Chris Williams Coach - 07837605536
Jamie Ashton - Assistant Coach -07795192940
Contact Chris
to see how we are doing this season click here
Training
Kings School Chester, 6 - 7 pm
14/10/2010
Westminster Park Lions 1 - 3 Waverton
RocketsHome
Goal Scorer and MoM Luke Brown
5/09/2010
Westminster Park Lions 2 – 5 M & D JFC
Malpas were
on top in the first half going into the break with a 4-0 lead. The Lions came back with some thrilling football of their own
in the second half and pulled two back to set up a tense last 10 minutes. The Lions can build on the good
work done in the second half but the 5th goal proved a good cushion for the visitors.
Home
Team goal scorers: Nathan Bowker, Ethan Sands
MoM Home Team:
Matt Ward
21.11.2009
Westminster
Park Lions 2 - 4 Blacon Youth Whites
A hard fought match, the home team treated the their supporters to two cracking goals from Stephen Carter and Charlie
Jones. Jack Appleyard has an outstanding performance in goal but Keiran Davies was todays MOM
Home Team Scorers
Stephen Carter, Charlie Jones
MOM Home Team
Keiran Davies
2008-2009 Awards
Player of the season: Sam Vincent
Golden Boot, 34 Goals Nathan Bowker
Silver Boot, 24 Goals Charlie Jones
Most improved
player Luke Brown
FRODSHAM TOURNAMENT 6.6.09
A spirited tournament with plenty of goals for and against
to
counteract the numbing effect of the icy rain.
WHISTON (tournament winners!) 1 LIONS 0
TARVIN 3 LIONS 1 (CHARLIE
JONES)
LIONS 1 (KIERAN DAVIES) REAL BARNTON 0
LIONS 4 (SAM VINCENT 2, CHARLIE JONES, NATHAN BOWKER) WINSFORD 0
MAN
OF THE TOURNAMENT: CHARLIE JONES
BROUGHTON TOURNAMENT 13.6.09
A rather tame end to the season on a glorious
sunny day
LIONS 1 (NATHAN BOWKER) HEYGARTH BEES 1
RHYL 2 LIONS 0
MOLD 1 LIONS 0
GREEN AND WHITE STRIPEY TEAM
3 LIONS 0
MAN OF THE TOURNAMENT: SAM VINCENT
FINAL GOAL TALLY FOR SEASON 2008-2009:
NATHAN BOWKER
34
CHARLIE JONES 24
WILLIAM RICHARDS 13
KIERAN DAVIES 10
SAM VINCENT 5
JAMIE CHUTE 2
OWEN EDWARDS 1
TOTAL GOALS 89
WELL PLAYED LIONS, HAVE A GREAT TROPHY DAY, ENJOY THE SUMMER AND WE
WILL SEE YOU ALL IN SEPTEMBER
FOR THE NEW SEASON!
Match Report: 9th May 2009 Chester and District shield semi final vs Castrol Athletic
Lions 1 (Nathan Bowker)
Castrol Athletic 2
The Lions go out of the competition with heads held high after a fiercely competitive 40
minutes with nothing to separate the teams but a line call on a Lions shot which from the Lions touchline appeared to have
fully crossed the line, and from the Castrol touchline (the same touchline!) appeared to have not quite made it. Two thumping
Castrol strikes and an impossible Nathan strike from a free kick taken in the shadow of the Castrol wall were the only other
breaches with both sides defending with genuine quality, strength and commitment throughout. The lions started on the back
foot and grew in strength, skill and authority as the game progressed, but in the words of Gary Barlow "it was not to be".
For me though, this performance was the best overall performance from the Lions in 3 years, against a fiercely competitive
Castrol side who beat us 15-0 in our first ever league game 3 years ago. Where do we go from here? The season is not yet over,
as there are two possible tournaments, of which we will keep you posted. Then a good long break over summer, and a whole new
campaign awaits.......
Friendly fixture Thursday 7.5.09 Lions 2 (Nathan Bowker 2) Chester Nomads 6.
I can't believe
this is the first time I've said "it's a game of two halves" but this one certainly was! We won the first half 2-1 and lost
the second half 5-0. The difference? A rare period of rest for Sam Vincent. This game highlighted just in time how much our
players have got used to leaving all the defending to Sam as they crowd into the other side's box. Could we get it right in
time for the semi finals?
Tuesday 5.5.09 Friendly Westminster Park Cougars 4 Westminster Park Lions 0
The Lions were
quickly brought down to earth with a bump after their ten goal heroics of last week. A rocket of a shot from Luke Floyd opened
the Cougars account, followed by another powerful long shot strike. In the second half a Beckham quality curved long ball
from Matt Ward started off a beautiful sequence of passes leading to a further Cougars goal, with a typical Kyle goal from
close range completing the rout. What went wrong? One must not underestimate the significance of Cougars powerful play, but
a certain complacency was evident from the Lions during their warm up and we will have to show more commitment if we want
to progress beyond the semi final on Saturday. Nevertheless the game was played in the right spirit against our old pals in
the Cougars, and it was particularly pleasing to see James throwing himself about up front in his first ever football match.
Looking ahead, your coaches will sleep on any technical adjustments needed, and we will aim for a sharper performance on Thursday
against another cup team, Chester Nomads - meet 6.00, kick off 6.30. This will be our last opportunity to get it right before
the semi - final!
Blacon Youth Blacks 0 Westminster Park Lions 6 (Nathan Bowker 3, Charlie Jones 1, Kieran Davies 1, Will Richards
1) 29-04-09
An important result which on my calculation should see the Lions just edge into the Semi Finals. Blacon
Blacks showed some great skill as well as unswerving determination in the face of a mounting Lions scoreline, and were perhaps
unlucky not to get that elusive goal, but the Lions' hunger for a top 4 place kicked in and at times they seemed unstoppable
going forwards, with a hat trick for Nathan and strikes for Will, Charlie and Kieran, as well
as being fiercely competitive
in defence. Man of the match was Jack Appleyard for a hugely improved performance in defence. Well played Lions, stay tuned
for news as to the semi finals.
WESTMINSTER PARK LIONS 4 (Nathan Bowker 2, Charlie Jones 1, Will
Richards 1) WESTMINSTER PARK TIGERS 1 28-04-09
A very competitive game against a Tigers team whose individual skills
on the ball were outstanding and difficult to
contain, with a back
three of Sam, Luke and Ethan competing at full stretch for every
minute of the game and making
very few mistakes to keep the Tigers at
bay until their well deserved strike in the final ten. Against that
backdrop
Will, Charlie and Nathan in particular linked up very well,
finding their passing rhythm early and circling at times rather
like
yellow and blue vultures around the brave Tigers goalie (William
Ashton was my man of the match for the Tigers).
Will's goal in the
first ten was perhaps the least spectacular with the Tigers defence
showing a not to be repeated
moment of lethargy and allowing him
rather too much time to press forwards and score. Charlie's strike in
the second
ten seemed terrifyingly inevitable as he just kept breaking
through tight marking and tight opposition as if it was hardly
there
to finish cooly from close range. Nathan followed with a good thick
side footed contact on a Charlie cross to
make it 3-0 at half time.
Fresh Angus legs in the third quarter coupled with a more energetic
performance from Kieran
than we have seen for a while were enough to
keep the third quarter goalless, with another great Nathan goal and
an
excellent tigers response seeing the match out at 4-1. Some good
moments from Owen on the left flickered on and off in
this game,
adding to an overall very impressive whole team performance. Man of
the Match was Charlie, who has quickly
stamped his mark on a hitherto
unfamiliar right-sided role, and must at least lay claim to be the
best right winger
in the shield. Well played Lions, let's hope we
can maintain this level of performance tomorrow evening!
Saturday 25.4.09 Castrol Athletic 2 Westminster Park Lions 1
A very exciting end to end game on a
huge pitch in which the lions played with consistent skill, energy and courage for every minute of the game and were denied
the draw by a goal very late on in the fourth quarter. Jack Foster opened the account for Castrol in the third quarter with
an exocet missile into the top left corner which the lions could do nothing about. Charlie Jones responded in the final quarter
when Angus Jones for the second time in the game unleashed a thundering diagonal pass right into the heart of Castrol's danger
zone. Charlie had been tearing away at the Castrol defence throughout the game and finally, helped by the attacking support
of Nathan and Will, he cut across the box at lightning speed and took his time to beat the keeper with a superbly professional
finish. Castrol had looked dangerous throughout the game and now both sides threw everything at each other as the minutes
ticked down. Castrol scored a last gasp goal, and although 1-1 would have been a fair result, 2-1 was also a fair result.
It was simply a joy to watch football of this calibre from this team. Man of the match was named by the other side as Kieran
Davies for his unshakeable performance in goal. Well played, Lions, losses for Malpas and Rockets today mean we are still
in the race for a top four finish. Next up .... The tigers!
Saturday 18.4.09 Friendly Saughall Colts 2 Westminster Park Lions 1 (William Richards)
A hastily
re-arranged fixture with another cup side after Newton cancelled our scheduled Shield match saw a pleasing step forward from
the midweek fixture, with all 7 Lions battling and concentrating for the full 40 minutes. Strong midfield performances this
time fed through to more purposeful finishing attempts, with Will's perfectly balanced finish from Charlie's superb cross
requiring far more than a simple tap in. Such was the quality of play today that 3 Man of the Matches were named - Sam for
a superbly solid battle against the whirlwind that is Jack Booth, Will for his best ever performance playing for the team
all over the pitch, and Charlie for his devastating speed both in attack and defence. It has to be said, however, that every
single player put in a performance which could have justified a man of the match award.
Well played Lions!
Wednesday 15.4.09 Friendly Westminster Park Lions 0 Upton Panthers 3
A worthwhile restart to the
season against a team which has been holding its own against the big guns in the cup competition. A fairly even 0-0 over the
first 20 minutes and the Easter chocolate tummies started to kick in with all 7 players looking tired, and Upton capitalising
on the space allowed them in the third quarter to score two precision strikes, coupled with a Lions own goal. The Lions regrouped
and found the resolve to press hard in the 4th quarter and see the game out at 3-0.
The scoreline somewhat masks the number
of Lions opportunities over the match, with excellent midfield performances creating chances for shots from several players,
but a need for post-holiday re-sharpening in the final third becoming apparent. Man of the match went to Luke, who turned
up ill and put in a very competent performance, including a number of spectacular interceptions. Well played both teams!
31.03.09 Westminster Park Lions 1 - Nathan Bowker - Waverton Rockets 0
An evening match which at least for the
writer was rather too tense to be enjoyable. The eventual scoreline tells little of the action in each goalmouth and heroic
goalkeeping and last ditch defending. We could have little complaint if the scoreline had finished 1-1, but finishing matters
and Nathan, never one to 'tickle' the back of the net, managed to capitalise on an early period of excellent team play, Jamie
earnt his first man of the match for a characteristically intelligent midfield performance, and the Lions hang on by a whisker,
at least for now, in the race for a top four place. After Easter we walk straight back into two massive games vs Newton and
then Castrol.
MATCH REPORT 28.3.09 WAVERTON JETS 4 WESTMINSTER PARK LIONS 1 (Nathan Bowker)
Man of the match Angus Jones.
A
result which leaves us with one last throw of the dice in terms of the battle for a top four place. Even if we win our 5 remaining
matches, Rockets may still edge us out by one point, however if we lose on Wednesday we will be able to stop worrying about
the table and just play our remaining matches for fun.
Apart from the result, this was a game from which a lot of
positives could be taken. With four players absent due to injury, sickness and school matches it gave the remaining seven
a real opportunity to stretch their legs and play the full 40 minutes. Nathan scored a typical thumper within minutes of kick
off and we went into half time with everything to play for at 1-1. However the final scoreline fairly reflected the overall
run of play with a barrage of clinical long throws, corners and crosses into our box earning the Jets their well deserved
3 points. The tackling and team spirit of all our players was a highlight of the game, with Angus Jones excelling himself
in a custom made "floating tackler" role, and Sam Vincent in defence holding the team together for large parts of the game.
Areas for improvement include our retention of balls from our own throw-ins, and our ability to clear the ball out of defence.
WESTMINSTER PARK LIONS 3 (Nathan Bowker 3) CASTROL ATHLETIC 6 21.3.09
A very exciting game of end to end football,
disappointing only for the lack of points in the contest for a top four place. Nathan hit top form once more with shots being
hammered in from all around the area and three thumping ones finding the back of the net, which just pipped him the man of
the match award over Ethan, whose energy and skill was outstanding and sorely needed in midfield. Jack and Angus deserve special
mentions, both hitting top form today, but it was a spirited effort from the whole team. Well played both teams.
Goals
running total:
Nathan 22
Charlie 19
Will 10
Kieran 8
Sam 3
Jamie 2
Owen 1
Saturday 14.3.09
Westminster Park Lions 3 Newton Athletic 4
Westminster Park goalscorers Will Richards, Jamie
Chute, Sam Vincent
Goals running total:
Nathan 19
Charlie 19
Will 10
Kieran 8
Sam 3
Jamie 2
Owen
1
TOTAL 62
SATURDAY 7.3.09 WAVERTON ROCKETS 2 WESTMINSTER PARK LIONS 4
Goalscorers Nathan Bowker, Owen Edwards, Charlie Jones,
Will Richards
MATCH REPORT FROM ALISON BOWKER TO FOLLOW
Goals running total in all games this season as at 7.3.09:
Nathan Bowker 19
Charlie Jones 19
Will Richards 9
Kieran Davies 8
Sam Vincent 2
Jamie Chute 1
Owen Edwards
1
TOTAL 59
MATCH RESULTS 28.2.09
WESTMINSTER PARK LIONS 3 UPTON PUMAS 0
Goalscorers Charlie Jones 2 Will Richards 1
Match
report from John Brown to follow
FRIENDLY WESTMINSTER PARK LIONS 3 UPTON JAGUARS 2
Goalscorers Sam Vincent 2 Charlie
Jones 1
Man of the Match Angus Jones
MATCH RESULT 14.2.09
WESTMINSTER PARK LIONS 4 BLACON YOUTH BLACKS 0
Goalscorers Kieran Davies 2, Nathan Bowker
1, Charlie Jones 1.
Man of the match: Kieran Davies
Match report by John Brown to follow
MATCH REPORT 7.2.09 WESTMINSTER PARK LIONS 0 Malpas Blacks 3.
This was a very good game in which
the Lions' commitment could not be faulted, but we were outplayed on the day by a better team, with the scoreline fairly reflecting
the large number of chances which Malpas had. All over the pitch superior individual skills from key Malpas players meant
we lost a lot of 50 50 balls, but a dogged determination coupled with good marking and cover running kept the score down to
1 0 going into the final quarter. In the end Malpas pressure paid off with two great goals, and a comfortable victory. Outstanding
lions performances today came from Jack, after an intensive session in the Appleyard academy, and Ethan, who made a number
of outstanding saves. Man of the match went to Jack, bearing in mind the size of the improvement from last week.
Well played
Lions, you can be proud of the way you kept your spirit in a tough game, and you definitely did win the kids v parents snowball
fight after the match.
31.1.09 FRIENDLY FIXTURE: WESTMINSTER PARK LIONS 3 (Charlie
Jones 2, Nathan Bowker 1) WESTMINSTER PARK
TIGERS 2
Due to pitch cancellations it was arranged to play this
match on an unfamiliar astroturf pitch with
hockey goals,
and both managers agreed to play this as a friendly rather
than a league fixture.This was a very close
game
against a Tigers team missing one key striker and their regular goalie. End to end action saw the Lions defence
breached
on a number of occasions where the finishing hunger
of Matthew Jones may have seen one or two more put away. At the
other end, however, there were a number of periods of
passing play, particularly in the third quarter a very long
string
of superb passes, which enabled the Lions to take the
game to the Tigers. Two thumping Charlie goals and a Nathan
special
direct from the corner spot were enough for the
narrow victory on the day. Man of the match went to Charlie
playing
his first ever stretch in midfield and turning defence into
attack with devastating speed and phenomenal long balls throughout
the game, as well as his two scorching goals. Well played both
teams!
SATURDAY 17.1.09 MATCH REPORT WESTMINSTER PARK LIONS 5
> (Kieran Davies 2, Will Richards 2, Nathan Bowker 1)
>
WESTMINSTER PARK COUGARS 2
>
> After last week's 10 goal thriller the aim this week
> was to tighten
up defensively - quite a challenge as the
> commitment and marking last week was actually pretty good.
> The
improved performance this week was achieved by
> re-importing experience and talent into the defence in the
>
shape of Sam Vincent, with Ethan taking over the
> goalie's gloves with a very assured performance behind.
>
Man of the Match went to Owen, the last player to have
> received the award this year, for a workmanlike midfield
>
performance, and for his involvement in two of the goals.
> However that really reflected something which Owen has
>
deserved for his contributions over a number of games, as
> today's "Star Player" was without doubt Sam.
> There
was an entirely different feel about this game as
> attack after attack was snuffed out quietly and efficiently
>
before it had quite got started. Sam could not have done it
> alone, and both Luke and Jack put in very important
>
supporting
> performances, albeit with Luke having a slightly longer
> stint on this occasion. In fact all the
outfield players
> worked together to provide a much less scary spectacle for
> the Lions parents, but time and
time again the key closure
> came from Sam.
> The close observer may have noticed a slightly wistful look
>
on Charlie's face at the end of the game, having
> observed 5 cracking goals from team-mates Kieran, Will and
>
Nathan. However, the fact is that after two superb strikes
> last week, Charlie was a clear priority to be marked, and
>
this drew defensive cover away from other players giving
> them the chance to get at goal. I know that Jack will be
>
disappointed by the amount of time which they he on the
> pitch - he was brought off today after making a very
>
positive contribution in the third and fourth quarters,
> when a couple of little "wobbles" under intense
> pressure
set alarm bells ringing, and Luke came back just
> to steady the boat and see the game out. I do believe that
>
over the course of the season these disappointments will
> even themselves out, as Jack has made a very valuable
>
contribution to the defence already this season, and will
> continue to do so.
>
> Well done Lions, this
result takes us into the magic
> "top four" for the first time this season -
> let's see how long we can stay
there!
MATCH REPORT 11.1.09 WESTMINSTER PARK COUGARS 5 WESTMINSTER PARK LIONS 5 (Charlie Jones 2, Nathan Bowker 2,
Kieran Davies 1)
A fitting first Derby match between the two equal teams formed from last year's lions
squad, and a fitting first result for a group of players who were only months ago lining up as team-mates in competitions
across the North West of England.
It has been a genuine delight for both managers to see two fully fledged exciting,
attacking teams emerging from last years division of the squad, with the boys now getting much more of the time on the pitch
which they all deserve.
The Lions stormed off to a seemingly unstoppable 4-0 lead in the first 15 minutes, with Goals
from Nathan, Charlie and Kieran of a near professional calibre. Throughout that time, however, the Cougars had been pressing
hard, hitting the post within seconds of kick off, and having a large number of good close shots thereafter, and it was no
surprise when they deservedly pulled 2 back.
Most good games seem to have their moment of controversy and ours came
when a quick restart whilst an injured Lion was still being attended to led to a lightning Cougars strike, quickly followed
by another. Despite a few mutters from the Lions touchline this was put down to "all part of the game" and the Lions re-grouped
to see the game out at 5-5.
Man of the match went to goalie Sam Vincent who was periodically under siege and pulled
off a string of fantastic saves throughout the game.
The high scoreline on both sides was a notable feature of this
game, as for considerable parts of the game both sides were marking far more tightly than the overall number of goals might
suggest. From a Lions perspective, however, it was apparent as the match progressed that there is room for improvement in
both the fitness and concentration levels of a number of individual players. Some of the boys have been with us now for more
than two years, and one of our continuing challenges will be to raise their level of self expectation in these regards so
that they can compete with the best teams in the competition.
Notwithstanding the above, this was an encouraging start
to the new season, somewhat ahead of the crowd as most other matches were cancelled this weekend.
Well played both
teams!
MATCH REPORT SATURDAY 20.12.08
WESTMINSTER PARK LIONS 1 (Charlie Jones) WAVERTON
JETS 3
It appeared from the beginning of this match that the Lions had gone off the boil after a series of cancelled matches
in previous weeks. A lacklustre performance devoid of decent passing in the first and second quarters was followed
by a re-enaction of Dunkirk (without the boats!) in the third quarter as the Lions were strafed to kingdom come (3-0) by a
well organised squadron of Jets. Despite the boys' initial sluggishness, the managers take full responsibility
for the third quarter collapse as a hurried pre-match pooling of ideas spawned a committee designed line-up for the third
quarter which neither manager would have chosen working alone. Our mistakes led us to have to disappoint one player
in particular who through no fault of his own had to be brought off after only ten minutes on the pitch so the big guns could
be brought back to prevent the landslide becoming an avalanche. Although player and position changes in the fourth
quarter made an undoubted difference, the biggest change was in the conviction with which the team played, and
for the first time in the match the game was really taken to the Jets throughout the quarter with the Lions now looking the
stronger side, scoring one and being unlucky not to get at least one more. Perhaps the only two players at their
best throughout their time on the pitch were Ethan and Sam, with Ethan shading the man of the match award for another
excellent performance both in and out of goal. Despite the disappointing result, however, it was good to
give the boys a run out at this indoorsy time of year, and a relief to finally be able to fulfill a fixture. We
come back in the new year for back to back fixtures against the newly strengthened Cougars, who have scored 7 in their
last two outings! Let's all enjoy the break because once we start up again we may be running through to May with hardly
a break. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
(ADDENDUM TO MATCH REPORT 15.11.08): I omitted in last week's report to name our man of the match - Sam Vincent
was the clear choice for this award, as he really was holding us together at the back throughout the game, as
well as using his intelligence to come forward and set up both goals. Well played Sam!
MATCH REPORT 22.11.08: UPTON PUMAS 1
WESTMINSTER PARK LIONS 7 (Will Richards 3, Charlie Jones 2, Kieran Davies 1, Nathan Bowker 1)
A slightly imbalanced game against a spirited but depleted Upton side who were missing a number of players away at Chester
academy. Racing away to a 3-0 lead in the first five minutes, it was clear to all on the touchline how
much better we play when our frontmen are prepared to pass, with the interplay between Charlie and Will for Charlie's
scorching opener being a superb example of this, followed by two clinical finishes from Will. Upton re-grouped
and were rewarded with a thoroughly deserved goal in reply after a sustained period of pressure in our half. The Will
and Charlie show continued with another great goal from Charlie in the second quarter, and from Will in the third quarter,
with Kieran and Nathan joining the party in the final ten minutes. After a number of matches without scoring,
Kieran's mazy run and cool finish for his goal, and his cross to the goal line for Nathan's tap-in, were
no less than his obvious talent has deserved. Nathan and Charlie deserve special mention for their good team spirit
- unusually Charlie bowed out after 20 minutes just too soon to go for his hat-trick, and Nathan spent the first 20
minutes on the icy touchline, thereby giving Sam and Will a more sustained go up front than either has had for a while.
The comfortable scoreline allowed for five minute striker slots for Jack and Luke in the final ten, with Jack
perhaps making rather more of his opportunity. Owen had some good moments in midfield, and Sam was looking dangerous
on the ball, and began to adjust to the harder working midfield pace as the game progressed. Jack, Luke,
Angus and even Charlie had turns at the back, working to keep Upton down to a single goal, but this week's
man of the match award went to Angus Jones who was the most consistently tight marker, won considerable possession,
and is beginning to pick players out with his passes forwards instead of booting the ball in a generally forwards direction.
One word of caution, however; in this match Upton spent a considerable amount of time in our half of
the pitch, but were kept down to one goal by some excellent goalkeeping from Ethan Sands, helped for a short period
by Kieran. However at times Upton were given far too much space by too many of our players, and against a more
established team we would have been punished more heavily for this. If we want to earn points in the next four matches
running up to Christmas (Rockets, Newton, Castrol, Jets), we will have to mark far more tightly than
we did today.
Despite the above word of caution, it has to be said that this is the highest goal tally in one game we have ever
achieved, and it is wonderful to see the team having the opportunity to focus on their attacking play to this extent.
Well played Lions, there will be plenty more to work on come Tuesday!
MATCH REPORT 15.11.08
Westminster Park Lions 2 (Nathan Bowker 2) Malpas Blacks 0
Another
very close game against a tenacious and skillful Malpas Blacks side, with two Nathan goals from set pieces in the third
quarter being all to separate the teams. Tuesday's session in the gym seemed to pay off with much tighter marking from
the Lions, without which we may well have conceded a hatful of goals. This game highlights that whether we are playing
against newly formed teams or old rivals from last year, we are going to have to fight for every point all through the season,
and today more than last week marked an ability and willingness of the Lions to rise to that
challenge. Well played
Lions!
MATCH REPORT SATURDAY 8.11.08: WESTMINSTER
PARK TIGERS 1 WESTMINSTER PARK LIONS 1 (Charlie Jones) Lions MoM: Charlie Jones
A nail biting end to end Derby match in which both teams played their hearts out, and neither team deserved to
lose; in the end a draw was a fair result. The Lions knew they were in for a tough match when they went 1- 0
down in the first quarter, with star players Matthew Jones and Connor Davies still held in reserve for the Tigers. There
may have been room for Lions improvement in terms of not bunching round the ball, and marking more tightly at set pieces
and in open play, but for physical effort they could not be faulted as a team, and the Lions dug themselves out
of many a self-made hole by sheer determination and cover running. Having focussed for a number of weeks on our attacking
play, this game highlights the need for more work on our defensive cover, with the Tigers looking somewhat tighter
and more self assured defensively for most of the game. The Lions repeated bursts of attacking play, particularly
in a very good third quarter, brought them in my estimation a slightly higher number of scoring opportunities over the
course of the match, including hitting the post, but from the number of heart attacks on our touchline, particularly
in the fourth quarter, it seemed the Tigers made rather more of their opportunities with a number of shots missing by
inches. Lions' goal came in a second quarter which ebbed and flowed, with Charlie taking a Nathan feed and beating
tight Tigers marking with a degree of confidence, calm and control which is becoming his hallmark before hammering the
back of the Tigers net with equal cool and precision. This match saving goal, No 7 for Charlie in 6 games, earnt
him his first, and somewhat overdue, Man of the Match award. Well played both teams!
MATCH REPORT SUNDAY 2.11.08 (friendly):
SAUGHALL COLTS 1 (Jack Booth) WESTMINSTER PARK LIONS 5 (Nathan Bowker 4, Charlie Jones 1) WP man of the
match: Kieran Davies
A very exciting game of end to end football against a Saughall side experimenting with some adventurous position changes,
but maintaining their character of sharp passing and ferocious attacking and defending led by Jack Booth. Ethan
had a great game in goal, managing to tip three fizzing shots over the crossbar, and coming out to snuff out
a number of other dangerous attacks - nevertheless Saughall perhaps deserved something more from their waves of attacking
play. Well played to Jack and Sam, working together at the back to deny attackers time on the ball, and
to Owen for one of the best and most tenacious performances in midfield we have seen from him. Our man of the Match
- who really could have been anyone in this game - was named by the opposing manager as "that defender" Kieran Davies.
Kieran was actually playing second striker, but he clearly caught the eye of the opposition on a number of occasions
when he sprinted back the full length of the pitch in order to cut Jack out - well played Kieran! Charlie's thumping
goal only tells half the story of his input into this game - it is no co-incidence that Nathan is scoring more now that defenders
are being forced to keep Charlie at bay. Six goals in five games and he's still waiting politely to take the Lion home
- surely it won't be long!
And now to a player who has given me a problem which teams like Blacon and Vauxhall probably have on a weekly basis,
but which is entirely new to me. One goal is a "goal", Two is a "brace", Three is a "hat-trick",
but what special word can I use to describe Nathan's FOUR goal haul? Google has turned up nothing except an article
about Dennis Law scoring six for Man City and still losing. I am quite attracted by the term "Gospel Maker",
as in the phrase "Four for the Gospel makers" from the song "Green grow the rushes, oh!" On balance, however,
I'm not sure that phrase is hard wearing enough, so I have decided to draw inspiration from Cockney rhyming slang
and credit Nathan with his, and the team's first ever "RUOF" ("four" backwards, pronounced "roof"), the precise details
of which have drifted into a happy November haze.
Well played Lions!
MATCH REPORT 18.10.08
>
> Westminster Park Lions 5 (Nathan Bowker 3, Charlie Jones 2) Upton
> Pumas 0.
>
> A good end to end game played in great spirit by both sides, with
>
Westminster Park managing to prove the better finishers on the
> day. 2-1 would have been a
fair scoreline after a close first 30
> minutes, with the Lions dominating the final ten minutes and
> managing to capitalise with 3 well taken goals in that quarter.
> It was great
to see another brace from Charlie, and Nathan's hat-
> trick was all the more remarkable given that his average
position in
> this game seemed to be 3 metres in front of his own goalkeeper
> making last-ditch tackles
(a certain Jack Booth from Saughall
> springs to mind!) However it is always the whole team effort
which
> makes such finishing possible, with Sam assisted by Luke, Jamie,
>
Jack and Will all providing in turns a solid base at the back,
> great support from Ethan and Owen in midfield
and Will as support
> striker in the first quarter. Kieran's unselfish performance is
> worthy
of special mention as his decision to pass has meant far
> fewer moves fizzling out like cheap fireworks,
although he does
> have a great shot and finding that balance of when to pass and when
> to shoot
will take time. The Lion trophy, however, went to
> birthday boy Will Richards for a
characteristically solid
> performance particularly at the back, when his long passes forward
>
kept the opposition on the back foot for much of the second half.
> It's not like we have been deluged
with results like this, so well
> played Lions, enjoy the moment, and then lets start thinking
ahead
> to the next game!
TUESDAY TRAINING: 14.10.08
I have just confirmed with Zoe that this will be indoors at
Queens
Park High School, from 5-6pm. I shall ring parents individually to
pass on this news.
As stated below, I know this is not ideal for
anyone, but can we see how we manage for now as it is
the only slot
available, and if there are insurmountable difficulties we will look
for an alternative venue.
Gavin and I have agreed to cover for each
other if work commitments get in the way, no doubt assisted by some
of our excellent parents
GENTLE REQUEST: Can I put in a plea to parents for all matches to try and have players
there before 10am (guide time 9.45am) so there is plenty of time for the warm up. I do understand that one player or
other will inevitably be held up in traffic, or due to transport problems or last minute things cropping up - it's the
same in my house! However on Saturday there were only 3 players there by 10am, and it was only as we approached
kick off that it became clear we would have enough players for the match. This meant there was insufficient time to
go through any of the set pieces with our new player, as I had hoped to. I then ended up having to mess about with
the shape of the team because an important player arrived well after kick off. As I say I am realistic enough to know
that this is always going to happen for one or two of us - a couple of people who had problems on Saturday are normally the
first there - but can we at least make our aim be to turn up in time for the warm up, rather than to turn up just in
time for the match. Thanks folks!
SATURDAY 11.10.08
MATCH SUMMARY:
MALPAS REDS 2 WESTMINSTER PARK LIONS 0
This
was definitely the performance of the season so far over a 30
minute game against the top team from the infamous
"group of
death". The newly re-formed Lions are beginning to work together as
a team,
getting stuck into tackles, and fighting harder for
possession both at set pieces and in open play,
and this was rewarded
with an impressive clean sheet over the first 15 minutes - something
we were
unable to achieve over 10 minutes against Malpas either at the
Liverpool Academy tournament last Christmas,
or the Newton Athletic
Tournament over the summer.
Malpas pressure earned them two well deserved goals in
the second
half, and a number of good chances throughout the game, but the
traffic was by
no means all one way, with Lions looking dangerous on
the counter attack, and Charlie converting a number
of difficult
opportunities into very close calls, which led to some holding of
breath on the Malpas
touchline. Jack's man of the tournament award
was mainly for his performance in this game, which was
so far above
what was expected as to demand recognition. There are definite signs
of a return to
past form - well done Jack! However the energy levels
of Ethan and then Owen, Luke and Kieran's intelligent
positional
play, Charlie's skill and strength, the confidence inspiring
performance from Sam
at the back, and the signs that Nathan is
beginning to "mix it up" in midfield as he used to before his long
stretch as striker, are all worthy of mention. Well done, Lions,
keep it up!
MALPAS
BLACKS 2 WESTMINSTER PARK LIONS 3
A thoroughly enjoyable and extremely close game against perhaps our
more natural opponents, the newly formed Malpas Blacks, who were
eager to set the record straight
following our close victory of a
couple of weeks earlier. It is an indication of how the fitness
levels have risen in the first month of the season, that three of our
players (Nathan, Charlie and
Sam) were able to walk virtually
straight off one tough 30 minute game into another one, playing the
full 60 minutes and providing a backbone for the whole team
performance. It is difficult to
say which goal was the most
pleasing; the first was a beautifully struck lob from outside the
area
by Jamie, who has not quite established himself as one of our
top strikers, yet showed exemplary attitude
and hard work throughout
his time on the pitch, meaning that this delightful goal was
thoroughly
deserved; the second (after Malpas had taken the lead
early in the second half with two excellent goals) came
from an
exquisite Kieran cross to a well timed Charlie tap in at the far
post, and the winning goal
from an intelligent long Nathan cross to
Charlie picked up around the half way line, a couple of steps and
a
textbook finish drilled from way out into the bottom right corner.
Special mention for Angus
who added fresh legs to the defence in this
game, and must have claims to be the fittest member of the squad
with
his tireless running and tackling. It is only right that tribute be
paid to Malpas Blacks,
who for much of the second half looked like
they were going to win. After having spent our first year as a
second
team without a single win at U7 level, I am slightly in awe of a team
which can be formed
as a second team and within weeks be producing
football of the quality shown by the Blacks, and as they
go from
strength to strength, I wish them a very enjoyable campaign in the
Shield, and look
forward to some more close games later in the season.
MATCH REPORT:
SATURDAY 4.10.08: BLACON WHITES 10 WESTMINSTER PARK LIONS 1 (Charlie Jones). MoM
Ethan Sands.
A very tough game in which we were absolutely bulldozed for the second and third quarters (each 4-0), but seemed
to be genuinely matching the opposition in the first and final quarters where the scorelines were 1-1 and 1-0 respectively.
Blacon are a superb footballing team with some very good players, and we can have no complaints about 5 or 6
of their goals. However we are already seeing good things from our season's new signings Kieran, Luke, Will,
and now Charlie who went on the scoresheet with a Rooney-esque rampage only minutes after meeting his teammates for
the first time! Well played to Man of the Match Ethan who saved more than he let in and showed exemplary attitude and
real skill both in and out of goal. As to the whole team, one very significant positive stands out to me;
despite the number of goals going in against us I did not see one head go down or one player stop trying for the whole of
the forty minutes. Good attitude is absolutely central to the development of good players, and I believe
we can be extremely proud of our lads' attitude in this game.
It has been a very long time since we last had a result like this, and I hope (and predict!) that it will be just
as long before we see another such result! As our new players begin to gel at set pieces and in free play, and
as our established players return to the tenacity of tackling we saw last year we will be much harder to break down, and
much more dangerous going forward. A one off game like this does no harm as a reality check, but I am already
looking forward to the Shield competition where I estimate that almost all of our opponents will be playing at a similar level
to ourselves. I think with the new players we have, a realistic (although tough) target would be a place
in the top four teams of the Shield, which would see us through to the knockout stages next Spring. In the meantime
we will have plenty to keep us busy in training!
