After Okera Simmonds snatched a late point against Manchester Polonia last weekend, Stretford Paddock look for a first victory in the 2020/21 Rhodes Cup group stages as they host North Walkden this Saturday (2pm KO).
North Walkden were part of Lancashire and Cheshire’s AFL Division One this year alongside Stretford Paddock before COVID-19 restrictions drew the competition to a close.
North Walkden sat sixth in the division having only played five matches with the best points per game – three matches and six points less than Paddock – and opened their account with a 2-2 draw against Signol Old Boys on Saturday.
Stephen Howson’s side recorded the same score-line as ex-England youth player Okera Simmonds scored a brace in a feisty affair which saw two red cards, one of which was issued to the Paddock manager.
“I was not happy with our own performance,” said a disgruntled Howson, “I thought there are gears and levels to go through for us.
“I think that North Walkden is going to be a tough game. Certainly starting this group with a bit of a baptism of fire.
“We’ve just got to be equal to it, or better than it. I think the positives to take from this are that Manchester Polonia said on the way out said that we’re one of the best teams we’ve played.
“I could take a little bit of solace from that but ultimately I’m not happy taking a draw and I wouldn’t be happy with anything less than a win next week neither.”
Follow @SPaddockFC on Twitter for live-match updates and subscribe to our YouTube channel for highlights.
0 Comments