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Seacroft Colts v Woodkirk Valley - 27th April |
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Match 1:Seacroft Colts 2 Woodkirk Valley 0
Woodkirk were left bereft of several key players in an unconventional Saturday kick off with others having to play out of position. Seacroft took the accolades but Valley battled on stoically and demonstrated just how versatile some of their players are - notably Williams, normally a keeper who was forced to play as a makeshift striker, and Lowrie who has slotted into just about every position with ease during his short time at the club.
The home team were much the stronger in the first half and Valley had been under pressure for long periods before a quick brace saw the Colts lead by two goals at the break. A lesser team may have crumbled, but not these boys and the second period was almost as one sided as the first, albeit the roles were reversed. Asquith in goal for Woodkirk had been one of the busiest boys on the pitch before the break, but was virtually redundant after it. Benstead was combative and Penny-Larter creative as the visitors started to carve out openings, but the hosts became much more physical and there were several occasions when Valley attackers had their legs hacked away as they bore down on goal.
Crowther continues to grow in stature in midfield and regularly broke up Colts attacks before they became dangerous and Woodkirk kept pushing forward as Edwards and Gueli-Parkin both went close. It wasn’t to be though, and a lot of credit must also go to Joseph Pearson from Seacroft who was magnificent throughout.
Match 2: Seacroft Colts 2 Woodkirk Valley 2
The second game of the morning saw a storming and unlikely looking fight back from the visitors and whilst the game finished level, Valley looked most likely victors at the end.
The Seacroft opener came when the impressive Stead in defence and Williams, the keeper, were left exposed but despite their best endeavors the hosts scrambled the ball home. Gueli-Parkin looked class and Benstead was tireless, but Valley trailed by a single goal at the interval.
Woodkirk threw all but the kitchen sink at Seacroft in the second half as the energetic Morris chased down every ball. McAuley and Stead were part of a flowing move that saw Benstead crudely bundled over as he bore down on goal, and the resultant free kick from Penny-Larter stung the keepers hands from outside the box. A classy finish against the run of play saw Colts create a two goal cushion, but also a gloss on a score line they barely deserved.
Once again Woodkirk dug deep and kept believing in their collective abilities, and a snapshot from Morris blistered the paintwork on the upright as it flashed narrowly wide. With less than three minutes remaining the ball broke to Lowrie in space and he made no mistake with what appeared to be a mere consolation goal. Seacroft were visibly rattled by the resolve shown by Valley, and when Benstead crossed in from the flanks an unfortunate Colt player bundled the ball over his own line - it may have been cruel on the Seacroft defender, but it was no less than Woodkirk deserved.
Unbelievably there was still time for a couple more raids forward, and by now the visitors were in total command, but time ran out and the home team hung on in the dying seconds for a draw.
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Gildersome Spurs v Woodkirk Valley - 20th April |
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Match 1: Gildersome Spurs 1 Woodkirk Valley 2
Both teams played quality football on a heavy pitch to serve up a battle royal for the fans. The passing was sublime at times and the free flowing game saw Benstead, Edwards and Penny-Larter all test the home keeper early on.
McCarthy and Shaw had totally snuffed out the Gildersome strike force, and it was against the run of play that the hosts had a rasping shot spectacularly tipped around the post by Asquith. Shaw then rampaged forward before picking out a perfect pass for Lowrie to lash home and Valley led by a single goal at half time.
Gildersome equalised with a fortunate ricochet from a corner midway through the second half, and the match seemed destined for a draw despite Valley shading proceedings. With time slipping away, Lowrie hit another thumping shot that the home custodian did well to parry, but Edwards was on hand to poke home from close range with the final kick of the match.
Match 2: Gildersome Spurs 2 Woodkirk Valley 1
The second game of the morning was equally compelling and competitive, albeit a game of two halves.
Valley looked in control whilst playing down the slope in the first half, and deservedly led when Morris struck the opener. Iqbal and Winter were solid at the back and Williams was a virtual spectator in goal, although his towering kicks were instrumental in keeping Gildersome under pressure. McAuley was immense in midfield and both Cockerham and Gueli-Parkin tested the home keeper as Woodkirk appeared certain to add to their lead.
It was not to be, and despite leading at half-time, the second half was altogether different. Valley withstood early pressure but were seldom breaking out of defence when Gildersome crafted a fine equaliser. The visitors were becoming increasingly weary but battled on regardless before the hosts scored the winner from a well taken corner and took the spoils.
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Rothwell Juniors v Woodkirk Valley - 6th April |
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Match 1: Rothwell Juniors 2 Woodkirk Valley 0
This was another game that highlighted the progress this team have made when an under-performance against a strong Rothwell side ended in a slim defeat.
The visitors fell behind after an even start to the game before the hosts started to assert themselves. Crowther played tremendously in the middle of the park and Bathie cleared off the line before Williams was forced into a fine reflex save as they battled to keep in the game. Benstead almost forced an equaliser when his shot from distance was fumbled by the home custodian who did just enough to scramble the ball clear as Gueli-Parkin and Edwards bore down on the rebound.
Penny-Larter covered every blade of grass as Woodkirk were now looking most likely to score whilst McCarthy and Shaw were looking solid in defence, but a late goal from Rothwell just about reflected their overall supremacy.
Match 2: Rothwell Juniors 3 Woodkirk Valley 1
This is the game that got away in almost fisherman tale proportions, so marvellous was the performance of the Valley boys.
Cockerham was rampant early on with Iqbal also strong in the middle, although McAuley hade to make a last ditch clearance to keep the scores level. Winter played his best game yet in defence and Stead put in a workmanlike performance as he always chased down seemingly lost causes. Lowrie, a recent acquisition from Rothwell Town looks like the steal of the season and Asquith made a string of saves, each one out of the top drawer.
Valley almost broke the deadlock when Cockerham expertly lobbed the keeper, but his shot rebounded off the inside of the post and along the whitewash into the grateful arms of the home keeper. It was cruel then that Rothwell broke away and a momentary lapse in concentration was punished as the ball was poked home.
Morris lashed home under pressure from two defenders at the start of the second half to restore parity and Valley went close to taking the lead when Lowrie fired inches wide as the visitors started to dominate. Morris searched for his second of the game and nearly got it when he hit the post, but Rothwell countered quickly and scored against the run of play.
Woodkirk pressed for a deserved equaliser but conceded a third goal as they chased the game.
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Ossett Albion v Woodkirk Valley - 16th March |
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Match 1: Ossett Albion 0 Woodkirk Valley 3
The performance showed just how far the boys have progressed in a short period, having been beaten by five goals against the same opponents earlier in this season, and have now only lost once in their last eight outings. Valley ran out comfortable winners, but did not have it all their own way in a match played on a greasy surface in blustery conditions. The prolific Edwards opened the scoring when he fired from an acute angle and the home keeper fumbled the ball over the line. Albion replied with a fine shot that rattled the bar from distance before Woodkirk extended the lead - Benstead broke away and threaded the ball to Guelli-Parkin who played the ball to Penny-Larter on the flanks, and he unleashed a thunderbolt home from just inside the opponents half. Shaw and McCarthy were once again tight as a drum in defence as they had the elements in their favour, and Crowther was impressive in the midfield with more crunch than a nutty cornflake in the tackle. Williams the Woodkirk keeper was much busier after the break, but he handled confidently and never looked troubled before Benstead wrapped up the scoring with an opportunist finish when spotting the home keeper out of position.
Match 2: Ossett Albion 6 Woodkirk Valley 0
The hosts fielded several first teamers due to player shortages, and a below par Valley struggled from the off. There were, however, some bright spots in a game that offered little cheer in a make shift team minus a regular keeper. Woodkirk were two down before both Morris and Battensby fired narrowly wide, and Bathie tackled his heart out in defence alongside Iqbal who made an impressive debut. The latter took over the goalkeeping duties after the break and made some long goal kicks, but he was afforded little protection as Ossett turned the screw and scored four times after the break.
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Park View v Woodkirk Valley - 9th March |
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Match 1: Park View 0 Woodkirk Valley 2
Valley dominated this game despite playing on a pitch of postage stamp proportions, and that was so tight that flowing football was not going to be the order of the day. Such was the size of the pitch that visiting keeper, Williams, smothered a rare Park View attack at one end and Edwards scored in the blink of an eye at the other following a swift counter. Guelli-Parkin lobbed the second from outside the area, and Valley led by two goals at the break. Woodkirk resorted to shooting on sight in the second half and Penny-Larter, the playmaker and man of the match fired an effort narrowly wide. Shaw and McCarthy were rocks at the back, and Valley forced a string of corners with the hosts penned into their own half. It was from a Benstead corner that Edwards powered a header inches past the upright with the very last piece of action, and one can only wonder how such supremacy did not lead to a bigger winning margin.
Match 2: Park View 2 Woodkirk Valley 2
The second match was a real game of two halves, with Valley hesitant in the first period but in total control after the break. Stead played an inch perfect pass for Cockerham but the home keeper did well to smother, whilst Asquith, who was phenomenal in goal for Valley, was unlucky to see a Park View striker reacting first to a fine parry to open the scoring. A massive deflection followed and Woodkirk went into the break trailing by two goals. Valley showed belief and determination after the restart with Crowther, Bathie and man of the match McAuley all playing like rottweilers. It was “game on” when Cockerham poked a long clearance past the onrushing keeper to reduce the arrears before Asquith tipped a rasping free kick onto the bar to keep Woodkirk in the hunt. The clock was ticking down but the visitors kept battling away and got their rewards when Cockerham grabbed the equaliser with the last kick of the game, his first time shot flying into the roof of the net past the despairing clutch of the home stopper.
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Ossett Town v Woodkirk Valley - 2nd March |
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Match 1: Ossett Town 5 Woodkirk Valley 4
Both teams served up a feast of football in a game that made a mockery of the horrendous conditions, but unfortunately Valley lost out by a single strike in a nine goal thriller. Williams hade made a couple of good saves before conceding the opener, but this appeared to fire up the visitors who then had a purple patch and rang amok. Penny-Larter had been bundled over just outside the box, but dusted himself down to rifle the free kick high into the net. Bathie was then called into action and made a fine covering tackle as the Town strikers swept forward. Valley edged in front as the game went from end to end, when Penny-Larter bundled home his second from a venomous Benstead corner kick. Edwards added a third when he took advantage of the elements and a weak clearance to create a two goal cushion and looked unstoppable at this point. They needed to take the advantage into the break as they would be defending against a gale that would howl into their faces after the restart - unfortunately a couple of moments of hesitancy let Town back into the game, and the sides were level at the interval. Ossett regained the lead early into the second period, but Valley equalised when Edwards took a long pass in his stride, rounded the keeper and finished with aplomb. The scoring was over when a Town strike, worthy of winning any match, flew hard and low through a crowded box and nestled in the back of the net. The score line disappointed, but nevertheless showed how far Valley have developed in a short period of time as they were edged out by very strong opponents. Woodkirk man of the match was Edwards.
Match 2: Ossett Town 8 Woodkirk Valley 0
The result barely reflected the effort of the visitors, although the hosts were far stronger and worthy winners. Despite Asquith making a fine finger tip save with the game scoreless and a Morris shot being deflected just wide, Woodkirk never mastered the appalling conditions. They trailed by three goals at the break despite having a strong wind in their favour. Looking disjointed at times, Valley were put to the sword after the restart. Nevertheless, Crowther regularly broke up attacks with his tenacity, and Stead battled on manfully covering the left-back role in a reshuffled back line. Unfortunately the game was over as a contest before Valley started to believe in themselves. Cockerham made several rampaging runs and played good balls into the box, whilst Battensby shaved the post as he shot narrowly wide. Woodkirk were now looking the more likely scorers of what would have been a worthy consolation, but they left gaps at the back as they pushed on in search of an elusive goal. Ossett wrapped up the scoring with a late brace, but it was again heartening to witness the Valley never-say-die attitude in the most difficult of conditions.
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Woodkirk Valley v Bramley Phoenix- 24th February |
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Match 1: Woodkirk Valley 3 Bramley Phoenix 0
It was only a few weeks ago that Valley swept aside Phoenix in a one sided affair, so the Manager took the opportunity to mix his sides by playing boys with various levels of experience on a cold, wet day.
Benstead was the first to shine in the gloomy conditions when he skipped past two lunging challenges before lashing home from an acute angle. Bramley came close to levelling when they struck the post before Woodkirk doubled their lead. Gueli-Parkin hit a long ball for Edwards to chase down and he poked home when the keeper and defender hesitated in a communication breakdown. The third goal was in some ways a carbon copy of the second - Gueli-Parkin gambled when the ball came in from the left flank and managed to squeeze the ball between the visiting custodian and his rear guard for the prolific Edwards to poach his second of the match.
Elsewhere, Williams made a couple of fine saves but was rarely troubled as McCarthy was in total control at the back, and the ever-improving Bathie put in another solid performance. Crowther visibly grew in confidence during a game ideally suited to his type of play, and overall the match was more gritty than pretty, but the result was never in doubt.
Match 2: Woodkirk Valley 0 Bramley Phoenix 0
The second game was a dour battle with goal scoring opportunities at a premium.Phoenix created more chances, but Asquith’s handling matched anything that came his way, and Shaw was on hand and at full stretch to make a goal line clearance on the only occasion the home keeper was beaten. It was Penny-Larter, however, who went closest to breaking the deadlock, when out of nothing he hit a thunderbolt from outside the area, only to see his effort hit the angle of post and bar before rebounding to safety. Cockerham covered every blade of grass and MacAuley showed plenty of grit and determination, but Stead and Battensby saw little of the ball with Valley penned in for long periods. In the circumstances, a draw was not a bad result for Woodkirk.
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Tingley Athletic v Woodkirk Valley - 10th February |
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Match 1: Tingley Athletic 0 Woodkirk Valley 4
Valley played the beautiful game in perfect conditions with an amazing team performance as they swept aside their hosts. Benstead opened the scoring with an angled drive outside the area before Penny-Larter’s corner was finished with a sweet first time effort from Edwards. Gueli-Parkin hit a fine shot on the turn, but Donaghy, the Tingley keeper did well to save the effort. With Benstead winning towering headers all over the park and some pinpoint passing, it appeared inevitable that the visitors would add to the tally in the second period. Tingley had started to buzz after the break, so the next goal would be crucial as the whole game would open up if it went to the home team. At the back “Mr Consistency” Shaw was his usual calm assured self, and McCarthy was in determined mood in a slightly advanced defensive role. Consequently Tingley attacks were rare, but Williams was alert when they did create chances and the Woodkirk shot stopper made fine saves in both halves. By now Penny-Larter was orchestrating events from his central midfield position, and the match was over as a contest when Edwards hit his second through a crowded area before adding a gloss to the score line as he rounded off the four goal victory with his hat-trick.
Match 2: Tingley Athletic 6 Woodkirk Valley 0
Tingley proved far too strong for the visitors in the second game, and despite Valley’s best endeavours, they were on the wrong end of a score line that reflected the hosts superior finishing. Bathie was immense at the back for Valley, often running the ball out of dangerous areas like a steam train. Winter, too, was also being a nuisance to the Tingley strikers despite being given a torrid time by the home team frontline. Trailing 2-0 at half time, Woodkirk never really got going until it was too late, and they fell further behind despite a number of spectacular saves from Asquith. Crowther was tackling anything that moved and Cockerham made some measured passes but without reward. Stead was making some scintillating runs down the right and Battensby was getting ever closer a consolation only to be denied by the Athletic keeper on several occasions. McAuley did eventually beat the keeper, but the ball rebounded to safety off the post.
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Alverthorpe v Woodkirk Valley - 3rd February |
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Match 1: Alverthorpe 3 Woodkirk Valley 10
It was a perfect ten for Valley as they inflicted a shattering defeat upon their gallant hosts. From the very first kick there was never any doubting as to who would be victorious, and in reality the only question would be whether the boys would achieve their first ever double figured score line…and did they ever!!!
The opener was finished off by Edwards in a goalmouth scramble, but owed much to a bulldozing run by Shaw from deep. Once the deadlock has been opened, the deluge began. Hughes scored the first of his six goals in a fantastic individual performance, with his scything runs slashing through the Alverthorpe defence time and again, although his first goal was a powerful angled drive from the edge of the box. The Woodkirk starlet was imperious with the home team in awe and static as he led them a merry dance time after time, scoring his second and third following mazy runs.
Alverthorpe hit back with a fine goal of their own, and despite Williams getting a strong hand on the ball there was too much power on the shot to stop it crossing the line. Penny-Larter stabbed home from close range with the visitors going in at half time leading 1-5.
Such was Valley’s supremacy that the Manager had the luxury of rotating players via rolling substitutions during the second half, and every player stepping onto the field looked comfortable in possession, and none of them showed any mercy as the rout continued. Hughes went nap scoring his fifth with a smart swivel and shot on the turn before Shaw turned the screw hitting home from outside the box to keep the score rattling along.
Great credit must go to Alverthorpe who battled on regardless, with their keeper making a fine penalty save before his team mates conjured up a couple of cracking consolations. Guelli-Parkin capped a fine performance, often dropping his shoulders to ghost past defenders out wide, hitting a rasping shot following a clever throw in from Benstead to wrap up the scoring for Woodkirk.
Match 2: Alverthorpe 2 Woodkirk Valley 1
If games were won and lost purely on determination and teamwork, these boys would undoubtedly be champions, and it was only the lack of a cutting edge that denied Woodkirk the spoils in a full blooded encounter. In the end a defeat was harsh on Valley who lost with the very last kick of the game, and a penalty at that!!!
The impressive Bathie had to clear off his line early on, and Battensby had unleashed a shot that a defender did well to block as the teams went in goalless at half time. Winter continued to grow in stature at the heart of the visitors defence and Morris battled for everything at the other end of the pitch. Stead was also having a fine game whilst Battensby had hit another powerful shot that thundered off the upright, before Cockerham broke the deadlock with a strike inside the near post that had the Alverthorpe stopper rooted to the spot.
Asquith in goals at the other end made several find blocks, most notably a double save in a crowded box before his team mates smothered the danger. The home team eventually equalized despite Crowther and MacAuley taking no prisoners in midfield. Then with the clock ticking down and a draw looking like a fair result Alverthorpe broke away one last time. The referee had no option than to point to the penalty spot with the home striker being bundled over inside the area as he bore down on goal.
The Valley boys looked disconsolate with the penalty kick dispatched and no time to restart the game, but make no mistake, the coaching staff and everyone in the traveling contingent of fans were proud of their spirit and desire.
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Woodkirk Valley v Bramley Phoenix- 13th January |
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Match 1: Woodkirk Valley 8 Bramley Phoenix 0
Dream start for AsquithIt had been a long lay off for the Valley, but any cobwebs had been blown away by a strong wind in the warm up and they were on the front foot from the very first kick. McCarthy looked like he had never been away and new signing Benstead added impetus as he raided forward from midfield. Woodkirk made light of the conditions and dominated despite playing up the slope and they were unlucky not to break the deadlock sooner. The opener came with a slice of good fortune as Hughes shot deflected past the hapless keeper, and in doing so settled things down. The game then turned into the Elliott Edwards show as he turned in a stunning performance, dispatching inch perfect crosses from Hughes and Shaw to make it 3-0 at the break. Edwards was equally rampant in the second half, coolly rounding the keeper for his hat-trick, slotting home a fourth, then turning provider for the lively Penny-Larter to get on the score sheet. Phoenix never stopped battling but Benstead got a debut goal as the flood gates opened then Hughes finished off the scoring when he bravely poked past the on-rushing keeper for the eighth. The emphatic score line really did reflect the way Woodkirk controlled the match, so much so that the keeper, Williams, was a spectator during in the match but there was no hiding his smile through chattering teeth at the end.
Match 2: Woodkirk Valley 1 Bramley Phoenix 0
The second game was a much closer affair, again played in driving wind and on a surface that had muddied to such an extent that it looked more like the battlefields of Paschendale than a football pitch. The tone was set early on when Williams tipped a shot round the post and the whole team dug in to stop the visitors scoring. Macaulay was like a brick wall at the back and his defensive partner, Winter, turned in an equally impressive performance. It was against the run of play that the hosts scored the only goal whilst playing up the slope in the first half. Battensby chased down what appeared to be a lost cause before squaring a perfect ball to the on rushing Cockerham to stab home from close range. The whole team deserved credit for the way they battled for everything - Stead ran his heart out and Crowther was excellent in a tenacious performance as the game ebbed and flowed. Bramley were proving much tougher opposition now as the Valley goal led a charmed life in the closing stages, and they hit the woodwork on three occasions. The hosts teamwork was tremendous throughout though, and each player was a credit to their colleagues and fans alike. Mick Asquith would like to thank the players, parents and coaches of Woodkirk Valley U8's for a great start as manager.
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Woodkirk Valley v Seacroft Colts - 17th November |
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Match 1: Woodkirk Valley 2 Seacroft Colts 7
It was another tough fixture for Valley as the teambuilding continued on a crisp November morning. Seacroft took the game to their hosts straight from the off, and there was little to cheer when trailing by six goals to nil at the break except for a string of fine saves from Asquith (one right out of the top drawer) and a magnificent goal line clearance from Gueli-Parkin. Shaw did his utmost to hold the defence together alongside his defensive partner, Tomey, despite the onslaught they had faced. The difference between the sides in the first half was Joseph Pearson for the visitors who was running proceedings and scored six goals in all, but the contest was much more even when he was rested for the second period. Galvanised during the break, Woodkirk more than matched their opponents. Crowther battled for everything whilst Man of the Match Penny-Larter struck a pair of stunners from outside the box to reduce the arrears to 2-6. Edwards saw a an angled drive fly by the wrong side of the upright before Seacroft added a late goal to complete the scoring. Once again the Valley boys played with pride, determination and a never say die attitude which resulted in them winning the second half 2 – 1.
Player of the match - Penny-Larter
Match 2: Woodkirk Valley 1 Seacroft Colts 3
The second game of the morning was a much more even contest and a real thriller to boot. Both teams applied themselves and played with passion throughout although the home side were much stronger during the early exchanges. Close season signing Cockerham earned himself Man of the Match as he ran at the opponents back line like a steam train, and richly deserved his first goal for the club as Woodkirk led 1-0. Tomey hit a fierce shot from an angle which the visiting keeper did well to hold whilst MacAuley was consistent and solid at the other end. His defensive partner, Bathie, made some big clearances and was occasionally beaten by the ball, sometimes by the man, but seldom the both together. Woodkirk started to fade as the second half progressed after leading 1-0 at the break. Stead and Battensby were busy in midfield but were unable to stem the flow of attacks but Williams repelled all that was being thrown at him in a fantastic performance between the uprights. Eventually the incessant Seacroft pressure paid off when they struck a deserved equaliser, and with time running out a draw looked like a fair result. Seacroft then added a second with a cruel twist of the knife, and the home team could not restore parity despite their valiant efforts. As the hosts pushed on in desperation the defence was left exposed one last time and the visitors scored a third with the last kick of the match.
Player of the match - Cockerham |
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Woodkirk Valley v Glen Juniors - 4th November |
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Match 1: Woodkirk Valley 0 Glen Juniors 4
It was another week where Valley played with pride throughout, although they struggled to get to grips early on with a much more experienced opponents. Bathie created a physical presence at the back and his defensive partner, Shaw, was a man-mountain in Woodkirk rear-guard. The latter, who was named man of the match also made a sparkling run on a counter attack with Gueli-Parkin latching onto his pass but being thwarted by the visiting keeper. Glen then started to control the game as they took the lead although the home keeper Asquith was alert and brave throughout. He was particularly unlucky when Glen doubled the lead as he finger tipped a rocket of a shot onto the bar only for the follow up to be banged into the net. Penny-Larter had been plotting in midfield but was replaced by Stead midway through the first half due to a hand injury and by now Valley were three down. The second period was lit up by a much more determined performance. Edwards covered every blade of grass and Gueli-Parkin showed some great close control before Crowther hit a well struck shot that the keeper smothered. Glen added a fourth on the stroke of full time.
Player of the match - Shaw
Match 2: Woodkirk Valley 3 Glen Juniors 6
Williams was the busiest man on the pitch in the first half and his speed of thought and fleet of foot keeping thwarted Glen on several occasions. Crowther pulled off a great last ditch block, but it was debutant McCauley in defence in his first ever competitive match that stood out with his man of the match performance. Tailing by four goals to nil at half-time, Tomey the Valley Manager lit the touch-paper with his team talk and then stood well back for the fireworks in the second period.
Winter grew in stature as the game progressed and Battensby was unlucky when through on goal. By now Valley were playing with a fizz and a bang that was missing in the first half as substitutes Edwards and Gueli-Parkin added some steel, and it was the latter who started the come back as he poked home from close range. Edwards finished with aplomb as he stroked the ball home from the edge of the box to slash the half-time deficit further. Woodkirk were visibly lifted and pushed on as they sensed a comeback but it was Valley old boy Matthews that broke their hearts but not the resolve as he completed a fine hat-trick. Morris continued to put pressure on the visiting back-line, but it was Battensby with a defence splitting pass that set Edwards up for a strike that flashed narrowly wide, although he was not to be denied a brace when he scored again moments later. It was another ex-Valley player had the last laugh though, as Bentley wheeled away in delight after wrapping up the scoring for Glen.
Player of the match - MaCauley
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Ossett Albion v Woodkirk Valley - 28th October |
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Match 1: Osset Albion 5 Woodkirk Valley 0
Valley played with pride throughout despite being depleted by half-term holiday commitments, and being on the back foot straight from kick-off. The visitors were confined to counter attacks and Tomey had already made a fine goal line clearance before home team took the lead through a strike force that produced a master class in finishing throughout. Trailing 1-0, Edwards fired in from a tight angle that the keeper was equal to and Hughes raided from midfield with his usual flair in a fascinating tussle with the Ossett right-back, but unfortunately the expansive pitch and well organised defence meant his efforts went unrewarded. Williams brought off a smart save at the other end as the hosts piled on the pressure, but few could have predicted how the second half would progress with only a single goal deficit at half time. Valley never get the luck of the bounce but battled on regardless. Crowther earned the Man of the Match award in a make shift defence and pulled off a breathtaking covering tackle as an Albion striker was about to pull the trigger in a dangerous position. Woodkirk continued to push forward and Penny-Larter showed great vision with crisp passing, but it was a low cross from Hughes that Gueli-Parkin gambled on only for a faint touch from a defender to take the ball away from what would have been a fine consolation at the death. Ossett ran out worthy winners, but the score line barely reflected the effort of the Woodkirk boys.
Player of the match - Crowther
Match 2: Osset Albion 0 Woodkirk Valley 1
The second game produced a fine all round performance from the Valley in a gargantuan tussle. Battensby and Cockerham both had solid debuts and Stead earned Man of the Match as he caused the hosts defence all sorts of problems with his jinking runs. It was his strike partner, however, who scored the only goal of the game as Morris let fly with a precision shot across the face of goal and inside the far post. Crowther and Penny-Larter were barely troubled in defence as they were always alert, and Gueli-Parkin was a colossus when playing deep as a second half substitute. Albion barely had a sniff of goal although they did rally late on, but Hughes sprawled to save when the back line was eventually breached. The home team then rattled the upright from a tight angle but the visitors were on hand to scramble clear, and in fairness Valley always looked comfortable despite the slender lead. Edwards looked odds on to give Woodkirk a two goal cushion in the dying moments only for a fine reflex save to deny him.
Player of the match - Stead |
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Woodkirk Valley v Tingley Athletic - 7th October |
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Match 1: Woodkirk Valley 7 Tingley Athletic 1
Local boys, school friends and street mates know a thing or two about bragging rights, so forget Manchester, Liverpool, North London or Glasgow, local derbies do not come any more passionate than this. Both teams appeared to start tentatively on a small pitch that didn’t allow for flowing football, but a well struck goal early on for Matthews settled the nerves for the home team. Penny-Larter showed no ill effects of his recent injury niggles and was back to his best when moments after clearing off his own line he doubled the lead with a sweet shot. Hughes then took over the scoring with a hat-trick of well crafted goals, the third of which had “class” stamped all over it as he drew the keeper then tucked his effort inside the post. In between, keeper Asquith reacted smartly to a deflection from a Tingley free kick and Edwards finished instinctively to add his name to the growing list of scorers. Bentley then put Valley in seventh heaven with a well drilled shot from a direct free-kick. McCarthy and Shaw had little to do in defence but did all that was asked of them with ease and Asquith denied the visitors on several occasions. Nevertheless, Tingley never stopped trying and were not to be denied a goal as Chappell unlocked the Valley back line with a richly deserved consolation at the death.
Match 2: Woodkirk Valley 0 Tingley Athletic 5
The second game was a much different story as Valley struggled for fit players, and two of their stalwarts, Gueli-Parkin and Tomey battled through an illness with pride despite the sickening result. Bathie and Winter were given a torrid time at the back as Thompson for Athletic shone in the bright conditions and scored a fine hat-trick despite the valiant efforts of home custodian, Williams, who pulled off a number of fine saves, and did well to keep the score-line down. Bentley and Stead never stopped battling but there was no way back when Kieran added a fourth for Tingley. A fifth goal late on meant there was no doubt as to where the bragging rights were going on this occasion, but all differences will be forgotten in the school yards of Hill Top, Westerton and Blackgates by play time on Tuesday. |
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Glen Juniors v Woodkirk Valley - 30th September |
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Match 1: Glen Juniors 4 Woodkirk Valley 0
The coaches of both teams elected to mix their line-ups in order to develop the less experienced boys, but Glen were much the stronger and more organised in both games. As the game settled, Hughes crossed for Bentley who gambled at the near post but just failed to get the clinical contact required. Asquith was then called into action at the other end and saved well at full stretch as he reacted smartly to a shot through the crowded box. McCarthy was having a fine game as he and his defensive partner, Bathie, defended resolutely against swift Glen attacks, but they were eventually undone by quick thinking and a smart finish from a throw in. Asquith continued to get his angles spot on in goal and was keeping the score down, whilst at the other end Gueli-Parkin hit a curling shot just wide of the upright and then saw a brave defensive block deny him moments later. Crowther stuck to his task in midfield and Hughes always looked dangerous as his pace and vision carved the midfield open. It was the Glen No20 raiding through the centre who was outstanding though, and his speed of thought and quick feet dazzled the crowd and bamboozled the Valley boys. Smart saves from the home keeper denied Valley on several occasions, but Glen’s class finally paid dividends as they ran out 4-0 victors in the end.
Player of the match - Asquith
Match 2: Glen Juniors 6 Woodkirk Valley 2
The second game of the day was as cruel on Valley as the first when they conceded early on with a mighty deflection sneaking inside the post. They were further hindered when their rhythm was disrupted as Penny-Larter, who was making a welcome return to the side, aggravated an old injury and had to be replaced by Stead. Seldom will a player be more appropriately nicknamed than “Crusher” Shaw who won personal battles all over the pitch and also penetrated as he overlapped down the flanks. Winter playing deep was given a torrid time by Glen’s attack and Williams, who was magnificent in goal, denied Glen a second in a game that ebbed and flowed. Edwards then stunned the home team when he equalised by returning the keeper’s goal kick with interest only for Glen to retake the lead shortly afterwards. Matthews covered every blade of grass and it was his throw in that led to a smart finish from Edwards, and parity was restored again before the break. The second half was a different story as Valley ran out of steam and Glen ran riot. Tomey did fire inches over the bar as the boys battled on, and but for a smart block by Stead and a couple of fantastic late saves by Williams (one of which left him crumpled in a heap) the score line would have been much harsher.
Player of the match - Williams Achievement award - Shaw |
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Gildersome Spurs v Woodkirk Valley - 23rd September |
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Match 1: Gildersome Spurs 5 Woodkirk Valley 3
This score line must be heartbreaking for the valiant Valley boys who dominated for long spells, but who were also given a lesson in finishing. The type of free flowing football Valley produce week in week out was perhaps not order of the day on a pitch with more bobbles than an old sweater, whilst Spurs by contrast applied themselves with a the long ball and physical approach. It was a surprise then when Spurs opened the scoring with their first attack as Asquith had pulled off a great save in a one on one situation, but he had no chance as Spurs attackers reacted quicker to the loose ball. Moments later a speculative lob from the flanks was cruel on Asquith again, and 2-0 barely reflected the efforts for the boys. Hughes rampaged forward at every opportunity, and Spurs defence initially did well to thwart him before his endeavours brought a smart save from Spurs No1. Mounting pressure and a string of corners eventually earned Valley their reward with a crisp shot from Hughes through a crowded box and into the back of the net. Spurs were visibly shaken by the way Valley had responded and a swift counter attack ended with Matthews hitting a powerful shot that the keeper was equal to. Valley did equalise with Hughes again, this time hitting a shot as sweet as sugar that left Valley fans gasping for breath and the Spurs custodian grasping thin air. With the scores level at half-time and Valley playing with flair it was disappointing to see them hit with a sucker punch early in the 2 nd half, only for Matthews to restore parity in a goal mouth scramble. Valley were firmly in control of the game and looked for a winner. Shaw never shirked at tackle which was particularly effective in a slightly more advanced role as he broke up Spurs midfield, but McCarthy was needed to snuff out a rare Spurs foray as he remained composed in a three against one raid. At the other end Hughes sniffed out a hat-trick and forced another smart save but Bentley shaved the post with his follow up. Spurs stunned Valley to lead 4-3 in a half that had been largely one way traffic, and as Valley’s heads dropped they put a gloss on the score-line with a 5th. In the end it was Spurs clinical finishing that made the difference, and whilst Bentley and Gueli-Parkin looked like wounded foot soldiers at the final whistle, it can only be a matter of time before Valley put another team to the sword with this type of performance.The real winner though was football, this game being a fantastic advertisement for the U8 game. Player of the match - Hughes.
Match 2: Gildersome Spurs 0 Woodkirk Valley 1
Valley started this game much the brighter, with Winter like a brick wall in defence, but it was his partner, Bathie, with a defence splitting through ball that set Bentley up for a shot that flew narrowly wide. It was no surprise that Bentley opened the scoring as he had already teased and tormented the Spurs back line before torturing them with a dipping shot that nearly burst the net as it flew past the home team keeper. Crowther was like a Sherman tank bursting through midfield and was always on hand to track back with an impressive work rate in a phenomenal individual display. Valley continued to dominate with Stead buzzing around without getting the rewards he richly deserved but it was Tomey who next tested Spurs as he flashed a shot marginally wide. This was soon followed by a rasping shot from Morris which was angling inside the bottom corner but the keeper saved well at full stretch to keep the score line 0-1. Williams was seldom called into action in Valley’s goal, but maintained his concentration and fine anticipation snuffed out any Spurs attacks with ease. At the other end Morris had a snap shot that rattled the post before the Valley boys ran out of steam and Spurs finished much the stronger. In a nervy ending Bathie put his body on the line as the Spurs striker pulled the trigger, but the Valley boys hung on for a richly deserved back to back victories.Next Sunday Woodkirk Valley U8’s are in local derby action away to Glen Juniors – 10:30 kick off. Player of the match - Winter. |
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Howden Clough v Woodkirk Valley - 16th September 2007 |
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Match 1: Howden Clough 3 Woodkirk Valley 0
Valley started brightly with new signing Asquith, in goals, setting up several attacks with great kicking and it was against the run of play that they fell behind. Incisive passing regularly sliced open Clough’s defence but their keeper was impressive throughout and thwarted all that came his way. The game was pulsating and Shaw was typically fearless in defence as he broke up Clough attack after attack, and McCarthy was always in support . The middle of the park was being controlled by Matthews’ grit and Penny-Larter’s flair, and a smart turn and shot from Bentley flashed narrowly wide as Valley pushed for a deserved equaliser. Penny-Larter was instrumental in Valley’s best move with a piece of quick thinking from a free kick setting up Hughes for a thunderbolt goal wards, only for the Clough keeper to claw it from under the crossbar. Edwards replaced Bentley at half-time, and after withstanding early 2nd half pressure the substitute whistled in a shot that must have blistered the paint on the goalposts as it whizzed the wrong side. Clough added a second with a breakaway goal and visibly grew in confidence as they added a third which put a gloss on a score line the Woodkirk fans could barely believe.
Penny-Larter hit a late dipping volley with the Clough custodian stranded, as Valley were once again inches away from what would have been a worthy consolation. 3-0 hardly reflected the effort the boys put in, but it was a strong Clough side that took the accolades in the end.
Player of the match - Edwards.
Match 2: Howden Clough 2 Woodkirk Valley 3
Valley eventually came out on top in an amazing game with the
whole team putting in a fantastic effort. Winter in defence often put his body on the line, Crowther showed grit and determination in midfield, and Gueli-Parkin played with flair and confidence as he probed behind the forward line. Williams in goal was brave in his first outing of the term following a pre-season ravaged by injury, but was powerless when a quality shot across his body found the bottom corner for Clough. Valley had started to open the game up when a second from Clough against the run of play threatened to deflate them…but not a bit of it as this merely spurred the Woodkirk boys on. Tomey rattled in a shot from distance, and then Morris seized onto a long goal kick from Williams and stunned the hesitant defender with a shot that sizzled narrowly wide. With so many efforts raining in on goal something had to go in, and the tide turned when the impressive Morris ran out of steam and was replaced by Edwards. Stead dropped a little deeper but kept pushing on, and Gueli-Parkin forced the Clough keeper to parry when the defence opened up again, and Edwards coolly slotted home the rebound. Edwards returned the compliment minutes later, squaring a ball for Gueli-Parkin to tap home the equaliser. The comeback was completed by a devilishly flicked header from Edwards as Gueli-Parkin whipped a wicked free kick into the box. This was a richly deserved victory for the boys and one that will give them bags of confidence. Woodkirk Valley FC are once again on the road next week with 2 fixtures against Gildersome Juniors. Player of the match - Crowther.
The Acheivement award went to Gueli-Parkin.
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Woodkirk Valley at the Wrenthopre Juniors Gala - 1st September 2007 |
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Woodkirk Valley FC U8's finished the summer gala season at Wrenthorpe in top form and are gaining an excellent reputation for playing good football along the way. Woodkirk Valley ended up runner's up in the 15 team tournament, losing out in thefinal 4-0 to Thornes Juniors A. Woodkirk Valley came through the group stages winning two games, drawing 1 and losing 1. In the quarter final they came up against Thornes Juniors B, in a great end toend game they were in stalemate at 1-1 in normal time and then intoextra time. Woodkirk Valley then won the tie winning 5-4 on penalties with the Woodkirk Valley keeper making the important save.In the semi-final Woodkirk Valley came up against hosts Wrenthorpe and once again the game went into penalties after the teams couldn't be separated after extra time.This time Woodkirk Valley winning 4-3 on penalties. Both these games seemed to take their toll on Woodkirk Valley in the final, when they seemed to run out of steam but they walked off with their heads held high and all 9 players should feel very proud of themselves.Woodkirk Valley FC Under 8's start their new season at home against Ossett Albion next Sunday.
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