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

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.

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Paddock prove they can do it on a cold rainy afternoon in Stockport against Signol Old Boys

By Casey Evans

It was a cold and rainy match day in Stockport, but Stretford Paddock did not disappoint, as they overcame the torrid conditions and came out 3-1 victors against Signol Old Boys.

The early stages of the game were close, with both teams trying to find their footing and figuring out how to play on the sodden pitch, but the deadlock was broken in the 18th minute when Louis Fitzpatrick, back in the team after his suspension, was found out wide. He controlled the ball well before chipping the outrushing keeper to make it 1-0 to Stretford Paddock.

The rest of the half was slow for both teams, without many chances, with most of the game being played in midfield. The weather definitely played its part visibly sucking the energy out of the players.

Captain Martin Parker was forced off early on with a groin injury and needed to be replaced by right back Ritchie Adjei.

In the 38th minute Paddock got the chance they needed. A fluffed clearance by the Signol keeper left him stranded and found Nosa Imayu about 30 yards out. Paddock’s number 10 calmly curled it into the open net with his weaker foot and Paddock went into half time 2-0 up.

Rain poured down during Saturday’s fixture, leaving the pitch sodden

The second half brought more of the same for both teams, the rain continued to pour down and neither team looked able to adapt to the awkward run of the ball.

Signol began to put pressure on the young Paddock side and finally got their goal in the 72nd minute, with a high shot that keeper Jonny Hart was unable to keep out.

Signol then went close to equalising moments later with a chip that was very similar to Fitzpatrick’s goal in the first half, but Adjei did fantastically well to get back and clear off the line, tipping the shot onto the post.

Two red cards followed in the match, firstly Paddock substitute Okera Simmonds was sent off in the 78th minute and then in the 92nd minute substitute Jordan Corke was clean through but was brought down by the Signol keeper who was shown a red and Corke also had to leave the field as he suffered a serious wrist injury.

Paddock took the resulting free kick quickly and Ronaldo Brown found the inform Jay Phillips in the box who volleyed it home to make it 3-1 to Paddock and make his personal tally of four for the season, so far.

The match ended 3-1 to Stretford Paddock resulting in three wins in three games for the fledgling side and more importantly, put them three points clear at the top of the league.

Manager Stephen Howson said: “We set high standards, of ourselves and of the players, and I am yet to see a performance that matches those expectations. I think I need to be better in my delivery of instruction, and the adherence has to improve.

“Three in three is a good start, but I’m not happy, and there’s a lot of work to done, before I will be. Next week, I want to see us push for a clean sheet and finish a game off without being nervous in the last 10. That would be a start.”

Stretford Paddock will now begin a three-game run at home, with the first of those games against Newton FC.

We hope as many supporters as possible can make the journey, but we would like to warn you not to attend if you, or anyone in your household is showing coronavirus symptoms and also to be aware of the ever-changing government guidelines.

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

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

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Our Official Sleeve Sponsor – Gripd

Stretford Paddock FC are proud to announce that we will be partnering with Gripd for the coming season as our official shirt sleeve sponsor.

Gripd will adorn the sleeves of both our home and away kits for every match we play this season. 

Gripd create state of the art non-slip socks which allow the wearer to twist turn and run with greater precision and control. Their innovative design providing comfort while allowing the user to achieve their maximum performance.

Speaking to the Gripd team they said: “When we heard Stretford Paddock were starting a football team we felt we just had to get involved.

“We have always tried to align ourselves with companies that have ambitions as high as ours. That coupled with the fact our performance socks are designed for sports and specifically football we felt it was the perfect fit. 

“We can’t wait to see where this journey goes and are excited to watch the lads play and express themselves week in week out, with GRiPD proudly sponsored on the sleeves and the our socks on the players feet.”

You can find out more about Gripd using the link here: www.gripd.co.uk

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Our Official Shirt sponsor – Buckley Design Solutions

Stretford Paddock FC are delighted to announce that they will be partnering with Buckley Design Solutions as one of our main sponsors for the upcoming season.

BDS will be our shirt sponsor and therefore will be displayed on the front of our home and away shirts in every game we play this season.

The company are based in the North West but operate all over the country, providing innovate and unmatched scaffolding design solutions and advice for many sectors of the construction industry, including Rail, Industrial, Commercial and Events.

Buckley Design Solutions will feature on the front of Stretford Paddock FC’s home and away shirts

Managing Director of BDS, Lee Buckley said “We have sponsored many football teams over the years, but these sponsorships have always been centred around youth teams, as I love the thought of contributing to kids getting a chance to do what they love.

“Sponsoring an adult team was never something that I considered, until Stretford Paddock FC came along. As a big Man Utd fan & season ticket holder, I have followed Stephen Howson, Stretford Paddock & Full Time Devils for many years on their social media platforms, so when I heard the announcement of Stretford Paddock FC forming a team, I immediately wanted to be involved from the start. I love the enthusiasm & passion shown by Stephen & his staff/team, & would really like to be part of the journey…who knows where it will lead..?!”

As a club who are proud of our northern heritage and the acknowledge the importance of hard work in striving for perfection, we are proud to partner with a company like BDS that champions these same values.

Find out more about Buckley Design Solutions here: https://www.buckleydesigns.co.uk

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Review – Philips Inspires paddock to win in first competitive fixture

by Casey Evans

On Saturday afternoon Stretford Paddock marked their first ever competitive fixture with a win against Bury Amateur AFC, in what was a hard fought 4-2 victory for Stephen Howson’s men. The anticipation around the pitch was palpable as both sides wanted to kick off this new season with a win.

Things started badly for Paddock, as Bury scored early on – a long ball over the top of the defence prompted a footrace between the Bury striker and Stretford Paddock’s ’keeper, Josh Hollobon. Unfortunately, Hollobon was beaten to the ball and the striker prodded it home. Their experience both in the league and as a team showed, Bury’s long balls caused problems for the fledgling Paddock side, in the early stages.

Paddock continued to apply pressure throughout the first half, with little reward for their efforts. Ronaldo Brown dribbled well to work his way into the box, but found his effort saved by the Bury keeper.

Stretford Paddock’s fortunes changed when a clearance from a corner landed back at the feet of the taker Jay Philips, in the 41st minute, who delivered a cross-come-shot towards the back post. The cross went past everyone in the box and nestled in the net, getting the equaliser Paddock were searching for.

Minutes later, midfielder Cameron Watters went down under a challenge in the penalty area, but the loose ball fell to Adam Ashton, who hit the ball into the top corner, with some venom. Paddock went into half time 2-1 up.

Jacob Philips directs his cross towards the net for Paddock’s equaliser

The scoring continued early on in the second half when Luke Zakian was brought down in the 47th minute, just outside the box. Philips stood over the free-kick and smashed it over the wall, into the top right corner, scoring a brace in the first competitive match for Paddock.

Philips went close to getting his hat-trick, with a curling effort, from outside of the box, hitting the post.

Bury, again, exploited the high line of the Paddock defence in the second half – using a long ball to get in behind and made it 3-2, resulting in the closing stages of the game being quite tense.

However, Ronaldo took the game in his stride, breaking through the Bury defence before being brought down in the box. He took the resulting penalty and slotted it home, making it 4-2 to the Paddock.

The ending of the game was marred by a second yellow card for Louis Fitzpatrick who left the pitch after a decent performance, but he will now be suspended for Paddock’s next fixture.

Manager Stephen Howson and the coaches were happy with the team’s performance and will be hoping they can use this win and take this momentum into the next fixture, which is Stretford Paddock’s first ever home game, next Saturday, against De La Salle Reds.

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PADDOCK PREVIEW – Paddock hope to kick off season with a win away to Bury Amateurs

By Casey Evans

Tomorrow marks not just the first game in the Lancashire and Cheshire League since the lockdown put a stop to all grassroots football, but also the first ever competitive fixture for Stretford Paddock FC as they play Bury Amateur AFC away from home.

After months of preparation and hard work, everyone from the players to the backroom staff will be raring to get going and kick off their maiden campaign with a win.

Stretford Paddock faced a difficult preseason; restrictions had left a limited amount of time for the team to gel. This meant they faced defeats at the hands of Dukinfield Town, Jolly Carter FC and a 1-1 draw against Urmston Town, who they will also be facing in the league this season. They did manage a 2-0 victory against Chorlton FC showing promising signs from Stephen Howson’s side, however their first competitive fixture will offer a whole new challenge.

A stand out moment from the preseason was definitely Ronaldo Brown scoring Paddock’s first ever goal, after winning then converting a penalty against Jolly Carter FC. However, he and players like Adam Ashton, Louis Fitzpatrick and Cameron Watters, will be queueing up to be the first name on the scoresheet when it comes to their first competitive fixture.

The players congratulate each other on a job well done after their 2-0 win against Chorlton FC

Bury Amateur AFC , will be wanting to improve on their previous season where they finished 10th with 12 point and a minus 27 goal difference. Despite this underachievement, they will still be hoping that they can use their experience to their advantage against the fledgling Paddock side and cause them difficulties.

Manager Stephen Howson is not concerned, saying: “I’m very much looking forward to our first competitive game, it’s been a long time coming, and it’s now the moment of truth.  We’ve trained fantastically well the last couple of weeks, added some great additions to the squad and I feel we are almost coming to the boil.

There’s still a lot to do in terms of patterns of play and set piece work, but I think we are going to be a force. Can’t wait to see the lads in action.”

Stretford Paddock will be without some players due to them still working up to match fitness, however some are having to self-isolate after being exposed to a positive case of COVID-19. Luckily these players avoided any contact with the rest of the team.

The match will kick off at 2pm tomorrow and you attend the game by coming down to Rainsough Brow, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 9XW.

We’d like to remind anyone who is planning to come down, that if they or anyone in their household are displaying COVID-19 symptoms could they please refrain from attending the game so we can keep the spectators safe.

For those not able to attend, highlights will be available on the Paddock FC Youtube site after the game.

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