manchester football

Paddock come out victorious in hard fought game against Urmston Town Juniors

3 November 2020
Website Editor
No comments
Categories: News

By Casey Evans

Stretford Paddock came out victors in their latest fixture in the Lancashire and Cheshire League against Urmston Town Junior. This result put an end to the team’s run of three games without a win and pushes them up to second in the table and level on points with first placed Moston Brook.

Paddock again got off to a rough start again, when a cross by Urmston in the 8th minute was met unchallenged at the far post and was headed in to make it 1-0 to the home side. Paddock went close to equalising soon after, when a goal mouth scramble led to forward Adam Ashton getting a shot off, but it rolled just wide, then Urmston doubled their lead before the 20th minute.

Paddock have been having problems with set piece goals throughout their campaign, and this match was no different as the goal came from a corner which was spilled by Pearce and headed into the net. Stephen Howson’s men had again given themselves a hill to climb.

Throughout the first half Paddock showed their quality on the ball with some tight and precise passing around the Urmston side and this movement led to their first goal on the 36th minute when a lovely turn by midfielder Gabriel Fernando, played Jay Phillips down the line, who’s low ball in was met at the far post by Ashton and he slid it in to make the score 2-1.

Paddock got another goal before half time when defender and vice-captain James Oatt got on the end of a well hit corner and headed it into the back of the net to even the scores. Spectators on the day were unsure whether it was an own goal, but after reviewing the footage, James Oatt rightly claimed his first goal for the club.

Soon after the whistle was blown, and Paddock went into half time drawing 2-2.

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, with Paddock pushing for a goal to go ahead consistantly. The break came in the 58th minute when Okera Simmonds was brought down after breaking through clean on goal and a penalty was awarded. Jay Phillips stepped up to take the spot kick and smashed it home to put Paddock ahead and add to his tally for the season.

Paddock forwards, Simmonds and Ronaldo Brown were a constant nuisance for the oppositions defence, with the latter being unlucky  not to get on the score sheet after beating the Urmston defenders time and time again.

But for Simmonds, his opportunity came in the 65th minute when he did well to get past the Urmston centre back and smashed it past the keeper to make it 4-2.

Urmston managed to get a consolation goal, with a stunning late strike from outside the box, making it 4-3, but it was too late for the opposition to mount a comeback and when the final whistle blew, Paddock were the victors.

Manager Stephen Howson said: “Going 2-0 down was not the sort of response I was hoping for and it’s funny because we win but it’s not funny because theres something about why we can’t score goals first.

“I don’t know if teams are getting up for playing us, they’re treating this like a cup final and they’re blasting and emptying themselves out in the first 15-20 minutes.

“I think today was a clear example of something I thought for a long time which is I think we’re fitter than a lot of teams, and I think we can blow a team out and I think we can blow a team out and that’s what we have to start doing. We have to start at a ridiculous tempo and that tempo has to be too much for teams to handle and we have to drag them into the deep water and we have to drown them. And if we do that we can put games to bed early.”

We are currently unsure of what the incoming COVID-19 restrictions will entail for Paddocks future contests in the league, so make sure to stay tuned on our social media channels for any updates.

Read More

Stretford Paddock come out second best in top of the table clash against Moston Brook

26 October 2020
Website Editor
No comments
Categories: News

By Casey Evans

On a rainy afternoon at Wright Robinson college, Stretford Paddock unfortunately fell to a defeat to Moston Brook in a clash where both teams were able to go top of the table with a win.

It was fortunate that the fixture was able to be played, after COVID-19 restrictions rendered Droylsden unusable, but fortunately Wright Robinson was available, and the game could be played.

There were a few changes from the usual Paddock starting eleven. New signings Gabriel Fernando and Kayode Adewale made their first starts for Paddock, with Nosa Iyamu pushing forward from his usual number 10 position to play up top.

The game started off with Moston on the front foot, pressing forward with waves of attacks which kept the Paddock defence and goalkeeper Kian Pearce very much on their toes. Pearce made a good save from a Moston free kick early on, getting down well to stop a ball that was hit hard and low.

Paddock had a handful of chances on the counter, with Fernando being the creative force going forward. His first found Iyamu with a cutting pass through the Moston’s defence which the goalkeeper and the Moston defender had to put their bodies on the line to stop. The second was again to Iyamu running forward, but this time it was floated over the top by Fernando, however after a good turn by Iyamu, the Moston defender did well to block.

Paddock’s undoing again came from a set piece. Moston won a free kick out wide and the resulting cross was met by the unmarked head of a Moston player, and Paddock were facing another fight back as they went into half time 1-0 down.

Further disaster struck early on in the second half as Moston scored again, following some confusion whether the ball had gone out for a throw in caused Paddock’s players to switch off and Moston took their opportunity well, slotting it into the far side of the set to make it 2-0 to the opposition.

This goal sparked the Paddock side to life. The team began to create more chances, register more shots and then in the 58th minute a long kick by Pearce was headed by to the opposition keeper who lost his grip on the ball and Iyamu who had followed the ball in, was able to latch onto the spillage and make it 2-1.

Seven minutes later another scramble in the box led to substitute Ul-Haque turning and finishing well to make the score 2-2 and put Paddock right back into the game with 25 minutes to go.

Five minutes later more heartbreak came, as despite their best efforts, Moston found a man on the back post free from a good cross and made it 3-2. Paddock tried their best to even the scores again, but saw their best chance well saved by the keeper and were unable to rescue a point come the full-time whistle.

Manager Stephen Howson said: “My initial thoughts were, I thought the players individually played well and there’s not one player I could say had a bad game and we came up against a hard opposition.

“I think every one of my team talks and every one of my interviews after the game I’ve been disappointed and I think it’s strange that the first time I’ve been fairly pleased is when we’ve lost but I think what happened today is we came up against a good opposition.

“I thought Moston were a very good side, a very organised side and they were good for their win and were good for getting their noses in front and that’s why I think I’ve come away from this a little happier than I have when we’ve dropped points the previous two weekends and I think there’s a lot more growing, learning, developing to go, understanding as a team, working as a unit and that’s what we’re trying to do a couple of times a week at training.”

Stretford Paddock FC continues its campaign next week against Urmston Town Juniors again at Wright Robinson College on Saturday 31st October.

Read More

Review – Stretford Paddock come back to win in Maiden home fixture against De La Salle Reds

27 September 2020
Website Editor
No comments
Categories: News

By Casey Evans

Today marked the first ever home fixture for Stretford Paddock FC. For the entirety of their journey so far, Stephen Howson’s men have played every single game away from home, so the weight of expectation on the shoulders of the team as they faced De La Salle Reds was immeasurable.

174 people attended the match at the Butchers Arms Ground and were witness to a 3-1 victory for the home side. The atmosphere at the ground was immense, with cheers and songs ringing out while the fans enjoyed beers from the bar.

The early stages of the match were end to end and neither team could really gain a foothold. Paddock forward Kev Gale had a few searching shots, but they all were easily held by the De La Salle goalkeeper.

Disaster struck for Paddock in the 34th minute however when a cross went in and an unmarked De La Salle player at the far post was able to put it into the net, beating Hart by inches.

Paddock quickly got back in the right mindset and a swift passing move between Cam Watters, Nosa Imayu and Ronaldo Brown, which then led to Ronaldo passing it back to Watters just outside the box. He hit it low and clean and it beat the keeper, to bring the match back level as the half came to an end at 1-1.

At half time Kev Gale was subbed and replaced by Adam Ashton.

The Stretford Paddock team go in to the changing rooms for half time

The second half began much better for Paddock. With encouragement from the crowd, the team stepped up a gear and with constant pressure on the De La Salle defence, resulted in just reward early on.

Ronaldo got on the end of a cross into the box and under fierce competition from the opposition keeper was able to slot the ball into the back of the net, making it 2-1, putting Paddock ahead for the first time in the match.

The rest of the match resulted in a lot of pressure for Paddock, De La Salle were searching for an equaliser and more in the following half hour, and in the 89th minute De La Salle unleashed a fierce shot from distance which looked destined to nestle in the top corner of the net, but showing unbelievable reflexes, Jonny Hart at full stretch, saved the Paddocks lead and left manager Stephen Howson overjoyed, with his heart in his mouth.

A few minutes later he had more reason for celebration, as Jay Phillips continued his scoring form getting Paddocks third and sending the Butchers Arms crowd into thunderous cheers.

The goal confirmed Paddock’s victory as the game ended 3-1 and marked two games for Paddock with two wins.

Paddock’s first ever home starting XI –
(Back) Jay Phillips, James Oatt, Martin Parker, Mo Barakat, Jonny Hart, Luke Zakian
(Front) Aaron Hopley, Kev Gall, Cam Watter, Nosa Imayu, Ronaldo Brown

A perfect day for all involved and we thank everyone at Droylsden who shared their fantastic facilities and for helping to make it happen, despite the terrible circumstances that led to them having to withdraw from competition this season.

Our collection for the Bloods totalled £186.22 and we will be continuing to collect voluntary funds at every home match this season to help the Droylsden club get back on their feet. If you want to donate follow the link here: https://uk.gofundme.com/f/droylsden-fc

PHOTOS BY GREG WESTWOOD

Read More

The Upcoming Season: Our fixtures & where we’ll play them

14 September 2020
Website Editor
No comments
Categories: News, Official

Here is some of the important information you need to know before Stretford Paddock FC kick off in their inaugural season in the Lancashire and Cheshire league.

First Six Fixtures

Ronaldo Brown takes on the opposition during a preseason friendly against Dukinfield Town

Stretford Paddock’s first competitive fixtures in the Lancashire and Cheshire AFL Division 1 have been confirmed and they are as follows:

  • Away to Bury Amateur AFC – 19th September
  • Home to De La Salle Reds – 26th September
  • Away to Signol Old Boys – 3rd October
  • Home to Newton – 10th October
  • Home to Hadfield Athletic AFC – 17th October
  • Home to Moston Brook – 24th October

Stephen Howson and his team are excited to get started and we here at Stretford Paddock hope as many fans as possible will be able to get down to the matches, both home and away, to support us as we set out on our maiden campaign in amateur football.

However we do ask that you only attend if it is safe to do so and if you, or anyone you live with are displaying COVID-19 symptoms, please could you refrain from attending games, as it will help us operate safely in these uncertain times.

The highlights of every Paddock game will be available afterwards so you can still get your footballing fix if you are unable to attend.

If you are able to attend however, you made need to make a note of this next announcement.

Our New Ground

Fans will be able to watch Stretford Paddock from the terraces in the William Pace Stand

Stretford Paddock FC are delighted to announce that we will have the usage of Droylsden FC’s Butchers Arms Ground for the 2020/21 season.

Fans will be able to stand in the terraces and watch the first team play every home game at the East Manchester-based ground, and enjoy a drink while watching some good football. What more could you ask for?

We would like to thank David Pace and everyone at Droylsden FC for allowing us to use the ground and also for working around the clock to make sure the ground is ready for our first home game on the 26th September. We realise that access to a quality playing surface at this level is hard to find and we are thankful that even in this time of hardship for the club, they have worked to make sure that the team will have a surface that will allow Paddock to play entertaining football throughout the season.

The unfortunate news that Droylsden FC would have to withdraw from competition this season due to the financial implications of the COVID-19 crisis hit its fans and the surrounding community hard and we understand this, so every game the money made from the bar will be given to Droylsden FC and there will be an opportunity for donations at the gate in order to help this pillar of the community get back on it’s feet.

The address for any fans hoping to attend is as follows:

Droylsden FC

Market St

Droylsden

Manchester

M43 7AY

Guidelines will affect how many fans are permitted into the ground, however we hope to see as many of you there as possible when we kick off against De La Salle Reds on the 26th September.Entry for this, and all Stretford Paddock home games is free of charge for this season.

Read More

Paddock enter the Lancashire & Cheshire AFL

12 June 2020
Alex Turk
No comments
Categories: News, Official

The clock is ticking down as Stretford Paddock FC grow ever-closer to making our mark on the competitive stage.

Following a ballot earlier this week, Paddock FC’s application has been deemed successful and the club is now officially a member of the Lancashire & Cheshire AFL – a monumental milestone and hopefully, the first of many.

Also referred to as the Lancashire & Cheshire Amateur League, the clubs involved are based throughout the old boundaries of the county; from Preston to Southport and Rochdale and Oldham to East Lymm.

Along with Paddock FC, the other clubs that have officially joined the league today are:

  • Hattersley FC
  • Shaw Athletic FC
  • Woodhouses FC

The 2019/20 season saw 81 teams take part across six divisions – the Premier Division, Division One, Division Two, Division Three, Division A, Division B and Division C.

Within those clubs is the Whalley Range A team, currently near the bottom of Division C, but also the Whalley Range First team, who are storming the 19/20 Premier Division – unbeaten in 18 games with 50 points so far.

Manchester United fans may be familiar with the name… that’s because Whalley Range are sponsored by academy graduate and FA Cup Final match-winner Jesse Lingard, whilst a former academy star, Larnell Cole is registered as a player.

Although it’s unlikely Paddock FC will be reaching the heights of the Premier Division in the short-term, there are certainly aspirations to reach that target in the future under the guidance of Stephen Howson and a huge backroom staff including over 20 people.

Formed in 1909, one of the league’s success stories and a major inspiration for Paddock FC are Stalybridge Celtic – starting off as a football club in the Lancashire & Cheshire AFL before turning professional just two years later.

Today, Celtic are playing in the seventh tier of English football, the Northern Premier League Premier Division, but have been as high as the sixth tier, just two divisions below the Football League, in the Conference North.

Whilst it’s currently unclear which division Paddock FC will enter in the 2020/21 campaign, the club’s fate is expected to be announced at some point in July.

The league typically gets up and running for the season midway through August each year, providing competitive action all the way until the end of April.

We’ve arrived… and are ready to make an early impact once the new campaign gets underway.

Football’s coming home… soon

2 June 2020
Stephen Howson
No comments
Categories: News

As the U.K. Government slowly lifts the social restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, some sports and recreational hobbies are once again permitted, but with strict guidelines. All the added stipulations and regulations point to one question for football and sports in general, when will things be back to normal? 

Yesterday, the Football Association and Its 46 County FA’s announced new protocols for the return of grassroots football. In line with government advice, the FA have announced the following outdoor activity is permitted;

  • Playing football individually
  • Playing football with family/friends from your household 
  • Training or fitness activities in groups of no more than 6 people (where social distancing can be implemented) 

Under the current guidelines, matches, small-sided or full sized, are not permitted however the guidelines do state that coaches can organise multiple groups of 6, meaning 12 players can practice in 2 groups of 6, providing social distancing can be implemented of course. 

There is an air of rushing back into normality about the U.K. Government’s recent responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are now being told that if we can go to work, we should and not only that, but we can also go wherever we want, in England at least.

But what do these relaxations mean for football? Well, for many paid coaches, it may mean they can return to work in some form or other. Many coaching businesses will be able to re-open with limited numbers and grassroots players will be allowed a restricted level of practice/exercise, but all of this is certainly a long way from “normal”. 

https://twitter.com/MFA_Coach/status/1267525640963719168

What will football look like when it returns? Will it be safe? The only example we have is in the return of the German Bundesliga. If you haven’t seen the new Bundesliga action, then allow me to explain. Players, coaches and backroom staff alike all still share the same dressing room, safe? Well I’m no Professor Whitty but I highly doubt it’s a good idea. Coaches, players and staff must all wear face coverings off the pitch but is this being adhered to? Well yes and no, it seems it depends on whether you think your face mask is important or not. We’ve seen coaches remove their masks to talk to players and others just blatantly not wearing theirs whilst speaking to someone who is. 

But surely it can’t get more ridiculous? Well it can. According to the Bundesliga, players must now follow certain guidelines whilst in the stadium, these include, no handshakes or high fiving , no celebrating with other players (physically touching) no helping other players from off the ground and all substitutes must be 2 metres apart. However, players are still allowed to do the following, man mark, slide tackle, shield the ball and form a wall. So what’s the point I hear you ask? Honestly, I have no idea. 

One thing is for sure, football is coming back sooner than many perhaps first thought. Which delights us all at Paddock F.C. as we want to showcase our new club to the world as soon as possible, however, we will do everything we can to keep our players and staff safe when the time is right. 

Thomas Lawson 

Assistant Manager

OFFICIAL PARTNERS