Author: Ronaldo Brown

Stretford Paddock look to continue their run of form from the past couple of weeks as they take on East Manchester FC in the Manchester County Cup. East Manchester currently sit in 4th place in Division One of the Manchester Football League having played 6 games in the league, winning 2, drawing 3 and losing 1. They should prove a decent test on the weekend as in cup competition, in a one off game, anything can happen – so it will be paramount that the lads don’t underestimate their opposition and put their best foot forward. A sentiment that’s backed up by East Manchester’s recent performances in cup competition, they have historically been cup specialists, particularly in the Manchester County Cup, as they have featured in the last two finals in the competition so they come into this game carrying a fair amount of pedigree, and are not to be taken lightly.

No team has been able to shut out Stretford Paddock this season, as the talent going forward is clear to see, Josh Smith in particular with his 7 G/A’s in just 4 games this season will look to continue his supreme form on the weekend. When the clean sheets begin to materialise, Paddock have all the makings of contending in any competition they step foot in. The game will be played at Dalberg St, Manchester M12 6BN at Nichols Community Football Centre and is open to the public so come down and support the lads as they begin their cup campaign.

With the first team attaining another victory the focus turns to how the Reserves and Development team faired, and it was a contrast in results between the two sides but the good news is that Nairobi’s men (reserves) ran out comfortable winners.

Stretford Paddock now have back to back victories having beating Rochdalians FC 2-1 on the weekend in what was a hotly contested game with both teams having their fair amount of opportunities, the hosts were big favourites coming in, with both teams being at opposite sides of the table but the game proved to be much more even than anticipated. Paddock went into the break at half time 1-0 down too conceding from a great looping header leaving the keeper with no chance and just like last week the lads reacted accordingly second half, turning the game around and actually capitalising on chances created, similar chances that alluded the hosts in the first half.

Kieron Molloy was a threat and a bright spark all day, continuing his great goal scoring form with his 4th goal in 5 games; he was an absolute danger all game. With the man of the moment Josh Smith leaping highest to head home for the winner from a set piece registering his 6th goal in 5 games as he continues to light the league up for Paddock. The victory meant Paddock continued to keep the pressure on the top team De La Salle where they seem primed to pounce on any slip ups from the Salford side. It will be interesting to see whether they can continue this good run of form.

Just like last week, Paddock come into the game against a side they should be heavily favoured against with the visitors only playing 2 games this season, losing both and are dwindling at the bottom of the table. After their emphatic second half performance last week against AFC Oldham, the boys should be coming into the game brimming with confidence. They should be chomping at the bit as a victory would send Paddock level on points with De La Salle Reds on top of the table and keep the pressure on Milton Firsts who are in second place having enjoyed a strong start to the season themselves. With Ste and the coaching staff being left largely underwhelmed and dissatisfied by the performance last week despite the victory we can expect a side raring to go, determined to establish themselves as title challengers.

The game will be held Nicholls Campus, Hyde Rd, Ardwick, Manchester M12 6BA with Kick Off at 2pm, come down and support the lads.

The game on the weekend was very much built up as a mismatch as the hosts came into the game buried at the bottom of the table but managed to compete for a large majority of the game, much to the displeasure of the Stephen Howson on the coaching staff. Coming into this game wanting to right the wrongs of the defeat to high flying De La Salle Reds last weekend, Paddock wanted to ensure that there were absolutely no slip ups and eventually ran out as comfortable 5-2 winners.

Remarkably, all 7 goals came in the second half as it was level at the break at 0-0 but the goals started to come with regularity as the game became stretched. Kieran Molloy added to his season goal tally as being the first to react to the break of the ball in the box and tucking it away. Goals from Jones, Zhekov and a another brilliant brace from Josh Smith were enough to see off the hosts. AFC Oldham did however make a valiant effort within the game, registering a couple goals of their own with one of them coming from the penalty spot as Will Hobson was penalised for a mistimed challenge in the area after a goal mouth scramble.

The pick of the performers had to be Zhekov who has came in and been a revelation in the midfield area with his ball playing ability and his passing acumen as well as his eye for a goal, after carefully slotting in his second goal in as many games. However the highlight of the match was Josh Smith’s audacious chip from 35 yards out as he spots the keeper off his line, continuing his fine form in front of goal to start the season.