CAST YOUR VOTE HERE: https://twitter.com/SPaddockFC/status… We’ve only played Two League Games, but Stretford Paddock FC have managed to score some bangers! Here are your Goals Of The Month for September!
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Review – Stretford Paddock come back to win in Maiden home fixture against De La Salle Reds
By Casey Evans
Today marked the first ever home fixture for Stretford Paddock FC. For the entirety of their journey so far, Stephen Howson’s men have played every single game away from home, so the weight of expectation on the shoulders of the team as they faced De La Salle Reds was immeasurable.
174 people attended the match at the Butchers Arms Ground and were witness to a 3-1 victory for the home side. The atmosphere at the ground was immense, with cheers and songs ringing out while the fans enjoyed beers from the bar.
The early stages of the match were end to end and neither team could really gain a foothold. Paddock forward Kev Gale had a few searching shots, but they all were easily held by the De La Salle goalkeeper.
Disaster struck for Paddock in the 34th minute however when a cross went in and an unmarked De La Salle player at the far post was able to put it into the net, beating Hart by inches.
Paddock quickly got back in the right mindset and a swift passing move between Cam Watters, Nosa Imayu and Ronaldo Brown, which then led to Ronaldo passing it back to Watters just outside the box. He hit it low and clean and it beat the keeper, to bring the match back level as the half came to an end at 1-1.
At half time Kev Gale was subbed and replaced by Adam Ashton.
The second half began much better for Paddock. With encouragement from the crowd, the team stepped up a gear and with constant pressure on the De La Salle defence, resulted in just reward early on.
Ronaldo got on the end of a cross into the box and under fierce competition from the opposition keeper was able to slot the ball into the back of the net, making it 2-1, putting Paddock ahead for the first time in the match.
The rest of the match resulted in a lot of pressure for Paddock, De La Salle were searching for an equaliser and more in the following half hour, and in the 89th minute De La Salle unleashed a fierce shot from distance which looked destined to nestle in the top corner of the net, but showing unbelievable reflexes, Jonny Hart at full stretch, saved the Paddocks lead and left manager Stephen Howson overjoyed, with his heart in his mouth.
A few minutes later he had more reason for celebration, as Jay Phillips continued his scoring form getting Paddocks third and sending the Butchers Arms crowd into thunderous cheers.
The goal confirmed Paddock’s victory as the game ended 3-1 and marked two games for Paddock with two wins.
(Back) Jay Phillips, James Oatt, Martin Parker, Mo Barakat, Jonny Hart, Luke Zakian
(Front) Aaron Hopley, Kev Gall, Cam Watter, Nosa Imayu, Ronaldo Brown
A perfect day for all involved and we thank everyone at Droylsden who shared their fantastic facilities and for helping to make it happen, despite the terrible circumstances that led to them having to withdraw from competition this season.
Our collection for the Bloods totalled £186.22 and we will be continuing to collect voluntary funds at every home match this season to help the Droylsden club get back on their feet. If you want to donate follow the link here: https://uk.gofundme.com/f/droylsden-fc
PHOTOS BY GREG WESTWOOD
Our Official Sleeve Sponsor – Gripd
Stretford Paddock FC are proud to announce that we will be partnering with Gripd for the coming season as our official shirt sleeve sponsor.
Gripd will adorn the sleeves of both our home and away kits for every match we play this season.
Gripd create state of the art non-slip socks which allow the wearer to twist turn and run with greater precision and control. Their innovative design providing comfort while allowing the user to achieve their maximum performance.
Speaking to the Gripd team they said: “When we heard Stretford Paddock were starting a football team we felt we just had to get involved.
“We have always tried to align ourselves with companies that have ambitions as high as ours. That coupled with the fact our performance socks are designed for sports and specifically football we felt it was the perfect fit.
“We can’t wait to see where this journey goes and are excited to watch the lads play and express themselves week in week out, with GRiPD proudly sponsored on the sleeves and the our socks on the players feet.”
You can find out more about Gripd using the link here: www.gripd.co.uk
Preview: Stretford Paddock FC vs De La Salle Reds
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.
Our Official Shirt sponsor – Buckley Design Solutions
Stretford Paddock FC are delighted to announce that they will be partnering with Buckley Design Solutions as one of our main sponsors for the upcoming season.
BDS will be our shirt sponsor and therefore will be displayed on the front of our home and away shirts in every game we play this season.
The company are based in the North West but operate all over the country, providing innovate and unmatched scaffolding design solutions and advice for many sectors of the construction industry, including Rail, Industrial, Commercial and Events.
Managing Director of BDS, Lee Buckley said “We have sponsored many football teams over the years, but these sponsorships have always been centred around youth teams, as I love the thought of contributing to kids getting a chance to do what they love.
“Sponsoring an adult team was never something that I considered, until Stretford Paddock FC came along. As a big Man Utd fan & season ticket holder, I have followed Stephen Howson, Stretford Paddock & Full Time Devils for many years on their social media platforms, so when I heard the announcement of Stretford Paddock FC forming a team, I immediately wanted to be involved from the start. I love the enthusiasm & passion shown by Stephen & his staff/team, & would really like to be part of the journey…who knows where it will lead..?!”
As a club who are proud of our northern heritage and the acknowledge the importance of hard work in striving for perfection, we are proud to partner with a company like BDS that champions these same values.
Find out more about Buckley Design Solutions here: https://www.buckleydesigns.co.uk
Review – Philips Inspires paddock to win in first competitive fixture
by Casey Evans
On Saturday afternoon Stretford Paddock marked their first ever competitive fixture with a win against Bury Amateur AFC, in what was a hard fought 4-2 victory for Stephen Howson’s men. The anticipation around the pitch was palpable as both sides wanted to kick off this new season with a win.
Things started badly for Paddock, as Bury scored early on – a long ball over the top of the defence prompted a footrace between the Bury striker and Stretford Paddock’s ’keeper, Josh Hollobon. Unfortunately, Hollobon was beaten to the ball and the striker prodded it home. Their experience both in the league and as a team showed, Bury’s long balls caused problems for the fledgling Paddock side, in the early stages.
Paddock continued to apply pressure throughout the first half, with little reward for their efforts. Ronaldo Brown dribbled well to work his way into the box, but found his effort saved by the Bury keeper.
Stretford Paddock’s fortunes changed when a clearance from a corner landed back at the feet of the taker Jay Philips, in the 41st minute, who delivered a cross-come-shot towards the back post. The cross went past everyone in the box and nestled in the net, getting the equaliser Paddock were searching for.
Minutes later, midfielder Cameron Watters went down under a challenge in the penalty area, but the loose ball fell to Adam Ashton, who hit the ball into the top corner, with some venom. Paddock went into half time 2-1 up.
The scoring continued early on in the second half when Luke Zakian was brought down in the 47th minute, just outside the box. Philips stood over the free-kick and smashed it over the wall, into the top right corner, scoring a brace in the first competitive match for Paddock.
Philips went close to getting his hat-trick, with a curling effort, from outside of the box, hitting the post.
Bury, again, exploited the high line of the Paddock defence in the second half – using a long ball to get in behind and made it 3-2, resulting in the closing stages of the game being quite tense.
However, Ronaldo took the game in his stride, breaking through the Bury defence before being brought down in the box. He took the resulting penalty and slotted it home, making it 4-2 to the Paddock.
The ending of the game was marred by a second yellow card for Louis Fitzpatrick who left the pitch after a decent performance, but he will now be suspended for Paddock’s next fixture.
Manager Stephen Howson and the coaches were happy with the team’s performance and will be hoping they can use this win and take this momentum into the next fixture, which is Stretford Paddock’s first ever home game, next Saturday, against De La Salle Reds.
FIRST LEAGUE GAME; Long Ball Problems! | Bury Amateurs AFC vs Stretford Paddock | Match Highlights
It’s the first league game for Stretford Paddock FC at Bury Amateurs AFC , can the lads start as they mean to go on? Or will long ball problems give the points to the hosts? #UpThePaddock
PADDOCK PREVIEW – Paddock hope to kick off season with a win away to Bury Amateurs
By Casey Evans
Tomorrow marks not just the first game in the Lancashire and Cheshire League since the lockdown put a stop to all grassroots football, but also the first ever competitive fixture for Stretford Paddock FC as they play Bury Amateur AFC away from home.
After months of preparation and hard work, everyone from the players to the backroom staff will be raring to get going and kick off their maiden campaign with a win.
Stretford Paddock faced a difficult preseason; restrictions had left a limited amount of time for the team to gel. This meant they faced defeats at the hands of Dukinfield Town, Jolly Carter FC and a 1-1 draw against Urmston Town, who they will also be facing in the league this season. They did manage a 2-0 victory against Chorlton FC showing promising signs from Stephen Howson’s side, however their first competitive fixture will offer a whole new challenge.
A stand out moment from the preseason was definitely Ronaldo Brown scoring Paddock’s first ever goal, after winning then converting a penalty against Jolly Carter FC. However, he and players like Adam Ashton, Louis Fitzpatrick and Cameron Watters, will be queueing up to be the first name on the scoresheet when it comes to their first competitive fixture.
Bury Amateur AFC , will be wanting to improve on their previous season where they finished 10th with 12 point and a minus 27 goal difference. Despite this underachievement, they will still be hoping that they can use their experience to their advantage against the fledgling Paddock side and cause them difficulties.
Manager Stephen Howson is not concerned, saying: “I’m very much looking forward to our first competitive game, it’s been a long time coming, and it’s now the moment of truth. We’ve trained fantastically well the last couple of weeks, added some great additions to the squad and I feel we are almost coming to the boil.
There’s still a lot to do in terms of patterns of play and set piece work, but I think we are going to be a force. Can’t wait to see the lads in action.”
Stretford Paddock will be without some players due to them still working up to match fitness, however some are having to self-isolate after being exposed to a positive case of COVID-19. Luckily these players avoided any contact with the rest of the team.
The match will kick off at 2pm tomorrow and you attend the game by coming down to Rainsough Brow, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 9XW.
We’d like to remind anyone who is planning to come down, that if they or anyone in their household are displaying COVID-19 symptoms could they please refrain from attending the game so we can keep the spectators safe.
For those not able to attend, highlights will be available on the Paddock FC Youtube site after the game.
The Upcoming Season: Our fixtures & where we’ll play them
Here is some of the important information you need to know before Stretford Paddock FC kick off in their inaugural season in the Lancashire and Cheshire league.
First Six Fixtures
Stretford Paddock’s first competitive fixtures in the Lancashire and Cheshire AFL Division 1 have been confirmed and they are as follows:
- Away to Bury Amateur AFC – 19th September
- Home to De La Salle Reds – 26th September
- Away to Signol Old Boys – 3rd October
- Home to Newton – 10th October
- Home to Hadfield Athletic AFC – 17th October
- Home to Moston Brook – 24th October
Stephen Howson and his team are excited to get started and we here at Stretford Paddock hope as many fans as possible will be able to get down to the matches, both home and away, to support us as we set out on our maiden campaign in amateur football.
However we do ask that you only attend if it is safe to do so and if you, or anyone you live with are displaying COVID-19 symptoms, please could you refrain from attending games, as it will help us operate safely in these uncertain times.
The highlights of every Paddock game will be available afterwards so you can still get your footballing fix if you are unable to attend.
If you are able to attend however, you made need to make a note of this next announcement.
Our New Ground
Stretford Paddock FC are delighted to announce that we will have the usage of Droylsden FC’s Butchers Arms Ground for the 2020/21 season.
Fans will be able to stand in the terraces and watch the first team play every home game at the East Manchester-based ground, and enjoy a drink while watching some good football. What more could you ask for?
We would like to thank David Pace and everyone at Droylsden FC for allowing us to use the ground and also for working around the clock to make sure the ground is ready for our first home game on the 26th September. We realise that access to a quality playing surface at this level is hard to find and we are thankful that even in this time of hardship for the club, they have worked to make sure that the team will have a surface that will allow Paddock to play entertaining football throughout the season.
The unfortunate news that Droylsden FC would have to withdraw from competition this season due to the financial implications of the COVID-19 crisis hit its fans and the surrounding community hard and we understand this, so every game the money made from the bar will be given to Droylsden FC and there will be an opportunity for donations at the gate in order to help this pillar of the community get back on it’s feet.
The address for any fans hoping to attend is as follows:
Droylsden FC
Market St
Droylsden
Manchester
M43 7AY
Guidelines will affect how many fans are permitted into the ground, however we hope to see as many of you there as possible when we kick off against De La Salle Reds on the 26th September.Entry for this, and all Stretford Paddock home games is free of charge for this season.
Are We Ready? | Stretford Paddock FC Pre Season | Stephen Howson Football Manager S1E2
As the Pre Season for Stretford Paddock draws to a close, the coaches begin to ask questions of their First and Reserve Team Squads following the trial day. The main question on everyone’s lips is Are We Ready?
