Ribble Wanderers 1 - 1 Gillibrand Warriors (HT 0-0)

Our next to last game ended with a draw, which although slightly disappointing, was a far better performance than against Longridge and a better result as we had lost 2-0 when we played this opponent earlier in the season.

With the grass in parts of the pitch being as tall as the ball, our Brazilian football techniques were always going to be difficult to use. Perhaps a Bolton/Sam Allardyce long ball game would have been better but I just couldnt ask the players to stoop that low.

The first half was fairly even with Jacob getting some good shots in and Sam making some impressive runs down the right hand side. However, Gillibrand's defence stood strong and their goalkeeper, at 6 foot 4 inches (not quite that big but you get the idea), was a match for anything we chucked at him.

Cameron was forced into a couple of great saves and things ended even at half time.

Second half we made various changes, with Cameron needed to attend church- bless him- Sam stepped in to cover. Callum had also come on to replace Sam, Chris made way for Luke and Andy took a breather while George came on.

Suddenly we looked more dangerous, and although we still were struggling to be first to the ball from goal kicks etc, we were strong in the tackle with Daniel playing very well and Luke coming in with a couple of important blocks from their impressive little left footer. With around 10 minutes reaming, Callum managed to squeeze through a couple of challenges and poke the ball past their keeper. At this stage we should then ave qrapped up the game, with Andy, having returned to the pitch, having probably his best game for a while, passing and moving all over the pitch. Andy had replaced Jordan who had also played very well in midfield but just seemed to be running out of steam.

Their equalizer was a bit of a disaster, as we stood and politely watch the ball go over the line. Although their danger man had created the goal, it should never had crept in. We really must be more vocal with each other, both in defence and attack.

Max Daglish made his first apprearance for a couple of months and straight away caused havoc in the Giilibrand defence, but their keeper was equal to his shot.

All in all slighly disappointing result, but far better performance, with Man of the Match going to Andy for his pasing and moving and overall contribution while on the pitch - well done Andy!!

Team Cameron (GK), Daniel, Chris, Andy, Jordan, Jacob, Sam (Subs), Callum, Luke, George, Max

Longridge 4 - 0 Ribble Wanderers              (HT 0-0)

Wednesday 23rd April 2008

In truth, this was quite a poor performance from Ribble and they ultimately deserved to get beat – too many of the lads appeared half asleep and maybe ready for the season to end.

Longridge started the stronger and exerted constant pressure over the first 10 – 15 mins.  However, Ribble held firm - despite some scares as Sam made some good saves, Alex cleared off the line and Daniel put in some last ditch tackles.  As the half wore on, Ribble started to come into the game more and created some half chances with typical strong runs from Callum and went into the break looking quite comfortable at 0-0.

Luke and Jordan replaced Alex and Andy at the break and Luke almost had an instant impact as he rattled the bar / post from long range.   However, that was to be Ribbles last real chance as they failed to play to their potential for the remainder of the half.

Longridge opened the scoring on 31 mins with a great free kick into the bottom corner and increased their lead 4 mins later – though somewhat dubiously as Sam appeared to have the ball in his hands as it was kicked into the net.

Longridge added two more in injury time, Sam having no chance with either as he was offered very little protection.  However, for a combination of being willing to go in goal at the last moment, some great saves and some brave saves, Sam was the obvious candidate for Man of the Match – well done!

Team: Sam; Alex, Daniel; George, Andy; Callum, Jacob

Subs: Luke, Jordan

Ribble Wanderers 4 - 6 Leyland Albion  (HT 2-4)

Sunday 20^th April 2008

Considering that Ribble were missing a host of players, started the game with only 6 men and were up against a side that has already won the league, this was a very good performance.

Max, Jacob, Luke, Chris, Andy and Jordan were all missing from the starting line-up for a variety of reasons.  However, all the lads put in a great, battling performance and were even leading at one stage.  Whilst manager Paul could not choose between them all for Man-of-the-Match, special mentions must go to both Daniel and Callum for excellent performances.  Daniel covered everywhere in defence, whilst Callum seemed to be on a one man mission to score more goals than Albion.

Despite a host of early pressure being exerted by Albion, Ribble took the lead on 10 mins, Callum finishing nicely following a strong tackle by Daniel to break up play in the middle.  Unfortunately, the lead was not to last very long and Ribble found themselves 2-1 down 5 mins later.

However, they back again and Callum made it 2-2 on 19 mins following a long kick by Cameron.  The game went backwards and forwards, but it was Albion who finished the half 4-2 up – the 4^th goal being a quite superb free-kick.

Another free-kick made it 2-5 in the 1^st minute of the 2^nd period, but Ribble came back again, a fine solo run from Callum finishing his 3rd hat trick of the season.

George made it 4-6 in the 43^rd minute with a strong shot into the bottom corner.  There was still time for Sam to come close twice as Ribble finished the game strongly.

Overall, a very brave performance – well done everybody!

Team: Cameron; Daniel, Alex; George, Sam; Callum  Subs: AN Other

Goals: Callum (10, 19, 29) George (43)

Bamber Bridge 2 - 6 Ribble Wanderers   (H/T 1-3)

Sunday 6th April 2008

Ribble produced an excellent performance to comprehensively defeat Bamber Bridge in a mid-table clash played on a bitterly cold day in swirling snow.  All eight players played well and thoroughly deserved their victory.

Ribble got off to a strong start, Jacob latching on to a long kick from Cameron and finishing well past the keeper.  Jacob and Callum were proving a handful for the defence and the scoreline was doubled on 12 mins as Jacob again displayed good, calm finishing following a typically strong run from Callum.

By this stage, Ribble were dominating the game and George fired in two close long range shots before getting it right at the third attempt as he hit a beauty into the top corner to make it 3-0.

Some slack defending led to Bamber Bridge grabbing a goal back and the lads then had a wobbly few minutes before half-time as Bamber Bridge came back into it.  Alex and Luke were looking quite comfortable, but amazingly both then limped off within a minute with knee injuries.  Ribble saw out the half with only 6 men on the pitch.

Alex returned to make up a defence with Sam – who looked like he would rather be doing double maths than playing defence! - but the make-shift pairing defended well and kept the scoreline at 3-1 before Callum scored quite an outstanding goal, running from his own half and finishing into the top corner to make it 4-1!

On 33 mins, Jacob got a deserved hat-trick with a superb volley into the top corner.  Bamber Bridge grabbed one back and Luke then returned for the last 10 mins to stiffen up the defence for the last 10 mins.

There was still time for Callum to score another great goal – continuing his personal duel with Jacob and George to score goal-of-the-season it seemed!

A final score of 6-2 was just reward for a great performance from everybody.  George and Andy bossed the midfield, Alex and Luke again displayed their constant improvement in defence, Cameron had his usual good game in goal, Sam did everything that was asked of him in an unfamiliar role and Jacob and Callum were a constant threat up front.

The choice of MoM was difficult, but Callum just edged the decision for his ability to turn defence into attack with his strong running and great finishing – well done!

Team: Cameron; Luke, Alex; Andy, George (Capt); Jacob, Callum

Subs: Sam

Goals: Jacob (4, 12, 33), George (17), Callum (30, 48)

Ripon Reds 2 - 4 Ribble Wanderers  (HT 0-2)

Sunday 16^th March 2008

An excellent performance saw Ribble return to winning ways in the league, this game being their first league win since the turn of the year.  In truth, Ribble deserved to win by more and the final scoreline did not do them justice.

Ribble started well, with Callum particularly energetic, and created several early chances.  Good passing and movement between the front players saw Max go close with a couple of efforts.  They broke the deadlock on 15 mins, with some good approach play by Sam being finished smartly by Callum.  Ribble continued to create chances and the Ripon keeper made several good stops.

The 2^nd goal came on the stroke of half-time, a good run and shot from George (who bossed the midfield) being saved by the keeper, but Max followed up well to slot in.

The 2^nd half started in the same manner, George bursting through from midfield and supplying Callum who crossed well for Max to score his second.

Ribble then had to soak up a period of pressure, Ripon getting a goal back on 30  mins.  However, Luke, Jordan and Alex held strong in defence and Cameron continued his excellent season with some great saves.

The game was sealed on 34 mins when Callum finished well into the bottom corner, showing a great technique.  After that, Ribble created several more chances, but sometimes forgot how to pass the ball as they chased hat-tricks!

Ripon got a late consolation with their 2^nd goal in the last minute, but Ribble never looked in any real danger – though there was still time for Cameron to make a smart tip-over.

It was a very difficult selection for man-of-the-match this week as all eight lads put in strong performances.  However, for a display of non-stop effort and creating two goals from midfield, George deservedly won the award – well done!

One other point to mention was Max. He was the temporary captain in the absence of both Daniel and Chris. Max is never short of an opinion, however, he was constantly vocal with encouragement and tried to help organise things on the pitch. Other than one blasting he gave to one unfortunate team mate for not passing when he was free to score, his attitude was a credit to himself and his team mates- long may this continue Max !!

Team : Cameron; Luke, Jordan; George, Sam; Max (Capt), Callum  Sub: Alex

Goals : Callum (15, 34), Max (23, 26)  

Burscough 5 - 0 Ribble Wanderers             (HT 5-0)

Sunday 24th February 2008 – League Cup Quarter Final

A heavy defeat against a very good Burscough side saw the end of Ribble's cup run for this season.  However, this game was very much a story of two very different halves of football.  Trailing 5-0 at half-time, Ribble put in an excellent performance in the 2^nd half, displayed a lot of pride and showed that maybe there wasn’t that much difference between the two teams.

Ribble kicked off playing into the heavy wind and rain on a foul morning and quickly found themselves trailing 5-0 after only 15 minutes.  Several supporters arriving late were incredulous at the score (Manager Mark thought he was seeing déjà vu following Newcastles 5 goal hammering the previous night!), however Burscough looked like they could score at will and not many Ribble players acquitted themselves as we know they can.  Both Max and Luke had to leave the pitch with injuries and not much was going right.

However, following the introduction of substitutes George, Alex, Callum and Andy, the 2^nd half saw Ribble improve considerably.  Alex put in some crunching tackles in a very brave performance, Danny continued to fight hard and Callum continually stretched the Burscough defence with his strong running.  Andy performed a very mature role, sitting in front of the defence whilst Jordan supported Callum well in attack. 

The performance merited a goal, but despite several shots from Andy, George and Callum, the scoreline stayed at nil.  Callum came closest, but unfortunately had a penalty effort saved.

So, a thumping defeat, but a brave 2^nd half performance restored Ribbles pride.  Alex deservedly won the Man-of-the-Match award for a great performance in the defence – well done!

Team: Cameron; Daniel (Capt), Luke; Chris, Jordan, Max; Jacob

Subs: George, Alex, Callum, Andy

Ribble Wanderers 2 – 3  Eccleston  (HT 1-2)

Sunday 17th February 2008

(Note : Home game played at Eccleston due to frozen pitch)

An entertaining game saw Ribble just lose out by the odd goal in five, though they will consider themselves unlucky to have lost after creating a host of chances throughout the game.

Ribble got off to a bad start, conceding straight from a corner after just 3 minutes.  However, “Roadrunner” Jackson got them back on level terms 2 minutes later with a lovely solo run down the right, before slotting the ball under the keeper.

Chances were created by both sides during the 1^st half; Chris put in a great free-kick which was just tipped over by the goalie, whilst Cameron made a couple of great saves, one flying to his right.  Callum also continued to cause havoc with his pace, but was frustrated by the Eccleston keeper.  Indeed, the Eccleston keeper was quite a character with his non-stop, very vocal performance keeping the watching spectators amused throughout!

However, the next goal went to Eccleston on the stroke of half-time, their player running through the midfield and defence, before finishing smartly.

The 2^nd half continued to see chances created by Ribble, Daniel putting in a good run and shot, well saved again by the keeper.  George shot narrowly over the resulting corner.

On 30 mins, Jacob and Luke came on to replace Max and Alex.

After 37 minutes, Ribbles perseverance paid off as, following good work by George and a mad goalmouth scramble, Callum and Jacob ensured that Ribble got the equaliser.  Hard to tell, but the dubious goals panel awarded the final touch to Jacob.

Unfortunately, this scoreline lasted just 3 minutes as another good Eccleston run through the Ribble defence saw a smart finish high in the corner make it 2-3.  Despite sustained pressure from Ribble and even Cameron joining the attack for the last corner kick, Ribble could not manage to get an equaliser.  Indeed, only a last ditch Cameron dive through the mud after racing all the way back from the attack prevented an unfair 4^th goal being conceded.

George was awarded the Man-of-the-Match performance for a very hard working performance – a reward for his continued good performances in recent weeks – well done! (He also very kindly autographed my notepad for me afterwards – I will treasure it……)

Ultimately, this was a game that Ribble could have won.  They will need to take their chances better and work harder as a team next week if they want to progress further in the cup.

Team: Cameron; Alex, Daniel (Capt); George, Chris; Max, Callum

Subs: Jacob, Luke

Goals: Callum (5), Jacob (37)

Lancon Red 4 - 0 Ribble Wanderers (H-T 1-0)

Sunday 10th February 2008

With no reporter at pitch side during the game, it was belatedy left to me (Mark) to try and remember what happened during this encounter against a team that are very much pushing Leyland Albion to the league title.

On a very heavy and very large pitch, we started the game brightly with plenty of running, passing and effort from every player. We had a couple of attempts at their goal, and were particularly good when breaking quickly from defence and turning it into attack. I really felt that it was only a matter of time before a goal would come. And I was right, sadly though it went into our net.

With Sam playing in goal so that Cameron could have a run out, he made some fantastic saves in a real mud bath of a goal area. And up front, Cameron was getting plenty of the ball, with him and Max working hard, with the midfield to create more chances.

At half time we all felt that if we used some more of the space that was available on this big pitch, we could quickly get back into this game.

With Jordan making some great tackles and runs in midfield, George came on up front to see if his height and pace could unsettle their well organised defence. George made three superb runs down the right, and, had he had his shooting boots on as we know he capable of, he could have got us that goal we needed.

Andy and Chris continued, after some changes, to work hard in midfield, but sadly we maybe ran out of steam on an energy sapping pitch.

The final three goals came close together, one being a decent effort, but the other two being a mixture of too much mud on the ball and a bit of tiredness.

All in all, the players should remember that we hadn't lost since October and that losing to this team is absolutely no disgrace. The result, although a deserved victory to Lancon, was never a 4-0 game and we should all take heart that we will not play many bigger, stronger teams than Lancon.

Man of the Match went to Daniel who didn't put a foot wrong in defence, but a mention should also go to Luke who seems to get better every week as his confidence grows.

Team - Sam (GK), Daniel, Luke, Chris, Jordan, Max, Cameron (subs, George, Andy)

Ribble Wanderers 0 - 0 Brinscall  (HT 0-0)

Sunday 3rd February 2008

A good, hard fought performance saw Ribble record their second draw of the season against a very useful Brinscall side.  On a cold, windy day there were few chances for either side and a draw was probably a fair result.

Both defences dominated in the 1^st half, Luke and Daniel having to defend well as Brinscall were just slightly on top.  Ribble’s only real shot of note followed a good run and pass from Sam, with Callum unluckily hitting the side netting.  On 20 mins, Chris and Jordan replaced Alex and Sam who had run hard in midfield.

The 2^nd half saw Ribble slightly gain the upper hand and create more chances.  A flurry of corners early in the half saw Chris go close with a good effort.  However, after 30 minutes, it was Cameron to the rescue again as he produced a stunning save to deflect a well struck free-kick onto the crossbar.

Alex and Sam returned for the last 10 minutes as Ribble looked for the winning goal.  Jacob, Sam, Luke & Alex all had good efforts either blocked or well-saved by the visiting keeper.  Indeed, Luke looked like he was on a one-man mission to win the game as he constantly charged upfield as well as defending well at the back.  Luke has made great improvements this season and his performance today was excellent.

Unfortunately, there was no winning goal, but the lads can be satisfied with keeping their unbeaten run (8 games now!) going.  Luke deservedly won the man-of-the-match award for his performance – well done!

Team: Cameron ; Danny (Capt), Luke; Alex, Sam; Callum, Jacob

Subs: Chris, Jordan

Goals:

Written by Paul Johnson

Ribble Wanderers 2 - 1 Croston (HT 0-1)

Sunday 27th January 2008 – League Cup 2nd Round

A very brave and determined performance saw Ribble win their 2nd round (got a by through the 1st round) cup game against a Croston side that play in a league two divisions higher.  With several players rested, several lads took the opportunity to play a full game and played excellently.  While the man-of-the-match award deservedly went to Cameron for another very good performance, every player deserved praise for their performance yesterday.

Ribble started well with Sam hitting the outside of the post in the 1^st minute and Jacob making several good runs.  However, they fell behind on 9 mins when they couldn’t clear their lines and a ricochet bounced off Cameron and crept into the net.  The rest of the half was pretty even, Luke and Alex looked comfortable at the back and George and Andy put in lots of effort in the midfield.  On 15 mins, Callum replaced Sam and immediately put in some strong runs.

A decisive moment came on 21 mins when George performed a karate kick on a Croston striker and the referee awarded a penalty.  A second goal might have been crucial at this stage, but Cameron pulled off the save of the season to keep the ball out of the top corner.  Most teams would be happy to have one good goalie, but Ribble are very lucky to have two excellent goalies (though neither of them want to play there!).

The 2^nd half got off to a great start with 2 Ribble goals in a minute.  First, Jacob showed great ability to hit a 1^st time shot over the keepers head – a great goal.  Then, almost straight from the restart, Callum ran through the middle and slotted past the keeper.  This was a real cup-tie now!

The game could have gone either way after that, George had two good efforts – one from the ½ way line and then a free-kick which went just over.  Croston kept attacking, but Alex and Luke defended very bravely and George put in probably his best half this season.  Sam replaced Andy late on after he had given a tireless performance in midfield.

Despite some minor crowd trouble late on, Ribble hung on to record an excellent victory.

Well done everybody for a very good all round performance!

Team: Cameron (Capt); Alex, Luke; George, Andy; Sam, Jacob

Subs: Callum

Goals: Jacob (27), Callum (27)

Written by Paul Johnson

Ribble Wanderers 4 - 0  Bamber Bridge  (HT 0-0)

Sunday 18th November 2007

On a bitterly cold day, another good performance saw Ribble notch up their 4^th win in the last six games, although the game was actually much harder than the scoreline might suggest.  

Lining up in a 2-2-2 formation, Ribble initially left some huge gaps through the centre of the pitch and allowed Bamber Bridge to dominate early on.  Several good saves by Cameron kept the score at 0-0.  However, Daniel and Chris got a grip of the midfield as the 1^st half wore on and Ribble finished strongly with some good running from Callum in particular.

The 2^nd half saw some very determined play from Ribble, Callum breaking the deadlock with a good run and finish on 33 mins.  Callum made it 2-0 after 38 minutes, following good approach play from Chris and Max, Callum cleaning up after the keeper spilt the cross.

Despite some late efforts from Bamber Bridge to get back into the game, Ribble finished the strongest and two late goals from Callum and Chris made the scoreline look quite comfortable.

This was the sort of game that Ribble would have lost last season, but they demonstrated much more confidence and determination against a side that was quite fast and strong.

The man-of-the-match award was simple this week – Callum deservedly winning for a great display capped with a 2^nd hat trick on the trot (plus it was his birthday) – well done!

Team: Cameron; Luke, Daniel; Sam, Chris; Callum, Jacob

Subs: Max, Alex

Goals: Callum (33,38,49), Chris (50)

Written by Paul Johnson

Penwortham 0 Ribble Wanderers 8  (HT 0-3)

Sunday 4th November 2007

Well, another excellent performance from Ribble resulted in their biggest ever win.  Every player put in a good performance with all three of the Ribble forwards scoring goals – to be fair, if it wasn’t for a superb performance from Penworthams keeper, then they would have scored more.

Callum put us 1-0 ahead in the very first minute – numerous chances were then created as Ribble continually sliced through Penwortham.  George and Andy totally bossed the midfield, whilst Chris and Alex looked in total control at the back – Cameron looking pretty bored by the end!  Max nicked in to make it 2-0 after 14 minutes and Sam made it 3-0 with a fierce shot shortly after coming on as sub, following good work at a corner kick.

The 2^nd half continued in the same pattern, Ribble attacking and only the keeper stopping them reaching double figures.  No further goals came until the 37^th min when Sam made it 4-0.  Max finished smartly to make it 5-0 before Sam claimed his hat-trick with another fierce shot (I think his dad must have fed him on raw steak over the weekend).  The last few minutes reached comical proportions as our strikers nearly committed GBH on each other in an effort to boost their own goals tally – Callum scoring two well-taken goals in the last minutes to also claim his hat-trick.  Special note should also go to Max who fully deserved a hat-trick (and nearly got it from a penalty) – he showed what a good player he can be when he uses his skill in the right way.  His goals took his seasons total to 6 from 6 matches and keeps him as leading scorer, ahead of Jacob (4) and Sam (4).

Whilst a difficult choice, Sam deservedly won man-of-the-match award for an excellent performance (kindly chosen by Karl Harrison) – well done!

Team: Cameron; Alex, Chris; George, Andy; Callum, Max

Subs: Sam

Goals;  Callum(1,49,50), Max (14,40), Sam (23,37,45)

Written by Paul Johnson

Ribble Wanderers 3             Lancon 3  (HT 0-1)

Ribble took part in a great game this week, deservedly coming back twice to force a draw, and in reality, they deserved a win for a great performance.

A nervy opening 5-10 minutes saw Lancon take the lead following a scramble at a corner.  However, from there Ribble dominated, Sam particularly creating a lot of good attacking play.  Jacob came closest to equalising with a fierce shot which hit the outside of the post.

An early goal in the 2^nd half made it 0-2.  A few weeks ago, the lads heads might well have gone down at this point, but they battled back superbly, Jacob and Sam finding the net with well-taken shots to make it 2-2.

Almost immediately, a cruel deflection from a Lancon corner made it 2-3, but yet again Ribble came back to force another equaliser.  I was so excited I don’t know who scored it! Jacob took a great corner and the ball pinged in – it could have been Jacobs goal, Sams goal or an own goal – will have to refer that one to the dubious goals panel!

Ribble still had time to create another couple of chances which were narrowly missed.  An excellent performance by everybody and a great game to watch.  Sam deservedly won the man-of-the-match award for a very energetic performance in midfield, capped with a super goal (or maybe two?).  Well done!

Team: Cameron; Luke (Alex H-T), Daniel; Jordan (Calum H-T), George, Sam; Jacob

Subs: Alex, Callum

Goals: Jacob (35), Sam (42), OG (45)

Ribble Wanderers 2 - 0 Ribbleton Yellow  (HT 1-0)

Sunday 25th November 2007

Another excellent performance saw Ribble record their 4^th consecutive win against a strong Ribbleton side.  Ribble played some very nice football and really worked hard for each other.  Jacob and Max shared the man-of-the-match award for their non-stop effort and grabbing a goal each – they were a constant menace to the Ribbleton defence and deserved even more.

Ribble made a good early start, Jacob hitting the bar on 7 minutes following a good run.  However, the stalemate didn’t last long as Max finished smartly from a tight angle, following more good work and passing from Jacob.

The 1^st half finished at 1-0, Cameron making some good saves in goal, whilst Jordan, Daniel and Chris defended well.  In fact, maybe Scott Carson should be watching Cameron for some tips?

Ribble continued to play well throughout the 2^nd period, the midfield combining well with attack with some good passing moves, Andy picking out some good runs with his intelligent play and Chris putting in a typical all-action display.  One of these resulted in Jacob hitting the bar (again) on 27 minutes.

On the ½ hour mark, George replaced Andy and put in a really strong performance.  Jordan then went close with a great effort before being replaced by Luke, who again showed his strength and timing in defence.

A 2^nd goal was coming and it was (with some relief to the watching parents) that Jacob finished well with a low shot into the corner following good work from George.

Ribble finished the game strongly, not looking like conceding (3 clean sheets on the trot – Daniel continues to play to a high standard) and Max and Jacob repeatedly stretching the Ribbleton defence with some good running and passing.

Overall, an excellent display by everybody – well done lads!

Team: Cameron; Daniel, Jordan; Andy, Chris; Max, Jacob

Subs: Luke, George

Goals: Max (12), Jacob (43)

Written by Paul Johnson

Ribble Wanderers 4 - 0 Ripon Reds  (half time 3-0)

Hold on, is that FOUR - NIL I see above me !

At last, after much huffing and puffing this season, we have not only mananged another win, but the most convincing and emphatic one since we started out as a team 16 months ago.

The game hadn't really got going when Jacob sped down the left, cut inside and smashed a shot. The shot caught the leg of a Ripon defender and went past their keeper to make it 1-0. GREAT START !

We really had some confidence about us following a excellent training session on Friday night with Danny's uncle, Matt. However, unlike other weeks when we have had a good training session, this time we really looked liked we wanted to make sure it didn't go to waste.

The lads continued to attack and from a slick pasing move, Jacob passed into Andy Haworth who drove the ball beyond the keeper to double the lead 2-0.

The next 10 minutes or so was just one way traffic with wave after wave of forward movements into the Ripon penalty area. I couldn't count number of times we found space down the right wing with Max and Andy making the most of the ball that Ripon allowed us to get.

Ripon rarely threatened our goal, however, the defensive duties were carried out very well even if we found ourselves a little short at the back as everyone wanted to get involved up front. Luke, Daniel and Chris dug in and got rid of any real danger, and on the very odd occasion they did get through, Sam was there to ensure no goals were conceeded.

Finally, with about 5 minutes to go before half time, and following on from numerous runs and shots (some expertly saved by their keeper) from Jacob, Max, Andy and Chris, we scored the third through Max Daglish.

The goal came from an excellent break from defence by Chris Young. He put a great pass into Max who cut inside and beat the keeper 3-0.

Just before half time Jacob had a good run and had his shot cleared off the line as well as their own defender putting in a great attacking header which was heading for the corner of his own net only to be brilliantly saved by their keeper.

Into the second half, we made some changes with Andy being replaced by George in midfield and Jordan replacing Luke in defence.

However, the two of them slotted in well and we kept attacking. We had shots saved from Chris, then Max, Chris again and also a shot from Max that went a little wide. Finally, the fourth goal came with some good work from the back from Jordan, who passed to George, who found Max who then slotted it past the keeper 4-0.

The rest of the game was pretty much the same with us attacking, and then defending Ripon's attacks. To be fair to Ripon, they did keep coming forward and never gave up. However, with Sam making a couple of top quality saves, Jordan and Daniel stopping most of the attacks and Chris getting all over the pitch, it was certainly going to be our day and there was no way we wanted to let one in.

With five minutes to go I brought off both Jacob and Max, who I thought had both worked really hard for each other and showed that, with a little more thought and composure, they can terrorise defences throughout the league. They were replaced by Andy and Luke, and I was really hoping to see Luke get himself on the scoresheet. However it wasn't to be in the end, with just a great run from Daniel down the left of any real menace.

I'm sure that all the parents were proud of all the lads today and I look forward to seeing performaces and scorelines like this on a regular basis from now on

Man of the Match, chosen by Phil, Daniels dad went to Chris, and deservedly so, for his work rate and effort. However well done to you all !

Team - Sam, Luke, Daniel, Chris, Andy, Max, Jacob - subs George , Jordan

Official attendance 47 (joking)

Written by Mark 

Ribble Wanderers 0 - 2  Longridge   (HT 0-0)

Sunday 7th October 2007

“Ribble Lose Unbeaten Home Record”

Ok, so I was maybe hoping that I could wait until later than the 1^st game at our new home to use that particular headline – but hey, you don’t get everything you want in life.

Ribble lost out in quite a keenly fought game, where Longridge probably had the edge.  They were better organised, worked harder and took their chances.  Whilst Ribble defended well, they struggled to get going as an attacking force (and that is not intended as any individual criticism, more as a team), with only Callum offering any real attacking threat with some strong runs.

The game was 0-0 at half time, with few chances arriving at either end.  Luke and Jacob replaced Alex and Andy respectively as subs after 15 mins, Andy returning just before ½ time for Callum.

The 2^nd half saw an early goal for Longridge after 28 mins, some flimsy challenges allowing their striker to strike the ball well past Cameron.  There were then half-chances at either end, Ribble’s best falling to Callum and Jacob.

The game was put beyond doubt on 45 minutes with a slightly fortuitous lobbed goal going way over Camerons head and offering him little chance.  A raft of late substitutions saw Alex and Max return, but Ribble rarely looked like getting back into the game.

Daniel deservedly won the Man of the Match (chosen by Chris’ Dad, Brian) award for the 2^nd week running – well done!

Team: Cameron; Alex, Chris; Daniel; Callum, Andy; Max

Subs: Luke, Jacob

Goals:

Written by Paul Johnson

Our second season started as our first one did 12 months ago - with a heavy down pour and a defeat !

We started quite brightly with a team that really picked itself as we only had 8 players due to various absences. However, we just couldn't seem to get that passing and moving going that we have been practising in training over the past few weeks. After about 10 minutes or so Ribbleton scored to go 1 - 0 up. Not long after they went 2 - 0 up with a good shot that beat Cameron on his near post. We had had some good opportunities to score throughout the first half, but for some reason we were very shot shy and lacking a little in confidence. Midway through the first half, with Dominic having played an important part for the team, he was replaced by Max. We also moved Jordan into defence along with Luke, putting Chris into midfield where he could be more effective, and swapped George from right wing to left, with Jacob moving to the right.

With about five minutes to go before half-time , Jacob picked up the ball in his own half, ran forward towards their goal, and from a good 15 yards smacked an unstoppable shot into the top of the goal 2-1.

This suddenly gave us some real confidence that we could get back into this game and Max Daglish came very close to equalizing at the far post but just couldn't squeeze it over the line. 

In the second half we came out with some real determination to win the game and got an equalizer not long after to re-start through some good work from Jacob who set Max up for the goal 2 - 2.

The game was then really end to end with both teams creating chances although we just didn't seem to have any luck in front of their goal. With about 15 minutes to go they scored when we were a little guilty of watching the ball rather than attacking it and their player nipped in to score down to Cameron's right hand post. 3-2.

However, we weren't in the mood to give this game up and attacked again, with Max quickly making it 3 - 3 when he was left un marked in their box.

Again the game went from one end to the other with both sides looking capable of scoring. Sadly that goal came from Ribbleton from a shot that was going wide only to be unluckily deflected into our net .4-3.

With very little time to go we tried to get yet another equalizer, but time ran out and the game finished 4- 3 to Ribbleton

Although we were very disappointed to have come away with no points, the way in which we played, and the spirit that we showed when we went behind, gives us real confidence that we can have a good year this season and show everyone what we can do.

Although there were some great performances, from Jacob and Chris to name just two, the Man of the Match, chosen by Paul and myself, went to Jordan. He was asked to move from midfield into defence, and fulfilled that role magnificently when were under pressure at the back while the forwards were trying to get us back into the game - well done Jordan !

Written by Mark Daglish