Author: Website Editor

By Casey Evans

Saturday 26th September, marks Stretford Paddock FC’s first home game at the Butcher’s Arms ground, Droylsden, where they will be taking on De La Salle Reds, Salford, in what is expected to be a tight fixture.

Stretford Paddock FC come into this fixture off a deserved win in their maiden competitive fixture against Bury Amateurs AFC, where they recorded a 4-2 victory. 

Jay Phillips scored a brace including a beautiful top corner free kick just after half time and his performance earned him the man of the match performance. Adam Ashton and Ronaldo Brown also got on the score sheet either side of half time to confirm a win for Paddock in a game that they dominated, both in shots and possession.

At the moment, Stretford Paddock FC lie third in the table and manager Stephen Howson will be hoping for an even better performance against De La Salle come 2pm on Saturday.

De La Salle Reds also recorded a victory last time out, winning 4-3 away at Newton. They will also be hoping to record a victory this week to make an early surge up the table.

Manager Stephen Howson said, “This game represents something unique for us, as for the entire journey of Stretford Paddock so far we have played away.

“I’m eternally grateful to Dave Pace, and Droylsden for allowing us to share their home, and also a big shout to Ryan Hopper for making the introduction. 

“I knew we’d end up in a stadium for the season, although I wasn’t sure which, so I wanted to make it feel special, invite loads of people down and celebrate the birth of this club. 

“During this match and throughout the season we will he raising money for Droylsden, so I hope whatever we can do helps get them back playing come next year.

“For us, I hope the occasion is marked with another 3 points. We started well last week and we have a chance to build on that. I’m excited by finally seeing club captain, Martin Parker, in a Paddock jersey, and we’re lucky to be able to bring in Nosa after a week out, in replacement for Louis who is suspended. 

“That adds a little more experience to the XI, and I’d like to see if we can keep improving in attack, and also get a clean sheet at home, too.”

We here at Stretford Paddock hope as many of you as possible can make it down to the ground. We will be checking the temperatures of the fans as they enter the ground and also be implementing social distancing measures to make sure everyone remains safe while watching the games.

If you can not attend due to distance or due to coronavirus related issues, the highlights of the game will be available after the match.

For those of you hoping to watch Manchester United play Brighton before the game, we will unfortunately be unable to show the game in the bar but there are a number of pubs in the surrounding area which will be showing the game.

In terms of the bar, fans will be able to enjoy a beer or a number of other drinks while watching the match but the bar will be cash only for this week as we are having problems with card payments.

All that’s left to say is roll on Saturday and hopefully roll on another win for Stretford Paddock FC.

The threat of rain was ever present on Sunday afternoon as Stretford Paddock FC faced a tough fixture in their second friendly against Jolly Carter FC. 

The combative nature of the game was clear from kick off as both sides showed no reservations about letting their opposite number know they were there. Hard tackles and close-fought 50/50s were ever present throughout the match.

Disaster struck quickly for Paddock as a two minute set-piece salvo by Jolly Carter put the opposition two goals up. The opposition took advantage of their experience and physicality over the young team to overload the box from set pieces and put the ball in the back of the net.

Throughout the first half Paddock were dominant going down the wing with both Louis Fitzpatrick and Ronaldo Brown causing constant problems for their fullbacks. 

The breakthrough came after Ronaldo’s tricky dribbling saw him brought down the in the box by the Jolly Carter defender and the referee pointed to the spot. Ronaldo stepped up to take the spot kick and converted.

Paddock’s first ever goal had been scored. A historic moment.

A few good chances followed in the first half with a good ball across the box finding Fitzpatrick in space in front of goal, however he was unable to get his correct foot in the correct position and shot wide. 

Paddock FC went into half time 2-1 down but very much still in the game. 

As the first half started, Jolly Carter’s years together as a team began to show. They adopted a classic 4-4-2 formation and began to counter Paddock’s high press. Paddocks chances began to be limited, with the closest chance of the early stages coming from a free kick by Cameron Watters that went just wide.

Within 10 minutes Paddocks dreams of a comeback were over, with Jolly Carter scoring three in quick succession, the pick of the goals coming from a chip over substitute keeper Jake Moore who had misjudged a ball forward and ventured too far away from his goal line.

Paddock continued to try and get forward but saw their chances limited. Ronaldo continued to be a bright spark throughout the half, at one point dribbling past four defenders. The Jolly Carter defenders were unable to deal with him, resulting to multiple fouls to stop the winger.

Overall it was a disappointing defeat for Paddock FC against a team which will be of the similar standard and mentality that they will be playing week in and out in the league. Stephen Howson will be hoping his men don’t get disheartened and bounce back next game with a better performance.