Report

Stretford Paddock fall to a 1-0 defeat away at Moore United in a game featuring a lot of our U21s after an impressive campaign from the youth side as Paddock looked to close the season on a high after todays result all but confirming that Paddock will still be playing League 2 football next season.

Paddock produced a changed line-up from last weeks 0-0 stalemate at home to Sanbach Town with 8 U21 players entering the squad after an okay campaign for the youngsters what saw them finish 11th in the league. The side saw Coleman and Bell return to the midfield

The early part of the game was dominated by Paddock who were passing there way round the Moore United midfield but they couldn’t turn any of their attacks into massive chances. Paddock first major chance fell to Josh Mbala as the tricky winger danced his way into space on the edge of the box but the shot lacked conviction so it ended up slowly rolling into the keepers hands.

The opening 15 minutes were all Paddock with Moore United only threat coming through one of their pacy wingers but neither side could turn attacks into chances.

After 30 minutes the game became more open as the hosts finally began to hold onto the ball a bit more but as the tale of the whole first half has been neither side has really made the keepers work with both defences putting in good performances in the 1st half. Just before the end of the half terrific play by Paddock just on the outside of the box lead to a shot from the midfield but it could only bounce into the keepers arms.

Moore would than create their own massive chance as another cross is driven in what was missed by Taylor in goal but luckily didn’t find its way to a Moore player so it was quickly cleared and Paddock survived a late scare.

The final chance of the half fell to Paddock as a foul just outside the box saw Burke try and curl the ball into the top corner but it just went wide of the post

Half Time: Moore United 0-0 Stretford Paddock

The second half followed the same trend as the first half with Paddock wasted chances begin to pile high as another freekick this time by Walsh was sent over the bar

But it would be Moore who break the deadlock after a poor pass back from Oatt left Taylor in no mans land saw the Moore striker head home the ball and give them a 1-0 lead against the run of play.

On the hour mark Paddock made 2 changes as they tried to search for the equaliser as Teddy Ojijo and Victor Iyumva replaced Coleman and Iyamu in the midfield.

Since the substitutions Moore began to create more chances after another poor defensive pass allowed the hosts to cross the ball into the middle but luckily for Paddock it went just over the head of the oncoming attacker

With Paddock still struggling to convert any chance they get Howson decided to roll the dice once more with Mbala being replaced by Ospina to try and salvage a needed point just as we entered the final 20.

As we entered the final 10 minutes Paddock finally began to put their foot on the gas by finally creating shooting chances as Paddock found themselves constantly in Moore United box but the resulting shots were either too weak or being sent over the bar.

Paddock big chance came just before 90 minutes as a corner was whipped in by Burke saw Oatts shot saved by the keeper and Joao chance on the second cross sent high and flying summing up Paddock game today.

Full Time: Moore United 1-0 Stretford Paddock

Stretford Paddock win 4-3 over fellow promotion chasers Clay Brow FC in an excellent comeback victory to continue their promotion push into the final games of the season after massive goals from Walsh, Salmon and Oatt after a disappointing first half from the boys saw us go 2-0 behind to the visitors despite good chances.

Stretford Paddock return to the Butchers arms to face fellow promotion chasers Clay Brow FC in a top of the table clash. After a convincing 4-2 win over Haydock last week Paddock look to continue their fine form as they look to end the season on a high.

The last time the two sides met Paddock came out with the 3 points after a 2-1 win away from home after goals from Ryan Katumba and Joseph Coleman secured our victory.

Paddock coming off the back of last weeks victory make 2 changes to their side with Mason returning between the sticks and Mikey returning to fullback.

But the first chance would fall to Paddock as Walsh gets on the end of a ball over the top of the Clays defence but his lobbed attempt over the on rushing keeper kept rising and went over the bar.

After the opening 10 minutes Clay Brow found themselves higher up the pitch but couldn’t turn their pressure into a shot on goal with their winger only mustering a poor ball going straight out of play after winning the ball back on the bar line. Clay Brow first dangerous chance would come from a swift counter attack after some poor passing in the Paddock midfield the ball was eventually crossed in by the winger but the chance was blocked burke after the Clay striker tried to flick the ball into the bottom corner.

Despite visitors starting to dominate the proceedings Paddock still managed to create chances after brilliant team play moving the ball from defence to attack the ball managed to fall to Walsh just outside the box but poor connection saw the shot drag wide.

But the pressure from the visitors would pay off as after a poor pass from Coleman was quickly intercepted a cross was then swung into the box and a brilliant touch from their striker allowed him to smash the ball into the top corner giving Clay a deserved first half lead.

Only 7 minutes later Clay would find themselves 2-0 up after a ball played over the top finds it way to their number 12 who takes it round the keeper and slots it home in a dominant opening 20 for the visitors.

But it would only take 2 minutes for Paddock to respond to the setback after a brilliant whipped ball by Walsh finds the head of the captain who sends it into the bottom corner giving the keeper no chance halving the deficit at 2-1.

Paddock began to build pressure as they looked for an equaliser what didn’t take long as a scrappy few seconds in the box saw the ball eventually land at Salmons foot who could tap it home and draw the game level at 2-2 just before the end of the half.

But Salmon celebrations would be cut short as only a few minutes later an attempt at a bicycle kick saw him come down with an injury and the ref ends the half early to allow him to get treated.

Half Time: Stretford Paddock 2-2 Clay Brow

Clay would start second half the better side with the initial chance being saved by the keeper but follow up is deflected wide of the post despite handball claims by the Clay Brow players.

The first major chance would fall to Clay as a quick pass behind the defence finds the striker but Mason out quick and saves the shot to keep the game level.

Despite Clay dominating the opening 20 minutes of the half it would be Paddock who would take the lead for the first time this game after a brilliant pass from Salmon-Harris saw the ball fall to Walsh smartly put the ball into the bottom corner to give Paddock a 3-2 lead just as we enter the final 20.

Howson would than look to secure the lead as he brings on Mike Taylor to replace Joe Coleman so they can close out the game for the final part of the second half and secure the 3 points.

Despite that it wouldn’t take long for Paddock to grab a 4th as Walsh would run onto his own flick on before skipping past the keeper and tapping it home to give Paddock a two goal cushion as we entered the final 15 as Nosa comes on to replace Bell in midfield.

Poor defending from Mikey on the flank saw Clay score to make it 4-3 after a quick counter attack but fortunately for the Paddock fullback it was called for offside after the number 18 came back from an offside position.

despite almost suffering a set back Paddock continued to push for a 5th but were struggling to create any massive chances with the only shot falling to Taylor who can only send his effort high over the bar.

As we entered the final 10 minutes Callum Walsh departed the scene after a Man of the Match performance by the winger who was replaced by Josh Mbala.

The end to the 2nd half would be nervy for Paddock as a corner that’s headed out falls to the Clays winger who tries to volley it home and the resulting shot is deflected into the net giving Mason in goal no chance halving the deficit to 4-3 Paddock as we entered the last few minutes of the game.

In the last minutes of the game both teams had chances to change the result neither side could find that killer touch meaning the game ended in a Paddock Victory

Full Time: Stretford Paddock 4-3 Clay Brow FC

Stretford Paddock succumbed to a damaging 4-1 defeat at Openshaw Campus against fellow promotion hopefuls Winsford Town.

The defeat for paddock leaves them relying on other results for any chance to finish in the top two.

The opening ten minutes of the game saw an edgy affair as both teams looked to get a hold of possession without creating too much of an opportunity.

With a dozen minutes on the clock a calamitous error saw paddock gift the lead to Winsford. As the centre half played a long hopeful ball up field, a mix up between captain James Oatt and Mason Taylor allowed the Winsford attacker to pinch the ball and roll it into an empty net.

Paddock best opportunity of the half came after 20 minutes as Nosa Iyamu received the ball in the middle of the park before playing a faint through pass to Ryan Katumba inside the area, although the keeper was quick off his line to smother the shot and keep Winsford’s lead.

As the game entered the final third of the first half, Paddock seemingly fell apart. With Winger Joao De Andrade getting disposed in the full back position a cross whipped in front of the face of the goal was inadvertently turned into the net at the back post by Omar Sinclair.

With five minutes to go of the half Winsford on yet another attack took the ball down the by line before a cut back in the box saw a shot deflect towards the back post allowing the unmarked Winsford attacker a simple tap in.

Winsford with a corner in the final minute of the half played the ball to the back post as a scrambled clearance was hooked back in the six-yard box as it was calmly volleyed into the goal leaving paddock a mountain to climb.

Half time: Stretford Paddock 0-4 Winsford Town

Paddock with nothing to lose in the second half came out with much-changed formation and personnel.

The first chance of the half came after a quarter of an hour with Jaineiro Salmon-Harris driving through the middle of the park before laying the ball to Katumba on the edge of the area. Katumba controlled the ball before unleashing a curling effort which was well saved by the Winsford keeper.

Paddock pushed for goals and continued to create half chances as Winsford allowed the home team to maintain the ball.

With ten minutes left to go Salmon-Harris from inside his own half played a switch ball to De Andrade who drove down the left before crossing deep to far post with second half substitute Callum Walsh side footing his shot as the ball bounced over the keeper into the net.

The goal proved to be a mere consolation as both sides played out a dull end to the game failing to create any clear cut chances.

Full time: Stretford Paddock 1-4 Winsford Town

Stretford Paddock came from a goal down to beat Newton-le-willows 3-1 at Manchester college’ Openshaw Campus.

In the reverse fixture a flat paddock performance saw them surrender a two-goal lead and ultimately score a consolation in the closing minutes after the substitutions picked up the tempo.

A much-changed side from last weeks disappointing defeat saw under-21 player make his first start for club in an impressive performance.

With twenty minutes gone Paddock were forced into an early change as Katumba was replaced by Teddi Ojijo.

Paddock began to create chances as Ojijo won the ball on the hallway line before sliding a weighted pass down the left for Callum Walsh, as the winger drove into the box his flash at goal flew over the bar at the near post.

The best chance of the half occurred moments later, as Walsh won possession high up field prior to carrying the ball to the by-line. His cutback found Joao De Andrade in space and on the six-yard line, and his shot saved by the keeper looped up into the danger area where Ojijo tamely headed a golden opportunity into the grateful grasp of the Newton number 1.

With ten minutes to go before halftime Newton were gifted the lead as a long hopeful ball from the left side of the pitch floated over the paddock defence and as Mason Taylor came to collect the ball on the edge, the ball bounced over his head and dribbled into the back of the net.

Newton came close to doubling the advantage as a lovely interchange in the middle of the park saw a shot from the edge of the area well saved low by Taylor.

Halftime: Paddock 0-1 Newton-Le-Willows

The start of the second half began with paddock working the ball well as Newton attempted to disrupt the tempo at every opportunity.

The game began to turn as Paddock forced Newton on the back foot with ample opportunities, the best chance just after the hour mark fell to Paddock as Kayode Adewale shot from the edge of the box again ricocheted up in the danger area from the keepers save and with the goal gaping for the second time, De Andrade this time could only head it into the keeper’s hands.

With 25 minutes left to play and paddock desperately looking for a way back De Andrade pressed the Newton centre half and won the ball just outside the box before being dragged down inside the area, earning paddock a penalty and seeing the defender shown red.

Paddock began to get a lot of joy down the right as Walsh was gifted possession on the right before laying the ball off to Mikey Burke on the overlap, the full back steamed down the line and into the area until his low pass flashing across goal was turned into the back of the net to give paddock the lead.

Only a minute from taking the lead Paddock doubled their advantage as Burke played a ball through to Walsh on the right-hand side and with the winger in behind, he drove inside to create a scoring opportunity and calmly slid the ball under the keeper’s legs for Paddocks third goal in a little over ten minutes.

Paddock with a comfortable two goal lead and a man advantage played out the final quarter of an hour maintain possession without creating many chances.

Fulltime: Paddock 3-1 Newton-Le-Willows

A late Omar freekick secures all three points for Stretford Paddock in a close fought game against St Helens Town in Openshaw.

After a disappointing defeat in their last match to Pilkington U23s. Paddock were looking to bounce back but a last-minute cancellation of their last game saw the side gain an extra week’s preparation as they enter an important string of home games.

Stretford Paddock lined up with an unchanged eleven from the side that featured in the defeat to Pilkington U23s with Katumba, Brown and De Andrade leading the line for the hosts.

The opening 3 minutes of the game were tight, but the first chance would fall to the visitors as a corner is fizzed to the edge of the box, but the shot was blocked and is caught by mason in goal.

Paddock first break would come in the 13^th minute as Ronaldo played through Katumba, but the strikers cross into the box could only find the St Helens defender.

Paddock would continue to get chances as a header is sent over the bar after a Mikey freekick.

The remainder of the half would be even with both teams lacking that final pass, but the last shot would fall to Katumba who’s effort is blocked by the defender.

Half Time: Stretford Paddock 0-0 St Helens Town

Janeiro replaced Coleman just as the second half began in a midfield shake up as the hosts tried to show a bit more fight this half.

The opening exchange of the second half was tight but neither side really creating anything.

As we just passed the hour mark minute Kayode and Dom came on replacing Nosa and Zac as the gaffer was desperately trying to push for a winner

The first chance would also come after the hour mark with St Helens breaking down the flank, but a chipped effort could only go over the bar.

Katumba would have Paddock first chance of the half after an interception by Oates after some great pressing eventually finds its way to the striker, but his effort is brilliantly saved by the keeper.

Paddock continues to create big chances just before we enter the final 20 as Joao low driven shot is saved by the keeper as well.

The trend would continue as Katumba shot is again saved by the keeper as we enter the final 15 minutes.

The Deadlock is finally broken just before we enter the final 10 minutes as Omar dinks home a beauty of a freekick to give paddock the lead late on.

St Helens looked to instantly respond as a low cross is cleaned up by the defence resulting in a corner but that could only be sent out of play by the visitors.

As we entered the final five Joao was replaced by Mbala as Paddock tried to search for a second to kill the game off and secure the points.

St Helens would begin to start pressuring the Paddock defence with a flurry of crosses into the box, but no one could get on the end of them.

The chances would continue to fall to the visitors as a a shot from outside the box goes just wider after a bit of chaos in the box

In the 90^th Ronny was replaced by Daryl to close the game out after an excellent outing for the winger.

Full Time Stretford Paddock 1-0 St Helens Town

This result pushes Paddock back up to 4^th level on games with Pilkington U23s but remaining 4 points behind in their promotion push whilst still having a game in hand on 2^nd place Winsford to try and slash their seven-point advantage.

WRITTEN BY JAMES RICHARDSON

Paddock coming off the back of a 3-1 away win at promotion chasing Winsford Town as they looked to kick on after a disappointing cup defeat at the end of February.

Paddock played a mostly unchanged side with Michael Olatunji replacing Eddie at CB.

The opening minutes of the game were all Pilkington applying early pressure with a shot straight at the keeper in the opening 2 minutes.

Paddock began to finally start playing after ten minutes with Ryan Katumba weak shot rolled straight through to their keeper.

But the early pressure would pay off with Pilkington U23s number 12 flicking the ball over the defender and smashing it into the bottom corner giving Taylor in goal no chance and giving the hosts a deserved lead.

But Paddock resurgence would only last a little bit with a wayward cross smacking the bar and 2 more shots just before the end of the half going just wide.

Half Time: Pilkington U23s 1-0 Stretford Paddock

Paddock would come out for the second half the same way Pilkington came out for the first with some nice early pressure sadly not turning into a needed equaliser.

But the wait for the equaliser would only last 2 minutes as Ryan Katumba would head in Mikey Burke free kick to level the tie 3 minutes after the restart.

Paddock would continue to build after the equaliser as Ronaldo excellent wing play would allow him to cut it back to Joao who can only send the shot over the bar.

Pilkington U23s would have to wait until after the hour mark for any chance on the Streford goal with a powerful free kick stinging the hands of Taylor as he ended up spilling the ball into the path of the Pilkington striker and allowing the hosts to regain their lead.

Only a few minutes later Paddock would begin to push for an equaliser as Joao shot would be saved by the Pilkington keeper after intricate play by Paddock on the edge of the box.

It would take almost 20 minutes for Paddock to have another crack at the goal after nice passing sees the resulting shot fly over the bar from the edge of the box.

Paddock continues to apply pressure and that was amplified as Mbala came on for Burke to add an extra attacking threat as we entered the closing stages.

The extra threat would show to be effective as Ronaldo brown would drag a shot just wide after successfully regaining the ball from Pilkington just outside their box.

The result could’ve been worse for Paddock in the final few seconds as a flick on saw Pilkington go through on goal, but the resulting shot would end up closer to the corner flag than the Paddock goal.

Full Time: Pilkington U23s 2-1 Stretford Paddock

WRITTEN BY JAMES RICHARDSON

Stretford Paddock defeated Maine Road Reserves by two goals to nil in a return to the Butchers Arms Ground, after last weekend’s 6-2 victory against Hoole Rangers saw the tie relocated due to pitch availability.

This was Paddock first game at the butchers arms since a 2-0 win over Hartford on the 28^th October, and a first league game since victory away at table toppers Clay Brow on the 18^th November. Due to adverse weather conditions causing postponements to all 4 scheduled league games in December.

The homecoming wasn’t all plain sailing, as the first quarter of an hour saw both sides struggle to maintain the ball and dictate the tempo.

The first chance of the game fell to Joao De Andrade after Jainiero Salmon-Harris played the ball inside the full back allowing the Paddock winger a chance one on one with the keeper before slicing his shot on a tight angle.

Maine Road had their best opportunity of the game on the half hour mark as a low corner dropped on the penalty shot, where the snapshot was side footed high and wide.

With just over five minutes before the break, Martin Flanagan had to be withdrawn, on a stretcher after a lengthy delay, due to a severe injury causing damage to his face following a collision when attempting to claim a cross.

The incident saw captain James Oatt put on the gloves as Eddie Fullwood moved to central defence with Richie Adjei coming on in full back.

Deep into added time of the first half, Paddock shifted the ball across the pitch to Ronaldo Brown on the right and a whipped cross fired at the ribs of Okera Simmonds saw the striker’s acrobatic flick at the front post saved low by the keeper.

Half-time: Stretford Paddock 0-0 Maine Road Reserves

The hour mark brought a change to paddock with Dom Molloy replacing Brown which saw paddock begin to gain control in midfield.

Nosa Iyamu attempting to get on the end of a pass through the middle saw him dragged down on the edge setting up a free-kick in a dangerous position for Paddock. Simmonds curled his shot delicately over the wall forcing the keeper into a good save.

Paddock’s control in the game started to tell as Burke played a ball down the left into the box for Simmonds, who was bundled over earning paddock a penalty with 15 minutes to go.

Approaching the final stages of the game Maine road were unable to create an opportunity to test makeshift keeper Oatt in goal.

Paddock sealed victory when Salmon-Harris won the ball high up the pitch to lay off Molloy who skipped through the defence and smashed the ball home from close range to double paddocks lead.

The victory sees Paddock climb to second ahead of a crunch match at home to Windsford FC next weekend.

Stretford Paddock advanced to the third round of the Northern Cup (following a bye in round one) after six second half goals overturned a 2-0 halftime deficit against Hoole Rangers.

Due to postponement of all scheduled matches in December largely down to adverse weather conditions, Paddock played for the first time since the end of November. A combination of missed chances and mistakes in the first half open up the lead. However, the lack of game time looked to be a factor as players tried to shake off the festive feelings.

The opening half an hour saw both sides miss good chance to take the lead. Paddock created the first opportunity of the game with Kieran Molloy crossing from the right, Hoole goalkeeper parried the cross towards the penalty shot with Nosa Iyamu picking up the loose ball his shot, blocked by the keeper fell to Zak Bell on the edge of the area, and a mistimed volley sailed wide.

Hoole Rangers this time down their right-hand side saw the ball floated the six-yard box before being met with a tame side footed touch into the arms of Martin Flanagan.

Left Winger Ronaldo Brown missed two successive chances in a five-minute period, both of which again created from the right. The first a cut back found Brown in space central of the area and his shot could only be directed at the keeper.

The second and the biggest chance of the game so far saw Brown found unmarked at the back past, with the goal at his mercy, however, could only glance his shot wide.

With half an hour gone Mikey Burke was found in the outside the area with a clever forward pass by Jaineiro Salmon-Harris, before sliding the ball through to Zak Bell and with just the keeper to beat Bell hesitated allowing the keeper to close down and midfielder and saving a poor effort.

Into added time of the first half Hoole were awarded a contentious freekick midway in the Paddock half. A high delivery into the area, attracted martin out of his goal and a miscued punch lopped backwards towards goal, to be tapped in and double the Hoole advantage.

Halftime: Stretford Paddock 0-2 Hoole Rangers

The beginning of the second half saw paddock gain a grip of the midfield areas and starting to control to play. Despite this, Hoole had a sight of goal with a drilled shot across goal which was comfortably saved low by Flanagan.

This moment inevitably proved to be Hoole’s last threat as the tide turned and the floodgates opened. Moments later from a Hoole corner Paddock opened their tally through a swift counterattack.

The ball fell to Salmon-Harris on the edge of the area, before a weighted pass into the path of Brown allowed the winger to set up the counterattack running the ball with pace down the left prior to slipping the ball inside to half time substitute Dom Molloy to delicately side foot the ball past the on-rushing keeper in the bottom.

Ten minutes later Paddock equalised, Brown again pick up the ball on the left passing it to Molloy [Kieran] on the edge of the area, holding the ball up allowed the runners and a blindside pass slipped the ball through to Joao De Andrade for an easy finish.

Seconds later Molloy [Dom] picked up the ball in the middle of the park and guided a pass through the middle of the defence where Brown rounded the keeper and rolled the ball into an open goal to turn the game around and ultimately take the lead.

A few minutes later the game looked to be settled as Molloy [Kieran] was found on the right-hand side, then drove with the ball into the corner of the box, and effortlessly cut the ball inside on his left allowing him space to smash the ball into the bottom corner.

Into the last moments of the game a well goal put the cherry on the cake, as Callum Walsh De Andrade linked up on the left until the latter played a pass inside to Salmon-Harris with the number nines touch laying off Coleman again on the edge of the area as the midfielder grabbed a brace by smashing it low into the far corner with a right footed strike.

Stretford Paddock boost promotion hopes following a hard-fought victory at top of the table Clay Brow FC.

Manager Stephen Howson stated that he was “really proud of them [the players]” as a gutsy performance saw Paddock win 2-1 which “will give the lads confidence”.

The early exchanges saw an end-to-end game develop with both sides creating half chances. Paddock had an early opportunity in the opening minutes with Kieron Molloy collecting the ball on the right before taking on his fullback and sliding a low cross in front of goal towards Ryan Katumba which was comfortably collected by the keeper.

Clay Brows best effort came with just over a quarter of an hour on the clock A free kick on the left of the field saw an outswinging delivery found its way through to the back post and a looping effort to help the ball back into the mix was calmly collected by Martin Flanagan.

Down the other end of pitch Paddock were presented with a gift to open the scoring. A defensive throw-in from clay brow in the corner, taken directly to the keeper Katumba was on hand to pinch the ball off the keeper and gratefully tap into an empty goal.

Paddock had a half chance to double their lead when goal scorer Katumba collected the ball backing into the defender, before rolling his marker and running onto the ball, however he dragged the shot from outside the area wide of the far post.

The pressure from Clay Brow started to grow, as the hosts created a number of opportunities, although the hosts failed to test Flanagan in the Paddock goal. Eventually Paddock found themselves with hearts in mouth, as with less than ten minutes of the first half Clay Brow had a penalty shout waved away, when Flanagan slid to clear away a drilled cross for a corner.

The resulting corner whipped away from goal saw a free header in the box from a Clay Brow centre half instinctively palmed over the bar by Flanagan for second consecutive set piece. This time the ball was met by a Paddock head but was cleared as far as the Clay Brow Number 6 who teased a cross towards the far post. As Flanagan looked to claim the cross the knockdown left the saw the Paddock keeper caught in no man’s land and the audacious effort from Clay Brow’s attacker waste the opportunity to level the game.

Clay Brow’s pressure ultimately led to an equaliser on the stroke of half time. Following a goal kick which was helped forward an effortless through ball caught out the Paddock defence on the back foot, with just the keeper to beat the Clay Brow striker gently slid the ball past the out rushing Flanagan.

Half-time: Clay Brow 1-1 Stretford Paddock

Within minutes of the restart Paddock restored their lead when midfielder and man of the match Joe Coleman scored his first goal for the club. Kieron Molloy picking the ball up on the right cut in field to prior to unleashing a shot which got blocked as far as Nosa Iyamu. His teasing cross found his midfield compatriot in the box to delicately side foot beyond the keepers reach to the far post.

The hosts found the ball in the back of the net when a pass into the box was smashed in the net, but the goal was immediately disallowed for an offside following the through ball.

With less than half an hour to go Clay Brow moved the ball around the box shifting the Paddock defence as they looked to create an opportunity. Eventually the gap opened up for a shot from range which rattled against the bar and the rebound was headed over.

The final twenty minutes of the game saw Paddock resolute in defence as they held on to stop Clay Brow creating clear cut chances to hold on for a massive three points in a thrilling encounter.

Stretford paddock came from behind to defeat Maine Road reserves 3-2 with a last gasp winner.

In the ninth minute of added time and with the game looking to be heading to a draw. Nosa Iyamu showed great strength to hold up the ball before playing through Okera Simmons.

With just the keeper to beat the striker passed the selflessly passed the ball across goal to Gabriel Fernando who tapped in from close range into an empty net to spark jubilant scenes amongst players and staff alike.

The victory only glossed over what was a fairly disappointing performance with manager Stephen Howson, stating the performance was “not good enough and not acceptable.”

Paddock almost fell behind in the opening moments as they struggled to contain the Maine Road striker. A long punt from the keeper sent the striker in on goal who then cut the ball back for the number 11 who scuffed his shot straight at keeper Martin Flanagan.

Paddock had a better chance when Gavin Salmon’s snapshot was saved by the foot of the keeper following Callum Walsh’s run across goal.

Shortly before the midway point of the first half Paddock opened the scoring when Ronaldo Brown took the ball down the wing, his accurate cross found Salmon on the edge of the area and with a gently controlled to settle the ball for Iyamu latched onto the ball to effortlessly curl his shot past the keeper as it clipped the inside of the post before hitting the back of the net.

Controversy followed when a long through ball to the Maine Road striker, who appeared to be in an offside position, swiftly gained possession leaving himself with just Flanagan to beat. Before sitting him down and calmly rolling the shot into the vacant goal.

Barely five minutes later Paddock found themselves again when the Maine Road striker, again looked to be offside received a delicately played through ball. His shot this time struck the foot of the post and rebounded out to the ever so grateful right back who made no mistake by smashing the ball into the back of the net.

Half time: Maine Road reserves 2-1 Stretford Paddock FC

Early in the second half Iyamu picked up the ball on the corner of the area prior to driving towards goal before he was clattered into, earning himself a penalty. The midfielder dusted himself off and coolly placed the ball into the bottom left corner, despite the best effort of the keeper who dived the right way.

Maine road earned a penalty when Ritchie Adjei cynically chopped down the Maine road attacker in the box as he was set unleash. The penalty stuck with good power was brilliantly saved by Flanagan in the bottom right corner.

Paddock had a spurn of belief following Flanagan’s heroics and created chance after chance however failed to capitalise and ss the game headed into added time Callum Blanchard tripped the Maine Road winger on the edge of the box as he cut inside shaping up to shoot. The resulting freekick was well hit and Flanagan again expertly saved to keep the game level.

Paddock again believed the game was there to be win and threw everything at it in an attempt to win the game. However, got denied by an instinctive save from Simmons close range effort and Walsh who shot wide of the target stretching for the ball. What followed then was arguably Paddock’s luckiest and most inspiring moment of the season which could prove to be vital in their push for promotion.