OWE 2-0 Old Skem Boys (League)
A tight-knit OWE squad of only 7 players, depleted by half term holidays and illness, took to the field in determined mood against the 2006/7 runners up and almost pulled off a shock result. Supported by the tenacious midfield threesome of Harry Lea, Andrew Tobin and Bryn Radakovic at every stage, resolute defendiers Heather Johnson and Sam Rawsthorne kept the experienced OSB first team at bay for long periods throughout this thrilling match. On the few occasions when the opposition found a way through, they came up against keeper, Matty Millar in outstanding form again. Dominic White worked tirelessly, ploughing a lone furrow in attack and was a constant threat on the break. A couple of half chances for Dom on another day may have fallen more kindly and a terrific shot from Andrew (AJ) Tobin midway through the second half drew the best save of the match from the OSB keeper.
The Blues' general play throughoout deserved better luck as they constantly denied OSB space and time on the ball with their high tempo approach. An unlucky break on the stroke of half time gave OSB the lead but the Blues refused to lie down and continued to look for an equaliser until in the dying minutes of the second half when conceding a second OSB goal against the run of play.
Skipper, Harry Lea, led by example throughout and picked up the referee's Man of the Match award but the whole team, on this performance, was deserving of the accolade.
Final Score Old Skem Boys 2 OWE Blues 0
Man of the Match - Harry Lea
OWE 1-5 Rainford Rangers (League)
After such a long wait for the league programme to commence, anticipation was high but the Blues got off to the worst possible start. By the time everyone had woken up to the idea that this was not another friendly we were 2-0 down after 5 minutes and a third crept in shortly after. A better period followed but but the Blues could not turn pressure into goalscoring chances. A well organised Rainford side continued to threaten and some fine saves from Matty Millar kept the score to 0-3 at the break.
The 2nd half followed a similar pattern and the reshuffled midfield could not get a firm grip on the game and some desperate defending was necessary with Billy Mennim and Sam Rawsthorne showing great determination at times. However, a bad bounce following following a corner allowed Rainford to extend their lead before Dom White picked out Ben Kelly on a powerful run, taking the ball round a defender before placing an accurate shot to the far corner, giving the keeper no chance.
The Blues pushed hard to reduce the deficit with a few close calls but ended up conceding once more in a nail-biting finish.
Goalscorer : Ben Kelly
Man of the Match: Matty Millar.
OWE 4-4 Old Skem Boys JFC (League)
At the end of this game, the referee said that it was the best game of junior football he had seen in 50 years. Everyone who watched would probably be inclined to agree with him if they had been around that long! The match had end to end excitement throughout, with some thrilling moves and a great deal of character being shown by the team. From the first minute, when Dominic White latched on to a through ball to put us into the lead, the game swung this way and that way with the Blues leading 3 times until conceding a late equaliser from a rocket of a free kick which Matty Millar had no chance of reaching. The goals came thick and fast at times but scoring was only a part of an incredible display put on by both teams. Up to half time the scores went from 1-0, to 1-1 to 2-1 through a stunning strike from Ben Kelly. Old Skem made it 2-2 through a good passing interchange which split our defence and a minute later made it 2-3 with a fluke rebound in the penalty area which somehow found its way into the West End net, to give them a 2-3 lead at half time.
The Blues showed their strength of character by coming out in fighting mood for the second half and squared the match at 3-3 within 2 minutes of the restart through a second Ben Kelly strike. The game ebbed and flowed with chances at both ends, the midfield supporting the defence and breaking with speed and good awareness. The best goal of the game followed midway through the 2nd half when Harry Lea gained possession on the left flank and took the ball past 2 defenders before finding Ben Kelly running into space. Good control whilst fending off and a fine cross from Ben found Andy Tobin running in with just the keeper to beat. The Blues looked comfortable and perhaps could have added to their lead on a couple of occasions but as the game drew towards a close Old Skem won a free kick on the edge of the area and the rest is history.
Goalscorers : Dominic White (1); Ben Kelly (2); Andrew Tobin (1).
Ref's Man of the Match : Matty Millar
OWE Blues 1-1 OWE Reds (League)
A real blood and thunder Derby match ended with honours even after a tremendous battle with both sides putting every bit of effort in trying to snatch the win. The game caused uproar at the end as the referee blew early, only allowing 14 minutes of play in the 2nd half after an apparent watch malfunction. However, on the balance of play, a draw was a fair result with both sides giving everything in end to end combat. The deadlock was broken towards the end of the first half by a piece of incredible skill by Dominic White as he received the ball on the edge of the area from a deft pass by Andrew Tobin. Dominic received the ball and in one movement, turned and chipped the ball over the advancing keeper into the net.
The second half started badly for the Blues as a loose ball found its way to Joe Sinnott and he hooked the ball over Matty Millar for the equaliser. More end to end action followed with both sides not giving an inch. Heather Johnson at the back was in determined mood and put in some tremendous tackles, thoroughly deserving her "man" of the match award.
Goalscorer : Dominic White (1)
Referee's Man of the Match : Heather Johnson
OWE 0-11 Dynamo Rangers (League)
A match were the result definitely flattered the opposition. They say that a team makes its own luck. Without wanting to sound bitter, the team tried desperately hard to make their own luck but the only luck we got was bad luck! The effort which was put in to cover the ground and close down and match a much bigger and more physical team was a credit to everyone today who pulled on a West End jersey.
In the end Rangers deserved their win with a lot of headed goals from (foul) throw-ins and corners which we found difficult to defend against but when every bad bounce and ricochet found its way into the net in the first 15 minutes it left the team with an uphill battle starting the 2nd half 8-0 down. To their credit, the team knuckled down and got on with it against all odds, including some bizarre refereeing decisions. After some excellent close control in the penalty area, Dominic White's shot hit the inside of the post and rolled across the line, only to be cleared by a defender behind the line into the welcoming arms of their keeper. "Goal!" shouted the crowd. The referee indicated no goal as he felt the ball had not entirely crossed the 3ft wide muddy mark where the line might have been. "Backpass!" shouted the crowd as the referee waved to play on. This, together with three or four "unseen" handball decisions (which were not given) led everyone to believe that somehow, it was not going to be our day. Matty Millar in goal was despondent after the game but were it not for his performance the score could have been more as he pulled off some excellent saves under pressure.
Referee's Man of the Match : Matty Millar
OWE 1-6 Dolphins (League)
A game which started with so much promise ended in disappointment to a Blues side desperate for a win. A great strike by Andrew Tobin, who drilled a fine shot through a crowded box into the bottom right hand corner for a deserved opener after 3 minutes. As the game progressed, Dolphins began to take a grip of the game and despite a valiant effort, the Blues could not prevent them from going into a 4-1 half time lead.
The second half followed a similar pattern and despite Matty Millar in the Blues goal pulling off a number of fine saves, the Dolphins managed to extend their lead.
Goal : Andrew Tobin (1)
Referee's Man of the Match : Matty Millar
OWE 3-4 Dynamo Rangers Madrid (League)
A disappointing end to what was shaping up to be another great Istanbulesque comeback. With less than 10 minutes gone, the half-asleep Blues were 3-0 down as Madrid had been gifted goals without them even working hard. Sam Rawsthorne came off the bench and slotted into centre midfield and it was his persistence which opened the door for Dominic White to latch onto a loose ball on the edge of the area. The Madrid keeper challenged but lost out as the ball squirmed free enabling Dom to take it round him and fire home for the Blues' opener. This boost brought some fight and determination back into the team and with other sub, Harry Lea, working hard down the right flank to help create several other goal attempts the Blues looked fired up but as the teams went in at half time it was 3-1 to Madrid.
The second half started off in lively way as Ben Kelly was restored from the bench to centre midfield and had an immediate impact after some good work by Billy Mennim on the left found Ben with a great pass, which allowed him show good control before cutting inside to rifle a well struck shot past the keeper's outstretched arms. At 2-3 the Blues looked in good shape to push on and try to salvage something from the game. Andy Tobin was keeping things tight down the right and linking well with the midfield. His through ball found Harry on the wing and after swerving one defender, his good first-time cross found Dominic unmarked in the area, giving him time to control and slot home for his second of the day. All square at 3-3 and everything to play for.
Madrid were stung into action as they had seen their lead disappear and in a frantic end to the match but sides had chances to wrap up the points, but in the dying seconds, a clearance was intercepted by a Madrid striker leaving him an easy chance to put away the winner despite Matty Millar getting a hand to the shot, he could not keep it out.
Goalscorers: Dominic White (2), Ben Kelly (1)
Referee's Man of the Match : Ben Kelly
OWE 0-7 Skem Utd North (League)
A fierce gusting wind made conditions difficult for both sides but with the wind at their backs in the first half, United adapted more quickly and took full advantage with five first half goals, capitalising on a series of defensive lapses, misdirected passes, deflections and an own goal. Time and again Ormskirk pressed the self-destruct button, allowing United to pass the ball along the ground and forcing the Blues into desperation defending and at times playing like a group of strangers instead of the teamwork which was needed to match the opposition.
Playing with the wind made a big difference in the second half and United were pinned back in their own half for much of this period and several efforts from Dominic White whistled just the wrong side of the post. A half-time formation switch saw Billy Mennim and Harry Lea in defensive roles and they looked comfortable, despite the continual presence of the United goalhanger. As the Blues pressed further forward, they forced United to defend but they lacked any cutting edge as they failed to pass the ball at crucial times and sheer weight of numbers made it impossible to find a way through playing as individuals. A couple of breakaways added to the Blues' misery capping a frustrating day and ending the match with a 7-0 scoreline.
Referee's Man of the Match : Billy Mennim
OWE 0-2 Skem Utd South (League)
A much improved performance this week with grit and determination in midfield from Ben Kelly, Bryn Radakovic, Harry Lea and Billy Mennim all playing important roles. Our passing game was restored in parts but we still need to improve more in this respect. In defence Sam Rawstorne and Heather Johnson kept it tight at the back for most of the game. Andrew Tobin showed again what a versatile player he is by again performing equally well in defence, midfield and attacking positions whilst striker, Dominic White was quick to the ball every time and was unlucky not to get himself on the scoresheet.
A goal for United against the run of play after 5 minutes did not disturb the Blues' gameplan as they kept possession well and mounted consistent attacks. Matty Millar was in good form between the sticks and his goal clearances were excellent throughout the match, getting good distance and accuracy which helped keep the attacking impetus at the other end of the pitch. United are a confident and competitive team and did well to deny us time in important areas. With 3 minutes remaining a lapse of concentration in the Blues defence allowed United to cross the ball into the area following a throw in giving them an easy tap-in to seal the result.
Referee's Man of the Match : Heather Johnson
OWE 10-0 Ashurst PACT (League)
Although this game had all the hallmarks of a landslide victory, 10-0 was being kind to PACT as if the Blues had put more teamwork together it could have been a cricket score. Too often the easy pass was overlooked as the Blues went for individual glory. It paid off against poor opposition but too often players ran into trouble and were outnumbered as teammates screamed for the obvious pass to the player in space. That aside, the amount of effort and determination was superb. Right from the start the Blues were showing that they meant business and 2 goals from Ben Kelly in the opening 7 minutes pointed the way towards a comfortable victory. Dominic White added a third on 8 minutes and Ben completed his hat-trick on 10 minutes with a rasping shot. PACT were often second to the ball and this led to a lot of clumsy fouls and some which were plain cynical. A free kick in the 14th minute gave Ben Kelly the opportunity to grab his 4th with a sweetly struck curling shot which found the back of the PACT net. Another free kick by Billy Mennim was helped on by Ben into the path of Dominic White to poach his 2nd goal from close range to give the Blues a 6-0 half time lead.
The second half was again full of incident and straight away the Blues added to their lead through a goal from Bryn Radakovic curling the ball in direct from a corner. This was followed by another great finish from Dominic White to make it 8-0 on 24 minutes to bag a hat-trick as well. A penalty awarded for a handball behind the goal line (?) presented Bryn with an opportunity to increase his tally but his low shot was well saved by the PACT keeper. Yet another free kick on the edge of the are was taken by Billy Mennim and he made no mistake with a well taken shot planted firmly in to the top right hand corner. PACT had struggled to keep control of Dominic all game and this time he escaped being brought down to score and put the Blues into double figures. The last piece of action of the game saw Dominic brought down again for a penalty kick. Goalkeeper, Matty Millar, who had watched the whole game patiently from the other end was called into action for the first time but his rising penalty kick just cleared the bar.
Goalscorers : Ben Kelly (4), Dominic White (4), Bryn Radakovic (1), Billy Mennim (1).
Referee's Man of the Match : Ben Kelly
OWE 6-0 Toby Celtic (League)
This game was not the walkover that the score suggests. Toby Celtic are a much better team than last year. Every one of the Blues team had to work hard to earn this result in resolute defending, committed tacking, creative midfield play and some decisive finishing up front. The first 10 minutes was played almost entirely in midfield with both teams scrapping for possession but without any cutting edge. The introduction of Ben Kelly from the bench had an immediate impact as he tested the Celtic keeper with a powerful drive. The breakthrough came soon after as Ben latched onto a through ball from Bryn Radakovic and he had time to pick his spot in the bottom left hand corner. The Blues were in full flight now, with confidence high and were taking full control of the game. Celtic were getting more and more physical in trying to keep their rearguard intact. An over the ball challenge on Dominic White left him with a bleeding studmark in his knee which needed medical treatment. Celtic conceded another free kick on the edge of the area from which Billy Mennim's shot found it's way around the wall only to be cleared off the line via the post. While the pressure was on Ben Kelly scrambled home his second giving the Blues some breathing space going into the break but not before Harry Lea had cleared a Celtic goalbound effort off the line.
The second half continued in similar vein with the Blues very combative in the midfield. Harry Lea and Andrew Tobin were combining well down the right and were at the heart of the Blues creative play making openings for Ben and Dominic. Meanwhile Sam Rawsthorne and Billy Mennim were keeping things tight at the back. Ben sealed his second hat trick in consecutive games with a typical forceful run and shot and added a fourth with an angled cross which deceived the keeper as Dominic was sliding in at the far post. Good work closing down defenders by Harry Lea presented Bryn Radakovic with a one on one with the keeper and he confidently scored the Blues' 5th of the day. Celtic were looking more ragged by the minute as their defenders could not cope by being denied time on the ball as Dominic White manoeuvred to shoot he was brought down on the edge of the box. Ben Kelly's curling free kick was taken sweetly on the volley by Dominic into the roof of the Celtic net. A good win today but an even better performance.
Goalscorers : Ben Kelly (4), Bryn Radakovic (1), Dominic White (1)
Referee's Man of the Match : Ben Kelly
OWE 3-2 Bickerstaffe (League)
A fantastic match with a breathtaking finish capped the Blues’ 3rd win on the bounce, and puts them on the road towards mid-table respectability. The team came out fighting and they needed to, in a keenly fought contest where no quarter was given. The Blues had the best chances but could not take advantage in the early stages. Tackles came in thick and fast and the game stuttered along with one injury after another. With 10 minutes gone and the scores still level, Andrew Tobin bravely defending on the edge of the area came off worst in a block tackle and needed to go off. Harry Lea came on and helped the Blues win a corner on the right. Bryn Radakovic sent over a good cross, which Harry met squarely with a fine shot from the edge of the area into the roof of the Bickerstaffe net. Heather Johnson and Sam Rawsthorne had the Bickerstaffe forwards in their back pockets and the rest of the first half was played in the Bickerstaffe’s territory, with many efforts being denied by some excellent goalkeeping. The Blues had to be content with just a 1-0 lead going into the break.
More intense pressure on the Bickerstaffe goal followed in the second half with both Ben Kelly and Dominic White being kept at bay. A bizarre incident then denied Heather Johnson her first goal of the season. A melee in the Bickerstaffe area resulted in a defender handling the ball whilst he was sprawled on the ground, the ball squirmed loose and a fantastic lob from the half way line by Heather found the net, only for the referee to bring play back to the earlier incident. Everyone thought a penalty had been awarded but the baffling decision turned out to be a bounce ball, outside the area. A foul throw on the right to Bickerstaffe landed just in front of the thrower’s feet. Everyone looked to the referee who then indicated to play on. Harry was first to the ball and was tackled by the thrower, and as everyone else had stopped, the ball ricocheted through to an unmarked Bickerstaffe striker who stabbed it into the empty net. Undeterred, West End continued the pressure but from a Blues’ corner a breakaway was on. The Bickerstaffe striker ran the length of the pitch and was one on one with Matty Millar, who got his fingertips to the ball but could not prevent it going in. Unbelievably, the Blues were down 1-2 against the run of play, but the spirit which now runs through this Ormskirk team kept them going. Billy Mennim and Bryn Radakovic replaced top scorers Ben and Dominic for the last 10 minutes and the manager’s faith in the squad was rewarded as Billy Mennim’s shot squeezed through a crowded area and past the stretching keeper to equalise at 2-2. The crowd could feel the tension as we entered the last 5 minutes. A shot from Andrew Tobin (now recovered from his injury) struck the crossbar as the Blues threw everything forward. The Bickerstaffe keeper was keeping them in the game until with 2 minutes remaining, Andrew put a great cross-field pass over to Harry Lea to again fire in a superb rising shot into the top right hand corner of the net to take all three points.
Goalscorer : Harry Lea (2), Billy Mennim (1)
Referee’s Man of the Match : Harry Lea
OWE 1-3 Old Skem Boys JFC (League)
The Blues started this match 2nd in the Championship Table and were up for the battle. A high tempo start saw the Blues' midfield three of Harry Lea, Ben Kelly and Bryn Radakovic full of running and endeavour but they took a setback on 8 minutes when some neat interpassing allowed the OSB wideman space on the left and an accurate first time cross set up an easy finish for the striker on the far post. Not deterred the Blues came straight back at them and Harry Lea found Ben Kelly with a crossfield ball, Ben took it forward and curled a powerful shot goalwards which ricocheted off the upright. Within a minute, a corner kick from the right was not cleared and a scramble in the Blues' goalmouth ensued Matty Millar dived bravely as the tackles were flying in but an OSB boot just managed to prod the ball forward and it squirmed over the line. The Blues were down but not out and they continued to press with Sam Rawsthorne adding his weight to the strikeforce in a sequence of corners. Andrew Tobin was again doing some sterling work tidying up at the back and putting in some excellent attacking throw-ins as the Blues continued to go forward. It was his long ball out of defence that found Dominic White in the OSB half. He dummied to control the ball and let it run, then checked back and took the ball wide of two defenders before placing an unstoppable shot past the despairing keeper As half time approached the combative style of Bryn and Ben was taking its toll as they struggled to catch their breath and was restricting attacking options.
The second half was dominated by the Blues from start to finish. The individual battles were being won all over the park but the Blues continued to be wasteful in possession. Instead of looking for the easy pass to a man in space and build structured attacks, the Blues persisted with trying to force the ball through a myriad of legs in the middle of the park and long hopeful punts upfield. If we could just take the blinkers off, we may start playing the beautiful game and making good use of the excellent players we have in our squad. To cap it all a routine clearance into touch got stuck in the mud and long grass on what was a truly awful pitch. A quick cross from the right and another goal was conceded against the run of play. There was no way back.
Goalscorer : Dominic White
Man of the Match : Dominic White
Under 9’s Blues Skem Team 2007 - 2008
