STRINGY POST-MATCH:
26th January 13:00
Last Saturday, against one of the top teams in the league, was our best performance to date. The windy conditions obviously did have a big part to play, but we dominated the first half, creating numerous goal scoring opportunities, and we were unlucky to go in half time just one up.
The second half was always going to be hard, playing against the wind, but we continued to play football and did not panic with we went 2-1 down. I was delighted with the determination we showed to get back into the game. Matty Poole took his goal well and lasted 70 minutes for his first game back after his ankle injury.
Overall, we more than matched Poulton. That's a a good sign, and it shows how far we have come in such a short time.
It's disappointing not to have a game at the weekend as we are all keen to get out there, keep our run going and get that first win. We will continue training hard, over this short break. The lads have been turning up to training in good numbers. Last week we had 40 training up at Morecambe; a great effort! Everyone is visibly pulling together and committed to turning this season around.
I made time to go and watch the Youth Team on Sunday, and I can recommend it! We have some great young lads in the squad with a lot of potential: Panepinto, Swindlehurst, Jammin and Graham all catching the eye against Thornton. Oscar Panepinto has broken into the First Team squad over the last few weeks and I'm sure there will be others close behind him.
Stringy
MATCH REPORT:
Poulton Town 2 Garstang 2
West Lancs Premier Division
Goals: Mike Stringfellow, Matt Poole
Played: 21st January 14:00
Report: 22nd January 12:00
It was all Garstang from the kick off as the visitors took advantage of the strong wind. Anderson screamed a shot narrowly over the bar then Stone stung the crossbar after a good set up by Poole. A Stringfellow free kick fell to Gierke who turned quickly but could only shoot wide. Poulton couldn’t get out of their own half as Poole headed a Squirrell cross against the post, below, with only 23 minutes played.
It was 32 minutes into the game before Poulton ventured into the Garstang penalty area with a Catlow free kick to the back post but former Garstang player, Danny Whitaker could only turn the ball into the grateful arms of Howell.
Garstang took the lead in the 34th minute when a toe poke of a shot from Stringfellow following a Swash corner found it’s way through a mass of players into the Poulton net, below.
Poulton defender Sharrocks was yellow carded for dissent before a last ditch tackle by Douthwaite on Poole prevented Garstang from going two up. Battling against the elements, and a determined Garstang defence, Poulton did have a brief spell of pressure without ever breaching the visitors ranks.
A route one clearance by Benson found Gierke 35 yards out. Home keeper Bird was relieved when he saw the speculative shot from the Garstang striker sail over the bar. The last action of the first half saw Dowthwaite get round the back of the Garstang defence but there was no one there to profit from the cross.
Pugh replaced Whitaker for the second half. Poole, who was making his first start following a long lay off, wasted a good opportunity to put the visitors further ahead before Poulton drew level in the 53rd minute. Howell had done well to push wide a Catlow effort but from the resulting corner the Poulton midfielder had the final say when the kick, with the aid of the strong wind, found it’s way into the Garstang net, below.
Squirrell was booked for a foul on Douthwaite then Catlow was booked for a dangerous tackle that caused a midfield fracas which also resulted in a yellow for Gierke.
It was Catlow again who put Poulton in front in the 63rdminute when he seized on to a long clearance by his keeper, knocking the ball past Howell, below.
It was an uphill challenge for Garstang at this point, but respond to the challenge they did. Preston and Anderson combined well to create a chance for Gierke, but the striker's shot was kicked off the line with the keeper beaten. The deserved equalizer came in the74th minute when Poole was the quickest to a Gierke cross diverting the ball past Bird in the home goal, below.
Panepinto came on for an injured Poole who had done a job but in a nervous last 15 minutes Garstang had to thank Howell for keeping out a snap shot from Bimpson as the hosts strived for the winner. Despite riding their luck as the final minutes ticked away, no one could begrudge Garstang a share of the points in a game that they could also have won.
POULTON TOWN: Bird, Sharrocks 
, Dowthwaite, Porter, Bryan , Mcans, Ryan, Whitaker, Rawcliffe, Bimpson and Catlow .
SUBSTITUTES: Pugh (Whitaker 45 mins.), Kirton, Ball and Hartley.
GARSTANG: Howell, Squirrell , Preston, Stringfellow, Benson, Buczynski, Stone, Anderson, Gierke , Poole and Swash.
SUBSTITUTES: Horton (Anderson 82 mins.), Panepinto (Poole 78 mins.), Bardsley, Rice and Bee.
STRINGY POST-MATCH:
18th January 13:00
The Lostock result did not reflect the performance on Saturday. We dominated play for long periods of the game and created a lot of goal scoring opportunities with the lads playing some great attacking football.
I was delighted with the attitude and determination of all the lads in taking Lostock to extra time with nine men. We just need to stop conceding sloppy goals and to start games on the front foot.
There were some excellent individual performances; Benson and Gierke were outstanding, and Panepinto also did well when he came on.
Off the pitch, I'm delighted to confirm that Iain Swann has come on to the management team as Assistant Manager, joining Assistant Manager/Goalkeeping Coach Marc Armstrong and First Team Player/Coach Leon Gierke. Iain played for Oldham for six years, followed by two seasons at Leigh RMI and three at Morecambe before finishing his playing days with Lancaster city.
Stringy
MATCH REPORT:
Garstang 2 Lostock St Gerards 4 aet
Richardson Cup First Round
Goals: Asa Stone, Leon Gierke
Played: 14th January 13:30
Report: 15th January 15:00
Despite finishing the game with nine men for the second week in succession, Garstang showed to be more than a match for their opponents in an exciting Richardson Cup tie on a cold and sunny afternoon at The Riverside. Manager Stringfellow experimented with his squad bringing in Bee, Preston and Horton for Howell, Bardsley and Jack.
Fielding no fewer than six former Garstang players, Lostock took the lead as soon as the eighth minute when Ball rather fortuitously diverted the ball over the outstretched arms of Bee in the Garstang goal. Then Stringfellow kicked one off the line as Garstang made a slow start in front of a crowd in excess of a 100 people and Collins received the first yellow of the afternoon. Ball wasted an opportunity to make it two as Lostock dominated the early exchanges.
Bee, who had made a nervous start on his debut in the Garstang goal, fumbled a Lostock free kick wide for a corner. The resulting corner kick was headed home by former Garstang player Adam Brooks, below, to make it 0–2 with only 26 minutes gone.
Player Manager Stringfellow was yellow carded for a foul on Fisher but it was the 'gaffers'example that was the catalyst for an amazing fight back. A great ball by the boss found Gierke on the right, his sweet cross was chested down by Stone before smashing the ball past Brindle in the Lostock goal, below
Garstang had seized the initiative in style. Brooks was booked for a foul on Swash, then Stone picked up the first of his two yellows before the half time whistle.
It was all Garstang at the beginning of the second half and it wasn’t long before they drew level when Gierke spotted Brindle off his line before brilliantly chipping the Lostock keeper, below, 2–2. Brindle then had to be at his best to save from Rice to prevent Garstang from going in front.
Continuing the booking count, Squirrell for Garstang and Parry for Lostock.....
Changes to personal in the 65th minute saw Lostock replace Fisher with Bell and for Garstang Oscar Panepinto, Youth Team Captain making his first team debut below, replaced Rice.
The home team were still pressing for a winner at this point and the 'Man of the Match' Gierke blasted a Swash corner over the bar. Lostock replaced Parry with their own Stringfellow and Garstang sent on Anderson for Horton as both sides went for the winner, but the real turning point came in the 82nd minute when Player Manager Stringfellow was unlucky to receive his second yellow card, below, reducing Garstang to ten men.
Extra time ensued, starting with a booking for Brindle in the Lostock goal before the keeper made a great save, below, from a Swash header.
A second pivotal moment came in the 100th minute when Stone received his second yellow to reduce the home team to nine men and within two more minutes Lostock’s Stringfellow had put the visitors in front exploiting a shortage of numbers in the Garstang team. But, Garstang wouldn’t lie down. Jack came on for Preston before a slick move involving Anderson and Swash saw Gierke’s cross-shot magnificently kept out by Brindle, below, once again.
Lostock added a fourth in the last minute of extra time but no-one could complain of any lack of commitment, effort or indeed quality in a very exciting cup tie in a game that was refereed 'by the book'.
GARSTANG: Bee, Collins , Preston , Benson, Squirrell , Stringfellow , Rice, Horton, Gierke, Stone and Swash.
SUBSTITUTES: Jack (Preston 110mins.), Anderson (Horton 78 mins.), Poole, Panepinto (Rice 65 mins.) and Howell.
LOSTOCK: Brindle , Carr, Danson, Brooks , Woodruff , Bullock, Fisher, Osbourne, Parry , Randell and Ball.
SUBSTITUTES: Holland (Bell 82 mins.), Stringfellow (Parry 85 mins.), Bell (Fisher 65 mins.) and McDonough.
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| Match Sponsor Graham Anthony Associates chose Leon Gierke as their Man of the Match |
MATCH REPORT:
Slyne with Hest 2 Garstang 2
West Lancs Premier Division
Goals: Chris Squirrel 2 (1 penalty)
Played: 7th December 14:00
Report: 8th December 16:00
Honours remained even at the end of this eagerly awaited clash between two clubs with much local rivalry.
The blue touch paper was lit as soon as the 6th minute when an Entwisle free kick from outside the box was deflected past the stranded Howell to give the hosts an early lead. Garstang’s response was immediate when Player Manager Stringfellow rose high to head a Swash corner towards goal, Squirrell claiming the final touch before the ball entered the net, 1–1.
The goal gave Garstang more belief in themselves. Rice stole a yard on his marker when he headed over a good cross from Stone, then Gierke was presented with a good chance but he shot straight at Donlon in the home goal.
It was a good contest on a poor surface as both sides battled for superiority in what was always going to be a tense struggle.
Garstang took the lead on the 37th minute when Gierke was pushed over in the penalty box as the ball came in from a Swash cross. Squirrell made no mistake from the spot, 1-2.
Slyne came back strongly. Bardsley was given the first of his two subsequent yellow cards when he hacked down Parkinson shortly before Slyne’s equaliser a minute before the break. There didn’t look to be any danger to the Garstang goal when Entwisle spotted Howell off his line before exquisitely lobbing the Garstang keeper to make it 2–2 at the break.
Slyne made a brighter start to the second half, Entwisle again, bringing a full length save out of Howell. The hosts maintained the pressure with waves of attacks most of which were adequately repelled by a well organized Garstang defence. Stringfellow did well when he headed away a goal bound effort from a Bell free kick.
A midfield disagreement between Entwisle and Jack earned both players yellow cards as the temperature on the pitch began to rise. On the hour Garstang brought on Poole for Rice but the change in personnell didn’t prevent Slyne from surging forward. Star man Entwisle set up a good chance for Ogley but Howell did enough to block his shot.
The Referee, Mr. Cox, wasn't having the best of games which did little to help the players’ tempers. Swash was booked purely out of frustration, then matters really got out of hand when Bardsley brought down Love prompting a'Handbags' free for all resulting in a Bardsley dismissal and a yellow for Love. In between the lack of discipline from all concerned, Garstang had created their best chance of the half when Jack headed a Gierke cross wide.
Garstang were reduced to nine men in the 82nd minute when Jack received his second yellow for a foul, before Love received his marching orders two minutes later for a foul on Squirrell. Mr. Cox still had time to add the names of Jackson and Stringfellow to his notebook before the final whistle.
SLYNE with HEST: Donlon, Parkinson, Bell , Davies, Greenwood , Jackson , Akrigg, Draycott, Love , Entwisle and Ogley.
SUBSTITUTES: Crossley (Jackson 85 mins.), Riley, J.Galley, Martinez and Doherty.
GARSTANG: Howell, Collins, Bardsley , Squirrell, Benson, Stringfellow , Rice, Jack , Gierke, Stone and Swash .
SUBSTITUTES: Poole (Rice 60 mins.), Horton, Sawicki, Panepinto and Bee.
MATCH REPORT:
First Team 3 Reserves 3
Training Game
Played: 17th December 12:30
Report: 22nd December 10:30
With the First Team game being postponed, and the Reserves having a blank weekend, a hastily arranged First v Second Team match took place on the 3G at the Globe Arena in Morecambe. This gave Stringy the opportunity to have a look at some players he had not yet seen.
The game was well attended by the players and both squads were strong. The First Team started the brighter and the formation used caused the Reserves some problems. The opening goal came when a poor back pass was pounced upon by a lively Stone and he beat Curwen in the tackle to roll a simple goal in.
This lead was doubled shortly after when a good attacking move saw a great effort by Swash hit the bar and Rice was on hand to force the ball home from close range. Unfortunately the First team failed to press home this advantage and the Reserves started to force their way back into the match. Fawcett, returning to assist the Reserves, started to influence the game and young Swindlehurst and Jamin became attacking forces.
A good passing move saw the ball arrive at Kelsall’s feet in the box and he curled his effort round the dive of Howell to halve the lead. The equaliser was the best goal of the afternoon and it came when the gaffer was dispossessed trying to dribble out of defence, the ball breaking to Jamin who smashed a thunderbolt into the net.
The First Team responded and forced Curwen into a few saves from distance, however before the half time interval their lead was restored when Stone ghosted into the box unmarked and headed in an excellent cross from the left.
Both teams were using the squads to full advantage and rolling subs on and off through out the game. An injury to Curwen forced the veteran Armstrong to hurriedly get changed and take his place in the Reserves net. Early in the second half he made a great low down save to deny Swash and roll back his aging years.
The game was being played in a great spirit, despite some of the decisions being made by Referee Bailey. Chances in the second half were at a premium but a through ball was cynically handled by Stringy to prevent a clear goal scoring opportunity, everyone looked towards Bailey who bottled the big decision and kept his red card in his pocket, although he did award a free kick which was within striking distance. The returning Ireland bent a pile driver around the wall which crashed against the bar and the ball was forced home by the alert Kelsall for the equaliser.
With minutes to go Fawcett was sent clear by a great pass, he rounded Howell and with the goal at his mercy screwed his effort wide to let the First Team off the hook.
So the game finished level, and the afternoon was a great success with plenty of positives to come from the match. It was good to see Poole, Ireland and Roskell all returning from injury. The club welcomed new signings Buczynski and Sawicki onto the pitch after recovering from injury. The youngsters in Swindlehurst and Jamin took their opportunity to impress Stringy, as did several of the Reserves who acquitted themselves well. A brace apiece for Kelsall and Stone will have helped boost their confidence and a second half Armstrong clean sheet was a particular highlight. The first team also performed well playing some good passing football. Preston looked comfortable at centre half, and Swash and Rice delivered some great crosses into the box. It was a positive work out for all.
A couple of hardy supporters were in attendance, however the presence of Dick Gudgeon was sorely missed. Unfortunately Dick has fallen - hopefully not drunk during his birthday celebrations - and broken his wrist. Everyone connected with the club would like to wish Dick a speedy recovery.
FIRST SQUAD: Howell, Bardsley, Preston, Squirrell, Collins, Stringfellow, Horton, Poole, Stone, Swash, Rice, Geirke, Buczynski and Sawicki.
RESERVE SQUAD: Curwen, Phil Roskell, Carlo Matichecchia, Swanwick, Sutcliff, Ireland, Adam Roskell, Swindlehurst, Fawcett, Jack, Kelsall, Porter and Jamin.
And many thanks to our mystery reporter for this one!
MATCH REPORT:
Charnock Richard 3 Garstang 1
West Lancs Premier Division
Goal: Ryan Dodd
Played: 10th December 14:00
Report: 11th December 21:30
After a two week rest due to inclement weather, Garstang travelled to title contenders Charnock Richard.
One would have expected Garstang to be on the back-foot from the first whistle, but far from it. On a playing surface more suited to bowling, Garstang surprised their hosts with a very classy start, confidently keeping possession and using the width to good effect. Garstang forced a number of early corners with their midfield, especially debutant Michael Nolan, dominating the middle of the park. After another good move, Asa Stone forced an excellent save from Adam Stone (no relation!). Matthew Rice also came close with a good long range shot narrowly going wide.
Charnock are deservedly challenging for the top and always looked dangerous on the break with Carl Grimshaw keeping Michael Stringfellow and Chris Squirrel on their toes, threatening in the twentieth minute and then again two minutes later after some indecisive defending, when Simon Howell made an excellent save.
Midway through the first half Matthew Swash narrowly missed the target with a well-taken free-kick after a rather crude foul on Stone. Another good move in the 30th minute saw an excellent cross field pass from Rice into the path of Stone, who shot just wide. Garstang continued to pressurise their hosts. Swash gave his fullback a torrid time and came close to breaking the deadlock with two efforts, the second of which the goalkeeper fumbled, but no-one was following it in. Oh for a Dennis Law! It was an excellent first half for Garstang, which just lacked the reward of a deserved goal.
Charnock obviously were going to be a different animal in the second half and so a more end to end encounter ensued. Charnock danger man Grimshaw missed a good chance with a header that went well wide. At the other end Danny Horton had a good effort and then, in the 49th minute, Garstang took the lead through Ryan Dodd coolly tapping in from close range. Hallelieujah! It was no more than they deserved.
The game continued as a frantic end to end affair, Grimshaw missing another good chance when heading wide from six yards. In the 54th minute Horton (shoulder injury) was replaced by David Jack, after which Charnock were thwarted by a good save from Simon Howell. Charnock were now pushing strongly for an equaliser which came in the 59th minute, from a free kick which resulted in Nolan being booked. The free kick bent round the wall beating Simon Howell low down to his left post.
Charnock were in the ascendency after their goal, with Garstang losing concentration and shape after the enforced substitution. Within minutes Charnock scored a soft second goal following a very debatable free-kick, with Garstang totally going to pieces when, in the 65th minute, Charnock scored a third with Grimshaw finally finding the net.
In the 75th minute Tom Kelsall replaced a tiring Rice. In the meantime Garstang regained some composure and in the 78th minute, 'Man of the Match' Ryan Dodd was unlucky with a shot well saved by Keeper Stone.
The game ebbed and flowed for the last fifteen minutes with both teams creating half chances. An entertaining game and, had it not been for the mad fifteen minutes midway through the second half, Garstang would have had a deserved three points. Keep up this level of performance and a victory is just around the corner.
CHARNOCK RICHARD: Adam Stone, Damien Dashti, Andrew Pendlebury, Craig Banks, Ross Baines, Phil Jackson, Tom Morgan, Andrew Roberts, Carl Grimshaw, John Sanderson and Chris Robinson.
SUBSTITUTES: Ollie Telford, Mike Fletcher and Andrew Battersby.
GARSTANG: Simon Howell, Andy Collins, Jamie Preston, Chris Squirrel, Michael Stringfellow, Michael Nolan, Matthew Rice, Danny Horton, Asa Stone, Ryan Dodd and Matthew Swash.
SUBSTITUTES: David Jack (Rice), Tom Kelsall (Horton), Phil Roskell, Kelvin Bardsley and Dan Curwen.
MATCH REPORT:
Thornton Cleveleys 1 Garstang 0
West Lancs Premier Division
Played: 26th November 14:00
Report: 27th November 10:30
Player Manager Michael Stringfellow didn’t get the start he would have liked at a wet, windy and dingy Bourne Park. Two new signings, Michael Rice and Leon Gierke, the latter had previously been with the club, took up places on the bench. Stringfellow named himself in the starting line up alongside Adam Leigh.
Garstang could have found themselves behind as early as the sixth minute when Howell failed to get good contact on a Warwick free kick, the ball falling to Hone who fired over the visitors bar. A Didlock cross evaded everyone in the box then a great tackle by the new 'Gaffer' on Beaver prevented the winger from pulling the trigger. The visitors had another let off when a mistake by Collins gave England a chance, but the Thornton striker pulled his shot wide.
Having rode their luck on occasions, Garstang had still defended well and deserved to be in the game at half time. Pitch conditions deteriorated as both teams battled against the elements. A minor fracas in midfield resulted in a booking for Thornton ’s England.
Gierke came on for Kelsall in the 57th minute but it was Thornton who seized the initiative ten minutes later when Hone scored the all important goal, curling his shot from distance round a crowd of players.
Didlock was booked for a foul on Preston as the visitors mounted a spirited fight back. A good strike by Gierke was pushed wide for a corner, then the Garstang substitute created space for himself before crossing but no one could make the good work count.
Rice came on for Squirrell in the 73rd minute before Stone was booked for a late challenge on Dust. A Collins free kick fell to Stringfellow but his shot was blocked and scrambled away for a corner.
Kennerley replaced Breakwell in the 82nd minute as Garstang pushed hard for the equaliser. Home keeper, Smith, denied Garstang their last real chance when he safely held on to a Swash free kick from a dangerous position in the final minute in what was their last chance to salvage something from the game.
Although not too downhearted after the game the new manager will now be fully aware of the task in hand and will be busy in the weeks to come.
THORNTON CLEVELEYS: Smith, Didlock , Dust, Thompson, Stubbs, Davies, Beavers, Breakell, England , Hone and Warwick.
SUBSTITUTES: B Smith, Kennerley (Breakwell 82 mins.) and Frankland (England 64 mins.).
GARSTANG: Howell, Collins, Bardsley, Leigh, Stringfellow, Jack, Kelsall, Squirrell, Swash, Stone and Preston.
SUBSTITUTES: Gierke (Kelsall 57 mins.), Rice (Squirrell 73 mins.), Armstrong and Edmonds.
MATCH REPORT:
Garstang 2 Tempest United 2
West Lancs Premier Division
Goals: Squirrel (pen), Jack
Played: 19th November 14:00
Report: 20th November 10:00
A last kick of the game by David Jack, four minutes into stoppage time, gave Garstang an equalising goal that may just keep the Riversider's hopes of survival alive. It all looked to be going wrong for Garstang as early as the fifth minute when Hamer put the visitors in front, below.
Minutes later Howell did well to keep out an Ashcroft strike with the defence all at sea.
Garstang’s only real chance of the first half came in the 17th minute when Stone headed over a good cross from Kelsall. Farnworth was booked for a foul on Squirrell as the visitors dominated the majority of the first half.
Within two minutes of the restart Jack found himself on the wrong side of the referee earning himself a yellow card for a foul on Farnworth.
'Man of the Match' Squirrell hooked the ball off the line to keep his side in the game, then Tempest’s Swailes had the ball in the net only to have the goal disallowed for pushing.
In a reshuffle to the side Preston replaced Chamberlain before a spell of Garstang pressure saw Stone shoot narrowly wide, then the Tempest keeper had to be quick off his line to prevent Swash from scoring.
The experienced Swailes made it 0–2 when both Collins and Bardsley failed to deal with a high ball into the Garstang penalty area in the 75th minute.
Howell had to make another good save to avoid an embarrassing score line before an amazing turn round beginning in the 85th minute when Swash was tripped in the box, Squirrell coolly slotting home the penalty. Haig was then sent off for Tempest for his protestations. In a frenzied finish, Swash had a cross headed off the line before Garstang’s last gasp leveller. Swash was involved again when his long cross was put back into the mix by Kelsall, Keeper Taylor fumbled and Jack was on hand to poke the ball over the line with only time left to kick off again, salvaging a precious point from the game.
GARSTANG: Howell, Edmonds, Bardsley, Squirrell, Collins, West, Chamberlain, Jack , Stone, Kelsall and Swash.
SUBSTITUTES: Preston (Chamberlain 50 mins.), P Roskell and Adjei.
TEMPEST UNITED: Taylor, Swaby, Grimes, Smethurst, Edwards, Farnworth , Aspen, Haig 
, Swailes, Hamer and Ashcroft.
SUBSTITUTES: Guffog and McClurg (Edwards 30 mins.).
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| Preston Plastics' MoM Chris Squirrell |
MATCH REPORT:
Fleetwood Hesketh 5 Garstang 0
West Lancs Premier Division
Played: 12th November 14:00
Report: 13th November 10:00
This was a rock bottom performance by a team so low in confidence that it will take an almighty effort for them to drag themselves away from the bottom of the league: a task made even more daunting by their fellow strugglers at the foot of the league all picking up points. Without Still, Leigh, Bardsley and Chapman from the previous week Garstang were severely under strength.
As a consequence they were a goal down after only seven minutes when Howell brought down Cliffe in the box, the penalty being converted by Wright.
Gavan was booked for a tackle on West who later had to leave the field to be replaced by Matichecchia. Matters soon became worse for the visitors, below, when sleepy defending let Dalton in to make it 2–0 with only 14 minutes on the clock.
Swash had an half chance but shot wide then a blistering drive by Bryson from 35 yards hit the bar before dropping over to safety. Dalton wasted an opportunity to make it three when he headed wide with the goal at his mercy.
Bryson limped off after 38 minutes to be replaced by Jones compounding the visitors problems and Garstang’s fate was virtually sealed in the 44th minute when Dalton scored Hesketh’s third, below.
It was more of a case of damage limitation in the second half and though Garstang did have a better share of the play, they seldom troubled the home keeper.
There were further yellow cards for Stone and Jones and for Hesketh, Wright.
Morris headed the fourth in the closing minutes, below, and, with heads down, there was still time for substitute Johnson to add a fifth to complete a miserable afternoon for the Garstang contingent.
FLEETWOOD HESKETH: Higgins, Hooper, Massam, Baddeley, Morris, Wright , Gavan , Love, C.Dalton, Cannon and Cliffe.
SUBSTITUTES: Lawson (Gavan 71 mins.), Green (Love 75 mins.), Johnson (86 mins.), Price and J.Dalton.
GARSTANG: Howell, Chamberlain, Collins, West, Squirrell, Stutely, Edmonds, Jack, Stone , Swash and Bryson.
SUBSTITUTES: Matichecchia (West 70 mins.), Roskell (Stutely 80 mins.) and Jones (Bryson 38 mins.).
MATCH REPORT:
Garstang 1 Stoneclough 1
West Lancs Premier Division
Goal: Swash
Played: 5th November 14:00
Report: 6th November 12:00
Having drawn four out of the last five games, and six in total, suggests that Garstang have become the draw specialists in the league but, if they are to get out of the present predicament, draws will have to be converted into wins.
Bardsley was brought crashing to the ground following a good run deep into the Stoneclough half after 15 minutes. The resulting free kick by Swash was smuggled off the line.
Stoneclough began to dominate the midfield, Killeen could have given his side the lead in the 19th minute but he shot over. Stone made a good run across the edge of the visitor’s penalty box before his shot narrowly skimmed the crossbar, then Garstang had a big let off when Hill, from under the bar, hooked the ball over after a spell of ping pong in the home penalty area.
Garstang scored the goal they so desperately needed within a minute of the beginning of the second half. Squirrell quickly sprayed the ball out to Swash who unleashed an unstoppable strike to score his second goal in two games.
Unfortunately for Garstang, they were unable to capitalize on the goal and had to thank some resolute defending from their back four for keeping Stoneclough at bay: that was until the 60th minute when everyone momentarily switched off for a Stoneclough free kick, Ralph being the quickest to react when the ball wasn’t cleared by squeezing his shot past Howell to make it 1–1.
A tetchy period of play led to bookings, mainly out of frustration, for Stoneclough’s Makinson and for Garstang’s Squirrell.
Chances were aplenty at both ends. West was unfortunate when the ball bobbled on his shot after he had made a great run into the visitors half, then a Jack header was blocked on the line.
A surging run by the dangerous Stoneclough full back Heenan provided a glorious chance for Jenkins, but he headed wide, and then the same player wasted another easy opportunity shooting weakly into the grateful arms of Howell. It was Garstang’s keeper who became the real hero when, in the last minute, he somehow managed to claw the ball off the line enabling his side to secure a share of the points once again.
GARSTANG: Howell, Collins, Bardsley, Leigh, Still, West, Chapman, Squirrell , Jack, Stone and Swash.
SUBSTITUTES: Edmonds (Chapman 82 mins), Jones, Stutely and Armstrong.
STONECLOUGH: Jane, Cheetham, Heenan, Newton, Makinson , Hill, Leecle, Licie, Killeen, Jenkins and Ralph.
SUBSTITUTES: Sharples, Davidson and Derbyshire.
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| The game was sponsored by Sue White Secretarial Services who chose Will Still as their 'Man of the Match'. |
MATCH REPORT:
Lostock St Gerard's 4 Garstang 1
West Lancs Premier Division
Goal: Swash
Played: 29th October 15:00
Report: 30th October 22:00
This latest result was a bitter pill to swallow following some recently improved performances.
After a nervous start Garstang took the lead on 13 minutes when new signing Matthew Swash intercepted a loose back pass from Tinsey before skipping round the Keeper Brindle and slotting home from an acute angle.
An immediate response by Lostock saw a Sanderson shot skim the outside of the post and then Jack was booked for a late challenge on Randell before Lostock were awarded a very dubious penalty when Swash was adjudged to have handled a Brooks header in the box. Parry made no mistake with the spot kick.
The hosts went 2–1 in the 29th minute when the unmarked Parry headed home a Randell free kick.
Former Garstang centre back Brooks brought down Swash on the edge of the penalty box but the resulting free kick by Swash sailed well over the bar and then an injury to West, who was replaced by Bryson in the 34th minute, was a massive blow to the Garstang cause although the visitors spurned two opportunities to draw level before the break when Edmonds cut inside his man only to see his strike fly over the bar, below, and then Jack fired wide after a Brooks header had fallen to him.
A good combination of passes between Collins and Edmonds gave Stone a good chance but the Garstang striker ballooned over.
Poor marking at a corner saw Parry head Lostock’s third goal then Howell had to go full length to keep out a Randell free kick.
Garstang huffed and puffed, but couldn’t find any real rhythm. Porter replaced Stone on 65 minutes and Preston replaced previous substitute Bryson, who had picked up an injury, none of which could prevent Lostock adding a fourth in the 85th minute, below, when another headed goal, this time by Fisher, completed an afternoon of misery that Garstang will quickly want to forget.
There were bookings for Squirrell and for Lostock’s midfielder Randell who had tormented Garstang throughout.
LOSTOCK: Brindle, Carr, Tinsley, Woodruff, Brooks, Sanderson, Fisher, Osbourne, Parry, Randell 
and Holland.
SUBSTITUTES: Fidler (Fisher 88 mins.), Gilmour (Parry 70 mins.), Greenwood (Holland 88 mins.), Stringfellow and Yates.
GARSTANG: Howell, Collins, Bardsley, West, Squirrel , Stutely, Edmonds, Jack , Stone, Swash and Chapman.
SUBSTITUTES: Bryson (West 34 mins.), Preston (Bryson 72 mins.), Porter ( Stone 65 mins.) and Kelsall.
MATCH REPORT:
Fulwood Amateurs 0 Garstang 0
West Lancs Premier Division
Played: 22nd October 15:00
Report: 23rd October 08:00
Only one goal conceded in three consecutive away draws must give the Garstang team a confidence to pull away from the bottom of the division, although neither side did enough to win this somewhat dire encounter. Leigh and Kelsall replaced Porter and Jones in the starting line up.
Stone, for Garstang, and Newsham, for Fulwood, below, both created their own chances for their respective clubs in the first ten minutes but wayward shooting kept the score line blank after that.
Garstang went on to create a number of good chances in the first half. First, West set up a good opportunity for Chapman but the midfielder couldn’t take advantage and then, on 28 minutes, the ball broke for Stone after some good pressure by the Garstang midfield, but the striker probably took his shot too early, blasting wide.
Leigh headed a West corner into the hands of Keeper Thomas before Chapman again wasted a golden opportunity when the ball was presented to him following a poor clearance.
In what turned out to be a second half full of mistakes, Garstang’s only real chance came in the 53rd minute when West won the ball in midfield before threading a pass to Kelsall on his left, his run and cross was too good for the Fulwood defenders and for the oncoming Stone.
Both sides worked hard to cancel one another out resulting in only a minimal amount of half chances at either end.
Although a creditable draw, I’m sure that the Garstang FC Management team will be hoping to go one better in their fifth away fixture on the bounce when they travel to play Lostock St. Gerrards, managed by former manager Stuart Darley, next Saturday.
FULWOOD: Thomas, Phillips, Clegg, Cropper, Hine, Wright, Burne, Slater, Burke, Newsham and Mullan.
SUBSTITUTES: Hull (Burne 60 mins.), Westhead (Wright 55 mins.), Eastwood (Slater 70 mins.) and Blackwell.
GARSTANG: Howell, Leigh, Bardsley, Squirrell, West, Preston (rep. Edmonds 79 mins.) Chapman, Jack, Kelsall (rep. Bryson 62 Mins) Stone, Stutely.
SUBSTITUTES: Edmonds (Preston 79 mins.), Bryson (Kelsall 62 mins.) and Still.
MATCH REPORT:
Vickerstown 0 Garstang 0
West Lancs Premier Division
Played: 15th Octoberber 15:00
Report: 16th October 20:00
Garstang had to thank keeper Simon Howell for a 24th minute penalty save and a fantastic double save in the 82nd minute to give the visitors a point that was richly deserved. Manager Thomas had to recall Youth Team Manager, Dave Porter, and in contrast, gave a full debut to Jordan Jones.
The youngster showed good skill on 18 minutes when he got round his man in the box before shooting over. It had been a lively encounter from the start, Garstang passing the ball well against a powerful Vickerstown team.
Garstang had been dictating play when Bardsley got on the wrong side of Pearson before bringing him to the ground in the penalty box. Howell guessed right, below, when he saved Paterson’s spot kick at full stretch.
Jack made a strong run and shot that was comfortably saved, then Porter made an important touch from a cross by Jones to keep the score 0–0 at the break.
A Stone free kick was well saved by the home keeper, then a Chapman effort was deflected for a corner. Vickerstown’s Miller was, perhaps, a little lucky only to receive a yellow for his 'tackle' on Squirrell. Edmonds replaced Preston in the 60th minute.
In a spell of Vickerstown pressure, a good cross by Pearson was headed over the bar by Keenan, below, then the same player headed over again from a corner.
Edmonds and West picked up bookings as the visitors worked hard to preserve a point. It was building up into a tense climax. Stone and West both had shots blocked before Howell’s magnificent double save.
Bruce was booked for a foul on Squirrell, before Garstang wasted a good chance to grab all three points. The ball had been quickly released out of defence to Jones, a good run by the youngster to the bye line, then he pulled the ball back for West who was unable to control his shot that flew over the bar.
Bryson replaced Jones in the 88th minute and laid on another chance for West this time the unfortunate midfielder shot wide.
Whether it was two points lost, or a point gained, Garstang can be pleased with themselves for a very creditable performance against a very physical and often intimidating team.
VICKERSTOWN: Eccles, Hammond, Doughty, Miller , Brennan, Jones, Gay, Bruce , Keenan, Paterson and Pearson.
SUBSTITUTES: Imison, Fawcett, Dawes and Round.
GARSTANG: Simon Howell, Chris Squirrell, Kelvin Bardsley, Michael West , Dave Porter, Nick Stutely, Matthew Chapman, David Jack, Asa Stone, Jordan Jones and Jamie Preston.
SUBSTITUTES: Daniel Edmonds (Preston 60 mins.), Jamie Bryson (Jones 88 mins.) and Ben Adjei.
MATCH REPORT:
Euxton Villa 1 Garstang 1
West Lancs Premier Division
Goal: Stone
Played: 8th Octoberber 15:00
Report: 10th October 13:00
The Garstang squad was down to the 'bare bones' for this difficult away game. Manager Thomas, missing eight players due to absence and injury*, was forced into the emergency signing of Nick Stutely and the introduction of youth team player Jack Swindlehurst, who took up his place on the bench.
Garstang could have been a goal down in the first minute when Johnstone turned Collins in the box before shooting narrowly wide.
The following twenty minutes belonged to the visitors; Stone twice, Chapman and West all going close before Garstang were caught on the break when Hogg shot straight at Howell in the 24th minute. Then a good ball by new boy Stutely found Preston on the left but, fortunately for Euxton, his cross cum shot came back off the bar to safety.
Cooper talked his way into the Referee’s notebook before a free kick from the Euxton wide man eluded everyone in the Garstang box and out for a goal kick. West was booked for a late challenge then, in the 43rd minute, Cooper received a second yellow and his marching orders for a late tackle on West.
Garstang were stunned in the 51st minute when Bolton made it to the bye line, pulling the ball back for Plano to slot home.
Swindlehurst came on to make his first team debut for the injured Chapman, then Howell had to be at his best to save from Heald in a spell of Euxton pressure.
In a team reshuffle, Bardsley went on for Kelsall, with Jack going up front. Jack had more time than he thought when he headed wide a perfect cross from Collins.
Garstang deservedly forced the equaliser, with less than five minutes to go, when West’s finely executed volley struck the post and came out, Stone being the quickest to react, stabbing the ball back into the net.
A foul by Squirrell on the edge of his own box caused mayhem in his penalty area as the ball came back off the bar with the Euxton players claiming that the ball had crossed the line. Thankfully, Garstang survived and got the point they richly deserved.
EUXTON VILLA: Gibbs, Conway, Bolton, Davies, Wood, Plano, Heald, Grimshaw, Hogg, Johnstone and Cooper .
SUBSTITUTES: Salisbury (Grimshaw 83 mins.), Gutteridge (Hogg 60 mins.), Anderton, Swift and McCormick
GARSTANG: Howell, Collins, Squirrell, West , Leigh, Stutely, Chapman, Jack, Kelsall, Stone and Preston.
SUBSTITUTES: Swindlehurst (Chapman 51 mins.), Bardsley (Kelsall 60 mins.) and Adjei
*Jamie Bryson's absence through injury also denied him the opportunity of representing the Lancashire FA in their U18 game against the Cheshire FA.
MATCH REPORT:
Garstang 1 Eagley 2
West Lancs Premier Division
Goal: Edmonds
Played: 1st Octoberber 15:00
Report: 2nd October 18:00
Manager Richard Thomas was faced with selection problems once again without the services of Preston, Collins, Poole, Bryson and Lewis for the game against an Eagley side that had not lost a game on their travels this season.
Garstang were served a warning as what was to come as early as the second minute when Howell somehow managed to keep out a header from Hanlon, at point blank range.
A superb out swinging cross by Edmonds caused the visiting keeper problems as he came out to punch, flattening Kelsall in the process. The home team were often at full stretch coping with a side full of confidence and playing good football, and it was no surprise when Eagley took the lead with Whiteside unleashing an unstoppable shot that flew past Howell in the 12th minute. Warburton was booked for a foul on Squirell and Hanlon was booked for a deliberate handball.
Garstang’s best effort in the first half was a good strike from West but, in the main, the homed team had to thank defenders Still, Squirell and Porter for keeping them in the game.
Howell did the same keeping his side in the game on 47 minutes with a tremendous save from Leece as the Garstang defence had opened up. From this moment on, however, Garstang found some confidence and belief in themselves from somewhere. A West free kick was headed over the bar by Squirell, Twiname set up the easiest of chances for Stone but the Garstang striker could only side foot his shot into the grateful arms of keeper, Lever, and then Kelsall just couldn’t make up enough ground to get on the end of an Edmonds cross following some good work by Stone.
Twiname limped off to be replaced by Jones and Young replaced Whiteside for Eagley.
Garstang, at last, received some good fortune in the 62nd minute when a cross by Edmonds from fully 40 yards eluded the Eagley keeper to find it’s way into the net, 1–1. Eagley were on their heels at this stage and sent on Carr for Hanlon. Another chance fell to Kelsall following a great cross field pass by Squirell but the Garstang striker shot over the bar.
Garstang’s hard working midfielder, Jack was booked more out of frustration than anything else, before Kelsall was brought crashing to the ground in the penalty box but no penalty was given. Phil Roskell replaced Stone in the 80th minute.
A 30 yard strike by West seemed to cross the line according to the on-looking spectators, and then came the sucker punch. The ball was cleared from deep inside the Eagley half and Carr latched on to it before smashing it past Howell to deny Garstang what would have been a deserved share of the points.
GARSTANG: Simon Howell, Will Still, Chris Squirell, Michael West, Dave Porter, Matthew Chapman, Daniel Edmonds, David Jack , Tom Kelsall, Asa Stone and Ryan Twiname.
SUBSTITUTES: Phil Roskell (Stone 80 mins.), Jordan Jones (Twiname 53 mins.) and Jamie Bryson.
EAGLEY: Lever, Mcorley, Eckersley, Darby, Benson, Warburton , Truffas, Regan, Hanlon , Leece and Whiteside.
SUBSTITUTES: Dudley (Truffas 90 mins.), Carr (Hanlon 71 mins.) and Young (Whiteside 61 mins.).
EAGLEY PREVIEW:
30th September 12:00
"Well, what can I say? Again defensive errors cost us dearly and that was the exact message the players got after Saturday, and again at training last night. We are working hard to rectify this but we are hit with injuries for this week.
Matty Poole will be missing, but hopefully for not as long as we first thought, Jamie Bryson also be out due to a knee injury, Andy Collins who took a knock last week is a doubt, and Kelvin Bardsley is still ten days off. All that, along with Gareth Lewis' absnce due to work commitments, means we have a tough task tomorrow.
On the plus side, we welcome back the experience of Michael West who was obviously missed last week and, with Asa Stone impressing on his debut along with Tom Kelsall playing after his holiday, it is not all doom and gloom. Even though we have players missing, the squad will still be strong which definitely shows we are travelling in the right direction.
We also welcome another staff member to the club. Nigel Pallett has come on board as our club therapist and will be treating and dealing with the injured players and their rehabilitation. He was straight into action last night as he saw the injured squad members at the ground.
As always we look forward to the game tomorrow and we welcome our opponents to The Riveside. I hope to see you all there tomorrow."
Richard Thomas
MATCH REPORT:
Coppull United 3 Garstang 1
West Lancs Premier Division
Goal: Squirrel (p)
Played: 24th September 15:00
Report: 15th September 15:00
Garstang are still in search of their first victory of the season following this latest defeat at Coppull. Four new players were in the Garstang squad, plus the welcome return of Gareth Lewis from Squires Gate.
The visitors were on the rack from the kick off and were lucky not to be a goal down after only five minutes when Greg Brickell shot wide with the goal at his mercy. Although well on top, it was somewhat fortuitous however when Coppull opened the scoring in the 14th minute when Brickell’s shot was half blocked by Collins, the ball deflecting over the hands of Howell.
Edmonds, who had had a torrid opening twenty minutes, was then booked for what looked a good tackle. Garstang’s attacks still lacked any penetration, the nearest they had come to a goal was a good run and cross by Lewis, but there was no-one there to put the ball in the net.
A serious injury to Garstang midfielder Matty Poole, subsequently diagnosed as torn ankle ligaments, caused a 32 minute delay waiting for an ambulance to arrive. New signing Asa Stone replaced the unfortunate Poole when play resumed. A good spell ensued for Garstang, firstly a dangerous free kick by Bryson eluded everyone, them Lewis brought a good save out of home keeper Walsh.
Hearts and minds visually sank in the 37th minute when Brickell headed home a near post corner to put the home team two up. Stone then did well when he wriggled his way past two defenders in the box, but his cross was hacked away.
The second half brought an early booking for Squirrell for a foul on Brickell, the Coppull striker also earning a booking in the same incident before forcing Howell into a decent save.
In the 58th minute Bryson limped off to be replaced by Kelsall. Stone was providing Garstang with some spark and a great crossfield ball from him to Lewis saw the Garstang’s striker shot well saved. There was more trouble for Garstang when Jack had to withdraw through injury and was replaced by Jones.
Coppull’s keeper Walsh contributed to his side’s eventual win with another good save from Stone before the game was put out of Garstang’s reach when Brickell completed his hat trick, robbing Still in the box before slotting the ball past Howell in the 75th minute.
To Garstang’s credit they didn’t give up and were rewarded with a Squirrell penalty. The Coppull keeper Walsh had to make saves from Stone, twice, and Kelsall before the final whistle.
Although another defeat, Manager Thomas must take some positives out of this game with the return of Lewis and an impressive debut from Stone. The fact that he was without the services of star midfielder West must also give him and the Garstang faithful some optimism for the future.
COPPULL UNITED: Walsh, Fishwick, Gelder, Cooper, Taylor, Duckworth, Smith, Taylor, G.Bricknell , Scurr and Cooper.
SUBSTITUTES: Hartley (Duckworth 58 mins.), Mason (G.Bricknell 83 mins.), R.Bricknell (Scurr 64 mins.) and Lynch.
GARSTANG: Simon Howell, Daniel Edmonds , Jamie Preston, Andy Collins, Will Still, Chris Squirrell , Ryan Twiname, Matty Poole, David Jack, Gareth Lewis and Jamie Bryson.
SUBSTITUTES: Asa Stone (Poole 23 mins.), Jordan Jones (Jack 68 mins.) and Tom Kelsall (Bryson 58 mins.).
MATCH REPORT:
Garstang 2 Fleetwood Hesketh 2
West Lancs Premier Division
Goals: Bryson, Poole
Played: 10th September 15:00
Report: 11th September 18:00
For the second week in succession Garstang conceded a goal in injury time, thus denying the Riversiders their first victory of the season. Former Freckleton centre back, Adam Leigh was making his Garstang debut.
The game almost exploded as soon as the third minute when a fearsome tackle by Massam on Squirrell earned the Hesketh left back a booking. Both sides created half chances as the game swung from end to end, but the first real opportunity fell to David Jack in the 22nd minute. A great pass from West found the Garstang striker just inside the box, his sweet strike being tipped on to the bar by visiting keeper, Higgins. Within a minute Garstang were in front when an arrow like strike by Bryson then gave Higgins no chance.
Garstang’s confidence grew with new signing Leigh dominant at the back and Jack working tirelessly up front. The striker's work was rewarded before the break when, after a good run and cross from the right, Poole was on hand to smash the ball into the roof of the net, 2–0.
Hesketh pulled a goal back straight from the kick off. The goal rocked the home side and it wasn’t until Hesketh had Thompson sent off in the 57th minute, for a dangerous tackle on Poole, that Garstang seemed to regain some confidence.
A superb crossfield ball by Bryson found the head of Jack who laid the ball off for Poole, but his shot was comfortably saved. The Garstang striker was obviously not moving comfortably following the earlier challenge and had to be replaced by Bardsley in the 61st minute. Garstang’s numerical advantage wasn’t obvious as Harris, who had been a thorn in the home team's side, cut inside and was allowed to shoot, Howell making a comfortable save.
The home team were unlucky not to go further in front when West’s goal bound effort was deflected for a corner following a good move involving Bardsley, Preston and Jack. Then the pressure began to build on the home team as Hesketh surged forward for an equaliser and, sure enough, the inevitable happened in injury time when Harris was given the time to tee up the ball for himself and lob Howell for what was an incredible goal, much to the dismay of the watching home crowd.
GARSTANG: Howell, Edmonds, Preston, Leigh, Porter, Squirrell, Twiname, West, Jack, Poole and Byson.
SUBSTITUTES: Mattichecchia (Twiname 72 mins.), Bardsley (Poole 61 mins.) and Adjei (Bardsley 83 mins.).
FLEETWOOD HESKETH: Higgins, Helme, Massam , Thompson 
, Bolton, Lawson, Basson, Love, Dalton, Harris and Hill.
SUBSTITUTES: Johnson, Kenworth, Cannon and Hooper.
Referee: Mark Bates Assistants: Martin Thomas and Jordan Hatch
Sorry no photos, our photographer was out on the lash! Could you have helped?
PRE-MATCH COMMENTARY:
Dalton United / Fleetwood Hesketh
9th September 14:00
After getting over the disappointment of last Saturday when, leading a game again going into the last ten minutes and not converting it into a win, we have had a good week with the signing of four new players.
Unfortunately, only one will be joining us tomorrow as the other three are playing their last game for their existing clubs, but we have Ryan Twiname returning after a hairline fracture to his foot. He came through a full training session on Thursday evening and will come straight back into the team for tomorrow. The one new player who is coming in will give us valuable experience in an important position. The other three will all train with the team next week and again will bring added quality and experience to the side. I must, however, stress that these players are intended to strengthen our squad and not displace existing players.
By the end of the next week, I also intend to sit down with the team managers and assign each player to one of our three primary squads. This will give us more continuity for team building and player development and ensure that staff, players, the committee, and the supporters can all see the route for players to progress within the club, and each player can understand the importance of playing at their appropriate level.
Again, the game tomorrow is one that I feel we can get maximum points from, although I do not under estimate the opposition, as they have some quality players and I am sure they will be a tough challenge.
On a different note congratulations to the Youth Team on a great start to their season, winning their first two games with a hard fought victory over Southport in the LFA Cup and a convincing win over Fishwick in the league.
With good youth players, new signings and some quality existing players, I am confident that with hard work, high levels of application and a strong team spirit we can kick on and progress up the league.
As always, a massive thanks to all supporters, especially the ones who braved the elements last week. We are determined to prove to you all that we are going in the right direction.
Richard Thomas
MATCH REPORT:
Garstang 2 Dalton United 3
Lancashire Amateur Shield - Round One
Garstang : Kelsall, Bryson |
Dalton: Jones, Butler 2
Played: 3rd September 14:00
Report: 4th September 08:00
Garstang succumbed to an injury time winner to exit the Lancashire Amateur Shield in the first round. The Garstang team had been further weakened by the unavailability of Preston, an injury to West, and the departure of Lewis to his former club, Squires Gate.
Jones gave Dalton the lead after ten minutes when he caught the home defence square before drilling the ball past Howell.
Poole brought a good save out of the visiting keeper before Tom Kelsall, making his first team debut, put his team level with a well taken goal in the 15th minute.
Howell had to be at his best to save from Jones then Platt wasted a good opportunity when he screwed his shot wide in a ten minute spell of Dalton dominance.
Played in torrential rain throughout, both sides could be congratulated for providing an entertaining spectacle.
A well worked Garstang corner by Bryson saw Squirrell shooting narrowly wide in the 55th minute then Dalton Keeper Pritchard did well when he palmed away a good cross from Edmonds.
Garstang were rewarded for their efforts in the 75th minute. Kelsall was brought down on the edge of the box and Bryson stepped up to place the resulting free kick neatly into the bottom corner of the net.
Sadly Garstang couldn’t hold on to their lead. With only eight minutes to go, Alexandra got round the back of the Garstang defence before crossing for Butler to head home. And worse was to come when, in injury time, Butler again rose high to head home a cross from, this time, Prosser.
Platt for Dalton and Squirrell for Garstang both received yellow cards for a dispute late in the game.
GARSTANG: Howell, Edmonds, Bardsley, C.Matichecchia, Porter , Squirrell , Poole, A.Roskell, Kelsall, Jack and Bryson.
SUBSTITUTES: Adjei (Bardsley 64 mins.), McDuff and Miller.
DALTON UNITED: Pritchard, Canipa (rep.Lightfoot) Callison, Staffiera, Butler, Alexandra, Prosser, Platt , Rattigan, Jones and Coward,
SUBSTITUTES: Lightfoot (Canipa), Frazer, Park, Rigg and Thomas.
Referee: Andy Sykes
MATCH REPORT:
Blackpool Wren Rovers 4 Garstang 0
West Lancs Premier Division
Played: 27th August 15:00
Report: 28th August 09:00
Garstang were unable to build on an improved midweek performance against Poulton Town.
The League Champions Wren Rovers totally dominated the first half creating numerous chances and reducing Garstang to just scraps. Horsfall, who was the architect of most of what Wrens did, tormented the Garstang defence from the start and it was he who created the first goal after 15 minutes when he cut inside and unleashed a shot that Curwen could only palm out into the path of Tabener, who only had to tap in.
The nearest Garstang came to scoring was a shot into the side netting by Lewis before Wrens added two further goals ahead of the break making it a 3–0 half time score line that didn’t flatter the hosts.
Bryson replaced the injured Bardsley for the beginning of the second half and it was a better opening for the visitors as Poole was pulled back on the edge of the Wrens box, only for the resulting free kick to be placed well over the bar by Bryson. Early in the second half Wrens star man, Horsfall received a straight red for what appeared to be a stamp on Squirrell, following a midfield fracas. Cairns was booked in the same incident.
Half chances fell to both Poole and Lewis but neither troubled home keeper, Yeoman, before Garstang’s inevitable fate was sealed when Matichecchia brought down Tabener in the box after 86 minutes, below, Cairns converting the kick and completing the soccer lesson down at Wren’s School Road ground.
BLACKPOOL WREN ROVERS: Yeoman, Cook, A.Pickering, Methvern, Shaw, D.Pickering, Horsfall , Tabener, Cairns , Bell and Greenhall'
SUBSTITUTES: Pearson, Fiddler, Buxton and Eddleston.
GARSTANG TEAM: Curwen, Edmonds, Barsdsley, Porter, Squirrell, A.Roskell, Poole, Jack , Lewis, West and Preston.
SUBSTITUTES: McDuff (Preston 78 mins.), Matichecchia (Roskell 68 mins.) and Bryson (Bardsley 45 mins.).
FIRST TEAM MATCH REACTION:
Poulton / Wrens
WL Premier Division
26th August 20:00
"Poulton was another solid performance and another game with no points! Again, it was a tough lesson to learn for the lads, but we are so close to three points.
Even though people will look at the table and think that tomorrow should be a Wrens home win, we are going there to get that first win.
We have added some experience and steel to the team with Dave Jack and Dave Porter, who were both outstanding on Tuesday evening, and it's what we've been missing.
We had a tremendous training session last night and the squad seem to be in good spirits, so roll on 3pm tomorrow!
The reserves are also in action tomorrow and we are all hoping that they can continue their great start to the season."
Richard Thomas
MATCH REPORT:
Garstang 0 Poulton Town 1
West Lancs Premier Division
Played: 23rd August 18:30
Report: 24th August 15:00
Richard Thomas sprang a surprise by naming Youth Team Manager, Dave Porter, in his starting line up. Garreth Lewis and David Jack also returned to the team.
Garstang strung five players across the middle in an attempt to support a leaky defence and to enable the team to break quickly. And break quickly they did as early as the eigth minute, the ball was released to Lewis. His run and cross didn’t get the reward it deserved when the oncoming Roskell failed to get good contact.
Garstang were looking a stronger unit, Porter having a big influence in the team leading by example, both in word and deed. The Poulton attack were reduced to half chances, the best coming from Catlow when he turned his man in the box but couldn’t beat Howell who tipped his shot on to the post and out to safety. below.
It was a bad clearance that gave Garstang the best chance of the first half, the ball gifted to Lewis but the Garstang striker could only put the ball back into the grateful hands of Keeper, Bird.
Chris Squirrell headed an Edmonds corner over the bar, then the new Garstang full back was back on his own goal line heading away a Danny Whittaker effort to safety, below.
The game had swung from end to end in a very entertaining game watched by a respectable 100 spectators.
Josh Few replaced the injured Lee Catlow after 38 minutes.
The only goal of the game came in the 52nd minute. Squirrell had done well to deflect a Few shot for a corner and, as in the previous game, it was the 'number 14', this time Josh Few who was to define the final result when his perfect corner was headed home by Bryan.
Garstang did everything they could to get something out of the game, but the Poulton defence held firm. Substitute Lee Riley, on for Roskell, took a strange booking for 'kicking the ball away' as did Kirton for Poulton.
If Garstang can maintain this standard of play, there is no doubt that soon they will be picking up points.
GARSTANG: Howell, Edmonds, Beardsley, Porter, Squirrell, A.Roslell, Poole, Jack, Lewis, West (C) and Preston.
SUBSTITUTES: Riley (Roskell 72 mins.), McDuff (Preston 87 mins.) and Chamberlain.
POULTON TOWN: Bird, Blenkhorn, Morris, Porter, Kirton , Bryan, Ryan, Whittaker, Rawcliffe, Pugh and Catlow.
SUBSTITUTES: Sharrocks (Ryan 76 mins.), Few (Catlow 38 mins.), Williams and Hughes.
 |
| The match was sponsored by Garstang Dry Cleaners who chose Dave Porter as Garstang's 'Man of the Match'. |
MATCH REPORT:
Garstang 0 Thornton Cleveleys 5
West Lancs Premier Division
Played: 20th August 15:00
Report: 21st August 09:00
Oggy, Oggy, Oggy..........Oggy! Four goals in a devastating last ten minutes by Thornton substitute, Matt Ogden, sank a brave Garstang team who, up until then, had given a good account of themselves against a very solid looking Thornton side.
Garstang had started brightly enough when Bryson forced Smith into an excellent save following good work by Poole. Thornton gradually took command of the game and, although under pressure, the Garstang defence coped well, breaking to good affect and creating half chances of their own.
It was a critical time in the game, when Thornton went in front in the 41st minute, as Garstang's new signing, Edmonds, placed his pass straight to Warwick who took the ball forward, before firing past Howell.
Both Poole and Bryson, twice, had golden opportunities to put the scores at least level in a good spell early in the second half, but the home side were also in debt to Howell, back from injury, when he tipped one effort on to the bar, below, and palmed away a Hall strike, before another goal bound effort by Beavers was blocked by Matichecchia.
It all went wrong for Garstang as late as the 80th minute when Thornton were awarded a penalty for debateable handball. Ogden, who had replaced Dawson in the 68th minute, stepped up to open his account with ease.
The goal completely deflated the Garstang team who had worked so hard to get something out of the game and Ogden took advantage of the situation, adding another three goals; his team being given the freedom of the park as the Garstang defence capitulated.
 |
| Matt Ogden with his fourth for 0-5. |
This was perhaps a harsh score line, not reflecting the part that Garstang had played in a disappointing but never the less entertaining game.
GARSTANG: Howell, Edmonds, Bardsley, Squirrell, C.Matichecchia, A.Roskell , Riley, West (C), Bryson, Poole and Preston.
SUBSTITUTES: P.Roskell (Edmonds 84 mins.), McDuff (Matichecchia 84 mins.) and Chamberlain (Bryson 65 mins.).
THORNTON CLEVELEYS: Smith, Didlock, Dust, Thomson, Stubbs, Davies, Beavers, Butler, Dawson, Hall and Warwick.
SUBSTITUTES: Webster (Butler 74 mins.), Ogden (Dawson 68 mins.) and Moss
The game was Sponsored by Foulds Metals from Fleetwood who chose Michael West as Garstang’s Man of the Match, although it must be said that there was only really one Man of the Match, Thornton’s four goal Matt Ogden.
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| Match Sponsor's Foulds Metals of Fleetwood. |
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| Garstang MoM Michael West |
MATCH REPORT:
Garstang 0 Vickerstown 1
West Lancs Premier Division
Goals:
Played: 16th August 18;30
Report: 17th August 14:00
Garstang are still looking for their first League win of the season following their first home game. Manager Thomas made changes to his leaky defence, dropping Matichecchia and Miller to the bench, and moving McDuff to right back. Squirrell and Bardsley took up the central defensive roles.
A vicious in swinging free kick, that skimmed the bar, by Bryson after six minutes and a shot over the bar by Lewis after he had caught Gay in possession in the 25th minute were as good as it got, as far as goal scoring opportunities were concerned in the first half. On the plus side Garstang had limited Vickerstown to only a couple of half chances, until the only goal of the game after 33 minutes. Bruce was allowed to run into the heart of the home defence, before poking the ball past of the oncoming Curwen, below.
A slightly fussy referee booked West for a 'two footed tackle', then Vickerstown’s Patterson and Pearson were both booked for late tackles' on McDuff and Poole respectively' as things threatened to boil over.
Curwen kept Garstang in the game in the 57th minute, coming out to save with his legs, from Pearson as he bore down on goal. Manager Thomas sent on Matichecchia for McDuff as Vickerstown maintained their tight grip on the game with an altogether more physical presence.
In a last throw of the dice, Roskell and Haydock replaced Poole and Jack, the change giving the home team some momentum for the last 15 minutes. Bryson, Jack and Poole combined well to provide Lewis with the last chance of an equalizer, but it was not to be as the striker blasted over the top.
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| Stuart Brainsby of Dixon Steel. |
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| Dixon Steel MoM - Jamie Preston. |
GARSTANG: Curwen, McDuff, Preston, Squirrell, Bardsley, West , Poole, Riley, Jack, Lewis and Bryson.
SUBSTITUTES: C.Matichecchia (McDuff 62 mins.), A.Roskell (Poole 78 mins.), Haydock (Jack 78 mins.), Howell and Miller.
VICKERSTOWN: Eccles, Hammond, Brennan, Gay, Imison, Dix, Bruce, Jones, Keenan, Patterson and Pearson .
SUBSTITUTES: Cummings (Bruce 64 mins.), Newsham (Keenan 85 mins.) and Miller (Patterson 68 mins.).
Referee: Anthony Parkinson Assistants: Steve Holden and Andrew Daniels
FIRST TEAM MATCH REACTION:
Tempest / Vickerstown
WL Premier Division
14th August 23:00
"Another two goal lead squandered and an injury time goal conceded made saturday's 3-3 draw a very tough pill to swallow for myself and Ben.
The mistakes we are making as a team need to be rectified immediately as they are basic errors, but there is no 'finger pointing' in this squad and I will take as much responsibility for them as any player. That said, there were again many positives. Dave Jack, making a start after an excellent mid week performance with the Reserves, had a good game, as did Gareth Lewis, again, who played in a supporting role with Jack. The midfield four of Poole, West, Riley and Bryson worked tirelessly and provided some great pieces of quality.
We have shown glimpses of great football, and five goals away from home cements this view. The squad is getting stronger all the time and this is making selection a difficult job, although that is what myself and Ben are enjoying.
Yes, it was a shame not to get all three points but we are off the mark and we continue to improve. It will be another tough test on Tuesday, but our first home game of the season with the usual support, and it will be worth being there."
Richard Thomas
MATCH REPORT:
Tempest United 3 Garstang 3
West Lancs Premier Division
Goals: Jack, Poole, Lewis
Played: 13th August 15:00
Report: 14th August 16:00
For the second week in succession, Garstang squandered a two goal advantage, this time regaining the lead before conceding a last minute equaliser. Good performances for the Reserves in midweek by David Jack and Kelvin Bardsley were rewarded with a first team call up, Jack making the starting X1.
The Garstang defence was “all at sea” for the first twenty minutes during which time both Farnworth and Crook had glorious opportunities to put the home team in front. Although Garstang had looked dangerous themselves in this period, it was against the run of play when Lewis turned his man in the opposing box, Keeper Taylor could only parry his well struck shot into the path of the oncoming Jack who made it 0-1.
Tempest continued to breach the Garstang defence but somehow the visitors retained their lead. However, it wasn’t all one way. Lewis headed a long Bryson throw on to the bar then a good run by new signing Poole, who looked impressive, opened up a chance for Bryson but unfortunately for the wide man, he was crowded out before getting his shot away. Bryson was involved again soon after, supplying a great cross for Lewis who headed home, below, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Garstang went two up in the 38th minute: again another good run by Poole and an assist by Bryson, before Poole finished off the move. Unfortunately, Garstang couldn’t retain a half time two goal lead when an unmarked Barnes pulled one back in the 43rd minute.
Garstang’s defence still looked vulnerable at the beginning of the second half and it wasn’t long before Miller was replaced by Bardsley, but the change didn’t prevent Aspin from scrambling Tempest’s second goal, below, on 53 minutes.
Lewis put the visitors back in front after 60 minutes with an excellent finish, following good work from West and Bryson. Chamberlain replaced the tiring Poole, who had not had much football recently, and Tempest brought on the experienced Swailes for Barnes, and Mort for McLoughlin, in an attempt to rescue some thing from the game.
The move worked for the hosts when the unmarked Swailes headed home from a corner in the very last minute to the dismay of the Garstang Manager and his team who, despite some deficiencies, had worked so hard to secure all three points on a day that could have seen both sides score ten.
TEMPEST UNITED: Taylor, Grimes, Williams, Aspin, McClure, Edwards, McLoughlin, Farnworth, Carter, Barnes and Crook.
SUBSTITUTES: Mort (McLoughlin 78 mins.), Swailes (Barnes 68 mins.), Molas, and Rothwell.
GARSTANG: Curwen, C.Matichecchia, Preston, McDuff, Miller, West, Poole, Riley, Jack, Lewis and Bryson.
SUBSTITUTES: Bardsley (Miller 52 mins.), Chamberlain (Poole 64 mins.) and Adjei.
Referee: Paul Wilcox Assistants: D Chadwick and L Berry
MATCH REACTION:
Stoneclough / Burnley United
WL Premier Division
8th August 22:30
"A disappointing end to a great start is the best way that I can sum up last Saturday at Stoneclough.
In the first thirty minutes, we showed glimpses of what Ben and I had been aiming for and going 2–0 up, after 27 minutes, was a dream start. The next 15 minutes showed the naivety of the squad, however, and going in at 2-2, it could have been much worse.
The second half started in a similar fashion to the first with great opportunities to take the advantage, but a wonder goal and a goal at the end of the game proved to be the difference between the two sides.
Those of you watching will have seen the many positives we have taken from the game, bur there is also a lot to work on. Lewis was excellent on the day, and West and Riley, working together, showed glimpses of the quality they had.
Another very tough test awaits the squad away at Burnley on Wednesday, but it is one we are all looking forward to."
Richard Thomas
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| Midfield pairing - West and Riley |
MATCH REPORT:
Stoneclough 4 Garstang 2
West Lancs Premier Division
Goals: Lewis 2
Played: 6th August 15:00
Report: 7th August 22:00
Garstang’s season looked like it was off to a flyer when Gareth Lewis, one of eight players making their league debuts, cracked home a free kick in the 27th minute to make it 0-2. Unfortunately for Garstang, their joy was short lived with Stoneclough hitting back immediately with two goals in the next four minutes from Hill and Lee.
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| Lewis celebrates his second strike and 0-2... |
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| ...but, one minute later, Phil Hill makes it 1-2. |
Lewis, signed on the day from Squires Gate, had given his side the lead on twenty minutes with a superb drive from an acute angle following a great pass from Lee Riley, who had returned to the club having previously played under Barrie Stimpson.
The game was a good contest, with lots of football and chances a-plenty at both ends, and Garstang dictated the open exchanges in the second half but failed to capitalize on the chances made, West blasting over twice before Haydock had turned well in the box only to shoot wide and then putting another shot into the keepers midriff.
The misses proved costly as Stoneclough took the lead with a 25 yard screamer from Leece into the top corner of the net in the 62nd minute that Curwen could do nothing about.
Sawyer replaced Bryson and Chapman replaced Riley before Garstang’s man of the match, Lewis delivered a quality cross to the far post but Sawyer was unable to get sufficient contact to make it count, and then Chapman headed wide with the goal at his mercy.
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| Jack Sawyer goes close. |
Phil Roskell came on for Adam Roskell but the game was put beyond Garstang’s reach in the 86th minute when Curwen was caught off his line, the Stoneclough striker, Ralph, cleverly lobbing the Garstang keeper.
Although a disappointing result for Garstang’s Manager, Richard Thomas, there is no doubt that he would have taken a lot of positives out of the game as he works to blend together a completely new side.
Garstang: Dan Curwen, Adam Roskell, Jamie Preston, James McDuff, Joe Miller, Ryan Twiname (C), Gareth Lewis (2), Lee Riley, Graham Haydock, Michael West and Jamie Bryson.
Substitutes: Matthew Chapman (Lee Riley 64 mins.), Phil Roskell (Adam Roskell 72 mins.) and Jack Sawyer (Jamie Bryson 64 mins.).
Stoneclough: Craig Tebay, Tom Bond, Janusz Heenan, Anthony Scott, Paul Makinson, Steven Harrison, Phil Hill (1), Aaron Leece, (1), Liam Ralph (1), Liam Morrison and Josh Lee (1).
Substitutes: Steven Obertelli (Heenan 45 mins.), Reed Davidson (Harrison 78 mins.) and S Thomas (Bond 85 mins.).
Referee: Martin Woods Assistants: C Berry and L Berry
PRE-SEASON TRAINING SCHEDULE: is here.
TRAINING RESUMES ON JUNE 28th:
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| Come and have a go if you think you're hard enough! |
MEET THE GAFFER:
14th June 16:00
Yorkshire born Richard Michael Thomas, a loyal Bradford City Supporter, never wanted to do anything else! His HND in Sports Coaching Development was followed, in 2004, by a BA (Hons) in Sports Studies and then, three years later, his UEFA B License in Football Coaching.
He took on his current job, Lecturer and Football Coach at Myerscough College in 2005, and also played a key role in the expansion of Myerscough Juniors Football Development Centre, before broadening his horizons with Liverpool FC (Community Coach), Chorley FC (Reserve Team Manager) and, for the past two seasons, coaching at Blackpool FC Centre of Excellence and managing Lancaster City Reserves.
The selection of a young, 28 years old, unbloodied College Lecturer as Garstang FC Manager by the GFC Management Committee was deemed a brave one by some, but only those who haven't met him! He is professional, full of ideas and enthusiasm, and committed to building a new Garstang era which, with each team adopting similar tactics and strategies, will ensure the long term progression of players up through the Garstang FC ranks.
This guy talks our language. Welcome to Garstang.
richard.thomas@garstangfc.com if you wish to contact him.
| West Lancs. Premier Division - Final Table - 2010/11 |
|
|
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
GD |
Pts |
| 1 |
Blackpool Wren Rovers |
30 |
24 |
3 |
3 |
98 |
29 |
69 |
75 |
| 2 |
Charnock Richard |
30 |
22 |
4 |
4 |
87 |
31 |
56 |
70 |
| 3 |
Euxton Villa |
30 |
15 |
10 |
5 |
68 |
35 |
33 |
55 |
| 4 |
Thornton Cleveleys |
30 |
16 |
9 |
5 |
64 |
43 |
21 |
53 |
| 5 |
Eagley |
30 |
13 |
7 |
10 |
58 |
46 |
12 |
46 |
| 6 |
Fulwood Amateurs |
30 |
11 |
12 |
7 |
62 |
53 |
9 |
45 |
| 7 |
Vickerstown Ccfc |
30 |
12 |
8 |
10 |
51 |
49 |
2 |
44 |
| 8 |
Freckleton |
30 |
15 |
4 |
11 |
49 |
48 |
1 |
43 |
| 9 |
Coppull United |
30 |
13 |
8 |
9 |
47 |
49 |
-2 |
41 |
| 10 |
Fleetwood Hesketh |
30 |
10 |
7 |
13 |
44 |
48 |
-4 |
37 |
| 11 |
Poulton Town |
30 |
8 |
4 |
18 |
42 |
72 |
-30 |
28 |
| 12 |
Stoneclough |
30 |
7 |
5 |
18 |
37 |
60 |
-23 |
26 |
| 13 |
Garstang |
30 |
7 |
4 |
19 |
35 |
55 |
-20 |
25 |
| 14 |
Lostock St. Gerards |
30 |
7 |
4 |
19 |
45 |
73 |
-28 |
25 |
| 15 |
Tempest United |
30 |
4 |
8 |
18 |
43 |
92 |
-49 |
20 |
| 16 |
Dalton United |
30 |
4 |
7 |
19 |
26 |
73 |
-47 |
19 |
