Penlake Team 

Opponent & Venue 

Celtic Under 14's

Matthiola B - Home

Result

Won 8-1

Scorers

Danny G x 4, Harry Caton x 2, Alex Stott x 1, Oscar Billington x 1

Man of the Match

Harry Caton, Alex Stott, Danny Gerrard

Penlake Celtic played Matthiola B team in the first round of the Under 14s Challenge Cup. Matthiola currently play their football in the second division of the Warrington league, 2 divisions below Penlake but put on a very brave performance against an in-form Penlake team. Credit must be given to the Matthiola players who did not give up at any point and fought all the way to the end.

In the second half they defended excellently well and it was only until the final 15 minutes when Penlake were able to make the breakthrough again having been 4-0 up at half time. Penlake ran out eventual winners 8-1.

The Matthiola response was a fabulous 45 yard strike that was struck with venom over the Penlake keeper and into the back of the net.

As a manager I was proud of both my players and parents, as one of the Matthiola parents spoke to ‘stand-in’ referee and assistant manager Lee Field during this week and mentioned about what a nice bunch of lads we had, how we played good football together and how that some teams might have found themselves being cocky in that situation but we behaved in a respectable manner and showed great maturity in the way we performed in the match, and the same was said about our spectators – really nice thing to hear guys, it’s always nice to know that these things don’t go un-noticed!! Well done!!

Danny Gerrard   -           8 in goal and 9 ½ outfield -        played the first half in goal due to the manager showing his ruthless streak and disciplining regular goalkeeper Jack Field, who had arrived late. Had some good distribution whilst in goal. Best part of his performance was when he came outfield for the last 20 minutes. For the first time in a long time HE ACTUALLY LISTENED to what the manager told him haha. He was direct with his running and played some lovely passes and shots. Scoring 4 fabulous goals in the meantime… almost awarded man of the match!!

Cam Tunstall     -           8          Worked hard in the first half to sniff out any of the oppositions forward runs. His distribution was much better today with some very good passes and movement. Needs to work a little bit more on his touch to keep improving but did very well at both Right back and at Centre back when called upon. Solid display

John Cunliffe    -           9          Commanding display at the back from the big man. He keeps getting better and better no matter who the opposition is. Playing alongside an unfamiliar centre back partner he worked well both defending and moving forward. On a pitch that was very congested his distribution was a highlight of the game.

Luke Watkin      -           8 ½       Playing in an unfamiliar centre back role he got forward well and looked to drive the team on at every chance. Unlucky not to be rewarded after a jinking run from the back was halted by a very good tackle on the edge of the oppositions box.

Charlie Burdekin            -           8          Linked up well with Alex up front and Ozzie in midfield down the left hand side. Unlucky not to score himself as he saw a great shot charged down. His distribution from the left, on another day would have been rewarded with a finish on the other end.

Tom Davies      -           8          Industrious performance in midfield that was packed at times. Looked to move the ball quickly and tried to keep the team ticking over. Was denied a certain goal by a great save

Oscar Billington -           9          Worked hard in the first half without full reward, despite some nice through balls. Was asked to play a slightly different role in the second half and mastered it with a fine performance. Some great quick flowing football and hard tackling resulted in a fantastic second half performance. Has shown the manager what he is capable of and that he can be counted on when required.

Kane Grant        -           9          Another strong dominant performance by the big man. Just seems to be in the right place at the right time and on a different day could have added a few goals himself

Alex Stott         -           9 ¼       Yet another excellent performance by the joint leading goal scorer Alex. His pace and power are a problem for any team and did well following the managers instructions again

Jordi Smith       -           9          A good solid performance by Jordi, linked up well with those around him and in the second half found more and more space to create things. Great vision and great distribution.

Harry Caton       -           9 ½       MAN of the Match – so good with the ball at his feet, with two brilliantly taken goals, could have had several more if it hadn’t have been for some good saves, some good tackles and just lack of luck. Hopefully more of this to come.

Subs:

Jordan Wright   -           8          Not one of his better games but still caused endless problems for the opposition. Final 15 minutes of the second half were better than his first 15 of the second half. Catch 22 situation sometimes with this lad. Such a fantastic striker who knows the route to goal, and scores some amazing goals, and is a thorn in any side, but just needs to make the right choices and learn to use other players around him at times. But if you take away that raw directness from his game you would lose the great ability he has so sometimes these lessons have to be learnt themselves.

Jordan Pilling    -           8 ½       Fantastic performance in the air, with some great headers and was unlucky not to score from a corner as he launched himself at a cross only to be beat by the advancing goalkeeper.

Ryan Roberts    -           8 ½       Sublime bit of skill for one of the goals as he pulled out a roll over the ball. Worked hard and got forward at every chance

Craig Leadbetter            -           9          Great performance when introduced, some lovely overlapping runs, and great deliveries of the ball. Some good strong tackles back in his own half and looked like he is back to the form he shown in pre-season.

Jack Field         -           8          Received the Wrath of the management team as he arrived late for the game. Let this be a lesson to everyone, if the manager gives a time to be there then you must be there on time or rules will be followed, no matter if you’re the Assistant Managers son!! J