MATCH REPORT:
Garstang 5 Thornton Cleveleys 1
LEPSYFL Reds
Goals: Panepinto 2, Graham, Swindlehurst 2 (1 pen)
Played: 22nd January 11:00
Report: 22nd January 20:00
Any thoughts that the long lay off would affect the team were quickly dispelled as the lads turned in probably their best performance of the season. First Team Manager Mike Stringfellow must have been impressed as he watched the young guns demolish a Thornton side who had beaten them in the cup earlier in the season.
Garstang were quick out of the blocks and took a grip on the game that they were not to relinquish. Although the pitch was heavy in parts, the first goal on nine minutes came as a result of great combination play between Livesey and Jamin, who played the ball through to Graham, and he took full advantage of the defender's slip to reach the by-line and pull it back for Panepinto to smash home at the second attempt. Seven minutes later it was 2-0 when Ayrton played a lovely ball over the top for Graham to run on to, and his finish was unerring as he drove the ball into the far corner.
The home side restricted Thornton to no more than half chances with Ayrton and Walmsley looking composed in the full back positions, Sutcliff and Barton-Eccles dominant in the middle, and Bone doing everything asked of him, making a couple of smart saves to deny any sniff of a come back. In fact, it was Garstang who came closest in the last minute of the half when Jamin's cross was headed inches wide by Graham.
Thornton came out strong in the second half but Garstang finished the game as a contest with the goal of the game on 49 minutes. Graham drifted out to the right and brought down a high ball before drilling it to Panepinto whose sublime turn and pass set up Swindlehurst, Swinny taking one touch before smashing the ball into the top corner from 18 yards.
There was only one team in it now, with Livesey and Gibbins winning everything in centre mid, and it was no surprise when Panepinto bundled home the fourth after Swindlehurst's shot came back off the post. Two minutes later Thornton scored a consolation but it wasn't long before it was 5-1 as Swindlehurst converted a penalty awarded for a foul on Panepinto.
Collinson managed to pick up a yellow card not long after coming on, but Thornton's misery was completed when debutant Richie was sent off for a second yellow following a late tackle on Andrews.This certainly was an impressive team performance from the home side with the man of the match award given jointly to Livesey and Panepinto.
GARSTANG: Mark Bone, Matt Ayrton, Chad Walmsley, Dan Sutcliff, Adam Barton-Eccles, Jack Swindlehurst, James Gibbins, Sam Livesey, Phil Jamin, Oscar Panepinto and Tom Graham.
SUBSTITUTES: Alex Shultz (Livesey 78mins), Michael Andrews (Jamin 80mins) and Joe Collinson (Barton-Eccles 80mins.).
MATCH REPORT:
Gregson Lane 1 Garstang 2
LEPS Youth Football League
Goals: Panepinto, Graham
Played: 27th November 11:00
Report: 27th November 18:30
Garstang maintained their 100% league record with their fifth straight win in a hard fought encounter at Gregson Lane.
Garstang got off to the perfect start after just six minutes when Jamin found himself unmarked in the box and his cross shot squirmed under the keeper to leave Panepinto with the easiest of tap-ins. Unfortunately this was Jamin's last contribution as he limped off to be replaced by Andrews.
Five minutes later it could have been two when good interplay between Graham and Panepinto gave Thompson a clear view of goal but his shot went just wide. The game then got a bit scrappy with the away side's early dominance giving way to an ever more confident Gregson Lane. Garstang were grateful that Barton-Eccles and Collinson were on good form at the back and Bone had to make a couple of smart stops to ensure they got to half time with the one goal advantage intact.
Gregson Lane got back in the game on 55 minutes when the referee awarded a free kick on the edge of the box which was delivered in perfectly and met by a Gregson head. Swindlehurst was very unlucky to pick up a caution two minutes later, followed by Thompson having to go off with a hamstring injury, but these set backs seemed to galvanise the side and, with Shultz adding some application to his undoubted talent, Garstang began to get a grip on the game. The warning signs were there for the home side when Shultz put in a perfect cross and Panepinto headed wide from six yards with the goal at his mercy.
Five minutes later Garstang scored what proved to be the winner with the move of the match. Livesey won the ball in midfield and played it out to Shultz who moved it down the line to 'Man of the Match' Panepinto, who put in a great cross which Graham met perfectly with his left foot to guide it past the advancing keeper.
Garstang played the last twenty minutes effectively down to ten men with Andrews struggling with cramp, but played some controlled football on a difficult pitch and kept the ball well with Gibbins, standing in at right back, sticking to his task against a lively winger and it was Garstang who finished stronger with the Gregson keeper being much the busier and lucky to get away with rugby tackling Graham as he tried to retrieve a loose ball. Collinson picked up a caution for a mis-timed tackle, and Gregson Lane picked up three, but this was never a dirty game.
A good team performance but a special mention to Panepinto who put in a real captain's performance and worked throughout the game having played 90 minutes for the Reserves on Saturday.
GARSTANG: Mark Bone, James Gibbins, Chad Warmsley, Adam Barton-Eccles, Joe Collinson 
, Sam Livesey, Jack Swindlehurst , Tom Graham, Callum Thompson, Oscar Panepinto and Phil Jamin.
SUBSTITUTES: Michael Andrews (Jamin 7 mins.) and Alex Shultz (Thompson 58 mins.).
MATCH REPORT:
Wyre 0 Garstang 6
LEPS Youth Football League
Goals: Jamin 3, Panepinto 2, Swindlehurst
Played: 20th November 11:00
Report: 20th November 21:00
Garstang travelled to Thornton Cleveleys to play Wyre Juniors this week for a game they would expect to win but with just twelve players available, and a few regular starters missing, nothing could be taken forgranted. Recent performances from the squad have been a little lack-lustre, after a great start to the season, but right from the kick-off, Garstang attacked the Wyre goal.
After just three minutes, Ayrton put in a good cross and Oscar was unlucky when his header hit the post. This set the tone for the next 15 minutes with Garstang passing well and Jamin, Panepinto and Gemson all going close with efforts on goal. Callum Thompson was making the most of his starting place and putting himself about up front. On 15 minutes, Panepinto played a great ball into the box for Jamin, who rounded the keeper and last defender and his neat finish made it 1-0.
Wyre made the odd trip into the Garstang half, but the defence worked together well to snuff out any danger as Wyre spent the rest of the first half under pressure from great Garstang team work, but it took until the 40th minute for Panepintoo to get Garstang’s second, after a neat passing move involving Swindlehurst, Jamin and Thompson. An assured defence, battling midfield and creative attack meant Garstang finished the first half well on top.
The second half kicked off and within 30 seconds, Garstang were 3-0 up. Once again, Panepinto and Jamin worked together well for the latter to get his second. Four minutes later, 'Man of the Match' Walmsley put in a good corner and as usual Jack Swindlehurst rose the highest, his header going through the keeper’s legs, below, to make it 4-0.
Endless Garstang pressure resulted in yet another corner which Schultz put on the penalty spot for Jamin to complete his hat-trick, 5-0. On seventy minutes, a great ball from Swindlehurst found Oscar on the edge of the box and he went round the advancing keeper to fire home his second and Garstang’s 6th, below.
Garstang continued to press until the final whistle. All round, a much better team performance from Garstang that even a 6-0 scoreline did not do justice to.
GARSTANG: Mark Bone, Jack Swindlehurst, Callum Thompson, Matt Ayrton, James Gibbins, Oscar Panapinto, Joe Collinson, Phil Jamin, Sam Livesey,
Ben Gemson and Chad Walmsley.
SUBSTITUTE: Alex Schultz (Gemson).
MATCH REPORT:
Garstang 2 Charnock Richard 0
LEPS Youth Football League
Goals: Jamin, Graham
Played: 13th November 11:05
Report: 13th November 20:00
Garstang got back to winning ways but it was a much tougher game than Charnock's lowly league position would have suggested.
Things started brightly for the home side and they were one up on six minutes when Jamin broke clear and scored with a crisp shot into the bottom corner. The rest of the first half was one way traffic with Garstang creating plenty but, again, not able to apply a finish in front of goal. As the half grew to a close, the away side began to grow in confidence and, although not showing much threat up front, the Garstang back line were kept on their toes.
Into the second half and the pattern was much the same but, with Livesey hitting the foot of the post on 49 minutes and several chances going begging, it was with much relief on the hour mark when Graham broke through two challenges on the edge of the box before smashing a shot into the far corner giving the excellent keeper no chance.
Maybe the fact that 'Man of the Match' Swindlehurst, Panepinto, and Jamin had all played 90 minutes on Saturday for the Reserves was a factor in Garstang being unable to add to their tally, but the team were made to work very hard by an honest Charnock side.
In the end this was a comfortable victory on a day when things really didn't happen, particularly in front of goal, but a lot of positives for the management to take from the game.
GARSTANG: Mark Bone, Matt Ayrton, Chad Warmsley, Adam Barton-Eccles, Joe Collinson, James Gibbins, Jack Swindlehurst, Sam Livesey, Oscar Panepinto, Tom Graham, Phil Jamin.
SUBSTITUTES: Michael Andrews (Jamin 74 miins), Callum Thompson (Graham 80 mins) and Alex Shultz (Gibbins 70 mins).
MATCH REPORT:
Gregson Lane 2 Garstang 2 aet
Gregson Lane win 3-2 on penalties
Syndicate Trust Youth Trophy Preliminery Round
Goals: Jamin 2
Played: 6th November 11:00
Report:6th November 19:30
Quite how Garstang lost this game is probably down to 'one of those days' combined with a tight pitch, the grass on which could have hidden several lost tribes!
The lads got off to the worst possible start, conceding in the first two minutes when the Gregson Lane number 9 came out on top from two challenges and squeezed the ball in from a tight angle. Garstang recovered well and dominated the next 25 minutes but couldn't turn several half chances into a goal and, on 26 minutes, it was 2-0 when a blocked challenge on the touchline somehow looped up and found it's way into the far corner of the net. The away team continued to press but still had no reward by half time.
The comeback started eight minutes into the second half when what looked like a blatant hand ball on the edge of the box went unpunished but, as both teams looked at the ref, Graham retrieved the loose ball, laid it to Gemson whose cross shot was stabbed in by Jamin from four yards.
Five minutes later Garstang were lucky to see a free kick come back off the bar and end up in the grateful hands of Sullivan. With 20 minutes to go Jamin had a decent shout for a penalty when he was brought down when clean through but nothing was given. Garstang equalised in the 80th minute when Ayrton threw in a free kick and Jamin was on hand to score his second with a firm header.
Both teams had chances to win it but no one could be the hero before the end of 90 minutes, or in extra time, and so it went to penalties with Garstang only scoring two from five to bow out of the tournament. No distractions now we can concentrate on the league!
'Man of the Match' James Gibbins
GARSTANG: Andrew Sullivan, Matt Ayrton, Dan Sutcliff, Adam Barton-Eccles, Joe Collinson, James Gibbins, Jack Swindlehurst, Ben Gemson, Oscar Panepinto, Tom Graham and Phil Jamin.
SUBSTITUTES: Chad Walmsley (Sutcliff 64 mins.),Sam Livesey (Gemson 61 mins.), Alex Shultz (Jamin 84 mins.), Callum Thompson, Michael Andrews and Alan France.
MATCH REPORT:
Thornton Cleveleys 3 Garstang 0
Syndicate Trust Youth Cup Q/F
Played: 23rd October 11:00
Report: 24th October 11:00
It was a case of 'after the Lord Mayor's show' for the Youth Team as they were knocked out of the Syndicate Trust Youth Cup by local rivals Thornton.
Garstang actually started quite brightly and things may have turned out differently if the referee had awarded what looked like a stone wall penalty in the 7th minute when Jamin was brought down in the box, but he awarded a goal kick instead. The home side began to knock the ball around well and should have scored on 15 minutes but the striker, having done brilliantly to be one on one with Boney, dragged his effort wide.
The lads were struggling to keep possession of the ball, and the closing down was not up to last weeks standard, so it was no surprise when Thornton finished a good move to make it 1-0.
Half time couldn't and didn't come quick enough for Garstang as, with two minutes, left Thornton added a second from a corner converted unchallenged, below.
A half time team talk brought Garstang out in determined fashion for the second half but we realised it wasn't going to be our day when a short corner routine was cleared off the Thornton line and the home team went straight up the other end to make it 3-0.
The lads huffed and puffed and fought to the end, but it has to go down as a 'bad day at the office' and move on to next week.
Losing this tie earns Garstang a trip to Gregson Lane on November 6th in the Preliminery Round of the Syndicate Trust Youth Trophy.
GARSTANG: Mark Bone, Matt Ayrton, Chad Walmsley, Adam Barton-Eccles, Joe Collinson, James Gibbins, Ben Gemson, Jake Salisbury, Oscar Panepinto, Tom Graham and Phil Jamin.
SUBSTITUTES: Michael Andrews (Walmsley 75 mins.), Jack Swindlehurst, Josh Heap, Callum Thompson (Jamin 75 mins.) and Alex Schultz (Graham 64 mins.).
MATCH REPORT:
Garstang 2 Burscough 1
LEPS Youth Football League
Goals: Walmsley, Salisbury
Played: 16th October 11:00
Report: 16th October 21:00
'Alec and Ports' had marked this game as a big test as to where the lads have got to, and you would have to say that they passed with flying colours.
Garstang started the brighter of the two sides but, on seven minutes, Burscough were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box which was headed back Sin for Fitzsimmons to tap home unchallenged. Five minutes later it, however, was 1-1 when Walmsley blasted a free kick, below, straight through the keeper from 20 yards.
The remainder of the half belonged to the home side who were playing some good passing football and created several half chances, the closest being when Panepinto just failed to convert a Graham cross. Cosgrove picked up a booking on 35 minutes for the visitors, who were becoming increasingly frustrated with the referee as they were getting no change out of a determined Garstang side.
The second half began with Garstang straight out of the blocks, the keeper tipping over another Walmsley free kick, and then Gemson heading over. The pressure paid on 53 minutes when Pretton fouled the industrious Gibbins just inside his own half which gave the away side another yellow card. The resultant free kick found Jamin at the far post and his attempt on goal found the head of Salisbury who made no mistake, below.
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The rest of the game highlighted the determination of the Garstang side to dig in and get a result. Burscough pushed on, trying to get back on terms. The free kick count started to rise, but Barton-Eccles and Collinson, in defence, dealt with everything and the central midfield of Gemson, Gibbins and Salisbury worked tirelessly throughout. Although most ot the pressure was at the Garstang end, it was they who created the better chances, and Graham, who gave the left back a torrid time throughout the game, could have sealed it when Salisbury crossed a beauty but the header at the far post flew over.
Kersh for Burscough and Barton-Eccles for Garstang, both got bookings before Bone made a brilliant save from a free kick with 15 minutes to go.
The lads saw out the rest of the game with Burscough unable to create a clear cut chance. Ayrton had another good game at right back, but Gibbo got 'Man of the Match'.
This was a game that the spectators enjoyed, with one regular commenting, "I have never seen a Garstang youth team dig in like that". Keep it up!
GARSTANG: Mark Bone, Matt Ayrton, Chad Walmsley, Adam Barton-Eccles 
, Joe Collinson, James Gibbins, Ben Gemson, Jack Salisbury, Oscar Panepinto, Tom Graham and Phil Jamin.
SUBSTITUTES: Michael Andrews, Josh Heap, Callum Thompson and Alex Shultz.
BURSCOUGH DYNAMO GREEN: Hilton, Pretton , Fitzsimmons, Kersh , Hall, Cosgrove , Jordan, Peet, McConochie, Beesley and Westhead.
SUBSTITUTES: Heapy, Bennett (Beesley 24 mins.), Doolan (Cosgrove 10 mins.) and Stewart (Kersh 7 mins.).
MATCH REPORT:
Garstang 4 Brinscall Village 1
Syndicate Trust Youth Cup - Round Two
Goals: Swindlehurst 2, Jamin 2
Played: 2nd October 11:00
Report: 10th October 12:00
Garstang progressed to the last eight of this cup competition with a performance in which the result never really looked in doubt.
The home side dominated play from the off and created several good chances but efforts from Panepinto, Swindlehurst, Gemson and Graham all missed the target and it somehow took 43 minutes for the first goal to arrive. It was courtesy of a free kick which left Swindlehurst with the simplest of tap ins. Just like London buses you wait for ever for one to arrive and then two come at once and so it was when, a minute later, a Swindlehurst shot cannoned back of the keeper and Jamin followed up to smash home and make the half time score 2-0.
The second half was only six minutes old when Jamin pulled the ball back to Swindlehurst who drilled the ball into the back of the net from 18 yards. Five minutes later Jamin doubled his total after breaking free and scoring at the second attempt.
Garstang made a couple of changes around the hour mark giving well deserved rests to Panepinto and Swindlehurst, who had both given there all but had suffered knocks in the process. On 66 minutes Brinscall were given a slender chance when a slightly rash challenge from Ayrton resulted in a penalty which was converted via the post. This did lift the away side, who had their best ten minutes of the game, but any hopes of a come back were dashed with 15 minutes to go. An unbelievable block by Ayrton, when a goal looked a certainty, and then the follow up coming back off the foot of the post maintained Garstang's lead and they were never troubled for the remainder of the match.
How Garstang didn't increase their advantage before the game ended was down to a keeper who somehow got in the way of everything and Thompson must be wondering how he hadn't come off with a least a couple to his name.
Finishing apart, this was a very good team performance. Ayrton, who seems to be enjoying his role at right back, got 'Man of the Match' but he was pushed very hard by Gemson who put in a great shift in centre mid and was unlucky with a shot which clipped the bar.
GARSTANG: Mark Bone, Matt Ayrton,Chad Walmsley, Adam Barton-Eccles, Joe Collinson, James Gibbins, Ben Gemson, Jack Swindlehurst, Oscar Panepinto, Tom Graham, Phil Jamin.
SUBSTITUTES: Michael Andrews (Graham 76 mins.), Alex Shultz (Swindlehurst 64 mins.), Josh Heap and Callum Thompson (Panepinto 57 mins.).
MATCH REPORT:
Aspull Juniors 1 Garstang 0
LFA U18 Cup - Round Two
Played: 25th September 14:30
Report: 25th September 21:00
Garstang Youth Team suffered their first defeat of the season in this last 16 Lancashire U18 Cup encounter.
On an uneven and bobbly pitch, both sides were very cautious and it was 30 minutes before the first real chance fell to Jamin who was unable to lift Swindlehurst's through ball over the advancing keeper who smothered well but, with nothing more than hard graft going on from both sides, the first half finished goalless.
After an early scare, at the start of the second half, when Bone had to whip the ball off the toe of the advancing forward, Garstang started to apply a degree of pressure and Swindlehurst was unlucky with an effort which dropped the wrong side of the bar. On the hour mark, a free kick from Warmsley caused chaos in the box but shots from Graham and Jamin were blocked and Aspull cleared their lines.
The only goal of the game came on 77 minutes when Aspull got behind the defence, for the one and only time, and the cross was tapped in at the far post. Garstang threw everything forward and should have had the equaliser in the 90th minute when great work by Panepinto on the right found Heap unmarked five yards out but, sadly, his effort flew over the bar. The defence of Bone, Ayrton, Walmsley, Collinson and 'Man of the Match' Sutcliff played particularly well.
GARSTANG: Mark Bone, Matt Ayrton, Chad Walmsley, Dan Sutcliff, Joe Collinson, James Gibbins, Adam Barton-Eccles, Jack Swindlehurst, Oscar Panepinto, Tom Graham and Phil Jamin.
SUBSTITUTES: Alex Shultz (Swindlehurst 61 mins.), Callum Thompson (Graham 80 mins.), Josh Heap (Jamin 85 mins.), Ben Gemson and Michael Andrews.
MATCH REPORT:
Fulwood 1 Garstang 2 - aet
Syndicate Trust Youth Cup - Round One
Goals : Swindlehurst, Panepinto
Played: 11th September 11:00
Report: 11th September 18:00
This was a big test for the lads against Premier League opposition but, once more, they came out on top in a bruising encounter with Fulwood Amateurs.
Fulwood had much the better of the first half and went one up after 15 minutes when a defensive clearance struck the advancing striker who ran through and, despite Bone's best efforts, the ball spun into the net. The home side continued to have the better possession, but didnt create too much in the way of chances.
However, things looked bleak for Garstang when Jamin had to go off injured on 45 minutes, and Tom Graham didnt appear for the second half having sprained his ankle in a crunching tackle early in the game.
The second half began with Heap and Andrews on for the away side, but it was Fulwood doing the pressing and Garstang rode their luck when the ball struck the post and off Bones knee for a corner. 'Man of the Match' Barton-Eccles and the rest of the defence were battling hard to stem the tide, but it was a tactical change which finally got things going our way.
With 15 minutes to go Swindlehurst replaced Gemson and Panepinto moved up front. Four minutes later Swindlehurst was brought down on the edge of the box. Warmsley fired in the resultant free kick which was spilled by the keeper and Swindlehurst was first to react to strike the ball home.
Garstang now had the bit between their teeth and, with Swindlehurst dominant in midfield, Fulwood were thankful to get to full time at 1-1. It was, however, just a brief respite as we took the game to the opposition and it looked like there could only be one winner. This proved to be the case when, in the 113th minute, Ayrton knocked a great diagonal ball to Andrews who advanced forward and squared it to Panepinto who gleefully slotted home the winner.
Finally, a quick mention for today's referee, Richard Aspinall, who was excellent.
GARSTANG: Mark Bone, Matt Ayrton, Chad Walmsley, Adam Barton-Eccles, Joe Collinson, James Gibbins, Oscar Panepinto, Alex Shultz, Tom Graham, Ben Gemsonand Phil Jamin.
SUBSTITUTES: Josh Heap (for Jamin 45 mins), Michael Andrews (for Graham 45 mins) and Jack Swindlehurst (for Gemson 75 mins).
PRE-MATCH COMMENTARY
Fishwick / Fulwood
9th September 14:00
Following Thursday nights excellent result at Fishwick, attention now switches to Sundays Syndicate Trust Youth Cup fixture at Fulwood Amateurs.
Fulwood are a Premiership side, so this game is a big step up and brings about a new test for the lads.
The new signing this week of Andrew Sullivan means that he is now registered and avaliable to challenge Mark Bone, who has been excellent in the first two fixtures, for the 'No1' shirt.
The squad is now looking strong and we will need to keep it that way because Bails is now eyeing up a few of the lads!
Also, a reminder to all players is that we must all remember that equipping and running a youth football team is not cheap! They can help defray some of the costs by signing up with a sponsor, and it is important that we act quickly to get the sponsors in place early in the season. If you are still unsure of what is required, please talk to Alec or Ports now.
MATCH REPORT:
Fishwick Rangers 1 Garstang 5
LEP Youth Divison One - Reds
Goals : Swindlehurst (p), Graham 4
Played: 8th September 18:00
Report: 9th September 08:00
Three points and five goals were a good return from a feisty match played on a poor pitch at Moor Park.
The first 15 minutes of the game were fairly even with both sides finding it difficult on a pitch that was uneven down the middle and had long grass on the wings, but it was Fishwick who struck with their first meaningful attack when a good bit of skill on the edge of the box created space for the cross and solid finish.
Going behind sparked Garstang to life and, on 20 minutes, a strong run from Panepinto resulted in him being brought down on the edge of the box for a 'cast iron' penalty. Complaints from the Fishwick linesman and manager resulted in the linesman being replaced, and a long delay before the penalty was taken, but Swindlehurst was the coolest man on the pitch as he dispatched it with ease. One minute later Jamin played an exquisite through ball to Graham, who drew the keeper and placed the ball in the far corner of the net.On the half hour mark a Walmsley corner was fumbled by the keeper and Graham stabbed home the loose ball, below, to make the half time score 1-3.
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The second half began with Fishwick pushing forward but a break from Swindlehurst nearly brought the fourth before the home side blazed wide from five yards. This was the last chance Fishwick would get. With Sutcliff and Collinson dominant at the back, the Garstang midfield took over and, on 64 minutes, the game was over when Graham broke from half way, played the ball to Panepinto whose return ball took a deflection back to 'Man of the Match' Graham who placed it in the corner from 18 yards for his hat trick.
Two minutes later, the excellent Panepinto forced a great save from the keeper before Graham picked up the pieces to score his fourth. Ports was able to give the subs a run, and their appearance showed the strength in depth this season as Gemson, Shultz and Andrews all gave a good account of themselves.
Well done lads, a tricky game on a rubbish pitch was handled well and you kept your composure when many were losing theirs.
GARSTANG: Mark Bone, Phil Roskell, Chad Walmsley, Dan Sutcliff, Joe Collinson, Adam Barton-Eccles, Jack Swindlehurst, Sam Livesey, Oscar Panepinto, Tom Graham and Phil Jamin.
SUBSTITUTES: Matt Ayrton, Michael Andrews (76 mins/ for Jamin), Alex Shultz (70 mins. for Graham), Ben Gemson (67 mins. for Barton-Eccles), Josh Heap and Callum Thompson.
YOUTH TEAM MATCH REACTION:
Southport / Fishwick
6th September 22:00
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| Garstang FC Youth Team - photo ahead of the game. |
After the long pre-season that felt like it was going on for ever, it was a relief to actually get down to some serious football last Sunday. The Southport game was actually the first time that all the starting eleven had played together, due to holidays and so on, but after a good training session the Thursday before the game with all the guys looking sharp and in good form, we were confident that we could put on a good show.
I feel that we definitely achieved that, going in at half time three up although, having a centre forward playing in the holding midfield position and a centre midfielder up front on his own, may have raised one or two eyebrows. Yes, it was a bit of a gamble, but both players were superb, taking to their roles as we had hoped they would. Add to that Phil and Tom supporting Oscar with pace, and not wasting the ball on the flanks. I don't think that we will be struggling for goals that often this year!
Sam Livsey and Jack Swindlehurst were superb, but tired late in the game after taking quite a few knocks. The back four, mashalled by Dan Sutcliff, started a little shakily but, they settled down, watching the line and tightening up when required. Mark Bone, between the sticks, also put in a great shift pulling of a couple of good saves at important times during the game.
The second half taught the guys a big lesson, I hope. Take your foot off the gas, miss chances to kill the game and you will be punished, even by teams far inferior to Southport. All in all, a great first half performance was a little over-shadowed after the break, but we showed fantastic character to win it and win it in the manner that we did. It was a very entertaining game and we are through to the next round of the cup, at Aspull, with four goals and good performances all round. Well done!
With regards to Fishwick on Thursday; all our players are available and we are hoping for much of the same as Sunday, although minus the second half goals! We hope to see some Garstang supporters down there as it does make a diference when, as a player, you hear some voices of support, again as Sunday.
See you there.
Ports and Alec
MATCH REPORT:
Garstang 4 Southport 3
LFA U18 Cup - Round One
Goals : Livesey 2, Jamin, Panepinto
Played: 4th September 11:00
Report: 4th September 19:00
A lovely sunny morning at The Riverside saw the dawn of what is hopefully a bright new era at Garstang Football Club. The Chairman's foresight came to fruition with six ex-Cockerham players making the starting eleven, with a further one on the bench and, fitting around the backbone of last season's players, we were entertained to an exciting game of football.
Both teams started brightly with Graham bringing a smart save from the Southport keeper but, seconds later, the ball was up the other end and Bone was thwarting the centre forward who had found himself in the clear. The first goal arrived in the 15th minute, Graham won a corner on the right, Warmsley swung the corner to the back post where it was cleared to Sutcliff on the edge of the box, he knocked it in to Panepinto who laid it back to Livesey who smashed the ball home from 18 yards.
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Four minutes later Southport should have been level when they again found themselves one on one with the keeper but Bone again came to the rescue. Southport continued to press and saw a couple of efforts flash wide but, just after the half hour mark, Garstang scored two goals in a minute. The first came when Panepinto won the ball in the centre circle and headed towards goal, the Southport centre half made a desperate tackle on the edge of the box which broke to Graham who crossed the ball for Jamin to tap in at the back stick. A minute later Swindlehurst broke free on the left and crossed for Panepinto to make enough connection for the ball to creep in the corner, below. Garstang made it safely to half time with the score at 3-0.
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Garstang kept things tight early in the second half and it was somewhat of a surprise when, on the hour mark, the away side were allowed time and space to get to the edge of the box and hammer home an unstoppable shot. Southport now saw a glimmer of hope, but timely interceptions from both Ayrton and Collinson kept them at bay. The game should have been over on 73 minutes when Swindlehurst played in Panepinto who went round the goalie and was brought crashing to the floor for a penalty. The striker took the responsibility himself but placed it wide and, before we knew it, Southport had raced up the other end and scored their second. Game on.
The home side dug in and Barton-Eccles put in a good shift, breaking things up in midfield, and it looked like the lads would see it out until six minutes from time when a cheap free kick on the half way line was swung in and the Southport centre half rose highest to head the equaliser.
Had the curse of the last ten minutes, which has cost the club dearly this season, struck again? Not this time! With time running out a ball knocked into the corner looked like it would run harmlessly out of play but Panepinto had other ideas. He sprinted to the touch line and with the defenders slow to react he retrieved the ball, played it inside to Livesey and his firmly struck shot dipped over the keeper to spark huge celebrations - didnt know Ports could move that fast!
A thoroughly entertaining game with the lads showing a bit of character at the end to come through as worthy winners of a trip to Aspull or Leigh Genesis in the next round to be played on September 25th.
Sam Livesey was Man of thre Match.
GARSTANG: Mark Bone, Matt Ayrton, Chad Walmsley, Dan Sutcliff, Adam Barton-Eccles, Joe Collinson, Jack Swindlehurst, Sam Livesey, Oscar Panepinto, Tom Graham and Phil Jamin.
SUBSTITUTES: Alex Shultz (Jamin 78 mins.), Ben Gemson (Swindlehurst 86 mins.), Josh Heap (Livesey 89 mins,), Michael Andrews and Callum Thompson.
Referee: Ian Golightly
PRE-SEASON TRAINING:
26th August 15:00
The new season is now creeping up on us fast and with our first fixture scheduled for next Sunday, the U18 cup tie against Southport U17's down at The Riverside, preperations are warming up.
With ten new signings already this season, Ports and Alec have been impressed with how the team is now taking shape and are looking forward to seeing the new team in action. With the final pre-season training session being held at The Riverside next Thursday at 6.30pm, the management team has requested that all signed players are there so that preperations for Sunday's game can be finalised.
If you are unable to make Thursday's session, it is important that you contact Ports or Alec before then.
WE'RE BACK:
27th June 15:00
Pre-season started in earnest last Friday at the Beeches when First Team Manager Richard Thomas joined Ports and Alec for the first 'serious' session.
There is more of the same on Tuesday (28th) when the Youth Team players join the full Garstang FC squad - 6:30pm at The Riverside - ahead of the first pre-season friendly at Myerscough on Thursday (30th). Meet at the College at 6:00pm for that one.
As usual, call Ports or Alec if you have any queries, or any difficulties getting to either event.
| LEPSFL Division One Reds - Final Table - 2010/11 |
|
|
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
GD |
Pts |
| 1 |
Lostock St Gerards |
14 |
11 |
1 |
2 |
44 |
23 |
21 |
34 |
| 2 |
Fleetwood Town |
14 |
11 |
0 |
3 |
66 |
14 |
52 |
33 |
| 3 |
Thornton Cleveleys |
14 |
10 |
0 |
4 |
38 |
22 |
16 |
30 |
| 4 |
Lostock Hall Sports Club |
14 |
8 |
1 |
5 |
38 |
39 |
-1 |
25 |
| 5 |
Caton |
14 |
6 |
1 |
7 |
36 |
37 |
-1 |
19 |
| 6 |
Fylde |
14 |
5 |
0 |
9 |
27 |
32 |
-5 |
15 |
| 7 |
Garstang |
14 |
2 |
1 |
11 |
19 |
38 |
-19 |
7 |
| 8 |
Warton Typhoons |
14 |
1 |
0 |
13 |
22 |
85 |
-63 |
3 |
