Ladybridge v Heyside Juniors - Tameside Challenge Cup 3rd Round

In mild, damp and still conditions we welcomed Heyside Juniors to Ladybridge Lane for this 3rd round Cup match. Ladybridge were missing Caleb from the squad through illness (get well soon) Tom, Patrick and James Y were our substitutes.  Ladybridge started the match quickly and dominated the early part of the game with some excellent passing and movement in contrast to last week’s game.  Cole was looking very lively and he opened the scoring for Ladybridge after a great solo run down the left and he unleashed an unstoppable drive hard and to the left of the keeper to make it Ladybridge 1-0. 

Ladybridge continued to pressure Heyside with a couple of corners straight from restart but efforts on goal by both Taylor and Dion from these would result in shots just over their crossbar.  Cole continued to create chances down the flanks and James was unlucky not to score from a cross from Cole when the keeper saved well from his snap shot after about 10mins.  The first substitution for Ladybridge saw Taylor replaced by James Y. Heyside tried to force themselves forward with a couple of long balls over the top only to find Sam cutting out these balls with excellent headers to relieve the pressure.  Josh was having a good game and was in the thick of the action with Ben marshaling well in midfield.  The 2nd goal for Ladybridge came from a good cross into the area by Ben who found James Y in space who calmly passed the ball past the keeper to make it Ladybridge 2-0.

Tom replaced Cole on 20mins.  Heyside's defence were battling well against Ladybridge's forward line but they did give up another goal before half time when a dangerous cross into the box was unfortunately turned into his own net by the Heyside No 14 after good pressure from James Y. Ladybridge 3-0. 

Heyside managed to contain Ladybridge well before half time so it remained 3-0 to Ladybridge at the break.

Taylor came back on for James at half time.  The first 5mins of the 2nd half saw Heyside’s best work of the game as they started to play some good passing football as they tried to penetrate the Ladybridge solid defensive four.  However if the first 5mins of the 2nd half were Heysides the next 30 were Ladybridges when we managed to rack up 5 unanswered goals before full time.  The first of these came from a sharp run and pass from Dion to Taylor who found Tom in space in the centre of the pitch 20 yards out and he unleashed a real thunderbolt past the keeper to make 4-0.  Ladybridge's fifth goal was set up by an excellent clearance from feet by Conor up to the half way line that found Taylor, who promptly ran past a couple of defenders before chipping coolly over the advancing Heyside keeper to make it 5-0.  Our sixth started with a pass from Taylor to Dion who found James Y in space and he dispatched a good shot into the goal to make it 6-0.  Heyside had a great opportunity to score after this goal when their No 17 found his teammate the No 10 advancing forward with just Conor to beat but his final touch on the run was just too far in front of him and allowed Conor to kick the ball clear.  Ladybridge's seventh goal came after a corner taken by Dion that found Cole on the edge of the box and his smart shot was parried well by the Heyside keeper only for the loose ball to find James who dispatched it over the line to make it 7-0.  The final goal of the game was created after some determined work from Ben in the centre who ran forward to find Tom 20 yards out and he hit a low hard shot past the keepers despairing dive to make it 8-0 full time.  Neil switched personnel on a number of occasions with substitutions throughout the 2nd half to give all the lads valuable game time.

Our opponents gave it 100 percent effort this afternoon and their keeper and defence showed plenty of resilience and heart although the final score would suggest otherwise.  Heyside had a good collective attitude throughout their side that I'm sure will see them bounce back quickly from a tough cup tie defeat.  The Ladybridge team, coaches and support wish you all the best for the rest of your season.

Ladybridge today operated and performed very well from front to back and all the squad played a part in today’s successful cup-tie win - well done one and all.

Our next opponents are top of the league Avro away whose current unbeaten league form at home is very impressive indeed.  Our league aspirations will be fully tested by Avro in this game, so we'll need to perform at our best if we want to take anything positive away from the game. 

Ladybridge v Westhoughton Rangers LFA Cup Semi Final

It was touch and go whether this game would be played this afternoon after the inclement weather of the past week. A big thank you has to go to Neil Pickup and Steve Hill whose hours of preparation in the morning helped to ensure that a playable surface was presented to both teams. The game started in bright and windy conditions which would prove difiicult for both teams to play the style of football that they would want to in such an important game. Josh, Patrick and Tom started on the bench for Ladybridge. The early exchanges were fairly even with both teams looking good on the break. The No 11 for the Rangers looked particulary dangerous going forward and it was an effort from him after about 5 mins that nearly opened the scoring but his effort just went wide of Conor's right hand post. Rangers started to press forward well in the next 5 minute spell and good teamwork and passing through the midfield found their No 16 in space 15 yards out and he unleashed an unstoppable drive high and to the left of Conor to make it 0-1 Rangers. 

Going behind in games is something we are used to and from the kick off Cole was found in space down the left and was unlucky not to equalize when his shot went wide from 25 yards out. Rangers continued to play some good football and managed to frustrate the Ladybridge team with some good possession play and managed to push our lads back constantly in the next 10 minute spell. The wind was to play its part in the next goal when a clearance out of Conor's hands over the half way line found Taylor free in the centre of the field. Taylor shrugged off the challenge of a Rangers defender and charged through to the Rangers box with just the keeper to beat and he made no mistake as he slotted home to make it 1-1. Ladybridge now started to get their game going and Cole was unlucky not to score when his free kick went wide from about 30 yards out shortly after Ladybridge's goal. Both teams had opportunities to add to the score before half time and smart work by both keepers ensured that no further goals were scored. Half Time 1-1.

Tom replaced Ollie at half time. Ladybridge started the 2nd half better than they did in the first and a smart run by Cole down the left found James who in turn found Taylor just offside with just their goalkeeper to beat. Rangers No 11 was a player that caught my eye in the first half and he was very unlucky not to score when a close range effort bounced off the inside of Conor's right hand post and out to be scrambled away by the Ladybridge defence. Taylor is always threatening on the break for Ladybridge and a run in the box was brought to a quick end by the Rangers keeper whose challange was deemed a foul so the ref pointed to the spot - penalty kick Ladybridge. Cole stepped up to take the penalty but unfortunately for Ladybridge the keeper made up for his earlier error by saving well to his right. Patrick replaced Callum for Ladybridge shortly after. Rangers then upped their game after this reprieve and their No 11 again went close to scoring when he shot just wide after a strong run down the left. Rangers always looked dangerous with a direct style that kept Ladybridge's defenders on their toes. Dion picked up an injury mid through the half and was replaced by Josh. The last meaningful effort from Rangers came through their striker when he broke through strongly only to see his shot saved well by a diving Conor to his right. Ben left the field to be replaced by Dion. The last ten minutes of the game was played at a frantic pace by both teams and a goal by either would have probably won it for them but unfortunately a goal was not forthcoming and the game finished 1-1. 

I fully expected there to be a period of extra time to try and settle the game before penalties but alas this wasn't to be as the officials started to organise both sides for a penalty shoot out. Rangers started the shoot out and their No 7 stepped forward to try and gain an early advantage. Unfortunately for Rangers his effort flew over the crossbar. Cole, having missed a pen in normal time for Ladybridge, proceeded to make no mistake second time around and found the back of the net 1-0 to Ladybridge. Conor now faced the Rangers No 5 and a low drive to Conor's left was not wide enough as Conor managed to push out the shot. Tom stepped up for Ladybridge's second penalty and his powerful high shot down the centre was good enough to make it 2-0 Ladybridge. Rangers No 11 stepped up to take the next penalty and Conor was in no mood to concede as he saved with his legs to deny Rangers. Dion now stepped forward for Ladybridge knowing that a successful attempt would put us through. Looking confident as he stepped back he slotted past a despairing Rangers keeper to make it 3-0 and see us through to the final of the LFA Cup. Penalty shoot out's are always a lottery and Ladybridge were more clinical this afternoon to win this one well without conceding a goal. We knew that this Rangers team would be a real test and so it proved. They created some good chances in both halfs that, if successful, on another day could have made the vital difference to the result. A well organised unit that attack quickly with pace they had our defence and keeper on their respective toes throughout the whole game. We wish their team, coaches and supporters all the best for the rest of their season. 

Ladybridge are a tough team and always seem to find a way to win. All the boys give 100 percent effort week in and week out and although we would have preferred to win the game in normal or extra time their collective will to succeed allowed them to be ultimately successful this afternoon. Well done lads your coaches and supporters are all very proud of you!

Our next fixture is on 29th January in the Tameside Challenge Cup at home against Heyside @ 2pm.

Gordon

Ladybridge v Woodbank JFC

An afternoon kick off certainly helped to beat the frosty elements today as we played on our old pitch at Ladybridge Lane and welcomed our opposition Woodbank JFC. Ollie, Tom and Patrick started as our subs. Ladybridge made a quick start from the kick off and could have been in front after a minute when a quick through ball by Dion found Cole free with just the keeper to beat, unfortunately he lifted the ball over the bar. Shortly after this a long clearance from Conor's hands found Taylor advancing on goal but his effort went wide of the right hand post.  Josh was battling well in a new defensive position for him and was holding his own against an improving Woodbank midfield led well by their No 15. Woodbanks first effort on goal came from a lovely passing move that ended with a low powerful shot that Conor managed to parry and collect to deny the goal bound effort. Ben our Captain was working tirelessly and a sharp ball from him found James Y whose effort was saved well by the Woodbank keeper. Indeed Woodbank managed to keep us at bay for 28 mins before James skillfuly dodged a couple of challenges before finding Dion on the wing who managed to find Taylor free in the box and he turned and shot wide of the diving keeper to make it 1-0 Ladybridge. Woodbank's best move and effort came immediately after our goal when their No 7 and No 10 combined well down the left to see a shot just go wide. Cole made way for Ollie to come on with about 5 mins of the half to go. There were no further efforts from either team before half time so Ladybridge went into the break 1-0 up. 

Neil brought Tom on for Taylor at half time and he made a tactical change to our line up playing 4-5-1 with James Y heading up the attack. This certainly seemed to suit us better and we looked more balanced going forward and down both flanks. Tom made an immediate impression on 5 mins when he made a strong run from 40 yards out through 3 or 4 Woodbank players before running out of steam to see his shot saved well by their keeper. Ben was playing well in the middle of our midfield and a ball from him found Tom running through on goal and this time he made no mistake by slotting home to make it 2-0 Ladybridge.  Josh came off to make way for Patrick. The next 20 mins of football played by Ladybridge was a joy to watch as our passing game came together for the first time and the Woodbank defence and keeper kept several good efforts out to deny us adding to the score. Unfortunately for Woodbank Tom unleashed a "goal of the season" contender when he shot from 25 yards to find the top right hand corner of the net to make it 3-0. Neil brought on Taylor to replace James Y and Cole to replace Dion. Sam very rarely ventures forward from defence but he made an excellent run from half way through a succession of Woodbank challenges and was unlucky not to score. Woodbanks best spell of the game was the last ten minutes when they managed to push us back constantly during this period and indeed their No 10 broke free down the right and was unfortunate not to find the back of the net when he beat Conor from the angle to see it just go wide of the left hand post. The last significant move for Ladybridge was in the last minute when James made an excellent run from inside his half and beat a number of Woodbank players before he found Josh in the middle but his shot was saved well by the impressive Woodbank keeper.Full time Ladybridge 3 Woodbank 0.Our visitors battled very well this afternoon and are a credit to their coaching staff and support. They never gave up and probably felt that they should have got at least a consolation goal in the last ten minutes of the game. Their No 15 was very impressive in the centre midfield going forward and they also have a great goalkeeper who made some smart saves this afternoon that helped to restrict the winning margin to three. However, Ladybridge certainly deserved their victory and it was particularly pleasing to keep a clean sheet for the first time this season in the league. This afternoons game provided an excellent warm up for our LFA Cup Semi-Final against Westhoughton Rangers next week who I'm sure will prove to be formidable opponents as their unbeaten league form certainly suggests. 
Gordon

Prestwich v Ladybridge

After a successful evening against the Dads on Friday evening (Thanks for that Neil it was great and much appreciated) the Lads got back to serious league action away against Prestwich Town at Salford this morning.  The pitch was far from perfect with all the inclement weather of late but it was great to be finally getting back to league business. Tom and Josh started on the bench.  Prestwich certainly settled into the game better than Ladybridge and they looked a yard sharper to the ball all over the pitch.  It was no surprise then that Prestwich took advantage of their early dominance after 5mins when their No 8 scored a goal from 30 yards that looped over Conor into the net. 1-0 Prestwich.

Our hosts continued to take advantage of Ladybridge's lethargy and dominated territory and possession well into the half.  Cole went off injured after about 20mins to be replaced by Josh.  Ladybridge eventually came more into the game and on 25mins Dion made a great run down the channel to find Taylor lurking in the box and he made a smart turn and shot low and beyond their keeper to level the game up 1-1.

Ladybridge were to enjoy the better of the last 10mins of the half and the goal that would see us lead at half time came again through some strong work down the right wing by Dion whose cross into the box was met spectacularly by James A’s flying header to make it 2-1.  Just before half time Ladybridge were unfortunate not to add to the score when Prestwich managed to clear the ball twice from off the line in a real scramble in the penalty area.  HT Prestwich 1-2  Ladybridge.

Ollie made way for Tom during the break and Prestwich pressed the lads back in the opening stages forcing a couple of corners, which Ladybridge managed to clear without conceding. After this initial pressure though Ladybridge really started to play the sort of game we are used to witnessing and our midfield started to finally dominate and a snatch shot from Taylor was parried well by the Prestwich keeper but James A snaffled up the loose ball to fire home to make it 1-3 Ladybridge.

Prestwich then went close with a 30yard effort that just went wide of Conor's right hand post.  James Y made way for Cole after 15mins of the half.  Prestwich were never out of the game and their No 6 made the most of a weak goal kick from Conor when he controlled the ball well and his shot nestled into the back of the net to make it 2-3 with about 10mins to go.

The next goal would be important for both teams and James A was to make the crucial breakthrough when he made a superb run and cross that found Taylor in space and he duly does what all good centre forwards do, as he found the back of the net to make it 2-4. This goal would prove vital as with just a couple of minutes remaining Prestwich would finish the goal action in the game with a goalmouth scrambled effort to make it 3-4 with literally seconds remaining.

Fortunately the lads managed to hold on for their first win of the New Year and take home a close victory.

Overall I thought Ladybridge deserved to win the game today and not for the first tome this season managed to grind out a result when not playing at their best.  Prestwich proved once again that this league has a lot of strength and depth to it as they fought and battled as well as any team we've faced in the League or Cup so far this season.

Hopefully our Cup Semi-Final will be on next week at home against either Westhoughton or Hindley, weather and rearranged Quarter Final fixture between the teams allowing.

Gordon