MATCH REPORTS

28th February 2010 - Lancon 2-1 Hesketh Bank

Hesketh bank under 14's were due to be playing away at Lancon at 2 o'clock this Sunday however this would have conflicted with the cup final between Man Utd and Aston Villa and as a number of players and management are Man Utd fans we asked Lancon if they would be happy to rearrange the fixture to the morning. Due to other teams playing in the morning we were unable to do this however as a number of the Lancon team also wanted to watch the final they were more than happy to play the game at shore road at 11 o'clock so that everyone could watch the final which we were all very grateful for.

As for the match Hesketh Bank started extremely slowly conceded a goal in the first couple of minutes from a well delivered free kick into the box which was headed over Joe the out coming goalkeeper. The early setback knocked the lads and it took them a while to get into the game, however after a scrappy 15 minutes they started to knock the ball around on a very sticky pitch creating a few decent chances.

Midway through the first half Luke Drummond was denied a stone wall penalty after being through on goal and being tripped from behind just before he was about to pull the trigger however things did even themselves up in the end as Lancon were also denied a penalty in the second half all be it not as concrete.

We finally got the equaliser 10 minutes before the break when the ball came into the box and Danny Ball looked to have put the ball into the top corner of the net only for the keeper to scoop it out from behind the line, however Jamie Pratt made sure by smashing the re bound into the goal making the net ripple.

After getting the goal I thought this would settle the lads and we would be able to build on it and create more chances and eventually goals however we were pegged back again right before half time with a rocket goal from one of the Lancon players which no goalkeeper would have been able to save.

There wasn't much to say at half time as the lads weren't playing badly it was a case of being patient and hoping they would create some more chances and be able to put them away in the second half.

If the truth be told the majority of the second half was played in Lancon's half however we were unable to carve out any real opportunities and as the clock ticked down we didn't look like getting the equalising goal.

As time ran down a couple of half chances fell to both Luke Drummond and Danny Grimsley but neither were able to work the Lancon goalkeeper. The game finished 2 – 1 to Lancon.

As mentioned at half time the lads didn't play particularly badly today it was just one of those games where we didn't have the necessary luck.

___________________________________________________________

14th February 2010 - Hesketh Bank 1-5 Ribchester

Today's fixture was finally played after several cancellations over the winter period, the Shore road pitch still had a slight frost in the ground but was safe and in generally good condition for this time of year.

Both teams came into this game challenging for promotion and hoping that their opponents dropped valuable points, Ribchester the league leaders and Hesketh Bank in fourth place with a couple of games in hand.

Hesketh Bank had only 12 players available for today's game which gave the management no choice but to alter our starting line up With long term injured.

James Ball, Johnny Read away on holiday and Ashley Burns injured, our single substitute for today was Danny Grimsley. On the field Captain Ben Melling partnered Luke Drummond up front and Ben McDonald took the left midfield role, all the other players in their usual formations.

From the start both teams played strong competitive football with end to end attacking being the theme for the day, Ribchester controlled the winning of the ball in midfield but struggled to break down the central defence of James Poulton and Ben Pomeroy.

The Ribchester defence kept our forward line at bay and their keeper caused us problems all day with his long goal kicks down field, one of these was to open the scoring, a fine piece of play by their central midfield player who evaded two of our defenders and slotted the ball past a stranded goalkeeper Joe Hall to make it 1-0.

Against the run of play, not dealing with their attacking midfielders had cost us a goal, the Hesketh Bank response was to attack through Ben Melling who played a great through ball to Luke Drummond to calmly lob the ball over the Ribchester keeper for his Seventeenth goal of the season to make it 1-1.

Again not winning the first challenge and not stepping up to the mark to win the second soon cost us another goal, unfortunate defending and hesitant goalkeeping gave Ribchester an easy second goal against us to make it 2-1 to the visitors.

Ribchester continued to attack and another close call came when full back. Maciek Augustynowicz sliced a defensive clearance which forced keeper Joe Hall into an acrobatic save, the League leaders were not in the position they are with Defensive football.

The Hesketh Bank team continued to give time and space to the Ribchester players and were punished again just before half time with a brilliant piece of individual play from the Ribchester central midfielder who dribbled past three of our players before shooting past our keeper to make the score at Half time 3-1 to the visitors.

Although Steve Gibson and Dave Melling were the only management present at the half time team talk it was clear to all the players and parents on the sideline that the first half performance was not acceptable, good honest talking by Gibbo and Dave was needed and was delivered in hope that the players would respond in the second half.

Danny Grimsley came on as a substitute in a tactical swap for Ben McDonald to partner Luke up front and Ben Melling moved back into his normal midfield role hopefully to get a grip of a game which was still there for the taking, the next goal would play a major part in the result for either side.

Several chances were missed by the forwards from Hesketh Bank with Luke and Danny putting the ball wide or over the bar, on the counter attack Ribchester were still running the show and it was no surprise to see them score their fourth of the day.

Tom Wilson took an injury to his knee and had to leave the field with Ben McDonald going back on into the midfield, Captain Ben Melling was asked to make his third positional change of the day to Left full back.

Several last ditch tackles by Ben Pomeroy and James Poulton who at least can be said battled for every ball right to the end kept the score the same until ten minutes from the end.

With one of Ribchesters final attacks the hesitation in clearing a ball or being first to the challenge cost us another goal, Keeper Joe Hall again being beaten by the ball being lobbed over his head into an empty net to make the score 5-1 to Ribchester.

Plenty of teams will have been beaten by Ribchester this season which happens when you play gifted individual players of a high standard, but there are still only eleven of the opposition on the pitch at any time.

What is not acceptable to the management is the attitude of our team today when individuals “go missing or don't show character and belief when playing the better teams”.

The players need to use the training sessions previous to the game with the same effort they are expected to put in a Sunday match regardless of the opposition.

This has not been the case this week with certain individuals, and I am sure the management will want to address this starting this Tuesday evening.

Next week's game 21 st February Away against Lostock Hall juniors kick off 11.00am.

Darren

___________________________________________________________

7th February 2010 - Hesketh Bank A-A Gregson Lane

The pitch was very heavy for this weekend's game due to the senior side playing on it 24 hours earlier and was going to provide a fitness test for both teams, our visitors this week were High flying Gregson lane who are in second place in the table and would provide a good test if we want to know what standard we need to reach if we aim to be challenging for promotion at the end of the season.

Last time the teams met each other in September it was Gregson Lane who won the game 3-0 and our strongest team was put out by the management in the usual line up and with only two substitutes available for consideration this week it was left to Ben McDonald and Danny Grimsley to keep the bench warm.

Even play was the theme for the first 20 minutes with both teams squandering chances and failing to master the offside trap, good firm tackling was the order of the day with no team wanting to give any advantage to their opponents.

After several missed chances by regular goal scorer Luke Drummond Gregson Lane played good passing football down the right wing finishing with a cross into our 18 yard box, hesitant play by our goalkeeper Joe Hall in coming off his line resulted in their striker finishing easily to make the score 1-0 to the visitors.

Hesketh Bank nearly made amends before half time with a great individual attack by Johnny Read, after beating three players it was only a last ditch tackle although slightly dubious that saved Gregson Lane. Just before half time from a Danny Ball corner the ball was played back from.

Jamie Pratt to defender James Poulton who smashed the ball just over the bar, the teams went into half time with the score the same 1-0 to Gregson lane.

Both teams attacked straight from the start with pitch now cutting up in the middle, tackles continued to be made in defence and midfield that were fully committed, several attacks from both teams resulted in shots just wide or over the bar.

Gregson Lane tested our goal with a long range shot that just went over the crossbar and we knew it would not be the last, soon another speculative shot was fired from long range and Goalkeeper Joe Hall was unable to deal with it, the ball dropping to Gregson Lane player to make it 2-0.

Danny Grimsley came on for Cameron Evans in a tactical change by the management but was unable to find time and space, this is what we will face when we player higher standard teams, their defenders and Midfielders using their physical presence in every challenge.

Too many challenges on the ground and in the air were not won today, the ability is not in question from the lads but sometimes the desire to battle when required

Sadly one of these challenges was to change the game with 15 minutes to go when an innocuous tackle involving two Hesketh Bank and one Gregson Lane player caused concern for all around, the Gregson Lane player was clearly hurt with a serious back injury

Both Darren McDonald and the management from Gregson Lane tried to assist and comfort the player hoping that he would be able to recover, but it was clearly not going to be the case and an ambulance was called for as the player could not be moved for fear of further damage.

Referee John Davies consulted both managers and quite rightly abandoned the game.

It was a sad sight for any parent or young player to see someone being taken off a football field on a spinal board and also quite distressing, I have since this evening had messages of thanks form both Gregson Lane and the Ambulance services thanking us for the correct action taken, Anthony the player involved from Gregson lane was later released with Ligament and muscle damage around his spine area and will make a full recovery in due course.

All at Hesketh Bank football club wish him well with his recovery

Next week's game 14 th February home against the leaders in our league Ribchester Juniors kick off 11.00am at Shore Road

Darren

___________________________________________________________

31st January 2010 - Hesketh Bank 5-2 Bamber Bridge

This was to be our first home game played this year and the first match played at Shore road since 18 th October 2009.

The pitch itself during the week was kindly mowed and rolled by Hesketh Banks Station road groundsman Morgan Dodgson and after it was lined out on Friday afternoon by Steve Gibson and Darren McDonald it looked as good as pre-season.

Unfortunately the cold snap of weather came over the weekend and on Sunday morning at 9.30am we were faced with a scene likeable to Polar Express, the pitch being covered in a light dusting of snow and hailstones.

The pitch was soft underneath its white blanket but lines would have to be visible for the referee to allow play commence.

A spirited effort by Dave Melling, Neil Poulton, Dave Pomeroy, and Darren in Brushing the pitch clear resulted in the kick off being delayed for half an hour but the game being playable (well done you guys for your hard work in enabling the game to be played, I know our manager John Read really appreciated our efforts).

The Hesketh Bank team kept its familiar shape from the previous weekends fixture with the three substitutes for this game being Danny Ball, Danny Grimsley and Cameron Evans who was carrying an injury and who would only be used in an emergency, it was also good to see our long term injured player James Ball who came to support his teammates.

From the start Hesketh Bank continued their attacking play from the previous week and Luke Drummond was unlucky several times after good play from our creative midfielders Jamie Pratt and Captain Ben Melling,over exuberance in the tackle by Jamie in trying to win the ball resulted in the Bamber Bridge centre half retaliating and receiving a booking by the referee.

Great first time passing between Jamie Pratt and Ben McDonald resulted in Luke Drummond being faced with only the goalkeeper to beat and he duly scored to make the score 1-0, within the next 10 minutes the same move on the right between Jamie and Macca resulted in a mirror image of the first and now Luke had claimed another goal to make it 2-0 to Hesketh Bank.

As we found in our previous LFA cup match with Bamber Bridge earlier in the season we knew we would be under pressure even though we were in the lead, not closing the midfield down and winning challenges in the middle of the park soon cost us a goal when the midfielder from Bamber Bridge scored a great long range effort to make the score 2-1, the score was soon to be level with a sloppy goal conceded almost immediately due to us not being able to close down the attackers and then deal with the danger to make the score 2-2.

Captain Ben Melling rallied his team for a final push before half time and a great solo effort culminating with a long range shot which the Bamber Bridge keeper could not hold, the score now 3-2 to Hesketh Bank, Ashley Burns injured himself and was replaced by Danny Ball just before the referee blew his whistle.

The Hesketh Bank team started the second half with the stern words of the management in their ears and responded by coming out attacking again, Luke putting a couple of chances wide and Danny Grimsley coming on for Ben McDonald so we could change things up front.

Johnny Read made a great run down the left from his midfield role and played a wonderful ball across the box for Jamie Pratt to rifle into the back of the net score now 4-2

Great deliveries all day long from corners and free kicks by James Poulton added to the confusion in the Bamber Bridge defence, Luke heading wide and unlucky not to score, it was not long before Luke got his Hat trick turning the defender and finding the corner off the net to make it 5-2 to Hesketh Bank and 6 goals in 2 games for Luke.

Even with the scoreline well in our favour we had to rely on excellent last ditch tackling by Tom Wilson and Maciek Augustynowicz, and with Bamber Bridge playing the high ball into our defence James Poulton and Ben Pomeroy used their heads several times to clear the defensive line.

The final score being 5-2 to Hesketh Bank in a thoroughly entertaining game to view, standout performances this week of mention were Jamie Pratt in Midfield and Maciek Augustynowicz in defence.

Next week's game 31 st January home against second place in our league Gregson Lane kick off 11.00am at Shore Road

Darren

24th January 2010 - Deepdale Juniors 2-7 Hesketh Bank

Without a game played since the 25 th October last year this afternoons fixture was always going to be a difficult game on a pitch that was soft but in good condition despite the weather of the previous weeks,

A shortage of competitive match practice and sharpness would be evident today and with this in mind a good start to the game was important and our management decided to go with our regular starting players with Jamie Pratt, Ashley Burns and Ben McDonald as substitutes to bring on when the game needed fresh legs and ideas

From the start the play was in both teams' 18 yard boxes and after good interlinking passes between the forwards Captain Ben Melling skilfully beat several players to open the scoring to make it 1-0 to Hesketh Bank

From the restart Deepdale pressed forwards for an equaliser and came very close after we gave a direct free kick away on the edge of our box, the Deepdale full back making a tremendous strike against our keeper Joe Hall which came off the post.

Another Deepdale attack against us almost straight away resulted in the equaliser, our midfield guilty of not picking up players on the edge of the box and their striker being allowed time to shoot past our stranded keeper

With the score now 1-1 the game was evenly matched until a brilliant piece of vision by Centre half James Poulton changed the game, on collecting the ball from our keeper and taking it to the edge of his 18 yard box he played a fantastic 40 yard ball over the Deepdale defence for Luke Drummond to latch on to, Luke still with work to do calmly slotted the ball past the advancing keeper to make it 2-1

A corner on the right gave Hesketh Bank another opportunity and our other centre half Ben Pomeroy headed against the post, the ball rebounding for Luke Drummond to get his second of the day the score now 3-1

With half time looming Hesketh Bank put pressure on the Deepdale defence and a ball played back to their keeper fell short, Luke Drummond again the first of our strikers to react and he slotted the ball in off the post for his hat trick, again persistence and effort paid off (Note to Leslie his Mum this lad is going to need one hell of a large trophy cabinet with all these Hat trick match balls)

With the score now 4-1 to Hesketh Bank the half time whistle blew and the management decided to bring on two of our three substitutes Jamie Pratt on for Danny Grimsley who worked hard up front and Ashley Burns on for Cameron Evans in midfield

The second half started as we finished the first with a great attack from the left, the ball being crossed over for Danny Ball who was unlucky not to get a first time shot on goal, several attempts by the midfielders and Strikers to go one on one through the middle of the Deepdale defence proved unlucky, finally Danny Ball was rewarded with his effort today with a through ball to Ben Melling for his second of the day the score now 5-1, with 25 minutes to go Danny Ball made way for our last substitute Ben McDonald.

Credit to Deepdale who still kept attacking but met a defence marshalled By James Poulton in outstanding form and several opportunities were broken down.

Finally a direct free kick was awarded to Deepdale from just outside the 18 yard box and the Deepdale full back scored a fantastic goal applauded by both sets of parents, the score now 5-2 with 15 minutes to go from the re-start Hesketh Bank continued to attack outnumbering the Deepdale defence on several occasions with our attacking play, only the lack of vision and willingness to play a better choice of pass instead of trying to walk the ball into the back of the net kept the score the same.

Finally the ball was played out onto the right wing for Ben McDonald in space to run at the Deepdale defence, a lovely inside pass played to Jamie Pratt secured goal number six for Hesketh Bank, nice to see Luke Drummond run and applaud “Macca” for his unselfish play.

With the game now almost over goal number seven came with a determined solo effort from Johnny Read a great central run at the Deepdale defence with the goalkeeper saving his first attempt and the second shot being smashed into the corner, a just reward for his effort today.

As the full time whistle blew with a scoreline 7-2 to Hesketh Bank both sets of players shook hands, special mention must also be given to John Read and Steve Gibson for remaining calm and professional on behalf of Hesketh Bank football club whilst suffering a foul mouthed altercation from the Deepdale linesman in the first half.

Good performance to start our 2010 year with with everyone involved playing their part in the win, two outstanding performances today in James Poulton and Luke Drummond who inspired the rest of the team with their confident play, well done to both of you.

Next week's game 31 st January home against Bamber Bridge kick off 11.00am.

Darren

___________________________________________________________

25th October 2009 - Ripon Reds 3-3 Hesketh Bank

Ripon Reds the current league leaders were our away opponents today with an afternoon kick off at Moor Park, the game was deemed fit to play despite torrential wind and rain which started half an hour before kick off.

Team selection was an easy option for the management this weekend as we had several players including Goalkeeper Joe Hall, central defender James Poulton and Forward Danny Grimsley all missing.

Changes were made with midfielder Cameron Evans going in nets,Majiec Augustonoyvic going into defence and Ashley Burns going into midfield, James Ball carrying an injury moved up to right wing for the first half with Danny Ball again moving to right back and Ben McDonald the only substitute.

With the wind behind us at the kick off it was important we made the early play and use the wind to our advantage, as per usual we went a goal behind, good interlinking play between the Ripon forwards and the ball was in the back of the net before we could get into our rhythm.

Never ones to sit back and look at defeat the two central defenders of Ben Pomeroy and Majiec played really well in stopping any Ripon Attacks and protecting Stand in goalkeeper Cameron, the midfielders started to play the ball around the park and two quick goals for Hesketh Bank came before half time, Ben Melling and Luke Drummond the scorers.

With the wind and rain still playing a major part in this fixture it was important to go into half time maintaining the lead and increasing it if possible, this was not to be and we went in still 2-1 up.

The second half brought our only Substitution of Ben McDonald on for James Ball in a straight positional swap, with the wind now against us we endeavoured to attack at every opportunity and after several attempts on goal by Ben McDonald, Ben Melling and Luke Drummond the ball broke wide on the right for Ben McDonald to beat the defence and cross the ball in, the ball ending up above the Ripon Defenders heads and when it dropped a fantastic controlled volley was scored by Ashley Burns.

To see a goal scored like that by Ashley made standing in the rain worthwhile for all the parents, well done “Ashy”.

With the score now 3-1 to Hesketh Bank it was credit now to Ripon Reds who took the next 20 minutes of play to shoot at our stand in goalkeeper Cameron, one shot too many caused the ball to be spilled in our box and the Ripon Reds got a goal back.

Hesketh Bank did not give up and a cross come shot by Ben Melling hit the bar, it was real end to end stuff. With the bit between their teeth the league leaders could sense a draw was there for the taking and continued to pressure us right to the end, last ditch tackles by the defence and in particularly Tom Wilson were keeping them at bay, could we hold on for a fantastic win?

With 2 minutes to go the ball was played from the Ripon Reds midfield up front, stand in keeper Cameron deciding the best option was to charge out of his 18 yard box and clear the ball, sadly he didn't get their quick enough and the Ripon Players and parents were jubilant as the ball was put in the back of the net by their forward.

With the score now 3-3 the referee only had time to restart the game and the league leaders were still celebrating as the final whistle went, a great game of football played sportingly by both teams in really difficult weather conditions.

Today we came close to beating the league leaders and it is clear we are able to do so which is a measurement of how far we have progressed as a team, no one can influence a result like this stood on the sideline, the lads did their best and individual mistakes can contribute to the score line not going our way, we win as a team and we lose as a team all together no matter how upset we are at the time.

Again a great all round performance this week with Majiec in particular tackling like a Trojan, well done to all the lads for putting up a valiant effort. Next week's game 1 st November home against Ribchester kick off 11.00am

Darren

__________________________________________________________

18th October 2009 - Hesketh Bank 6-3 Ribble Wanderers

Another home game at Shore road this week on a pitch that is still looking good condition wise so far, all the pre-season pitch renovation work by Steve Gibson, Vaughan Birkby, Neil Poulton, Derek Burns and Darren McDonald is paying off.

Ribble Wanderers were the visitors today bringing a good supporting crowd of parents as well as a team of boys, some who had the physique of adults but whose play was physical but fair.

Ribble started off from the kick off first to the ball in most challenges and taking a direct route at goal with every opportunity, things did not look good for Hesketh Bank from the start, soon direct play left us a goal down.

Tom Wilson imposed himself going forward at every opportunity and a great run down the left wing resulting in a cross for Luke Drummond to get himself onto levelled the score. Another Hesketh Bank attack saw Luke Drummond get his second from a goalmouth scramble, hardly a classic goal but we were now well and truly back in the game

Tireless defending by James Poulton and Ben Pomeroy was a pleasing aspect again. With the play going our way more it was a shock to see Ribble score again before half time, the Ribble player being given time in midfield to attack our goal, Joe Hall our keeper decided to deal with the shot by letting it go wide whilst unaware of his position in goal, the ball ending up in the back of the net.

A poor goal to give away by Hesketh but 2-2 at half time gave the management the opportunity at half time to address the issues of the first half. Jamie Pratt returned from injury to replace Danny Grimsley and Majiec Augustonyovic replaced James Ball who still looked to be carrying an injury. Captain Ben Melling who looked quiet in the first half had the opportunity to express himself more by supporting Luke Drummond.

Jamie Pratt made an instant impact on the match and with great composure on the ball played a great pass through for Johnny Read to finish. Our forwards kept pressing to beat the Ribble offside trap and eventually after getting caught several times on the run Jamie Pratt managed to get his name on the score sheet on his return to the team, we know had a 4-2 lead.

Cameron Evans doing the simple things well in Midfield whilst Jamie was looking to attack and give our forwards a chance, Ribble came back at us and a rash challenge by our defence on the 18 yard box gave Ribble a free kick.

The midfield player form Ribble who had scored the previous 2 goals stepped up and scored a fantastic free kick over our keeper, credit to the lad it was a great goal for his hat trick.

At 4-3 up the Hesketh bank team made a substitution Ashley Burns coming on for Cameron Evans and after several chances by Johnny Read, Luke Drummond and Ben Melling it was that man Jamie Pratt who was to get his second of the game through great team play.

Our final substitution Ben McDonald came on for the hard working Danny Ball in midfield and after being stood on the sidelines for 45 minutes gave it his all for the last part of the game creating chances for our forwards only for them to put the ball wide or over the bar.

Finally goal number six came for Hesketh from a corner and it was Luke Drummond who was in the right place at the right time to complete his hat trick.

With the score now 6-3 to Hesketh Bank the final whistle blew. It was a thoroughly entertaining game to watch and not a score you could have predicted at the beginning of the game, credit to both teams who worked really hard on this bitterly cold morning

A good team performance this week with 4 lads who made the differenceJohnny Read, James Poulton, Tom Wilson and Luke Drummond all having a fantastic game.

Next week's game 25 th October away against the league leaders Ripon Reds with a 2pm kick off .

__________________________________________________________

11th October 2009 - Hesketh Bank 4-0 Walton-le-dale

Once again thanks to Steve Gibson for this week's match report due in my absence as I was away on my Final exam day on my FA coaching course in Leyland

Another fantastic performance and result for Hesketh Bank under 14's this week starting where they left off from last week with another home win beating Walton Le Dale 4 – 0. That makes it four wins from four at Shore Road in the league scoring twenty goals and only conceding one, we are really starting to turn that place into our own little fortress.

Like last week we started off very well and were immediately on the front foot playing some lovely two touch football and having the majority of possession in their half. It was Danny Grimsley who created the first chance for the team with some excellent hold up play in the box which lead to one of the opposing defenders getting frustrated and hacking him from behind to which the referee awarded us a penalty. Danny Grimsley continued to hold the ball up for the team all game long as well as playing some lovely through balls for his team mates to run onto and generally linking the play between midfield and attack. Danny has really been listening to what the coaches have been telling him at training and week after week is putting it into practice in the games and there has been a marked improvement in his performances.

With Jamie Pratt our usual penalty taker on the sidelines due to injury our number two spot kick taker Ben Melling stepped up and coolly slotted the ball into the bottom right hand corner to give us a deserved lead.

The second goal of the game came shortly after the first and was quite simply the best goal this team has ever produced. It started all the way back in the hands of our own goalkeeper Joe Hall who showed quick thinking to throw the ball wide to Ben McDonald, who in turn slipped the ball forward to Danny Grimsley who looped the ball over the defence for Luke Drummond to run onto and smash a volley into the roof of the net! A real sublime goal which went down extremely well with all the supporters.

After the second goal we continued to keep good possession and play some nice two touch football but couldn't find that third goal to really put the game to bed and we came in at half time two nil up.

Half time was very similar to last week where we just needed to talk through a couple of things and check up on one or two injury concerns that we had from Luke Drummond and James Ball. There was one personnel change to be made at half time and Danny Ball came on for Ben McDonald, who knew he would be re entering the game at a later stage as James Ball would not be able to complete the game due to a long standing injury problem.

As the second half started we seemed to take even more control of the game keeping more possession and creating more chances. Another mention again this week for the defence who were all fantastic with a specific mention to the partnership that has formed between our two giants at the back James Poulton and Ben Pomeroy who really give us a solid platform to go forward and perform.

It wasn't long after the break that we scored our third goal with Luke Drummond running onto a lovely through ball and clipping it past the keeper into the far corner. Once we scored the third goal the game went a bit flat with Walton le Dale clearly beaten and our lads taking their foot off the pedal slightly. This could not be said however for our captain and man of the match Ben Melling who gave a sensational performance in the middle of the park, covered every blade of grass and didn't stop for one minute. A number of the parents and supporters came up to me at the end and made it very clear that they thought Ben was excellent today.

With around fifteen minutes to go we got our fourth and final goal of the game which came from Ashley Burns who showed great tenacity down the left wing, took on the full back and had a venomous shot saved by the keeper but as all good forward players do he followed his shot up scoring the re bound off the keeper.

Another good performance from the lads this week who seem to be playing with some real confidence and belief. Hopefully we can keep this team spirit and form up for the remainder of the season.

Next week's game 18 th October home against Ribble Wanderers 11.00am kick off

Darren

__________________________________________________________

4th October 2009 - Hesketh Bank 1-0 Appley Bridge

Firstly thanks to Steve Gibson for this week's match report due in my absence as I was away on my FA coaching course exams

After a really disappointing game last week it was back to our best for the visit of Appley Bridge with a performance that management, team and supporters were extremely pleased with.

From the first whistle we looked switched on and focused and dominated in every area of the field in every position. The winning result was built on a fantastic defensive foundation with a man of the match performance from Majiec Augustonyovic, who seems to get better and better with every performance closely followed by his fellow defenders James Poulten, Ben Pomeroy and Tom Wilson.

Not only did we defend solidly and resolutely but we were very creative in midfield and created a number of chances in the first half some of which we should have converted.

We have done a lot of work in training in the past weeks and pre season on attacking corners and free kicks, which seemed to pay dividend eventually as there was a marked improvement in the movement off the ball and attacking the ball in the air. It was from a free kick that was whipped in from Danny ball, who put a number of fantastic balls in from corners and free kicks that we won a penalty with one of the Appley Bridge players handling in the area.

Our usually very reliable penalty taker Jamie Pratt stepped up to take the penalty which was saved by the goalkeeper. Don't worry Jamie you will put the next one away, we all have every confidence in you.

We continued to play well right throughout the first half and were unlucky to go in at half time level. The team talk this week was very easy, after going over a couple of tactical issues the lads were told to go out and perform in the second half the same way they did in the first.

Although Appley Bridge 's performance in the second half improved and they saw a little more possession than I would have liked we still never looked like conceding and I was confident that if we scored a goal we would be able to hold onto the advantage and take all 3 points.

At various points in the second half the four substitutions were introduced into the game and it was obvious for everyone to see that they wanted to come on and influence the game especially Ben McDonald who really seemed to have the bit between his teeth and at one point in the dyeing seconds hit the post.

The goal finally came with around 20 minutes remaining and from the managements point of view it was extremely pleasing to see that it came from a corner. A lovely floated ball into the box was attacked in the air from a number of our players and after a bit of scramble the ball finally landed at the feet of Luke Drummond, exactly the person you would want the ball to fall to in that situation and he smashed the ball into the back of the net.

The game got a little tense towards the end with our boys still looking to attack and go for goal when I was screaming at them to go into the corners and run down the clock but the final whistle eventually went to the delight of everyone involved.

As you can see from the report Steve has written this week he couldn't be happier with lads fantastic performance and incredible team spirit, bring on next week!

Next week's game 11 th October home against Walton –le-dale 11.oo am kick off

Darren

__________________________________________________________

28th September 2009 - Gregson Lane 3-0 Hesketh Bank

Back to league action this week with an away game against league leaders Gregson Lane, playing on a narrow pitch here last season caused us problems with the ball being launched into the 18 yard box from throw -ins and corners, will the boys have listened to Gibbo and his tactics pre-match?.

Team changes for the starting eleven included the welcome return from injury of James Poulton and Ashley Burns and Captain Ben Melling moving up front to partner Luke Drummond.

Making way to the subs bench for the changes were Ben McDonald, Danny Grimsley and Majiec Augustonovic. The game started with early activity in and around each teams box with evenly matched attacking football, Jamie Pratt with a long range volley and Ben Melling and Luke Drummond with one on one efforts but shooting wide.

Still struggling to master the offside trap Hesketh Bank gave away a free kick and after a long ball through our defence the Gregson Lane striker scored.

Hesketh Bank on the back foot created two more chances in the first half, again Ben Melling one on one with the keeper and Ben Pomeroy with a header over the bar. Gregson Lane playing the better passing game were unlucky not to score again as the ball flashed across the box from a left wing cross, our defence now struggling to deal with the attacking play

Half time 1-0 down

Ashley Burns came off at half time and was replaced by Majiec who moved to right back giving Danny Ball the opportunity to get forward in the right midfield role, we needed to get our foot on the ball and pass rather than clearing the ball without focus for it to come straight back at us.

The second half was all about Gregson Lane controlling the play, too many times we missed the first challenge and did not attempt the second, from the sidelines we did not “Rise to the challenge” in any areas.

2-0 to the home team was achieved with a speculative corner that went straight in over our goalkeepers and defenders heads. Danny Ball tried to put some life into the game with some direct running at their defence but with no support from his teammates the ball was lost and Gregson Lane were always quick away on the attack.

Johnny Read was substituted half way through the second half, his replacement Danny Grimsley moving up front with Luke, and Ben Melling moved back into his usual midfield role. Again the Hesketh Bank midfield struggled to contain Gregson Lane and it was no surprise to see their striker score a great goal lofting the ball over our goalkeeper Joe Hall

Ben McDonald came on as a late sub for Danny Ball but struggled to make any impact in a team that had lost its focus at this point, Tom Wilson battled for every ball taking a nose bleed for his efforts but carrying on regardless.

The final score was 3-0 to Gregson Lane a thoroughly disappointing scoreline for the management of John, Dave and Gibbo to take in, I would be doing the boys no favor in criticizing individuals, likewise if we play poor the players must accept it,” we win as a team and we lose as a team” has always been my view when writing match reports.

Collectively it was a poor performance and no one stood out for a man of the match mention, the coaches are there to help you in training but on match day you need to look at yourselves boys and get back to winning ways quick.

Sorry to all the parents who watched this weekends performance and hopefully we will see you at our next game this weekend

4 th October home against Appley Bridge kick off 11.00am

Darren McDonald

__________________________________________________________

20th September 2009 - LFA Cup - Hesketh Bank 2-4 Bamber Bridge

A break from the league this week as we entertained Bamber Bridge in the first round of the LFA cup at Shore road, the game brought referee Neil Wareing back to Hesketh Bank, a familiar and welcome face.

With only 11 fit players to start the game a bit of re-positioning of places in the team was required, most notable the movement of regular right winger Danny Ball who went to the right back position, with only Ashley Burns as a sub who was clearly injured it was decided the starting 11 would also finish the game

Hesketh Bank started the game with early activity in and around the visitor's box with several penetrating crosses causing the defence problems,Ben Melling, Luke Drummond and Danny Grimsley all putting the ball wide or over the bar.

The Bamber Bridge defence mastered the offside trap and caught us out on more than a few occasions, Forwards we have to be aware of this in future games

The visitors ability to put accurate crosses into the Hesketh Bank 18 yard seemed to cause our defenders a problem every time and it was no surprise after several goal line clearances by Majiec Augustonovic and Ben Pomeroy that the ball was not dealt with and Bamber bridge scored.

Johnny Read on the left wing worked hard to get himself into a good scoring position before half time but failed to find the back of the net.

Half time - Hesketh Bank 0 Bamber Bridge 1

Stern words at half time by the management were maybe not required but had the effect that the lads started off with the belief they could win, after 10 mins of open play between both teams Johnny Read equalized for Hesketh Bank and the game was well and truly on.

Bamber Bridge made use of their quota of subs with no less than six changes as the players tired in the sunny and warm conditions, Hesketh Bank kept going for goal with Luke Drummond running for every through ball that came his way, at the other end the midfield and defence made challenge after challenge to stop the visitors scoring.

Full time was up with the score at 1-1 and we now had extra time with the Hesketh Bank players faced with another two halves of trying to score the winning goal to take us into round two, both teams were not for giving the result up and penalties were now looming.

The score remained even at the end of extra time and the crowd's anticipation was in danger of spilling onto the pitch, only the enforcement of the Respect barriers kept the excitement at bay.

Bamber Bridge won the toss for penalties and elected to go first in the best of five taken, unfortunately for Hesketh Bank the visitors won 4-2 and a dejected group of lads trudged off, sadly we still need to master the art of getting past round one.

Not one of our best performances this week all round considering certain areas we struggled to cope with we had emphasized in the previous training session, two particular pleasing aspects were the rising emergence of Ben Pomeroy in the centre of defence who continues to improve every game and Stand in right back Danny Ball who gave a man of the match performance

One final point from the Opposing team and our Parents to the management please use your coaching methods in the game to support the lads at all time, the children are always trying their best and will naturally make mistakes at this age group, let's make sure are “wanting to win attitude” does not take away their confidence and the enjoyment of playing football for Hesketh Bank.

Thanks to all the parents and non starting players who supported the team this weekend and hopefully we will be back to winning ways next weekend.

27 th September away at Gregson Lane.

Darren McDonald

__________________________________________________________

13th September 2009 - Ribchester 2-1 Hesketh Bank

As away fixtures go an away game at Ribchester always provides one of the most competitive and equally matched games of the season, in previous seasons they have been between both teams challenging for the promotion places this looks again to be the case this season.

Hesketh Bank arrived at Ribchester with only 12 players available including our substitute for the day James Ball who was carrying an injury, every credit for James and his parents for making the long trip knowing his condition

A changed team due to injuries to Goalkeeper Joe Hall, Defender James Poulton and Winger Danny Ball gave opportunities for Ashley Burns, Danny Grimsley, Ben McDonald and Majiec Augustonovic all to play a full game and show what valuable squad players they are as part of the team.

Ribchester started off the team that looked most comfortable on the ball and deservedly took an early lead, strong play by their midfield and a lack of Composure by our lads when we had the ball resulted in a second goal.

Only the excellent goalkeeping of stand in midfielder Cameron Evans and the tenacious battling of Captain Ben Melling, Jamie Pratt and vice captain Tom Wilson kept the score respectable

Luke Drummond worked hard for the ball up front and his desire to rescue the game eventually paid off with a well taken goal leaving us 2-1 down at half time

The management team talk at half time put fresh drive and ideas into our lads and a draw and even a win was possible at this stage.

Unfortunately for us we could not break down the Ribchester team who as the game went on used their physical advantage to their benefit, injuries during challenges to Ashley Burns and Johnny Read seemed unfair but the referee deemed acceptable.

Ben Melling had a great chance to level the game near the end with a run that showed his never give up attitude but was unlucky not to score. This is the marker our lads will have to get used to and match against teams who are challenging for promotion and we had to except our defeat at full time graciously by Applauding Ribchester

Lots of positive from this week's game as this fixture showed all the parents and management how important it is team mates rely on each other when regular players are not available.

A great team effort by all with particular mention to Cameron Evans goalkeeping performance and for my view Tom Wilson with another man of the match performance

Next Sunday 20 th September we have a break from the league and play in

LFA 1 st round cup action at Shore Road against Bamber Bridge

Darren McDonald

__________________________________________________________

10th September 2009 - Hesketh Bank 3-1 Lancon Juniors

Hesketh Bank Under 14's evening game against Lancon at Shore road gave the management the opportunity to play the substitutes from the last game in a starting role. Two goals from Captain Ben Melling and a Jamie Pratt penalty put the pressure on the visitors who responded with a well planned free kick before half time. With the score 3-1 at the interval the second half was a tense affair with most of the play through the middle of the park, both teams not wanting to give the other the opportunity to get a grip on the game.

Finally the ball broke through the Lancon defence and an excellent finish by Danny Grimsley put the game beyond doubt, both teams battled in a good natured way to the final whistle the good start to the season continued in front of a large turnout of supporting parents, well done to the lads as a team again Darren 

6th September 2009 - Hesketh Bank 11-0 Lostock Hall

The lads got off to a fantastic start in the first game of the season winning 11-0. Luke Drummond, Jamie Pratt, James Poulton, Joe Hall and Danny Grimsley all scoring a brace of goals with Ashley Burns also getting on the score sheet.

It was a great start for the team who will be looking to challenge for the title this year in a very competitive league. It was very pleasing how the lads controlled the game from the very first whislte and we all hope that the lads can keep this level of performance up for the rest of the season.

A hard pre-season training so far has paid dividends, well done from the parents to all players involved.

Darren