FEBRUARY 2012 FIXTURES:
1st February 18-30
FEB 05 FISHWICK RANGERS (A) K.O. 14-00 REFEREE PHIL RYAN
FEB 12 TARLETON (H) K.O. 11-00 REFEREE MIKE THOMPSON
Sunday 5th February v Fishwick Rangers (Away) KO 2pm meet at 1.15pm Moor Park Preston
Sunday 29th January v Penwortham Town (Home) KO 11.00 meet at 10.15
COCKERHAM 1 PENWORTHAM 3
Goal Scorer: Oscar Graham
Man of the Match : Ross Hilton
Unfortunately Cockerham could not maintain their winning streak when they entertained Penwortham on Sunday. Despite the strong opposition it was Cockerham who were first on the score sheet when a knock on from Alexander was latched onto by Graham. They had their chance to double the tally shortly after but Gaughan blasted his shot over the cross bar. Penwortham always looked dangerous and they were unlucky to see numerous chances hit the post or skim wide. McGreavy in the Cockerham nets made a fantastic one on one save late in the second half. The constant Penwortham pressure however produced the equaliser and sent the teams into the half time break level. The second half was Penwortham's and the all important next goal was a cracker when the Penwortham mid-fielder unleashed a screamer of a strike after some neat play down the right. To their credit Cockerham never gave up and the defence battled relentlessly but a tidy Penwortham team never really put a foot wrong and closed down balls quickly to break up any counter attacks. The third goal was inevitable but the lads should not be too despondent as they fought till the end and were beaten by the better team on the day.
Man of the Match was Ross Hilton who was inspirational in defence.
Team: McGreavy, Maloney, Anderson, Gaughan, Ward, Atkinson, Alexander, Ball, Pakeman, Graham, Hilton and King
Next week Cockerham travel to Moor Park Preston for a 2pm ko against Fishwick Rangers
MATCH POSTPONED:
The away match scheduled for Sunday the 22nd January 2012, against Fishwick Rangers was postponed due to the condition of the pitch.
Sunday 15th January v Preston Pirates (Away) KO 11.00 meet at 10.15
PRESTON PIRATES 3 COCKERHAM 5
Goal Scorers: Ross Hilton, Calum Alexander, George Gaughan, Oscar Graham and Henry King
Man of the Match:Daniel Maloney
With the same team that faced this opposition in November with the exception of Graham replacing Topping who could have hoped for three points after a previous 13-1 defeat. It just goes to show that the lads certainly have the ability and determination to compete when they want to and today was one of those days! A fantastic game for the spectators with good football being played by both sides. The initial deadlock was broken after a lone run from Graham forced a corner off the keeper. Pakeman struck a sweet in-swinging corner which beat the keeper for Hilton to head home. Caught on the hop with the sun in there eyes Cockerham failed to hang onto this lead and Preston Pirates counter attacked to grab the equaliser minutes later. Cockerham had numerous chances to put the game out of reach with the mid-field peppering balls forward but the Pirates defended well and shots were charged down or saved. Pirates again caught Cockerham napping with the ball not being closed down soon enough giving them the advantage going into the break.
Looking determined and attacking down the slope with the sun behind them Cockerham grabbed the equaliser early when King put through Graham who drove to the by-line and pulled the ball back for Alexander to blast past the keeper giving him no chance. This lead could again not be held onto and Pirates quick response was beginning to get too predictable as they pulled in front again. A very lucky break then gave Cockerham the equaliser when the Pirates keeper made a rare mistake with what looked like an easy clearance, with a few possible candidates for scorer it was Gaughan who finally claimed it.
Cockerham's fourth goal was by no means a fluke and after a very good period of possession a chip over the defence saw Graham latch on to the ball and score from quite an acute angle. With time running out and Cockerham's eleven man squad now looking extremely tired it was a tense few minutes when the crowd thought the inevitable would happen and the spoils shared but thankfully with some good defensive work from Maloney, Hilton and McGreavy it was Cockerham who edge the game out of reach when King chased down a long ball and finished well.
Daniel Maloney took the coveted man of the match award for a dogged performance with some exceptional tackles.
Hopefully the last two games have given the team the confidence to carry on their winning ways against Fishwick Rangers next Sunday away at 2pm.
Team: McGreavy, Maloney, Gaughan, Ward, Atkinson, Alexander, Ball, Pakeman, Graham, Hilton and King
Directions: Worden Park PR25 3DH, From Leyland Cross, down Leyland Lane to car park on right.
Sunday 8th January v Chipping Juniors (H) Kick-off 11-00 meet at 10.15
COCKERHAM 6 CHIPPING 1
Central Lancashire Junior Football League
Goal Scorers: Oscar Graham 5 Hednry King 1
Referee: Mike Thompson
Man of the Match: Oscar Graham
At last! It has taken until 2012 but we had a full team and THREE subs, FANTASTIC! The long weather enforced break had obviously done the Cockerham lads a power of good. The first twenty minutes of this local clash were dominated by Cockerham with clinical passing and teamwork being the order of the day. The first goal game came, within the five minute mark when a drilled cross from King was powered in by Graham who after his early season injuries looks sharp in front of goal, he then converted a second before half time. Chipping seemed to be getting back into the game before the break and McGreavy in nets made a great close range block to thwart the opposition. Despite the first half possession Cockerham only had two goals on the score sheet and concentration was drilled into them during the team talk. Unfortunately this was not instantly taken on board and Cockerham conceded within minutes of the start to a long shot which possibly could have been avoided. No heads dropped though and Hilton marshalling from the back was instrumental in encouraging the team forward, all the players worked hard and never stopped trying to play football, which eventually paid off with the goal machine Graham grabbing another three and King slotting one in for good measure. A throughly entertaining game for the spectators, long may it continue!
Man of the Match Oscar Graham
Team: McGreavey, Hilton, Maloney, Atkinson, Pakeman, Ball, King, Ward, Gaughan, Graham, Alexander, Anderson, Topping & Moore.
Sunday 11th December v Tarleton (Home) 11am ko - meet at 10.15am
Match postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Sunday 4th December v Preston Pirates (Away) 11am ko - meet at 10.15am
Match postponed due to the condition of the pitch.
Directions: Worden Park PR25 3DH, From Leyland Cross, down Leyland Lane to car park on right.
Sunday 27th November v Bamber Bridge (Away) 11am ko - meet at 10.15am
Match postponed due to the condition of the pitch.
Directions: Worden Park PR25 3DH, From Leyland Cross, down Leyland Lane to car park on right.
Sunday 20th November v Myerscough (Home) 11am ko - meet at 10.15am
COCKERHAM 1 Myerscough 5
Central Lancashire Junior Football League.
Goal Scorer: King
Referee: Ken Williams
Man of the Match: George Gaughan
Just when we thought we had a sub! With five minutes before kick off it was clear that McGreavy was in too much pain to attempt to start the game having sustained a back injury. Ward with out hesitation stepped up to don the gloves and did not let anyone down. Anderson after an eight week absence due to injury was thrown in at the deep end having no choice but to play the full game. Cockerham showed a far more determined and work man like approach to this game, heads did not drop and despite going two nil down there was still a glimmer of hope. King scored Cockerham's only goal after some skilful mid field play, and link work with Graham. Graham looked eager in his second game this season and thankfully dodged some crunching tackles to escape any injury. Gaughan quite rightly took the man of the match accolade, playing in his new role in front of defence he seemed happier and more determined. Alexander came close to scoring close to the end when he connected well from Pakeman's in-swinging corner, unfortunately he saw his header just skim the crossbar. Hilton led by example from the back and future games look far more promising if the team keeps working together with combined determination and effort.
Team: Ward, Maloney, Gaughan, Anderson, Atkinson, Alexander, Ball, Pakeman, Graham, Hilton and King
Sunday 13th November v Penwortham Town (Away) 11 am ko - meet at 10.15am
PENWORTHAM TOWN 7 COCKERHAM 3
Central Lancashire Junior Football League.
Goal Scorer: Malomey, King and Alexander
Referee: Daniel Garratt
Man of the Match: James McGreavy
A slight improvement on the previous fixtures with a few positives being taken from the game, 1) Graham was back! in his first game this season after injury. 2) Maloney scored a very good first ever goal for the Cockerham side. 3) Mcgreavy deserved the man of the match award with some excellent blocks and saves throughout the game. There is still a lot of work to be done, but will WILL get there.
Team: McGreavy, Maloney, Gaughan, Ward, Atkinson, Alexander, Ball, Pakeman, Graham, Hilton and King
Directions: Priory Sports & Tech College PR1 0JE, From Preston A59 to Penwortham follow signs for Penwortham Leisure Centre. After lights at Cop Lane/Fleece Pub take 2nd right (Penwortham Police Station) into Crookings Lanw, 2nd left Crow Hills Road. Changing facilities in School not Leisure Centre.
Sunday 6th November v Preston Pirates (Home) 11 am ko - meet at 10.15am
Cockerham 1 Preston Pirates 13
What a difference a week makes! This report is short and sweet with as much effort put into it as was witness on the pitch today. Lets hope that all the players go away reflect and return with far more commitment, determination, effort and voice, which is actually needed in a team game! You are all better than this display, COME ON....training Wednesday!!
Man of the Match: Ross Hilton
Team: McGreavy, Maloney, Gaughan, Ward, Atkinson, Alexander, Ball, Pakeman, Topping, Hilton and King
Wednesday 2nd November Training resumes at Cockerham 5.45 - 7.00 (Every Wednesday unless told otherwise)
Sunday 30th October v Chipping (Away) 11 am ko - meet at 10.15 am
Directions: Travel through Longridge, over roundabout at Somerfields, follow round at Alston Arms pub and proceed for approx 5 miles. Turn left at "T" junction and ground is behind the Village Hall, 400 yards up on right hand side. Post Code PR3 2QH.
Chipping 2 Cockerham 4
Cockerham travelled to Chipping on Sunday after an enforced half term break with the bare eleven yet again. Both sides played well on the long undulating pitch which was a testing and levelling factor for both sides. Cockerham soaked up the downhill advances of Chipping during this first half and were unlucky to concede when a good through ball beat the defence. They soon produced the equaliser when a well executed corner from Pakeman was only half cleared to the 18 yard box and Ball’s low struck half volley gave the keeper no chance. With scores level at half time the importance of winning the toss at the start of the game became significant and Cockerham had the more enviable task of now attacking done the slope.
An all round team effort from Cockerham continued and finally they edged in front when Hilton surged down the wing and slotted the ball past the stranded keeper. Cockerham than had a wake up call when a fantastic long range effort from Chipping rattled the cross-bar. Cockerham’s third goal was a slightly bizarre effort and seemed to find its own way, in slow motion into the net, Alexander decided to claim the accolade and in fairness he was pressurising at the time. This could have deflated the Chipping side but they carried on attacking and managed to double their tally despite some credible defending.
Alexander then secured the victory with a solid header from yet another well taken in swinging corner from Pakeman. Time and energy ran out for Chipping and it was Cockerham who took all the points in this entertaining local derby. Cockerham worked as a team and were totally committed in all areas, but it was Alex Ward who picked up the man of the match award with a solid performance, hardly putting a foot wrong all game.
Alex Ward - Man of the Match
Team: McGreavy, Ward, Pakeman, Atkinson, King, Alexander, Ball, Hilton, Maloney, Graham and Topping
Sunday 23rd October v Tarleton (Home) 11 am ko meet at 10.15 am
Match postponed
Sunday 16th October - LFA 3rd Round Cup (Away) v Crown Paints JFC Darwen 2pm ko- meet at 1.15pm
Game conceded by Cockerham home win to Crown Paints
Sunday 9th October - League Cup v Charnock Richard (Home) 11 am ko - meet 10.15 am
COCKERHAM 1 CHARNOCK RICHARD 9
Central Lancashire Junior Football League 1st Round League Cup
Goal Scorer: Ross Hilton
Referee: Daniel Garratt
Man of the Match: Daniel Maloney
Sunday 2nd October v Fishwick Rangers (Home) 11am ko - meet at 10.15 am
Cockerham 2 Fishwick Rangers 5
Well done to the lads who were there! Again a bare eleven with many out of position they put in a gallant effort against an inform Fishwick. Special mention to James Mc Greavy making his debut and also picking up the man of the match award, some excellent brave saves kept the score respectable. All bar one of the Fishwick goals were long range efforts which should have been closed down and a couple were unfortunately set up by the hosts. Their fifth was a close range header from an inswinging corner. Cockerham looked slightly out played during stages of the game but there were glimmers of hope especially for the build up of their goals. Cockerham's first came just before half time when Pakeman connected well to volley from outside the 18yard box and Alexander neatly converted Cockerham's second. Determination and effort will see things improve for this side and if all the sustained injuries would hurry up and recover and the availability of others be more regular then this would provide the makings of a healthy squad were lads were playing in position and be supported by a sub's bench.
James McGreavy man of the match.
Team: McGreavy, Ward, Pakeman, Gaughan, King, Alexander, Ball, Hilton, Maloney and Pakeman
Sunday 25th September LFA 2nd Round Cup (Home) 11am ko - meet at 10.15am
Cockerham 1 Bispham JFC Blue 1 (Cockerham won 3-2 on pens)
Again Cockerham fielded a bare eleven for this second round LFA tie against unknown opposition Bispham Blue. With Cockerham dominating the mid-field with close control footwork and build up play showing signs of brillance at times a goal feast looked promising. Unfortunately a very able Bispham keeper and one or two of our players unable to focus on the goals the ball managed to somehow never cross the line. Good open goal chances were squandered and excellent shots saved. Despite Dugdale being rarely challenged in nets, he was caught off his line by an opportunistic lob from Bispham, and they somehow went into the lead at half time.
Cockerham always looked liked scoring but everything fizzled out in the final third. The defence mopped up any chances that Bispham threw at them and it was begining to look like we would never score if we played all day! Finally a precise chip over the defensive line from Pakeman found Moore who unleashed an unstoppable drive past the keeper to the relief of all those watching. Hilton could have wrapped it up but saw his shot rattle the cross bar, forcing the game to penalties when the final whistle blew.
Cockerham's Gaughan, Alexander and Hilton buried their chances and Dugdale's two saves meant Cockerham will travel to the third round of the LFA Cup on Sunday 16th October with opponents being either Kingsfold Rochdale or Crown Paints Darwen.
Jacob Pakeman took the man of the match accolade for a very solid performance.
Team: Dugdale, Anderson, Gaughan, Alexander, Ward, Moore, Pakeman, Ball, Maloney, King, Hilton
Sunday 18th September v Penwortham Town (Home) 11am ko - meet at 10.15am
Match postponed due to injuries and unavailability of players
Wednesday 14/09/11 (changed from Tues night) v Bamber Bridge (Home) 6.15pm ko - meet at 5.30pm
Cockerham 3 Bamber Bridge 2
3 POINTS AT LAST!
Injuries seem to be contagious this season and it seems more like A&E than a football pitch but we came through eventually with a win. The first half started slowly with both teams evenly matched. Occasional moments of brilliance from both sides could have produced more on the score sheet however it was Bamber Bridge who broke the deadlock, taking advantage of the injury sustained to the Cockerham keeper minutes earlier from a brave diving save. Dugdale was replaced by Topping between the sticks until half time, meanwhile at the opposite end Hilton managed to level the score after connecting with a quickly taken free kick. After the break Dugdale patched up and just about standing donned his shirt once more, only to be replaced on the injury couch by Anderson who sustained a blow to the ankle (could it get any worse we ask?).The second half saw a more determined Cockerham, good work from man of the match Gaughan and the always reliable Atkinson soaked up the Bamber Bridge attacks. Ball and Pakeman worked tirelessly in mid-field creating chances for Preston, Alexander and Hilton to increase the goal tally, unfortunately opportunities and superb goalkeeping by the Bridge keeper eluded them for the majority of the game. Alexander finally put Cockerham in the lead with a well taken header from a Hilton long throw, however Bridge ruined the moment by equalising from the restart. A draw looked inevitable but with the light fading fast it was Hilton who saw his shot rattle the post and go in. After the set backs and disappointments the lads have encountered so early in the season it was good to walk away with all three points well done! Maloney had a solid game in his debut for the club, now we just need the injury bench (growing rapidly in numbers) to respond to treatment fast!
Team: Dugdale, Anderson, Gaughan, Atkinson, Alexander, Ward, Pakeman, Ball, Maloney, Preston, Hilton and Topping.
Man of the Match: George Gaughan
Sunday 11/09/11 v Walmer Bridge (Away) 11am ko - meet at 10.15am - CANCELLED
Wednesday 7/09/11 v Myerscough (Away) 6.15pm ko - meet at 5.30pm Ground (Myerscough College meet at changing rooms)
Report Myerscough 4 Cockerham 1
Despite the score this was an all round better team performance than Sunday, the score by no means reflects the game, especially the first half. However Cockerham started tentatively with an early let off within ten minutes when Dugdale brought down a Myerscough player inside the box, fortunately he was able to watch the penalty fly over his cross bar giving Cockerham a little luck they needed. Cockerham then dominated for periods with good passing play enabling a strong looking Preston to fire a range of shots into the Myerscough area. King came close when his looping shot which just hit the cross bar, this prolonged pressure paid off when good work from Ward resulted in a throw in for Cockerham, Hilton's long throw found the middle of the box and an attempted clearance was latched onto by Preston who scored his debut goal for Cockerham. Myerscough counter attacked and looked dangerous with centre back Clarke linking well with the home side centre forward. With only seconds of the first half remaining Cockerham was dealt a huge blow when King fell to the ground with a groin strain, play however and unfortunately continued and Myerscough slotted home the equaliser to the sound of the half time whistle.
Myerscough came out a little more confident in the second half as Cockerham adjusted to a new formation after the loss of King, excellent chances were produced by both sides however it was Myerscough who edged in front. Hilton had a golden opportunity to level shortly after but the shot flew inches wide of the post. Unlucky injury prone Cockerham saw Alexander hit the deck next with an ankle injury which reduced them to ten men for the remaining twenty five minutes of the game. With the light deteriorating Myerscough were then gifted their third goal and heads dropped slightly when with a repeat of the first half their fourth flew in to the sound of the final whistle. Despite a very good team effort it was William Atkinson, who hardly put a foot wrong all game, that picked up the man of the match award. Well done everyone it was a joy to watch both teams despite the weather!
Team: Dugdale, Anderson, Fazackerley, Gaughan, Atkinson, Alexander, Ball, Pakeman, King, Hilton, Preston and Ward
Man of the Match: William Atkinson
With all the injury problems it is a good job that Cockerham have no game on Sunday due to Walmer Bridge resigning from the league, lets hope everyone is fit and raring to go next Wednesday night against Bamber Bridge.
Sunday 4/09/11 v Tarleton (Away) 2pm ko - meet at 1.15pm
Directions: PR4 6BT -From Preston take the A59 towards Southport until you reach the traffic lights at Tarleton. (junction with A565). Turn right into the village. Turn left at the mini roundabout (Gorse Lane). Take 2nd right into Carr Lane. The ground is half a mile on the left.
Report Tarleton 5 Cockerham 1
Not the start to the season that Cockerham had hoped for, a skeleton squad of eleven reduced by injuries, sickness and other commitments ran out of steam and concentration. Man of the match Joel Dugdale in nets pulled off some fantastic saves to keep the score respectable for long periods. Cockerham however had early chances when Pakeman's looping shot just missed the top corner and Alexander's neat footwork in the box pulled the ball inches wide of the post.
Tarleton were lucky not to be reduced to ten men after a high two footed challenge took Pakeman out resulting in an early booking. Tarleton dominated for spells but could not get past Dugdale until the 23rd minute when a poor clearance resulted in a class strike from the Tarleton forward. Cockerham responded well from the re-start with some neat play between Moore and Ball in mid-field split the defence and Hilton came close to equalising. However Tarleton drilled the ball up field and their quick thinking brought about their second goal. Moore came close just before half time but his attempt skimmed the cross-bar.
The second half initially started with Cockerham in a more positive frame of mind and a forceful run from Alexander resulting in a foul on the edge of the box, Moore's curling left foot drive around the wall had the keeper well and truely beaten. Unfortunately this boost could not push Cockerham on and tired legs and fitness became the issue. Tarleton began to boss the game and tried to do the same with the ref which resulted in another booking.
Almost certain goals were stopped firstly by Atkinson who headed out of the nets only to see the resulting corner being converted to make it 3-1, and then later on Anderson pulled off a brave low header when the striker was teeing up his shot. However heads dropped and the remaining two goals came within the last five minutes when Cockerham were second best all over the park. Lets hope that spirits can be lifted before the local derby against Myerscough on Wednesday night because you can do it and you are much much better than your performance today.....come on lads!!
Team: Dugdale, Anderson, Fazackerley, Gaughan, Atkinson, Pakeman, Ball, Moore, Ward, Hilton and Alexander.
Man of the Match: Joel Dugdale
Season starts Sunday 4th September
Friendly Fixture - Thursday 1st September v Springfields 6.30pm ko at Bilsborrow. Please meet at 6.00pm
Welcome to the 2011/12 Season - lets hope its as successful as last year!
Hopefully you have all been keeping fit throughout the Summer ready for an enjoyable season ahead?
Please note that parents help is needed in putting up nets and barriers before all home games and running the line. This year especially we need your help as we have to marshal car parking as per Bilsborrow Parish Council stipulations. There has to be no parking on the Sycamore Road Estate, this is resident only parking area during matches!
