FEBRUARY 2012 FIXTURES:
1st February 17-15
FEB O5 HIGHGROVE (H) K.O. 12-00 REFEREE T.B.A.
FEB 12 MORECAMBE HAWKS (A) K.O. 13-00 REFEREE T.B.A.
FEB 19 STOREY YOUTH FC (H) K.O. 12-00 REFEREE T.B.A.
FEB 26 WESTGATE WANDERERS (H) K.O. 12-00 REFEREE T.B.A.
COCKERHAM 1 HEYSHAM BLUE STAR 9
Lune & District Junior Football League
Goal Scorers:
Referee:
Man of the Match
Training session - Wednesday 25th January 6-7pm at Lancaster University.
MATCH POSTPONED:
The match on Sunday the 22nd January 2012 was postponed due to a frozen pitch.
21 JANUARY - TRAINING CANCELLED
MATCH POSTPONED:
The match on Sunday the 15th January 2012 away to Lancaster City Youth was postponed due to a frozen pitch.
2011 LEAGUE TABLE:
20th December 21-00
The League table for the end of 2011, the first half of the season, shows your current position, with the Festive season break providing an opportunity to reflect on how to sustain or improve your position during the 2012 campaign.
Lune & District Division A: U11's | P | W | D | L | F | A | Pts |
1 | HEYSHAM BLUE STAR | 11 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 103 | 7 | 31 |
2 | STOREYS YOUTH F.C. | 11 | 9 | 0 | 2 | 77 | 28 | 27 |
3 | CARNFORTH RANGERS RED | 9 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 72 | 7 | 25 |
4 | WESTGATE WANDERERS | 11 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 58 | 18 | 25 |
5 | LANCASTER CITY REDS | 10 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 62 | 21 | 20 |
6 | COCKERHAM JFC | 11 | 6 | 1 | 4 | 32 | 36 | 19 |
7 | BARE RANGERS BLUE | 12 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 53 | 49 | 17 |
8 | MORECAMBE HAWKS | 11 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 40 | 41 | 16 |
9 | HIGHGROVE | 10 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 24 | 55 | 13 |
10 | BARE RANGERS RED | 11 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 12 | 42 | 11 |
11 | BARE RANGERS YELLOW | 10 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 29 | 44 | 6 |
12 | LANCASTER CITY YOUTH | 10 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 17 | 58 | 6 |
13 | CARNFORTH RANGERS WHITE | 8 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 24 | 42 | 5 |
14 | LANCASTER BOYS CLUB | 8 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 10 | 80 | 0 |
15 | WESTGATE RANGERS | 9 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 8 | 84 | 0 |
Table Updated: December 20 20-25 |
JANUARY 2012 FIXTURES:
COCKERHAM JUNIORS 9 CARNFORTH RANGERS WHITE 1
Lune & District Junior Football League
Goal Scorers: Lawrenson 2, McDougall 2, Saville 2, Bolton 1, Little 1, Green 1
Referee:
Man of the Match: Harrison McDougall
This was a great result to kick start Cockerhams league campaign in the New Year.
Cockerham’s line up was Bevan in goal with McDougall, Bolton and Corless in defence. The centre of midfield consisted of Green and Little with Lawrenson on the left and Jeans out on the right. Up front was Saville for the second game in a row looking for his first goal of the season. Substitutes were Wilding and Whiteside looking to get on the pitch as soon as possible to make their mark.
Cockerham began sluggishly with no-one really being able to get hold of the ball and pass it. This was partly Cockerhams fault but also due to some good closing down and tackling from Carnforth who were playing much better than their league position would suggest. Eventually Cockerham made a breakthrough when the ball was fired into the net from close range by Saville after the ball had failed to be cleared by Carnforth after a goal mouth scramble.
The second goal wasn’t long in coming and it was Saville who once again scored after from inside the area. Carnforth were still battling though, and they pulled a goal back when a throw in wasn’t dealt with by the Cockerham defenders and the Carnforth striker shot well to beat Bevan at his near post.
At half time the boys were told to get the ball out wide and to pass the ball quickly to create the space to play. They kicked off and were soon further ahead if not a little fortuitously. Green picked the ball up in midfield and passed the ball forward firmly to find Saville but the ball rolled towards the goal and the Carnforth keeper seemed to be unsure of his position as he realised too late that the ball was heading into the goal.
Carnforth heads seemed to drop now and the cold rain didn’t help for the players or the spectators. More goals started to come with Little breaking clear and coolly chipping the keeper. Bolton had now moved into midfield and was soon causing problems and after a firmly struck shot the ball ricocheted into the net off a helpless defender. Next on the score sheet was McDougall with a smart finish in off the post with Lawrenson sliding in the penalty area to finish off a good cross from Whiteside from close range. Lawrenson added another from the edge of the box with Green scoring the last goal after a poor goal kick from Carnforth.
This was a great performance from Cockerham and if they keep playing with the same commitment they should get good results in the games ahead.
Man of the match was Harrison McDougall for a great performance in several positions.
BARE RANGERS YELLOW 2 COCKERHAM 3
Lune & District Junior Football League
Goal Scorers:Bookless, Bolton and Green
Referee:
Man of the Match: Finn Bolton
After a weekend of incessant rain all the other games in the league were cancelled but luckily this game went ahead on the 3G pitch at Morecambe College. This was a chance for Cockerham to gain ground on the teams above them and go in to the Christmas break in a good league position.
The team started with Bevan in goal and a back three of McDougall, Bolton and Corless. Midfield was Green and Bookless with Lawrenson and Jeans providing width. Saville started as striker with three subs of Wilding, Little and Whiteside.
The game began brightly for Cockerham with the artificial pitch helping the boys to pass although it was very narrow which meant that the play was quite congested. Soon, the boys realised that they needed to spread the play out wide to find the space in which they could play and express themselves.
It wasn't long before Cockerham made the breakthrough. After some good passing through midfield invovling Green and Corless the ball was played out to the left where Lawrenson was waiting. He flighted the ball into the penalty area where Bookless was arriving to coolly fire the ball into the net for a great goal.
Cockerham were now on top and were playing some good football although Bare were still dangerous on the break if Cockerham pushed forward too much. Soon though, Cockerham increased their lead when a corner was taken and Bolton rose to power a superb header into the back of the net. Bare weren't going to lie down and give up though and pulled a goal back after a swift break out of their own half. Cockerham werent' finished yet and they scored again when Green poked the ball home from close range after another dangerous corner.
After half time the game continued much as the first had finished with Cockerham pushing forward and Bare being restricted to the odd attack on the break. No more goals would come though even after the introduction of the subs with Little and Whiteside both making good contributions when they came on.
The last ten minutes were a nervous affair after Bare scored another through an unfortunate own goal off Wilding but they still ran out winners to take the three points.
Man of the Match was Bolton for a great goal and another strong display in defence.
MATCH POSTPONED:
11th December 10-37
Todays home game against Highgrove has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
WESTGATE WANDERERS 6 COCKERHAM 1
Lune & District Junior Football League
Goal Scorers: David Jeans
Referee: .
Man of the Match: Kieran Saville
Cockerham travelled to Westgate for an early morning kick off keen to get a good result against a strong team who were currently sitting in the top four. Cockerham had won their last match narrowly and were looking to put in a stronger performance this time around.
Bevan began in goal with a back three of McDougall, Lawrenson and Saville. The midfield consisted of Green and Bookless in the centre with Whitford-Bartle and Whiteside providing the width. Little began as striker with Wilding and Jeans on the bench.
The whistle went and Cockerham got straight into action with the midfield working hard to win possession against a very strong Westgate side. The stiff wind which was in Cockerham's faces was making things difficult because whenever play broke down Westgate played the ball over the top to the quick strikers who were always looking for opportunities to break quickly.
Cockerham were beginning to get on top and created a great chance for Little after some great work from midfield but unfortunately the shot went just wide. Within a minute Westgate were ahead after a break which was finished off from close range. Cockerham didn't deserve to be behind and after picking themselves up after the disappointment of falling behind they battled hard to get back into the game.
Saville was causing the Westgate defence all kinds of trouble and as he crossed into the area a Westgate defender inexplicably handled the ball to give Cockerham a penalty kick. This was the chance to even up the game. Lawrenson stepped forward to take the penalty and hit the ball well but not wide enough of the keeper and it was saved. Westgate broke away and scored a second with the last kick of the first half to finish with a two goal advantage which they didn't really deserve.
The second half began as the first had ended with Westgate adding a couple more goals as Cockerham pushed forward. The game stretched and was almost like a game of basketball with both sides attacking and having chances with Westgate being more clinical and looking stronger as the game went on.
Cockerham did manage a goal though with Jeans scoring from a great shot which the keeper couldn't hold.
In the end the boys were wll beaten but if they could keep up the intensity and effort that they showed in the first half throughout the game it would have been much closer.
Man of the Match was Kieran Saville.
DECEMBER 2011 FIXTURES:
December 04 Westgate Wanderers (A) K.O. 11-00 Referee T.B.A.
December 11 Highgrove (H) K.O. 12-00 Referee T.,B.A.
December 18 Barfe Rangers Yellow (H) K.O. 12-00 Referee T.B.A.
WARM CLOTHING:
03rd December 18-10
See the article Saturday Morning Training on the Main Newspage.
WEEKEND 26/27 NOVEMBER - NO TRAINING - NO MATCH
COCKERHAM 1 LANCASTER BOYS CLUB 0:
Lune & District Junior Football League
Goal Scorers: Connor Little
Referee: .
Man of the Match: Benji Whitford-Bartle
It was a late kick off for Cockerham in this match against the team lying bottom of the league and without a single point. In their two meetings last season though there was nothing between the two teams and so it proved in the game itself.
The team line up was Bevan in goal and a back three of Wilding, Bolton and Saville. The midfield consisted of Lawrenson, Bookless, McDougall and Whitford-Bartle. Up front was Little hoping to continue his fine goalscoring form.
The game began badly for Cockerham with the boys seeming to think that it was going to be easy. Boys Club had other ideas though and were tackling strongly and winning all the fifty fifty balls. Luckily though, they were struggling to create any real clear cut chances. It was Cockerham who, while not playing well, were creating the best openings with Little going close with a shot on the turn and Whitford-Bartle finding himself in good positions.
At half time the boys were told to increase their effort and try to compete with Boys Club who were playing much better than their league position would suggest.
The second half began with renewed effort from Cockerham and they began to exert pressure on the Boys Club defence but Boys Club were growing in confidence and weren't prepared to lie down. Bolton was beginning to push forward and Jeans was introduced to try and make the breakthrough.
The goal finally came with only five minutes left. A free kick was conceded wide to the left of the Boys Club penalty area and Little stepped forward to strike the ball perfectly into the far corner. The game ran out with no further incident and Cockerham came away with the three points.
Althought they won the game, Cockerham were lucky and on the run of play a draw would probably have been a fair result. It also showed they boys not to underestimate any team.
Man of the Match was Whitford-Bartle for some excellent attacking play.
LANCASTER CITY REDS 1 COCKERHAM 1:
Lune & District Junior Football League
Goal Scorers: Connor Little
Referee: .
Man of the Match: Kieran Saville
Cockerham travelled to Lancaster on a bright morning to meet a strong side sitting two places above them in the league. A strong wind was blowing down the pitch and it looked like it could have a strong effect on the game.
Bevan was in goal with Wilding, Lawrenson and Saville in defence. Midfield consisted of Green, Bookless, Whitford-Bartle and Whiteside, with Little beginning as striker. Corless started as substitute.
Cockerham had the wind behind them in the first half and were soon pressurising the Lancaster defence. The midfield were tackling strongly and creating chances. Little had half chances along with Bookless and Green but no-one could manage to score the goal that would provide the breakthrough that their first half performance deserved.
Lancaster had been restricted to a couple of chances mainly created by mistakes or lapses of concentration from Cockerham.
At half time the boys were told that they had played very well so far but the real test was yet to come as they would be playing into the strong wind and were bound to come under pressure. It was imperative that they kept their shape and had to defend as a team.
The second half began much as the first had ended with Cockerham playing the better football and soon they made the breakthrough. Lawrenson picked up the ball in the middle of his own half and set off on a blistering run leaving several Lancaster players in his wake. As he reached the edge of the area he passed to Little who coolly slotted the ball low into the bottom corner.
Cockerham were deservedly in the lead but Lancaster are a strong team and were beginning to create periods of pressure as the game continued. Green began to sit deep to protect the defence and looked solid as waves of attacks were launched by the home team helped by the strong wind.
With five minutes to go Cockerham broke away and had a great opportunity to score but the Lancaster keeper managed to save the shot from Little. This was the signal for Lancaster to throw the kitchen sink at Cockerham with all their biggest players pushing forward to attack. Cockerham were standing firm though with great defending from Saville, Wilding, Lawrenson and Green.
Time was running out for Lancaster and it looked as though the boys would hold on for a great win - but a foul was committed on the touchline near the half way line and it looked as if this could be Lancaster's last chance. All the players from both sides were around the Cockerham penalty area and as the free kick was swung into the area it missed everyone and went into the goal just inside the post. Almost immediately the final whistle blew and the game was over.
Although Cockerham were disappointed to concede so late they knew that they were the better side and should have won. Lancaster are no pushovers and this game showed that the team are growing stonger as the season progresses and are proving tougher to break down than earlier in the season.
Man on the Match was Kieran Saville for a great all round performance.
COCKERHAM JUNIORS 3 CARNFORTH R.R. 9:
Lune & District Junior Football League
Goal Scorers: Connor Little 2, William Lawrenson 1
Referee: .
Man of the Match: Harrison McDougall
This was the third time that Cockerham had played Carnforth this season and after losing heavily in the two previous games the boys knew that it would be a tough task to take anything from the game.
Cockerham's starting line up was Bevan, returning as keeper, Saville, Bolton and McDougall unchanged after an awesome performance last week. Midfield consisted of Lawrenson, Green, Bookless and Whiteside with Little up front. Substitute was Jeans unlucky to be on the bench after a great performance in his last game.
The match kicked off and Cockerham began brightly, competing for the ball and while not really creating any clear cut chances they were certainly troubling the Carnforth defence. Carnforth began to get frustrated and Cockerham were growing in confidence realising that they could match Carnforth if they worked hard enough.
Twenty minutes passed and there were still no goals with both teams having had chances but no-one converting them. It was a mistake that broke the deadlock after the defenders allowed a Carnforth player to get a shot in which Bevan saved initially but then dropped at the feet of the Carnforth striker who poked it home. Heads dropped and Carnforth scored again before Cockerham could regroup. Half time couldn't come fast enough to allow the boys to get their heads together and regain their composure. Carnforth weren't finished though and they bagged another on the stroke of half time.
After the break Cockerham redoubled their efforts and at last after nearly three full matches, managed to score against Carnforth. The goal was scored by Little who coolly slotted home from the edge of the box after the ball broke loose from a scramble in the penalty area. Confidence was beginning to come back into the boys game and they should have scored a second shortly after when Little set up Jeans, but the ball couldn't be forced past the excellent Carnforth keeper.
This was the chance to get back in the game but Carnforth came back strongly again and scored a couple more goals. Little scored a lovely free kick and Lawrenson also scored from a long way out from a set piece but Carnforth were capitalizing on some slack defending and lack of concentration to score almost at will and in the end ran out comfortable winners.
Man of the Match was Harrison McDougall for another excellent display.
NOVEMBER 2011 FIXTURES:
Nov 04 19-40
Nov 06 Canrforth Rangers Red(H) Kick-off 12-00 Referee T.B.A.
Nov 13 Lancaster City Reds (A) Kick-off 11-00 Referee T.B.A.
Nov 20 Lancaster Boys Club (H) Kick-off 12-00 Referee T.B.A.
COCKERHAM JUNIORS 3 MORECAMBE HAWKS 1:
Lune & District Junior Football League
Goal Scorers: Bookless, Bolton, Jeans
Referee: .
Man of the Match: Finn Bolton
The Cockerham supporters left this match happy, not just at seeing the boys take the three points but also at having watched a very entertaining game. Both teams had come to the match in good form with Morecambe sitting fourth in the league and Cockerham sixth, so it was always going to be a hard fought game.
Cockerham lined up with a change in goal with Jeans standing in for the absent Bevan. McDougall was drafted in to an unfamiliar role on the right of defence with Saville on the left. Bolton was in his now familiar role of centre half. The midfield also had a different look with Green partnering Lawrenson in the centre and Bookless moving out to the right side. Whiteside was on the left with Little up front. Whitford-Bartle was the only substitute raring to come on.
From the start Cockerham were on top. The midfield were dominating possession with Green and Lawrenson breaking up any Morecambe attacks and setting Whiteside and Bookless free to attack the under pressure Hawks defence. Most impressive was the defence with Bolton quick in the tackle and McDougall looking composed and solid on the right. As usual Saville was getting forward at every opportunity and playing pretty much as a fifth midfielder. Little was holding the ball up well in the Hawks half and bringing his team mates into the attack.
Unfortunately the goal that their play deserved never came partly due to some excellent defending but also a lack of composure and clinical finishing in front of goal. At half time there wasn't much to say but keep doing what you are doing and the chances will come. The important thing was to finish them off.
Against all odds it was Morecambe who opened the scoring. A soft free kick was conceded outside the Cockerham penalty area and when the ball was played in to the box a Hawk's player at the back post tapped the ball in to the net. The boys looked stunned but the goal seemed to galvanise the lads and it wasn't long before they were level. Cockerham broke away and after a few challenges in the penalty area the ball fell to Bookless who scored once again with a firm shot from close range.
The second wasn't long in coming after a clever corner from Little and Lawrenson, the ball was sent towards goal where Bolton was waiting to poke the ball in from six inches! The boys were flying now and more chances were created. Jeans finally got the goal he deserved when he scored from six yards out to finish the scoring.
This was probably Cockerham's most complete performance of the season with all parts of the team playing very well. The defence looked especially solid limiting Morecambe to only the odd half chance.
Man of the match was Finn Bolton for great defending and a goal as well.
Under 11's training CANCELLED for Saturday 29th October.
COCKERHAM JUNIORS 5 BARE RANGERS BLUE 4:
Lune & District Junior Football League
Goal Scorers: William Bookless 2, Joe Green, Connor Little, William Lawrenson
Referee: .
Man of the Match: William Bookless
Cockerham welcomed Bare Rangers Blue with the prospect of a close game as the two teams were only separated by one place in the league. Last season after playing twice, Cockerham had come away with two victories but both games were very close and it looked like it could be the same again.
Cockerham had a large squad to chose from as they had been given their new kit before the game and they looked very smart.......but it remained to be seen if they could play as good as they looked!!
Bevan was in goal with Bolton, Lawrenson and Saville in front of him. In midfield Bookless returned to the side after missing a game to partner Green in the centre. There was plenty of pace on the flanks with Jeans and Whiteside. Little, another player who also missed the previous game returned to the starting line up. Substitutes were McDougall, Corless and Whitford-Bartle.
The early passages of play were dominated by Cockerham who were moving the ball around the pitch nicely with Bookless and Green winning all the 50 50's in the centre. Lawrenson was breaking from defence to set up the attacks along with Saville who was also finding space to run in to. Although they were dominating possession there were no goals in the first ten minutes and it looked like Cockerham were again failing to capitalize on their pressure.
It wasn't long before the deadlock was broken with Bookless finding himself in possession on the edge of the area. He unleashed a superb shot which flew in to the bottom corner and stunned the visitors. Soon he had a second. Again he picked the ball up and ran at the Bare defenders, who backed off, giving him the space to fire another great shot over the keeper and into the roof of the net.
Bare weren't giving up and even though they had been under pressure they still looked like they could cause Cockerham problems. This was proved when they pulled a goal back after breaking away and the Cockerham defence switched off allowing the Bare striker to score after Bevan had saved the initial shot. Cockerham redoubled their efforts and Green scored for the second successive game with a fine shot flying in just under the bar.
At half time the team talk was to carry on doing the same again and to guard against complacency. Unfortunately this seemed to fall on deaf ears as within two minutes Bare had scored again. Cockerham needed to wake up quickly and they did when Little scored from close range to keep the two goal advantage. Bare were gaining in confidence however and were beginning to really trouble Cockerham's defence due to another player pushing forward to play up front and Cockerham defenders getting drawn out of position.
It was Bare who scored next and the nerves began to show from Cockerham. Bare won a series of corners which Cockerham were struggling to defend and the equaliser came from one of them with the Bare striker heading home from close range.
The crowd were getting excited as the game swung from end to end and the next goal could prove to be crucial - and so it proved. Lawrenson had been running strongly all day and had narrowly missed scoring from a run out of defence all the way to the Bare penalty area. Again, he picked up the ball and beat two players to fire an unstoppable shot into the goal. Bare looked beaten and Cockerham saw the game out to gain a hard fought win.
Man of the Match was William Bookless for two superb goals and great all round skills.
HEYSHAM BLUE STAR 8 COCKERHAM JUNIORS 1:
Lune & District Junior Football League
Goal Scorers: Joe Green
Referee: .
Man of the Match: Joe Green
20 October 1200
The boys knew they would have a tough game against a Heysham team that had won the league and cup last season without losing a game. They were still keen to put in a strong performance and were ready for the challenge.
The Cockerham line up was, Bevan in goal with Bolton, Wilding and Saville making up the defence. Green and Lawrenson were looking like a strong partnership in midfield with Jeans and Whiteside providing pace and width on the wings. McDougall led the line as a lone striker with Corless and Whitford-Bartle on the bench.
Cockerham started the game well, competing with Heysham in all areas of the pitch. Green was putting in some good tackles with Saville showing his quality bringing the ball out of defence and setting up attacks. Neither side made any clear cut chances but Lawrenson and McDougall both had half chances but couldn't get a clean shot off due to some strong Heysham defending.
It was Heysham that scored first after a lovely turn and shot from their centre forward. The boys were in confident mood though and it wasn't long before they were on level terms. Green moved forward from midfield and shot from inside the penalty area. The Heysham keeper could only parry the ball into the air and it was Green who showed the determination to follow up his shot to nod the ball into the net.
Cockerham deserved to be level, but were shaken when Heysham scored just before half time. The plan was to keep the game tight for the first 10 minutes and then try to push for another goal.
Unfortunately the plan went awry when Heysham scored two goals in the first few minutes from a couple of mistakes. This seemed to knock the stuffing out of Cockerham and heads started to drop. Saville and Whiteside were working hard and the team kept trying, but Heysham over ran Cockerham scoring four more goals.
After two matches against the strongest teams in the league, Cockerham have lost both heavily, but they have played some good football at times and should learn some valuable lessons for the season ahead.
Man of the match was Joe Green for some great tackles and a great all round effort.
CARNFORTH RANGERS RED 7 COCKERHAM JUNIORS 0:
Lune & District Junior Football League - First Round League Cup
Goal Scorers:
Referee: N.K.
Man of the Match: William Lawrenson
6 October 1335
After an 8-0 defeat to Carnforth in pre season, Cockerham knew that they would have a hard battle in the first round of the League Cup. The boys had started their season well and were confident that they could put in a good display.
Cockerham lined up with Bevan in goal and a back four of Jeans, Bolton, Lawrenson and Wilding. In front of them were Green, McDougall, Saville and Bookless. Subs were Whitford-Bartle and Little.
The early exchanges were fairly even with both sides pressing forward looking for the breakthrough. Cockerham were playing their usual brand of passing football and fashioned a couple of half chances. The formation of two banks of four was new to the boys and was designed to stifle Carnforth's opportunities on goal. It was working pretty well until Carnforth broke the deadlock with a cross from the right which was turned in by the centre forward. A second followed shortly after, but Cockerham were by no means out of the game.
At half time the formation was changed back to 3-4-1 with Little coming on up front to try and score the goals to get back into the game. Jeans moved forward into midfield. Lawrenson and Saville had produced some great football in the first half with Green and Bookless battling to gain control of the centre of the park. Wilding had shown that he could form a solid defensive partnership with Bolton and was ready to carry it on in the second half.
The second half began badly for Cockerham with Carnforth scoring two early goals which seemed to knock the stuffing out of the boys! However, they refused to give in and battled hard to get something out of the game. The Carnforth goalie was pulling off some great saves as Lawrenson and McDougall also rattled the woodwork. But, it was Carnforth who showed the killer instinct and scored more goals to run out worthy winners in the end.
The team should gain great credit for not giving up and trying to play football right until the end.
Man of the Match - William Lawrenson - for great effort through the entire game.
COCKERHAM JUNIORS 9 WESTGATE RANGERS 1
Lune & District Junior Football League
Goal Scorers: William Lawrenson 2 Finn Bolton 1 Connor Little 2 Oliver Whiteside1 Robert Bevan 1 Benji Whitford-Bartle 2
Referee: N.K.
Man of the Match: Robert Bevan
27 September 2050hrs
Cockerham's visitors on Sunday were an inexperienced Westgate side who were playing in their first season in the Lune League. The boys were hoping to bounce back after a bad result in their last match and were eager to get the game going.
Bevan was in goal with Lawrenson, Bolton and Jeans in defence. Midfield comprised of Green, McDougall, Whiteside and Whitford-Bartle with Little playing up front. Subs were Corless and Bookless.
The game kicked off with Cockerham immediately on the attack. The Westgate defence came under ever increasing pressure with Jeans making penetrative runs from deep and McDougall pushing onto the opposition back line denying them any respite from the onslaught. Chances were being created almost at will and it wasn't long before the first goal. The ball was played into the area where after a scramble, the ball was cleared but only as far as Lawrenson who fired low into the net.
Confidence was now high and every player felt that they may get a chance to score. Bolton hadn't scored in the League for two seasons but as he picked up the ball on the half way line he strode forward and hit a super long range shot which flew into the net for the second goal. Next to score was top scorer Little who stepped up to take a free kick which curled beautifully into the top corner for a top class goal. Little then scored again with a shot which deflected in off the keeper, with Whitford-Bartle finishing the scoring off for the first half with a lovely strike in off the post for the fifth.
The second half continued much as the first had finished with Cockerham having almost all the possesion. Westgate were restricted to the odd attack to relieve the pressure. Whiteside who had been having a great game, started the scoring again with quick feet creating a shooting opportunity which he took with a smart shot into the roof of the net.
Without much to do in goal, Bevan was given the chance to play outfield for the last ten minutes and it wasn't long before he grabbed a goal for himself with a great strike from outside the area which nestled in the bottom corner. Green had battled hard throughout the game bossing the midfield. All the team were now playing fluid football which has been a trademark of how they have played this season.
Surprisingly, Westgate managed to score a goal of their own and their first of the season after a goal mouth scramble, but Cockerham were now unstoppable with two more goals coming from a Lawrenson thunderbolt and a scrambled goal from Whitford-Bartle.
Man of the Match was awarded to Bevan for scoring his first ever goal and concentrating all through the game when he didn't actually have much to do.
STOREYS FC 4 COCKERHAM JUNIORS 1:
Lune & District Junior Football League
Goal Scorers: Connor Little 1
Referee: N.K.
Man of the Match: Joe Green
21 September 1407hrs
Cockerham travelled to new boys Storeys for their first away match of the season hoping to build on a great result in the previous game.
The team lined up with Bevan in goal and a defence of Lawrenson, Saville and Bolton. In midfield were Green, Bookless, McDougall and Whitford-Bartle, with Little completing the starting line up. On the bench were Corless and Whiteside both raring to go when needed.
The game began and for the first few minutes neither side really got hold of the ball and passed it. It was Cockerham though, who began to get a toe hold in the game by winning possession and starting some good passing movements. Little went close on a couple of occasions but the good football that Cockerham were playing was snuffed out when they got near to the opposition penalty area.
It was Storeys who took the lead against the run of play. Cockerham had a corner and when the ball was cleared it fell to the Storeys' striker on the half way line who showed a good turn of pace to outrun the defence and finish low past Bevan. Cockerham didn't deserve to be behind and the boys looked disappointed, but Storeys now had renewed confidence after their slow start and were soon 2-0 up after a cross from the right was missed by everyone except the Storeys striker who poked the ball into the net from six inches out.
A third followed shortly after and the half time whistle went with Cockerham heads down. At half time it was stressed that they only needed to carry on playing as they had in the first twenty minutes and they could get something from this game.
The second half kicked off and immediately Cockerham began to play again as they had for most of the first half. Unlike the first half though they managed a break through. Little had had a quiet first half by his standards but after some sublime skills to fashion a shooting opportunity he forced the ball in from a tight angle and suddenly Cockerham were right back in the game. Chances began to be created and Little again went close along with Lawrenson and McDougall. Green had moved into defence allowing Lawrenson to move forward and Whiteside had come on to show some good work down the left. With ten minutes to go Cockerham looked the most likely to score to set up a tight finish but again they were hit with the sucker punch and Storeys scoring again against the run of play.
The final score of 4-1 was hard on Cockerham but it should serve as a lesson that when they create chances they have to take them. The performance overall was excellent with all the boys working really hard right to the end.
Man of the match was Joe Green for playing well in whichever position he was asked to play.
OCTOBER 2011 FIXTURES:
18th September 20-20
Sunday 02/10/2011 Carnforth Rangers Red (A) Kick-off 11-00. 1st Round League Cup.
Sunday 16/10/2011 Heysham Blue Star (A) Kick-off 14-00.
Sunday 23/10/2011 Bare Rangers Blue (H) Kick-off 12-00.
Sunday 30/10/2011 Morecambe Hawks (H) Kick-off 12-00.
COCKERHAM JUNIORS 5 BARE RANGERS RED 1
Lune & Dstrict Junior Football League
Goal Scorers: Connor Little 2 Harrison McDougall 1 O.G. 1 William Lawrenson 1.
Referee: N.K.
Man of the Match: Connor Little.
12 September 2105
Another season kicked off with a closely fought encounter between two teams aiming to start off their season with a win. Cockerham had won both meetings last season, but it was going to be interesting to see which team would cope better with the change from 7 to 9 a side, bigger goals and an extra 10 minutes playing time per half.
Cockerham lined up with Bevan in goal and a back three of Saville, Lawrenson and Bolton. In midfield were Bookless and Green who was making his competitve debut after a big money transfer from Lancaster Giants in the last transfer window!! Out wide were Jeans and Whiteside, with Little up front.
Cockerham won the toss and elected to play into the brisk wind for the first half hoping to contain Bare and then attack with the wind in the second half. It was Cockerham though that began to apply the pressure early on with Little looking dangerous and Bookless pulling the strings in midfield.
Eventually the pressure told with Little turning in the area and coolly slotting home the opener. It wasn't long before it was two nil when Little again showed his scoring instincts with a lovely finish from inside the area. Bare didn't give up and managed to pull a goal back when a corner was bundled over the line from close range.
Half time arrived and the boys restarted with extra effort aiming to restore their two goal advantage. Soon McDougall, who had been brought on, did just that with a low shot from the edge of the area which the excellent Bare keeper couldn't keep out. By now, Cockerham were dominating the game and another goal came after a cross from McDougall was deflected in by a Bare defender. Finally Lawrenson scored a curling free kick to make it five.
This was a great start to the season and a good hard fought game. Cockerham played some lovely passing football and also worked very hard which should stand them in good stead for the season ahead.
Man of the match - Connor Little, for hard work and excellent goal scoring.
SEPTEMBER 2011 LEAGUE FIXTURES
06TH September 20-30
Sept 11 Bare Rangers R (A) Kick-off 12-00
Sept 18 Storeys (A) Kick-off 12-00
Sept 25 Westgate Ranagers (H) Kick-off 12-00
FRIENDLY FIXTURE:
30th August 14-00
Tuesday 30th August Carnforth Rangers (H) Kick-off 18-30 Referee T.B.A.
