This Saturday, Stretford Paddock will be looking to get back to winning ways after last weekend’s Manchester Saturday Challenge Trophy exit. Their 3-2 away loss to Heyside FC marked the end of an impressive 6 win streak but more frustratingly, ended an opportunity for Ste’s men to get their hands on some silverware. A home fixture against F.C. St. Helens Reserves provides not only a chance to bounce back, but to restore some confidence.
Opposition Watch
F.C. St. Helens Reserves currently sit 3rd in Div 2 of the Cheshire League – 9 points ahead of Paddock (they have also played 4 more matches). Saturday’s away side have had a fantastic start to the season, having won 8 matches, drawn 1 and only losing 3.
It was last weekend however, where St Helens showed the rest of the league what they are truly capable of. With a 2-0 win away from home, St Helens became the first team to beat league leaders, Upton JFC – a result which psychologically opens up the title race.
The main man for St Helens this season has been Thomas Scarborough. With 10 goals in 6 appearances, theres no doubt that the Paddock defence need to be on it, should he feature on Saturday.
Jack Gibney and Callum Leonard have also been dangerous in front of goal this season registering 5 and 7 goals respectively.
Game Guide
Saturday’s fixture is another must win for Paddock. As they were slow out of the blocks this season, getting as many wins as possible prior to Christmas is vital – especially against opposition higher in the table.
A win against St Helens would mean that Paddock would only be 6 points behind the promotion challengers, and that is with 4 games in hand on them. The longer Stretford Paddock can continue to win in the league, the more likely a title/promotion challenge will become.
A win for the visitors also holds importance. If St Helens manage to win all 3 of their games in hand, they would go 2nd.
Team News
Yet again, there are questions in regards to availability for Paddock. After coming off injured against Heyside, it looks like Dom Molloy will be unavailable this weekend. Joao De Andrade is also unavailable, having to serve a ban for one more game.
The man who’s already thrown his hat into the ring for player of the season, Kieron Molloy, was sorely missed last weekend. Paddock will be hoping that he will be back available this weekend.
Let’s hope Paddock can keep this league win streak alive!
🚨𝗙𝗜𝗫𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 🚨
We return to League action up against 𝗙.𝗖. 𝗦𝘁. 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀 who currently sit 𝟯𝗿𝗱
📅 Sat 5th Nov
📍 Manchester Enterprise Academy, M22 9RH
⏲️ 2:00PM
🏆 @CheshireFL
🎫 FREE#UpThePaddock pic.twitter.com/CYhdjukzmw— Stretford Paddock FC (@SPaddockFC) November 4, 2022
We will be playing at the Manchester Enterprise Academy again this Saturday. With entry being free, why not come down and cheer on the boys?
