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
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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?
Meet The Team: Ryan Hopper | Bruno Fernandes’ 1-2-1 Coach | RH Elite Coaching
We’re back with another Meet The Team and this time it’s all about Ryan Hopper (RH Elite Coaching)! Ryan is Stretford Paddock FC’s 1-2-1 Coach. He works with a lot of pro footballers, including Bruno Fernandes, Fred, Diego Dalot and many more!
3 RED CARDS! | Urmston Town Vale vs Stretford Paddock FC | Match Highlights
Our 5th game of pre-season and this time Stephen Howson and the Paddock lads face Urmston Town Vale, a team we will be competing against in our league for next season.
Ronaldo sees red as paddock draw with urmston town
By Casey Evans
The honours were even between Stretford Paddock and Urmston Town, in a match that provided Stephen Howson’s men with their first challenge against a team that they will play again in league competition this season.
Paddock went close early on with a number of free kicks played into the box. Midfielder Cameron Watters hit the post from distance and had the best chance of the half in the 28th minute as Nosa Imayu, who was playing upfront in this game, backheeled a pass to him on the outside of the box but he unfortunately put it just wide.
The first half was marked with many contentious events, Urmston’s number 11 was sent off for a second yellow card after a heavy challenge on Ronaldo Brown in the 14th minute. Ronaldo Brown was involved in an off the ball incident eight minutes later, which saw Paddock’s number 11 and Urmston’s number 10 sent off by the referee.
Paddock’s last chance of the half came when Louis Fitzpatrick went close, breaking through 1-on-1 in the 42nd minute but the opposition keeper got down and stopped the low shot. The teams went into half time goalless, and the lack of chances was a cause for concern for manager Stephen Howson who made his displeasure known.
In the second half, Paddock found it hard to get going, with a number of fouls stopping them from creating many chances. Substitute Ayo Akinlade looked bright down the left-hand side linking well with Nosa Imayu and Ritchie Adjei.
Paddock’s goal came from a fantastic individual bit of skill by Nosa Imayu, flicking the ball over his head and beating his defender before slotting it low into the net to make it 1-0. Imayu looked dangerous through the half, especially when moved back into his more natural number 10 position, allowing him more time on the ball.
Paddock had chances, but never seemed to capitalise on them. Urmston’s long ball game left them constantly at threat of a counterattack and the opposition’s chance came when they seized on a mistake in the 80th minute, Jake Carr played a ball back to substitute keeper Nathan Carr who wasn’t in position and Urmston scored off the loose ball.
The game ended with a draw and though positives could be taken from the performance, the inability to finish the game off will leave the team and the coaches frustrated.
Meet The Team: Nosa Iyamu
Welcome back to the latest episode of Meet The Team! Today features Stretford Paddock FC’s Midfielder, Nosa Iyamu. Did you know Nosa scored Stretford Paddock FC’s first Open Play Goal? This series will give you the full tour of Stretford Paddock FC, helping you to get to know everyone from every section of the club. Enjoy and tell us who you want to see next on Meet The Team!
FIRST WIN! | Chorlton FC 0-2 Stretford Paddock FC | Match Highlights
historic day for Stretford Paddock FC as we record our first ever victory with a solid 2-0 win over Chorlton FC! Goals coming from Nosa and Ronaldo.
Our First Win! | Pre Season Review | Post Match Podcast
Join Coaches Peter and Stephen and Midfielders Aaron and Cam as they discuss Stretford Paddock FC ‘s Pre Season in full review, following games against Dukinfield Town, Jolly Carter FC, Boothstown Miners & Chorlton FC. The lads discuss the different challenges faced with each team, as well as exclusive highlights of our first win on Sunday. #UpThePaddock
