Report

Paddock punished in draw on Nosa Iyamu’s 50th appearance.: Mersey Valley 2-2 Stretford Paddock

3 September 2023
Jordan Hart
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Categories: Report

Stretford Paddock twice came from behind, to come back with a point away at Mersey Valley, despite being punished for their slow start.

Less than a minute on the clock and a long flat throw was met with a flicked header in the box and Omar Sinclair cleared off the line at the back past for a corner.

The subsequent corner was whipped into the box and again following a flicked header was cleared at the back post following a diving header off the line by Sinclair, However the ball fell to the Mersey Valley corner kick taker and with the Paddock players flat footed the ball was recycled back into the box with a low cross and at the back post was prodded in to open the scoring.

Paddock was nearly punished again when Mikey Burke lost the ball in a battle on the halfway line and with Mersey Valley pushing forward the ball was played into the box, and after some quick feet from the attacker the shot was dragged just wide of the far post.

Burke then tried to drag the team back into the game in the first half creating numerous chances. With half an hour gone, the fullback was found on the right and a first-time cross was fizzed in, unfortunately for paddock nobody was there to get on the end of it.

A few minutes later, Burke took a free kick from the left corner of the box. His dipped effort over the wall was well kept hold of by the keeper low down to his right despite a small fumble.

Just Before the break Burke again took a free-kick this time wide on the right, his cross was well met by the head of Sinclair six yards out, However the keeper instinctively saved to keep the lead at half time.

Half Time: Mersey Valley 1-0 Stretford Paddock

In a rejuvenated second half performance. Iyamu marked his 50th appearance with a wonderful asset as Paddock equalised 10 minutes after the restart.

Callum Walsh who came on, for the injured Kristian Wall, in the first half took the ball from the right corner and drove into the box before playing it out to Iyamu, some smart play from from the number 10 to drag out the defenders allowed him to slide the ball back through into the path of Walsh who poked it past the keeper into the bottom corner.

Paddock weren’t level for too long however, as minutes later a free kick from the left was crossed into the box by Mersey Valley. The ball fall on the penalty spot and some poor defending allowed the ball to fall at the feet of the attacker who swivelled and with a quick swipe, drilled the ball low into the back of the net.

With a quarter of an hour to go Iyamu picked up the ball on the left side of midfield, and drove towards the edge of the box before being brought down just to the left of the D.

REPORT: TEK United 2-3 Stretford Paddock

6 August 2023
Stephen Howson
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Categories: News, Report

Stretford Paddock FC embarked on their inaugural international fixture on a memorable Saturday, August 5th, 2023, making their way to Dublin, Ireland to face off against TEK United. The match garnered immense support, with approximately 200 passionate fans in attendance, including The Paddock Ultras, Howson’s Red & White Army, and the Stretford Paddock FC Irish Supporters Club, whose flags proudly waved together, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Initially scheduled at TEK United’s ground, Rockford Park, the match faced uncertainty due to heavy overnight rainfall, rendering the pitch unplayable after an early inspection. However, a new venue was swiftly arranged at Soldier and Sailors Park, just a short distance away. Miraculously, the pitch there remained untouched by the weather and was in pristine condition for the game.

 

The match kicked off shortly after 3pm, and despite TEK United being completely unknown to Paddock, the opening minutes were cautious as our team assessed the level of opposition before them. TEK United showcased their skill and pace, leaving no room for complacency. An early free-kick opportunity outside the box tested Paddock’s defence, with the TEK player hitting the post, much to the relief of our lads.

17 minutes into the game Kieron Molloy pulled up with a hamstring injury, just days after his brother had the same problem in the victory over West Didsbury & Chorlton. An injury which might keep him out for a few weeks – we’ll have to see how he goes. Two goals in two could be missed at the weekend. He was replaced by Joao on the left wing.

Shortly after that it didn’t take long for Paddock to assert their dominance and Joao to make an impact. A well-executed long throw from Omar, starting deep within his own half, created space behind the TEK defence, allowing Joao to deliver a perfect ball into the area for Ryan Katumba to calmly slot home, granting us an early advantage.

Moments later, Paddock further solidified their lead when Oattsy, the captain, skillfully converted a corner, creating a beautiful curling shot that found the far top corner of the net. The goal might have appeared unintentional to some, but Oattsy reckons otherwise – let us know what you think when the highlights are out!

With a 2-0 lead, Paddock began to play with more confidence and control, with some confident possession, mainly via Nosa and Kayode in midfield. Nosa’s brilliant footwork set up Callum for the third goal, as he broke through the offside trap and finished with a beautiful first-time finish. The first half ended with a flurry of shots that failed to find the target, but Paddock firmly in control, leading 3-0.

The second half brought a momentary lapse in concentration for Paddock, leading to two goals for TEK United, reminding the lads that no game can be taken for granted. Reenergized and refocused, Paddock regained their composure and reverted to their usual aggressive dominate style, delivering a captivating display of quick passes, off-the-ball runs, and well-timed attacks.

The match could have seen more goals for Paddock, particularly from the right side, where Callum built on his lethal first half performance and repeatedly found himself in acres of space and looking the most likely source of a goal. The TEK United keeper’s impressive saves kept his team in contention. As the game neared its conclusion, with TEK United players visibly fatigued, McKenna, unfortunately, sustained a hamstring injury, leading to captain James Oatt taking on the goalkeeper role for the remaining minutes. The third time he’s done this, and he’s never conceded!

Adam McKola made his erm, shortly awaited, debut on the 85th minute and had the chance to put the game to bed in the 89th minute – but fluffed his lines! Must see in the highlights!


The final whistle blew, and Stretford Paddock emerged triumphant with a 3-2 victory. The match proved to be a resounding success, showcasing a thrilling encounter and a positive result for Paddock. The warm welcome and hospitality extended by TEK United and Brian from the Irish Supporters Club made the entire experience even more memorable, leaving us with much to be thankful for.

 

Stretford Paddock vs Upton JFC

11 March 2023
Ewan Macleod
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Categories: Report

Positive Point for Paddock

 

A positive performance from Stretford Paddock earns them a point against a high-flying Upton with many close opportunities allowing Paddock to push on after a series of disappointing results.

 

A positive start from Paddock in the very early stages of the game saw Ryan Katumba test the keeper from long range with a ferocious strike that he was unable to keep a hold of but no one was their to capitalise. An interesting decision from the referee saw Omar Sinclair sin binned very early into the game to the dismay of the Paddock bench, for an incident before an Upton corner kick. The resulting corner led to an incredible reflex save from Martin Flanagan in goal.

 

More chances for Paddock followed despite the disadvantage in numbers as De Andrade burst through on goal and forced a good save out of the goalkeeper. A great run from Ronaldo Brown saw Ryan Katumba have another shot on goal, which was sliced wide of the post, but a positive piece of play just before Sinclair was allowed back after his sin bin had been completed. A great strike from the Upton midfielder almost caught out Flanagan as it whistled past the post and with moments later heroic defending from Burke stopped a great chance for the visiting side to take the lead.

 

Several tame chances followed for both teams, but a MacFarlane header whistled past the post after a flick on from an Omar Sinclair long throw in, which proved to be Paddock’s best opportunity to take the lead in a very evenly contested first half. A brilliant opportunity for Upton presented itself to their forward who rounded Flanagan after a defence splitting through ball, before missing an empty net much to the relief of the entire Paddock side. Just before the end of the first half another long-range strike from Upton ferociously struck the bar with Flanagan rooted to the spot.

 

An even first half with both teams having equal opportunities saw Paddock go into the break feeling confident after a positive opening 45 minutes.

 

Half Time: Stretford Paddock 0-0 Upton JFC

 

Both teams began the second half with good passages of play with the best chance coming through an Upton one-on-one which was well saved by Martin Flanagan in the Paddock net.  A few half-hearted opportunities for both teams followed with no goalkeeper being really tested within a tight affair. More chances for the opposition followed but with Flanagan always on top it allowed for Paddock to remain in the game with the score still level heading into the final 20 minutes.

 

With just over ten minutes remaining, Paddock had the best chance of the game after a spectacular cross from Burke found Ryan Katumba only a few yards out which was leathered into the crossbar following on from a period of positive play from Paddock. A few late chances arose but none caused any real trouble to either defence as the game fizzled out after a period of relentless Paddock pressure. A somewhat uneventful and cagey second half without many clear cut chances saw man of the match awarded to Martin Flanagan after saving Paddock on a few occasions and an all round dominant performance.

 

An agonisingly close opportunity for Stretford Paddock to capitalise against the top of the table was squandered but a performance to be proud of was the case as the game ended a stalemate.

 

Full Time: Stretford Paddock 0-0 Upton JFC

 

Stretford Paddock XI: Martin Flanagan, Richard Adjei, Michael Burke, James Oatt (C), Thomas Macfarlane, Zacharias Bell, Joao De Andrade, Omar Sinclair, Ryan Katumba, Nosa Iyamu, Ronaldo Brown

 

Subs: Paulo Dos Santos, Nasser Shakoor, William Hobson, Dean Makunike, Kayode Adewale

 

By

 

Ewan Macleod

 

 

 

 

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