Stretford Paddock FC kick-off their Manchester County Cup fixture against East Manchester. A tough test for Stephen Howson’s Paddock side as East Manchester sit a few leagues above and they’ve previously reached the final of this competition three times. Is an upset on the cards?
News
Paddock Round Up
After the drama surrounding the climax of the first team’s cup win against a tough East Manchester side, the focus now turns to how the reserves and the development squad faired in their respective games and unfortunately it was a disappointing weekend for both teams.
The ressies suffered an agonising 2-1 loss after conceding a 93rd minute equaliser just seconds after nearly winning the game themselves at the other end. It was all in all a poor performance that resulted in a poor result that left a bitter taste in the mouths of everyone involved with the reserves. However, if there is one thing for certain, it’s that we all know that Nairobi’s men will be back to their best in their cup tie next week. Unfortunately, the development team suffered a similar fate as they were outplayed and out battled in a 5-0 loss against a very well organised team, although the score line does appear emphatic for the hosts, when the visitors did play on the floor with precision and some tempo, they were able to create opportunities for themselves. Lewis Bennett was a shining light with his constant running in behind and quick feet who managed to win himself a penalty that wasn’t converted, a great performance alongside fellow shining light Mark Dempsey who worked tirelessly in midfield but his efforts were eventually in vain. It was a big wake up call for everyone involved with the development team but it’s a squad that has shown enough to suggest that positive results are somewhere around the corner, but in the end, hats off to Kartel Sports for being great hosts and playing some entertaining football.
Stretford Paddock FC vs East Manchester FC Review
Stretford Paddock came into the game with a spring in their step having built up momentum from back to back victories and coming into the game with the knowledge that the visitors 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 came into this game carrying a fair amount of pedigree, and were not to be taken lightly. As expected, it was a tight and cagey affair for the most part, where paddock were able to manufacture good opportunities in front of goal but were just lacking the cutting edge. The visitors looked to sit back, soak up pressure and create opportunities on the breakaway and they almost punished the hosts on a couple occasions against the run of play, but for the most part Paddock controlled the game and always looked the most likely.
There were several near misses throughout the game but man of the moment Kieron Molloy came closest in the second half after a low driven cross from Josh Smith was met by Molloy and turned onto the post from close range. The match was edging towards a stalemate and it looked for all intent and purposes that the game was going to have to be decided in a nervy penalty shootout, but that wasn’t to be the case. As in the dying embers of the game, Molloy was controversially taken down just outside the penalty area and after a few deep breaths, Molloy curled a beautiful free kick over the wall and into the top corner with virtually the last kick of the game. The Paddock faithful erupted in celebration as the game had been won with the last kick of the game and the lads go marching on into the next round of the cup and make it 3 wins on the bounce.
Stretford Paddock FC vs East Manchester FC Preview
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.
Paddock Round Up
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.
They had another good week winning 5-1 against a hardworking and aggressive Newton 1sts side who were committed and didn’t give up regardless of the score-line, the star of the show on the day was hat-trick hero Paul Arrowsmith who scored 3 in a high scoring game which helped the reserves take the win and all 3 points. The performance could of been better regardless of the emphatic nature of the score line, but the result is exactly what the reserves wanted and needed.
On the other hand the development team suffered another disappointing loss as they were defeated 7-4 in a loss away to North Walkden Reserves, they played some good football throughout the game but lapses in concentration cost them as a majority of Walkden’s goals came through exploiting Paddock on the counter attack, something they’ll have to be wary of in the future. Despite the loss there were many positives to take from the game, some beautiful patterns of play resulted in very well taken goals, with Lewis Bennett’s rocket being the pick of the bunch.
Stretford Paddock FC vs Rochdalians FC Review
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.
FIGHT BACK! | Stretford Paddock FC vs Rochdalians | Match Highlights
Stretford Paddock FC return for their 5th game of the season in the Lancashire and Cheshire Premier Division. Stephen Howson and his side face Rochdalians – can the lads get another win on the board?
Stretford Paddock FC vs Rochdalians AFC Saturday
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.
Paddock Round Up
The Reserves started their Manchester FA Saturday Amateur Cup campaign with a thumping 7-4 win over a hard working Flixton Juniors 1st team. Flixton had the energy and work rate which at times caused Paddock problem but they were able to stick to their guns and play to their strengths and scored a breath-taking 7 goals which came from Azan (2), Ayo (2), Adam(1), Momen(1) and Sam(1).
The boys fought hard, ran out deserved winners and are buzzing to be through to the 2nd round of a cup. With a league match next weekend, everyone involved with the reserves looking to continue their form and bring home another 3 points.
The development squad didn’t have quite the same luck as they suffered a hard fought 1-0 loss to Moston Brook which was always going to be a tough team to bear as the hosts sit top of the league with a staggering +24 goal difference from just 3 games. Paddock went into the game looking to keep it tight and compact but managed to grow into the game and had spells of taking the game to the favourites, which turned the game into a great spectacle. Unfortunately, Paddock were undone by a set piece corner and despite their best efforts to get back into the game alongside some goalkeeping heroics from Victor to keep Paddock in the game, unfortunately the efforts were eventually in vain as the game ended 1-0 to the hosts as the development squad will look to bounce back next weekend.
AFC Oldham vs Stretford Paddock FC Review
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.
