News

On a day where the home side wanted revenge, a Michael Burke free-kick and another brace from Kieron Molloy were enough to secure Stretford Paddock 3 valuable points against Newton-le-Willows. 

The Willows started brightly by putting lumps of pressure on the home side’s defence. After a dominant first 5 minutes, Newton-le-Willows put themselves ahead after a quickly taken shot was deflected past Paddock’s keeper, Dan McKenna.

Unlike in the reverse fixture between both sides, Paddock responded. 3 minutes after going 1 behind, the man in form, Kieron Molloy, found himself with the ball in his favourite wide position. In classic ‘Kieron’ style, Molloy knocked the ball past his defender, before beating him for pace. All that was left for Molloy was to slot the ball over the keeper to level things up.

The goal gave Paddock even more confidence and after a spell of control, they nearly made it 2. Some good footwork from Paddock striker, Tom Jones, meant he was able to get a shot on goal. The shot was heading off target but helped goal-wards by Molloy. Newton’s keeper pulled out a fantastic save to stop the home side from taking the lead.

Just before the break, the domineering Paddock inevitably took the lead. A free-kick from the edge of the box was hit sweetly up and over the wall from Burke. Despite getting hands on the ball, the pace on the strike meant Newton’s keeper was unable to stop ball hitting the back of the net. 2-1 Paddock.

HT: Stretford Paddock 2-1 Newton-le-Willows

Shortly into the second half, things got worse for the visitors after ‘stone-wall’ Newton penalty was not awarded. A following comment aimed at the referee from The Willows’ captain was punished with a straight red card.

Being a man up, Paddock dominated the second half by keeping the ball more than they did in the first. In the 58th minute, Molloy got his second. Callum Kilroe played a looping pass from the half way line which was elegantly chested down by Molloy. Despite heading away from goal, he then volleyed the ball home to get Paddock’s third in true style.

There wasn’t much more action until the closing stages. Newton managed to score a consolation goal in the 90th minute however, 2 minutes before, they were reduced the 9 men. Paddock and Newton received a red card each after an off the ball heated exchange after a foul.

FT: Stretford Paddock 3-2 Newton-le-Willows

Stretford Paddock: Dan McKenna, Ryan Pickering (87′ Kieron Molloy), Tom MacFarlane, Callum Kilroe (79′ Paulo Dos Santos), Michael Burke (GOAL 45+2′), Kayode Adewale, Nosa Iyamu, Jainiero Salmon-Harris, Kieron Molloy (69′ Joao De Andrade (RED CARD 90+1′), GOAL 16′, 58′), Ronaldo Brown, Tom Jones (75′ Michael Okocha)

By Andre La Barbera

After a week of no football, Stretford Paddock make their return to the Cheshire League with a home fixture against Newton-le-Willows. The reverse fixture between the two clubs occurred right in the heart of Paddock’s early season poor form. A 4-0 Newton-le-Willows victory was nothing but a fair result. This time around however, Paddock are on a 4 games win streak – a feisty, tough game is on the cards.

Team news:

Manager, Stephen Howson, has confirmed that there will be no Jainiero Salmon-Harris this weekend. In addition to this, there are doubts over a couple more of the boys because of injuries in training. Due to knocks potentially healing in time for tomorrow, we cannot confirm for sure which players will be unavailable.

One man looking to impress tomorrow will be Paddock forward, Tom Jones. Over the last couple of weeks, Kieron Molloy has been the attacker making all of the headlines yet, Jones has been quietly getting on with his business. Jones has registered 5 goals in 6 games in all competitions – almost a goal a game.

Form guide:

Including the cup win against Denton Town, Paddock have now won 4 games on the bounce. In fact, the last loss the club faced was against Newton-le-Willows back in August.

After conceding 4 goals and failing to score last time Paddock faced The Willows, it’ll be one tough challenge on Saturday. It would however, be the perfect way to keep the clubs winning run alive and kicking.

A win would mean Paddock will have gained 16 points from their first 8 games – an average of 2 points per game. They could move as high up as 5th in the table should they win tomorrow.

Opposition Watch:

This weekend’s opponents have had a slow last few games, coming off the back of two losses despite starting their season with four consecutive wins.

Newton-le-Willows currently sit two places below Paddock in Division 2 of the Cheshire League. Cory Sherlock is one player to watch out for. Sherlock is The Willows’ highest goal scorer this season so far having scored five goals in nine appearances.

The Gaffer:

Paddock boss, Stephen Howson, shared his thoughts ahead of this weekends matchup:

“I’m excited to be back in league action, it feels like ages since our last game.

I’m also looking forward to play Newton again, I feel like we let ourselves down last time in a big way.

Hopefully our players have learnt from our mistakes in that fixture and I’m looking forward to seeing the evidence of that tomorrow.”

🚨𝗙𝗜𝗫𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦🚨

We face 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘁𝗼𝗻-𝗟𝗲-𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝘀 again, this time at home. We’re looking to put things right after our 4-0 defeat the last time we played.

📅 Sat 15th Oct
📍 Valley Road Stadium, M41 8RP
⏲️ 2:00PM
🏆 @CheshireFL
🎟️ FREE#UpThePaddock pic.twitter.com/zPc7YAoiaN

— Stretford Paddock FC (@SPaddockFC) October 14, 2022

We hope to see some Paddock fans down at the game tomorrow! If you’re free, come on down and support the boys!

By Andre La Barbera

Over the last few weeks, Stretford Paddock have been marching up the table. Paddock currently sit in 8^th position and this week they come up against Atherton Laburnum Rovers U23’s, the team who sit once place above. A Paddock win would not only see them move up (a minimum) one spot, but extend their winning streak to 5.

Atherton Laburnum Rovers

This weekend’s opponents, like Paddock have had a mixed start to their campaign. Despite having won their last 3 league matches, Atherton Laburnum have lost 6 league games and therefore sit mid-table.

Atherton Laburnum FC’s first team currently play in the North West Counties Division 1 but this season have entered an under 23’s side into the Cheshire League. Atherton Laburnum have played 5 more league games than Paddock, yet a win on Saturday extend their lead over Paddock to 4 points.

Manager, Stephen Howson expressed his respect for this week’s opponents: “Atherton are in very good form. Like us, they’re on 4 consecutive wins and I’m therefore expecting a feisty, competitive game.”

Stretford Paddock

The club are going into this weekend on the back of a huge win against Denton Town. Paddock went behind twice last Saturday but fought hard to turn the game on its head, coming out as 5-2 victors. Howson summed up his team’s current on-field situation:

“We’ve looked good with the ball in recent weeks, but I’m not completely happy with our defending. There are levels and gears for us to go through as a team, and I’d like to see some progress in that this week.”

One to watch: Kieron Molloy

A brace last Saturday saw Kieron Molloy reach 25 goals for Stretford Paddock Football Club. Molloy’s form in recent weeks has been at a very high level and it seems to be one of the main drivers behind Paddocks 4 match winning streak.

Molloy has proven that if he is given space to run into, there is a serious chance that Paddock will score. Whether its via beating his man, making counter-attacking runs or starting 1-2 passing movements, Molloy has been continuously finding himself in the final third of the opposition. You can tell he is enjoying his football right now.

Team News

Other than Cameron Watters, Stretford Paddock have full availability ahead of tomorrows game.

Atherton Laburnum Rovers vs Stretford Paddock kicks off tomorrow at 2pm from Crilly Park. Details are below, it would be great to see some fans down there supporting the lads:

🚨𝗙𝗜𝗫𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 🚨

After Our victory in the cup, we’re back in action in the league. We face 𝗔𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗥 for the first time.

📅 Sat 8th Oct
📍 Crilly Park, M46 9WW
⏲️ 2:00PM
🏆 @CheshireFL
🎟️ FREE#UpThePaddock pic.twitter.com/SFOjxDcJjN

— Stretford Paddock FC (@SPaddockFC) October 7, 2022

For the second week in a row, Stretford Paddock hammer 5 goals past their opponents at home but this time, to secure their spot in the quarter finals of the Manchester FA Saturday Challenge Trophy.

Today, Paddock faced the very team that knocked them out of last year’s competition – you could tell that both sides were up for it from kick off. The match started with great intensity, yet Denton started the better team. It took only 4 minutes for the away side to break the deadlock.

After winning the ball through a quick press, Denton’s wide attacker whipped the ball across goal, just glancing the cross bar. The ball, fortunately, fell to the feet of his attacking counterpart. He did well to get the ball out of his feet and find the corner.

Paddock responded in a quick and efficient manner. After winning a freekick just to the right of the Denton penalty area, Mikey Burke delivered one of his trademark crosses which was elegantly guided past the keeper by Dom Molloy’s header.

Paddock, however, couldn’t hold onto their lead. A Denton corner was badly cleared and, again, falls to the feet of a Denton attacker who finishes well.

But Paddock, again, responded – this time it was Kieron Molloy. In the 30^th minute, a 1-2 pass with Tom Jones unleashed Molloy down the wing. He beat Denton’s fullback with pace and hammered it past the keeper to equalise.

HT: Stretford Paddock 2-2 Denton Town

The second half started less fiercely and that allowed Paddock to assert some dominance. In the 57^th minute, Paddock took the lead. A pass from Dom Molloy made its way right into the path of his brother, Kieron’s run. Now in on goal, all Molloy had to do was lift the ball over Denton’s keeper.

With 20 minutes to go, it was 4-2. A clearance from Denton was tame and landed at the feet of Joao De Andrade’s, who was camped on the edge of the box. A beautiful finish from De Andrade all but put to bed the tie against their higher league opposition.

Substitute, Cam Watters, only minutes later, got Paddock’s fifth. The Stretford Paddock midfielder calmly controlled a bobbling ball inside the box and then scooped it past his defender. A half volley goalward was too much for the keeper and Paddock were on their way to the next round.

FT: Stretford Paddock 5-2 Denton Town

Man of the Match: Kieron Molloy

Stretford Paddock: Victor Gimenez, Michael Burke, Will Hobson, James Oatt (C), Kayode Adewale, Nosa Iyamu (46’ Omar Sinclair), Dom Molloy (11’ GOAL) (59’ Cameron Watters), Jainiero Salmon-Harris (81’ Jon Ogo), Joao De Andrade (70’ GOAL) (85’ Tom Jones), Tom Jones (46’ Ryan Pickering), Kieron Molloy (GOAL 31’, 57’) (59’ Ronaldo Brown)

By Andre La Barbera

This Saturday marks the start of Stretford Paddock’s campaign in the Manchester Saturday Challenge Trophy. We face familiar opponents in this competition as Paddock host the same side that knocked them out of last year’s competition – Denton Town. After exiting at the quarter final stage last season, Stephen Howson’s men will be more motivated than ever to challenge for some silverware.

On a roll

Paddock netted five goals against Mersey Valley last weekend and just as importantly, kept a clean sheet. After a frustrating 2-2 draw against Mersey Valley earlier in the season, prior to the game, manager Stephen Howson expressed his desire to put things right – and that’s exactly what happened.

Paddock now head into the Manchester Saturday Challenge Trophy on the back of three consecutive league wins – there’s plenty of positivity around club.

Team News

Two men looking to return to the starting 11 this week are Nosa Iyamu and Dom Molloy.

After serving the suspension he received against Hartford, Iyamu will be looking to impress against his old club whether that is from the first whistle or from the bench. Last season, Iyamu had a short loan spell at Denton Town where he came off the bench to face Paddock in last year’s quarter final.

Dom Molloy also returns to the match day squad. Molloy was a late joiner to the club this season but has had a real impact. His physicality and passing ability have added a lot of stability to the Paddock midfield.

Ste was forced to change his starting 11 late on last weekend to a 4-2-4 formation and it worked wonders. It’ll be interesting to see whether the manager will stick to what worked last week or whether he will resort back to a 4-3-3.

16-year-old debutant, Callum Kilroe has also made Ste’s selection even more difficult. A man of the match performance in his first ever game of men’s football means his name must be in consideration for a spot in the starting 11.

Denton Town

It’ll be one hell of an achievement should Paddock beat their opponents on Saturday. Denton currently sit top of League 1 in the Cheshire League, the division above Paddock’s. They started their season remarkably by winning their first 7 games on the bounce. There’s no doubt that Denton are favourites going into Saturday’s fixture.

Despite this, Denton’s last two fixtures ended in a draw and a loss. Paddock might be facing the League 1 leaders at the perfect time.

🚨𝗙𝗜𝗫𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 🚨

We’re back in action once again against 𝗗𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻 in the cup.

📅 Sat 1st Oct
📍 Manchester Enterprise Academy, M22 9RH
⏲️ 2:00PM
🏆 @Manchester_FA Saturday Challenge Trophy
🎟️ FREE#UpThePaddock pic.twitter.com/4ntBzWPfAR

— Stretford Paddock FC (@SPaddockFC) September 30, 2022

This Saturday’s fixture kicks off at 2PM from the Manchester Enterprise Academy:

Simonsway

Wythenshawe

Manchester

M22 9RH

We’d love to see some fans down their cheering on the lads!

There was only one word to describe Stretford Paddock’s 5-0 win against Mersey Valley – Dominant. Goals from James Oatt, Kieron Molloy, Tom Jones, Mike Burke and David Salome meant that Paddock’s first home fixture of the season would be one to remember.

Paddock were on the ball right from the get go and had the ball in the net after just 6 minutes. Good link up play between De Andrade and Molloy allowed for an easy pass to be made across goal. After a great run from deep, Mikey Burke was there to finish but was marginally offside.

A very similar chance was created 20 minutes later. Molloy thundered into Mersey Valley’s penalty area and made the same pass to Burke who, this time, was onside. The finish was good – 1-0 to Paddock.

Burke was involved in a chance again just moments later. A pinpoint pass over the top was met by striker, Tom Jones. Jones did excellent to beat the keeper, but the finish was marginally wide.

In the 34^th minute, winger, Ronaldo Brown was fouled in the opposition’s penalty area. Jones stepped up to double Paddock’s lead as he hammered his penalty into the top corner – 2-0.

HT: Stretford Paddock 2-0 Mersey Valley

It was a long afternoon for Mersey Valley. Just 5 minutes after the restart, captain, James Oatt, got on the end of a Burke cross. An acrobatic volley was perfectly directed into the top right-hand corner and Paddock were 3-0 up.

10 minutes later, Molloy showed us some magic. After graciously beating Mersey Valley’s fullback, Molloy cut inside and before anyone could realise, the ball was in the back of the net.

With 15 minutes to go, Paddock scored their 5^th and final goal. A freekick on the edge of the box summoned a routine fresh from the training ground. A well-rehearsed one, two, cross from Burke and Salmon-Harris allowed David Salome to shoot from close range. The keeper did well to save but Salome’s rebound found the back of the net.

FT: Stretford Paddock 5-0 Mersey Valley

Stretford Paddock: Victor Gimenez, Michael Burke (27’ GOAL), James Oatt (C)(54’ GOAL), Callum Kilroe (61’ Ryan Pickering), Omar Sinclair, Will Hobson (61’ Aftab Jan), Jainiero Salmon-Harris, Joao De Andrade (61’ John Ogo), Ronaldo Brown, Tom Jones (35’ GOAL) (46’ David Salome), Kieron Molloy (61’ Goal)

By Andre La Barbera

For the first time this season, Paddock have a chance to put a previous disappointment right when they face Mersey Valley this Saturday. It’s been almost a month since Paddock’s last league fixture yet, the club will be looking to make it 3 wins on the bounce in this weeks matchup.

Mid-Season friendly

Paddock have not played a league game since the end of last month, where they convincingly beat Hartford 3 goals to 1. Despite this, the lads have been training regularly and have managed to dust away some cobwebs with a preseason friendly last Saturday against Crewe FC Reserves.

Manager, Stephen Howson shared his thoughts on this week’s fixture:

“It’s nice to finally have a game. We aren’t really bothered about last week’s result as the progress in our style for play and attacking shape was great against Crewe.”

Paddock lost 3-2 away against Crewe FC, however the first half performance was full of positives. Tom Jones’ brace was taken brilliantly thanks to two brilliant balls from Salmon-Harris and De Andrade.

Mersey Valley

Mersey Valley hosted Paddock earlier this season and Ste’s lads went home frustrated. An effective Mersey Valley low block and some bad fortune meant that Paddock were sent home with only a point. The manager is looking forward to trying to put things right:

“It’s the first time we are playing opposition that we’ve played before, so I think we know what to expect. I am confident that if my lads do their job, we should come away with the three points.”

Mersey Valley currently sit second bottom of the division, only registering one win and two draws. Experience has thought Paddock however, that their opposition this weekend will be no push overs.

Team News

This week, Paddock are without two key men in the middle. Cam Watters and Kayode Adewale are unavailable for selection. Nosa Iyamu is also serving a suspension following his sending off against Hartford. Luckily for Stretford Paddock, the club has an array of top central midfielders. With Dom Molloy and Jainiero Salmon-Harris up for selection, coaches Ste and Bill are in safe hands.

Paddock have a big opportunity this weekend to build on solid base that they’ve recently formed. 3 wins from 3 will certainly send a message to the rest of the league – a message that the Paddock boys are ready to fight in the upper regions of the division.

🚨𝗙𝗜𝗫𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦🚨

We take on 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘆 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆 for the second time this season after a 2-2 draw on 3rd Aug

📅 Sat 24th Sep
📍 Manchester Enterprise Academy, M22 9RH
⏲️ 3:00PM
⚽@CheshireFL
🎫 FREE#UpThePaddock pic.twitter.com/k2CVBRmbXj

— Stretford Paddock FC (@SPaddockFC) September 23, 2022

This weekend’s fixture will be played at:

Manchester Enterprise Academy

Simonsway

Wythenshawe

Manchester

M22 9RH

Entry is free so get down and support the lads!

By Andre La Barbera

Despite being a man down from early on, Stretford Paddock outperformed their hosts to double their winning streak. Goals from Ronaldo Brown, Tom Jones and Kayode Adewale sealed all three points in an almost flawless performance.

Paddock finished their warmup late and swiftly carried over their intensity into the match. It took only 2 minutes for the visitors to create their first chance and they were clinical. A run down the left from Kieron Molloy ended with a nice cross into the danger area. Ronaldo Brown timed his run to perfection and slotted the ball home.

Despite scoring, Paddock saw no drop off in intensity. Good transitions between midfield and attack created a handful of half chances for the away side. Hartford, however, began to match Paddock’s work rate and defended well.

In the 22^nd minute Paddock doubled their lead. Great linkup play between the forward 3 saw the ball fall to the feet of Ronaldo Brown. His shot from inside the area was blocked by a last ditch tackle, yet Tom Jones calmly half volleyed he rebound home.

In contrast to their first goal, Paddock were caught napping straight after scoring. Hartford attacked well via a quick counter attack to win a wide free kick and only 3 minutes after scoring their second, it was 1-2. A good cross from Hartford’s corner was allowed to reach the back post and a well-timed header guided the free ball into the top corner.

Both teams continued to play fight and certainly with their hearts on their sleeves. Midway through the first half, Paddock’s striker, Tom Jones was sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes for dissent. In the 35^th minute a late tackle on Nosa Iyamu caused him to react and subsequently pick up a yellow card. Less than a minute later, Iyamu let out his anger by putting in a late foul on Hartford’s fullback. 2 yellow cards in as many minutes for Iyamu meant Paddock were momentarily 2 men down. Just before half time, Jones came back onto the pitch but Paddock would have to finish the match with only 10 men.

Despite this blow, Stretford Paddock carried on playing in the same fashion. Good chemistry between Jones and Molloy helped release Ronaldo Brown. Brown received the ball, beat his man and but his strike clattered the upright.

HT: Hartford 1-2 Stretford Paddock

The second half was far calmer than the first. Even though Stretford Paddock were a man down, they began to control the half the longer it went on. Hartford seemed to be low on energy and couldn’t match Paddock’s work rate.

Despite their dominance over their opposition, Stretford Paddock didn’t get their first true chance until the 75^th minute. Hartford almost shot themselves in the foot when they played a loose ball back to their keeper. The pace of substitute, Nico McCreath allowed him to beat the Hartford keeper to the ball. His shot however, was well wide.

For the second week in a row, Paddock entered the latter stages of the game, despite dominating, only one goal ahead – it nearly cost them. In the 85^th minute, Hartford earned themselves a freekick on the edge of the D and they hit the bar. The ball fell loosely to a Hartford player and a sweet strike that was destined for the back of the net was heroically headed away by James Oatt. Paddock’s captain had saved the day once again.

Nerves were apparent amongst the Stretford Paddock bench but deep into stoppage time, man of the match, Kayode Adewale, produced some magic. He collected a loose ball from the halfway line and ran towards goal. His pace on the ball meant nobody could catch him and he beautifully took the ball past the keeper before slotting it home.

FT: Hartford 1-3 Stretford Paddock

Stretford Paddock: Victor Gimenez, Michael Burke, Omar Sinclair, James Oatt, Paulo Incaque (64′ Will Hobson), Nosa Iyamu, Jainiero Salmon-Harris, Kayode Adewale (98′ GOAL) (10′ Joseph Coleman), Ronaldo Brown (2′ GOAL) (85′ Alan Kay), Tom Jones (22′ GOAL) (64′ Joao De Andrade), Kieron Molloy (64′ Nico McCreath)

After a domineering 3-0 win against West Didsbury & Chorlton Reserves, Stretford Paddock will be hoping that they can string a nice run together to get them back into the upper realms of the table. This weeks opponents, Hartford FC, sit just one point behind Stretford Paddock but have played a game less. A Paddock win would extend that lead to 4 points and certainly send a message of intent to the rest of the division.

Opposition

With 4 matches played, Hartford FC find themselves with 6 points: 2 wins and 2 losses. Despite this mixed start, the 2 losses came against undefeated league leaders, Bollington Town as well as undefeated title challengers, Upton JFC (played 2 games less than Bollington). Only losing 2-1 to Bollington is actually quite impressive and Hartford are therefore a side Paddock must face taking nothing for granted.

It’s hard to predict how opponents will look when you’ve never faced them before. Hartford’s respectable start and mid-table finish last season suggests that they will be tough opponents. Having played 3 full seasons already in League 2, Hartford are experienced.

Hartford FC
Position: 10th
Goals For: 17
Goals Against: 12

Training

This week in training, the coaching staff challenged their squad with a ‘Shark Tank’ style session. The Shark Tank method is used within combat sports where a fighter preparing for a fight spars for a number of rounds. What makes it more challenging however, is that each round, a new opponent is brought in. They played half a match against Stretford Paddock’s Development side and then a half against the Reserves.

Manager, Stephen Howson was impressed with the way his side quite convincingly dealt with their opponents.

Team News

Ins:

James Oatt – Stretford Paddock’s captain has arguably been player of the season thus far. Oatt’s leadership skills, calmness in possession and pin point tackling skills have been vital for Paddock so far this season. He missed Saturday’s win against West Didsbury and Chorlton Reserves but is back in the squad this weekend.

Keiron Molloy – Molloy was a serious doubt last week due to an ankle injury. He made the match day squad and after a late substitute appearance, bagged himself a goal. Molloy’s injury is in a much better place now and he will be hoping to be in the starting 11 at the weekend.

Outs:

Cameron Watters – Watters played a key role in Paddock’s win last Saturday. He’s unavailable this week.

Aftab Jan – Jan was voted Man of the Match away against West Didsbury and Chorlton. He changed the tempo of the game after coming on at half time. An injury picked up at the weekend makes him a strong doubt for Saturday.

Talking Point

Kayode Adewale – Due to a lack of availability, Adewale filled in at Centre Half last weekend and he really impressed. Where will he feature this weekend?

🚨 𝗙𝗜𝗫𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 🚨

This week Paddock travel to Moss Farm to take on 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗙𝗖 ⚽ The away shirt making an appearance for the first time this season… 👀

📆 Sat 27th Aug
📍 Moss Farm, Moss Ln, Northwich CW8 4BG
⏰ 1:45pm
🎫 FREE#upthepaddock pic.twitter.com/jqd54dWvUD

— Stretford Paddock FC (@SPaddockFC) August 26, 2022

This weeks game kicks off at 13:45 from Moss Farm Leisure Complex:

Moss Lane

Northwich

CW8 4BG

Let’s see some of you down there, entry is free! Up the Paddock!

By Andre La Barbera

In another must win away game, Stretford Paddock turned up to the races in true style. Goals from Tom Jones, Alan Kay and Kieron Molloy helped guide Paddock to their second win of the season. With fixtures against Hartford and Bollington coming up thick and fast, Ste will be hoping that a much-needed winning run is just getting started.

The match got off to a slow start however, it was Paddock who were in control. Some good link up play and lots of pressure when out of possession showed that the visitors were desperate to get back to winning ways. The first 10 minutes saw errors from West Didsbury & Chorlton Reserves forced by the Paddock front 3.

In the 15^th minute Tom Jones and Ronaldo Brown worked well together to cause a mistake from the West Didsbury & Chorlton Reserves keeper. The ball fell awkwardly to Nosa Iyamu and his tame shot was easily saved.

West Didsbury & Chorlton Reserves looked very good on the ball – a very well coached team. Stretford Paddock, however, were first to everything and really suffocated them whilst the young side tried to build out from the back. Although real fighting spirit was evident from all 10 of Paddock’s outfield players, Ryan Pickering put in some key tackles early on to make sure Paddock deemed kept control of the first half.

The half was scattered with a number of half chances from Stretford Paddock but it took until the 41^st minute until we saw their first true chance. Ronaldo Brown had the ball on the left-hand side of the pitch and dispatched the ball perfectly to his attacking counterpart, Tom Jones. Tom graciously entered the box with the ball close to his feet and slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

HT: West Didsbury & Chorlton Reserves 0-1 Stretford Paddock

The second half started in a rather similar fashion to the first – slow yet, well under Paddock control. A West Didsbury & Chorlton shot from the edge of the box was saved comfortably by Victor Gimenez – an early warning sign, perhaps.

The majority of the second half saw Paddock continue to dominate in almost all areas of the game. They were first to everything, creating attacking overloads and putting their youthful opponents under plenty of pressure when they tried to build possession. The problem for Paddock was not being able to extend their lead.

More great pressure from Brown, Jones and de Andrade led to a couple of goal scoring opportunities for Paddock but both were dealt with well by the West Didsbury & Chorlton defence. In the 65^th minute a close range freekick from the hosts was hit inches wide and then minutes later, West Didsbury & Chorlton again came close when they hit the cross bar. Was it going to be one of those days for Paddock?

The impact of half-time substitute, Aftab Jan, was there for all to see. Just when the game seemed to be momentarily slipping out of Paddocks hands, Jan took control of the game from the middle of the park. In the 70^th minute, after dancing past the West Didsbury & Chorlton right back, Jan’s edge of the area shot forced a good save from the keeper.

Inspired by Jan’s fresh legs, Stretford Paddock took back control of the game and in the 80^th minute, eventually doubled their lead. A majestic 30-yard strike from Cameron Watters clattered back off of the cross bar and, debutant, Alan Kay was there to slot the rebound home. A win was on the horizon for the visitors.

5 minutes later it was 3-0 and the game was well and truly put to bed. Injury doubt, Kieron Molloy, came on as a late substitute and found the back of the net with his weak foot.

FT: West Didsbury & Chorlton Reserves 0-3 Stretford Paddock

By Andre La Barbera