hobson, Paulo Incaque, Aftab Jan, Joe Coleman

For the 4th week on the bounce, Stretford Paddock lost in the Cheshire League to further damage their charge for promotion. For only the 5th time this season, Paddock failed to score a single goal in their 4-0 hammering against Haydock FC. It was a scoreline which mirrored the reverse fixture earlier in the season and also a performance which drew many simialrities.

The game started in the fashion in which it would continue – dominance from the home side. Haydock started with great intensity and hunger and had Paddock on the back foot from the get go. It was in the 16th minute however, where Haydock took the lead. A miss timed tackle from Paddock’s centre half, Thomas MacFarlane resulted in the referee pointing to the spot. What followed was a nicely slotted penalty into the bottom corner.

Paddock remained on the back foot for the majority of the first half however, looked dangerous at times on the counter attack. The away side almost did enough to only be one goal down at the break however, in the 43rd minute, the hosts doubled their lead.

Stretford Paddock were enjoying a spell of sustained pressure over their opponents before giving the ball away cheaply. Haydock’s quick counter attack exposed Paddock’s high defensive line and their striker found himself one on one with Vic Gimenez in net. Gimenez came out off of his line to put pressure on the Haydock forward but the quick forward’s instincts helped him knock the ball past Vic and slot the ball home.

Things went from bad to worse. Before Paddock could be saved by the referee’s whistle, they were 3 goals behind. Seconds after the restart from the second goal, a through ball down the right touch line fell to the feet of Haydock’s winger. A few big touches and pace got the attacker in a nice one and one position, his finish into the back of the net mustn’t be overlooked, however.

HT: Haydock 3-0 Stretford Paddock

It took Haydock only 7 minutes to make it 4-0 after the second began. Another ball over the top meant Paddock’s keeper, Gimenez, had to gamble. Vic failed to get to the ball before Haydock’s forward and his key touch on the ball bounced goalwards and crossed the line. Just like back in August, Paddock were 4-0 to Haydock once again.

This goal killed the tempo of the game. Stretford Paddock, showed glimpses of positivity in the second half through sustained periods of possession but the muddy, torn up pitch as well as the current scoreline made things difficult for them. Haydock were quite happy to defend when required and make things difficult for Paddock, especially the away side’s forwards who had a quiet game.

FT: Haydock 4-0 Stretford Paddock

Stretford Paddock: Victor Gimenez, Michael Burke, James Oatt (C), Thomas MacFarlane, Callum Kilroe, Nosa Iyamu, Joe Coleman, Kayode Adewale, Aftab Jan, Daniel Bakare, Joao De Andrade

Subs: Paulo Dos Santos, Nasser Shakoor

On Saturday afternoon, Stretford Paddock’s return to the Cheshire League went from bad to worse. After a 5-0 trouncing last week, a late Atherton Laburnum winner would mean Paddock’s new year form would be 2 losses from 2 – something unthinkable only a few weeks earlier.

The first half began in a fairly open manner with both sides enjoying possession and advancing into one another’s final third’s. It was in the 32nd minute where Paddock conceded first for the second week on the bounce. Could it have been too many mince pies over the Christmas period?

Atherton’s left back played a nicely weighted pass from deep in behind the Paddock high defensive line. What followed was a race for the ball between the away sides winger and Paddock’s CB, Thomas MacFarlane. The pace of Atherton’s attackers would go on to cause Paddock trouble for the rest of the afternoon and in this case, the winger got the better of MacFarlane. A ball across goal was then picked up by the late of run of Amir Marcos. His shot headed goal-wards and found the back of the net.

Paddock responded excellently – with a goal just 7 minutes later. Ronaldo Brown did well out on the right hand side to knock the ball past his defender and drill in a low cross past the keeper. Abdullah Saeed then used his strikers instinct to throw himself on the end of the ball and guide it into the back of the net. A brilliant goal for Paddock and a chance to construct some momentum.

HT: Stretford Paddock 1-1 Atherton Laburnum U23’s

The second half saw a lot of good energy and link up play between the away side’s front 3. They caused Paddock’s midfield and defence problems but a good performance from Victor Gimenez kept Paddock in the game.

One save to note was Vic’s fabulous finger tip touch onto the post to keep a long range strike out and the scores level at 1-1.

In the 65th minute, Jainiero Salmon-Harris had a chance to put Paddock in the lead. Salmon-Harris dummied his defender on the edge of the box in classic ‘Jainiero style’ before shooting on target. His shot however went down the mouth of the goal and was easy for the goalkeeper to keep out.

Just when it looked like the points were going to be shared, Atherton Laburnum showed some quality late on in the game and snatched all three points. Pierce Ryan received a pass on the right hand edge of the Paddock penalty area. Using his quick feet, he beat one defender and then quickly got a shot away. Before the Paddock defence and keeper could react, the ball had hit the roof of the net – 2-1 to the away side.

FT: Stretford Paddock 1-2 Atherton Laburnum U23’s

Stretford Paddock: Victor Gimenez, James Oat (C), Thomas MacFarlane, Michael Burke, Paulo Incaque, Jainiero Salmon-Harris, Nosa Iyamu, Kayode Adewale, Ronaldo Brown, Abdullah Saeed, Joao De Andrade

Subs: Raphe Barber, Callum Kilroe, Yahya Romanillos, Joe Coleman

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

This Saturday, Stretford Paddock take on Ashton Town Reserves in the Cheshire League for the second weekend on the bounce. It was only 6 days ago when goals from Tom Jones, Omar Sinclair and Abdullah Saeed helped Paddock add another away win to their impressive campaign so far. This week, Paddock will be the hosts.

Opponent Watch

Ashton Town Reserves were a team that made things difficult for Paddock last Saturday. They defended hard and also built sustained attacks from the back. Even when Paddock netted their third goal and the game seemed to be out of Ashton’s reach, the home side continued to apply phases of pressure onto Paddock.

Perhaps losing to Paddock will ignite even more fire into Ashton Town’s bellies?

Situational Preview

A loss last week for Ashton means that a win for them this week is vital. They sit 4th from bottom in the league (12th) however, West Didsbury & Chorlton, who are sit in 13th, have 3 games in hand on Ashton.

A loss tomorrow could see Ashton Town drop as far down as 14th (second from bottom) – Ashton are going to be up for it; they need a win. Paddock are going to be in for a tough game.

Things are more positive for Paddock. A win could see Paddock go level on points with Bollington who are currently in 3rd place – Bollington’s goal difference is far superior to Paddock’s, however. Stretford Paddock are 4 points off of 2nd place with 3 games in hand on F.C. St Helens who currently occupy that spot.

As of now, Upton JFC seem set to finish top but Paddock have every chance of finishing in the other promotion place, should they continue their current form.

Team News

Back in the squad this weekend is Tom MacFarlane. A back injury meant that MacFarlane was sidelined last weekend. Despite forming a great partnership with James Oatt over the past few weeks, a place back in the starting 11 for Tommy is not guaranteed. This is due to the impressive performance last week at centre half from youngster, Callum Kilroe.

Also back up for selection is Dom Molloy. Dom has been out with an elbow injury for a number of weeks now. Dom is a man who had an immediate positive impact at the club after his arrival and his return from injury is therefore a huge positive.

🚨𝗙𝗜𝗫𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 🚨

for the second weekend in a row we play 𝗔𝘀𝗵𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀 this time at home.

📅 Sat 10 Dec
📍 Manchester Enterprise Academy, M22 9RH
⏲️ 2:00PM
🏆 @CheshireFL
🎟️ FREE#UpThePaddock pic.twitter.com/KF0XikfdPq

— Stretford Paddock FC (@SPaddockFC) December 9, 2022

By Andre La Barbera