Padiham Saints J.F.C

Played today in a bog at Witton Park, Blackburn.

We arrived at Witton Park, to be told by an absolute joker, no idea who he was but he was sorting the pitches out. Not only did we move from Everton playing fields to Witton Park, but was told we were on pitch 2, but when we got there they'd moved us off that pitch onto the same pitch we should have played Preston Utd on, after complaining about that pitch 2 months ago being dangerous, with having holes in a line for about 40 yds, it was poor to see that nothing had been done to sort it. So after saying to the joker guy that we wouldnt play on there, he reacted somewhat strangley, he never admitted it was dangerous, but still wanted us to play on there after saying that there was nothing wrong with it and that a game had already been played on there. Do these people not realise that its kids that are playing on these fields? and just want to play and get these fixtures in at any cost?

We were then told we would either have to wait 50 mins for a pitch or go on the astroturf. Neither were gonna happen. So thats when they put us on a pitch that looked like it had had a rugbygame on it already.

Enough of that.

Before we started the game, it was overheard that the opposition had said they would stick 10 or 11 goals past us today. Last time we played this team at the Fenny we were soundly beaten. Today as of previous weeks we proved we are no longer the push overs we used to be.
At the Fenny they bullied our lads into submission and we came off the field battered and bruised.

This game wasn't for the purist as the field made it impossible for much good football. In 1st 5mins we had 3-4 chances only for the sandy, muddy goal area to make the ball stick and not roll.
0-0 at half time was a more than satisfactory effort. Every Saint giving 100% effort, no one backed out of a challenge which was very pleasing.

Max made an early save but had relativately little to do, Aaron and Xander won everything at the back. Luke bossed the middle of the park with Jake and Jamie providing the flair down the wings to give Matty plenty of early touches and presented quite a few chances.

Subs were made, Ryan came on in the middle of midfield and his 1st 3 touched nearly provided a goal. Callum kept on plugging away, trying to provide Regan with a breakaway as for the 1st 5mins we were under pressure in the 2nd half. Blue Star scored their goal as the ball got stuck in the mud and their striker was 1st to react.

Blake then got stuck in and refused to be shrugged off the ball to set Jake up but was well saved by the keeper. After the goal Blue Star didn't really create many more chances as Jack swept up at the back and cleared the ball at ever attempt. Aaron, after a few words came back on and was immense, he won every tackle fairly but very hard. This was Aarons best 15 mins in a Saints shirt. Matty Cosby had a chance to tie the game with 2 mins left, but was unlucky as he forced their keeper into a good save low down, Matty won the MOM for the 2nd week running.

Everyone including the parents were a credit not only today but over the season so far, hopefully with a bit of luck we can start winning, the boys are giving everything and with every game we not only get better playing football but we get stronger as a team.

I would just like to agree with Darren on everything that he has said about the boys. Every week they go into a game wanting to win and every week they give 100% and every week we feel that they have been unlucky and most importantly every week they enjoy the football. These boys are a cracking bunch they all get on well on and off the pitch and are working together on the pitch better and better every week. This week i did see a different side to them. They are learning to challenge better and with a little 'nice' force that all football players need to win the ball. I am impressed with them every week. They are FAB!!!and i am sure soon they will start winning and drawing their games...

Sounds like a fantastic games and like I have said to Darren on numerous occasions the team has really improved dramatically over the past months.

This under 10 team has probably had the hardest task of all the saints team this season starting the season barely knowing which position they were going to be playing in and up against teams that have been together a few years.

Well done to all of you for the sheer determination that you are showing.

Darren you are doing a fantastic job keep it up.

Carry this on and I am sure another win is just around the corner you are all a real credit to the club. Well done!

Sounds like a great effort lads, keep training hard, listen to your coach and it'll all come together eventually. Great teams are not made overnight and playing together on a regular basis certainly helps. Playing passing football will always win you games but sometimes 'playing ugly' will also win for for you specially when conditions are adverse. You sound like my sort of team going in for challenges and winning the ball, never ever forget that if you've got the ball they can't score.

Shame about the pitch issue and you're right Darren, the kids safety is paramount particularly on a pitch that is suspect to start with regardless of the conditions.

Claire, it's nice to see your comment on the lads giving 100%, no coach will ask for more and the lads themselves will be well satisfied that they did their best win or lose. I love the committment from some of the teams at Saints even when they go behind, they're a credit to the community and the club. Play hard lads, play fair and you will prevail eventually.

Well done again to the team, well done to the motm and well done Saints for spawning what may be another very good team