Venue: Burscough FC, Victoria Park, Mart Lane, Burscough, L40 0SD

Meet at the Bird I’th Hand from 6.00pm – the minibus is due to leave at 6.30pm.

 

A fundraising event that had more than a hint of glamour, as the footie boots were replaced by high heels! Players did their bit to raise those much needed funds by selling tickets and turning up to support the cause. An enjoyable evening seemed to have been had by all, culminating in a special “guest” performance by the fabulous lead singer from 7 Day Weekend (Cal) and brilliantly accompanied by guitarist and singer Mo (look out for him on the X Factor). A fantastic £140 was made - so thank you to all those players and families who supported the event.

 

A below strength side, again without the benefit of any substitutes bravely battled on against a Burnley side desperate for revenge after their recent semi-final defeat at Ecclesfield. The game turned out to be an excellent workout for this Thursdays final as Bleak Hill defended brilliantly in the face of almost constant Burnley pressure. Despite conceding an early goal, the girls rallied and forced their way back into the game with a fantastic finish from Sophie getting on to the end of a perfect through ball from Lucy. They were unlucky not to extend their lead as the same pair carved open the visitors defence again moments later and again when a fine header from Rebekka just cleared the crossbar. With skipper Westie reading the game expertly at the back, full-backs  Abbie and Paisley frustrating the Burnley wide players with dogged, determined defending and the midfield trio of the impressive Immo and hard-working Rebekka and Jess H (on her full debut for Rovers) Bleak Hill seemed to have the Burnley side contained.  On occasions where they did break through Holly was, as ever, looking calm and assured in the goals, pulling off some fine saves and as the first half finished, Bleak Hill had the visitors rattled and a repeat of the semi-final victory looked possible.

Bleak Hill started the second half as they ended the first but as the second half progressed, the 9 players of Bleak Hill (down to 8 at one point) tired and eventually the pressure told with Burnley adding 3 goals before the end for a scoreline that the girls did not deserve – make no mistake about it though, this is a side that can now compete and dominate the top sides in the league for long periods and favourites Birkdale will have to be prepared to work extremely hard if they are to lift the cup on Thursday.

 

An exceptional performance from 9 player Bleak Hill as they shared the points with 2^nd place Fillies but the girls can consider themselves very unlucky not to have taken all 3 points that their brave showing deserved in a pulsating match that was a credit to both sides. The visitors twice took the lead playing excellent flowing football only to be pegged back by a Fillies team that never gave up although there was more than a hint of offside about one of their goals.

The team of Holly, Paisley, Westie, Botch (making her first full start in place of the ill Abbie), Rebekka, Immo, Jess F, Sophie and Lucy were magnificent and this team is now showing the true class that we have always known that they possess and a very strong end to the season is now on the cards.

 

Venue: OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM SCHOOL, STAND PARK AVE,  L30 3SA

Meet at the Gamebird on the East Lancs at 11:45am on Sunday morning.

Training is on Thursday at Fives as usual (5 – 6pm)

 

Venue: Burscough FC, Victoria Park, Mart Lane, Burscough, L40 0SD

Birkdale have been confirmed as our cup final opponents after they beat Wigan Athletic in the other semi-final this weekend.

 

Whist the blustery conditions made free flowing football almost impossible both sides deserve massive credit for producing such an exciting game that was full of passion and commitment. With the wind behind them in the first half Bleak Hill took an early lead. A cross from Jess F was fumbled by the Town Green keeper and as she struggled to regain possession Rebekka nipped in bravely, wrestled the ball from the keepers grasp and put the ball into the net. Town Green defended well and in numbers for the rest of the first half and Bleak Hill were unable to add to the early lead despite a number of half chances as they penned the visitors deep into their own half.

The second half was a different story as with a following wind Town Green began to pressure the home side, this was now a great test of the defensive capability of Bleak Hill as they strived to keep their goal intact. The team responded brilliantly and proved that not only can they play brilliant football they can also scrap it out when the going gets tough, restricting Town Green to a couple of efforts on goal both saved by Holly (including one special save as she tipped a vicious free-kick bound for the top corner over the bar).

The whole squad of Holly, Paisley, Abbie, Westie, Chelsea, Rebekka, Immo, Jess F, Sophie, Lucy and Jess H can be proud of the way they battled and fought to make sure they picked up all 3 points to cement 6^th place in the league table and put some pressure on Skem and Wigan who are just above us.

 

A tough game for Bleak Hill after the heroic efforts from last week against Burnley but had it not been for an exceptional performance from the visiting keeper the score could have been a lot more than the 5 that Bleak Hill registered. In fact it says a lot for the standard that the team has set for itself that there was an air of disappointment at the final whistle but that really shouldn’t be the case as some of the football that was played was magnificent. Lostock themselves contributed to a great game and along with goals there was some excellent approach play by Bleak Hill that was often matched with an outstanding save from the opposition keeper.

Hats off to the team  - Holly , Paisley, Abbie, Westie, Botch, Rebekka, Immo, Jess F, Sophie, Lucy and Jess H for serving up some great entertainment which was well appreciated by the supporters.

 

Meet on Ecclesfield no later than 10:00am on Saturday morning, we’ll be going back to the Bird I’th Hand afterwards for chips etc. Everyone is welcome to join us for a post-match drink.

Training is on Thursday at Fives as usual (5 – 6pm)

 

What a game, brave Bleak Hill Rovers sent hot- favourites Burnley crashing out of the West Lancs League Cup in a pulsating semi-final clash that ebbed and flowed and had the supporters enthralled right up to the very last minute. Every one of the 11 girls representing Bleak Hill in this game can hold their heads up high and be proud of their performance. Never has a team worked so hard for each other, battling against all the odds and they fully deserved their place in the final. As expected Burnley started strongly but Bleak Hill were standing up to them and refusing to yield – the midfield trio of Jess, Immo and Rebekka were running back as if their lives depended upon it and providing cover for the defence. With this extra protection the girls at the back – Abbie, Westie and Paisley were able to hold their positions and break up the Burnley attacks with strong one-on-one tackles and intelligent interceptions. The lessons were learned from last week and throughout the team everyone won their fair share of 50/50 tackles but also competed for the 2^nd and 3^rd ball as well to deny Burnley any kind of quality possession. With Holly looking in command in the nets, coming out and cleaning up the through balls, collecting crosses and saving any long range shots (one particular effort stands out where a smart shot was brilliantly tipped around the post there was not going to be any repeat of the massive score lines that typify games involving Burnley.

It wasn’t all one way traffic though, Bleak Hill were arguably causing the opposition more problems than they were facing – the midfield were also working hard going forward, out wide Rebekka and Jess were linking with the scheming Lucy and Sophie up front and a number of promising moves were just thwarted by the Burnley defence or an unlucky bounce of the ball. Just when we were all starting to sense something in the air Burnley scored somewhat against the run of play at the time, just beating the offside trap and taking the lead. Rather than cause the floodgates to open this seemed to spur Bleak Hill on to bigger and better things – a number of through balls from the back or from the centre of midfield set Lucy and Sophie away and from one of these chances Lucy found herself one-on-one with the keeper and rolled the ball into the corner for the equalizer. Again, we all sensed that something special may just be happening and Bleak Hill finished the half on the front foot, which was typified by the actions of the two teams as they left the field. Every one of the Bleak Hill girls sprinted off the pitch as if to say, we aren’t finished yet we have plenty left to give whilst the opposition walked from the field looking as if they couldn’t quite believe what was happening.

Burnley switched to 2 at the back for the second half as they pushed forward for a goal but this left space out wide for Bleak Hill to exploit and this they did with relish – after a number of promising attacks came the move of the game as Sophie played through an exquisite ball for Rebekka to run on to and finish coolly, suddenly it was 2-1 to Bleak Hill and we all started to believe that this could be it. Of course this spurred Burnley on to push for an equalizer and after a succession of corners were defended well by Rovers eventually the pressure told and a good cross was pushed in to the net and once again the scores were level. For a moment the girls seemed disheartened but soon got their heads up and took the game by the scruff of the neck again – this time it was their turn to force a number of corners and once again the pressure told as an unlucky Burnley defender could only help turn a wicked cross into her own net and we had the lead again at 3-2.

The final portion of the game was an absolute classic as Burnley pushed for the goal that would force extra-time and Bleak Hill defended valiantly and then counter-attacked  skilfully on the break – in fact, it was Bleak Hill that looked the most likely to score again but there were a few heart-stopping moments in the final minutes as they repelled another wave of corners from the Burnley girls. Finally, Mr Waters blew his whistle and that was it – Bleak Hill had made it to the final against all the odds and the celebrations started.

The final, against Wigan Athletic or Birkdale will be played at Victoria Park (Burscough FC), Mart Lane, Burscough, L40 0SD with an 8.00pm Kick-Off.

 

Meet on Ecclesfield no later than 10:00am on Saturday morning, we’ll be going back to the Bird I’th Hand afterwards for chips etc. Everyone is welcome to join us for a post-match drink.

Please come down and support the girls if you can to see if they can pull off a real cup shock!

 

  

Meet on Ecclesfield no later than 10:00am on Saturday morning, we’ll be going back to the Bird I’th Hand afterwards for chips etc. Everyone is welcome to join us for a post-match drink.

Training is on as usual this Thursday at Fives (5pm – 6pm), bring £1 with you if you can.

 

Thanks to everyone who attended the Race Night at the Bird I’th Hand on Friday and to all of those who made donations. We had a great night and managed to raise £576 – check out the Photo Gallery for pictures from the evening.

 

Match Postponed.

 

Meet at Mr Elephant (formerly the Wheatsheaf) on Rainford-by-pass at 9.15am.

Training on Thursday at fives as normal (5.00 – 6.00pm), remember to bring £1 with you if you can.

 

Don’t forget the Race Night to raise funds for the Holland trip is this Friday at 8.00pm – all welcome, please invite as many people as you can as it should be a fun evening.

 

Match Postponed

 

Meet on Ecclesfield no later than 10:00am on Saturday morning, we’ll be going back to the Bird I’th Hand afterwards for chips etc. Everyone is welcome to join us for a post-match drink.

 

There is no training for the next 2 Thursdays due to exams, options etc so whilst we have no match this weekend we can do some outside training on Ecclesfield – be there and ready to train no later than 11.30am.

Do not train in your dark blue home kit but please bring it with you because after training we will be going to the Bird I’th Hand for chips and holding a parents meeting to discuss the upcoming Holland trip starting at 1.00pm. We’ll also change into the playing kit and taking a squad photo for distribution to the local papers to help get some publicity for our upcoming fund-raisers.

If you or your parent(s) can’t make it to the Bird for 1.00pm please let us know beforehand so they can give your parent(s) a call and go through the details with them.

If anyone needs a lift to training or home from the Bird just let us know and we will sort one out for you.

 

Our first fund-raising event for the Holland trip has been arranged. It is important that you invite as many parents, friends, relatives, neighbours etc as you can – the more people come to these events the more money we will raise towards the cost of your trip.

 

After a run of postponements it was great to get back into action again and despite the state of the pitch this was one match that was worth waiting for, full credit to both teams for producing such a classic in such difficult conditions. With the pitch frozen on top but soft underneath it really didn’t suit the Bleak Hill passing game for the first 20 minutes or so as the players found it difficult to keep their footing and judge the bounce of the ball. Euxton made the best of these conditions and laid siege to the Bleak Hill goal for the first ¼ of the match but strong defending from Westie, Abbie and Paisley (backed up with support from the hard-working midfield of Immo, Jess and Rebekka) meant that they could not find a way through. When they did find a way through, keeper Holly was there with some good saves and edge of the box clearances.

As the game progressed, the pitch started to soften and Bleak Hill started to come into their own and get the ball out wide to Rebekka and Jess. Suddenly the momentum changed and a perfect through ball from Paisley was chased down by Lucy, who beat the advancing keeper and slotted the ball home for the first goal. Almost immediately the Bleak Hill bad luck curse struck again, a load whistle from an adjacent pitch was heard just as their appeared to be a foul on a Bleak Hill player and everyone stopped playing. The first person to realize that this wasn’t our referee that had whistled was the Euxton player who had the ball and she rolled it into the unguarded net whilst everyone else was preparing for a free-kick to the defending team. Nonetheless, this spurred the visitors onto greater things and with Sophie dropping into a slightly deeper role they started to carve open Euxton at will creating a number of chances that we just couldn’t put away leaving the Half-Time score at 1-1 but with Bleak Hill well on top.

The second half continued the way that the first ended with Bleak Hill the dominant team, excellent passing from the back and midfield creating lots of chances and you started to wonder if it was just one of those days. With Chelsea and Botch entering the fray (with Abbie injured making a brave block and Rebekka taking a well earned rest after working so hard on the right of midfield) and both making crucial clearances, Paisley was pushed further forward and a slide rule pass from Immo set Paisley free down the right hand side and she fired the ball home from the edge of the box to put Bleak Hill in front again. Perhaps we switched off after working so hard to gain the lead or maybe it was just excellent play from the Euxton striker who within minutes turned in the box and with an excellent finish found the corner of the net. We were back to 2-2 and the girls had it all to do again.

Undeterred, they stuck to the task and again pressured the Euxton defence with the home keeper making a number of fine saves. With time running out, Bleak Hill forced yet another corner, again the cross from Lucy was spot-on and it was met on the volley at the back-post by Sophie with such force that it took the keeper and a defender on the line into the net with it and the girls were back in front again 2-3.

In the final seconds Euxton threw everything at Bleak Hill and created one last chance, a fine shot was heading towards the bottom corner of the Bleak Hill net and as the home supporters prepared to celebrate the equalizer, from out of nowhere Holly dived full-length and palmed the ball away from the goal and out to safety. For a few seconds we couldn’t quite believe it and then the celebrations started, we’d done it and got the result we thoroughly deserved - lifting us back to 6^th in the table with a game in hand over the 7^th placed team.

 

Match Postponed

 

Venue: OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM SCHOOL, STAND PARK AVE, L30 3SA

Meet at the Gamebird no later than noon on Sunday.

Training is at Fives (5-6 pm) on Thursday as usual – remember to bring £1 with you if you can.

 

Match Postponed 

Meet on Ecclesfield no later than 10:00am on Saturday morning, we’ll be going back to the Griffin afterwards as usual.

Next training is at Fives (5-6 pm) on Thurs 5^th Jan 2012 – remember to bring £1 with you.

 

This year’s Christmas party will be held at the Bird I’th Hand on Prescot Road (WA10 3HE)  - there will be a meal (dessert kindly donated by the Bird management) followed by live music from ‘Guitar Jimmy’. The meal will be free to all players but non-players, parents, relatives and friends are all welcome to join us but will need to pay for their own meal (2 for £7.50). If you wish to attend please let Donna know on 0777 222 9533 so that we can reserve your place. If parents etc do not wish to eat they can join us for a drink later in the evening and just enjoy the music.

We will also be passing out more information to players and parents regarding our proposed trip to Holland (4^th – 8^th June 2012) to play 2 friendly matches against Dutch opposition. Any new girls currently in year 9 or year 10 are more than welcome to come along to training and give football a try – anyone who signs on and joins in the fund-raising activities will be eligible to come along on the trip and sample their first taste of ‘European’ football (contact Donna on the number above or just turn up at fives on a Thursday at 5.00pm, pitch 3 and ask for Donna or Mark).

 

This match will be rescheduled for later in the season.

 

Venue: OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM SCHOOL, STAND PARK AVE, L30 3SA

Meet at the Gamebird no later than noon on Sunday.

Training is at Fives (5-6 pm) on Thursday as usual – remember to bring £1 with you if you can.

 

This match will be rescheduled for later in the season.

 

Well we asked for more of the same and once again the girls delivered, a much more determined opposition looked to bounce back from their disappointment at the hands of Bleak Hill in the cup 2 weeks ago but another great team performance from Rovers had the game won by half-time as Bleak Hill climb up the table to take 6^th place. Again, strong defence was the order of the day and built the platform for the rest of the team to utilize our strong passing game and wear down the opposition. With Westie and Abbie in complete control at the back alongside the ever more confident Chelsea and Botch it meant a relatively quiet day for Holly in goal, but a couple of important saves early on including a fine double save mid-way through the first half with the scores still close showed that every cog in this Bleak Hill machine is playing their part and contributing to the success of the team.

With the 5 goals again shared amongst the strikers (with Lucy again hitting 4 and a fine individual effort from Sophie), they will both be the first to give credit to the service they are getting from the hard-working mid-field quartet with excellent through balls from (Jess, Immo, Rebekka and Paisley) time and again setting them free against the opposition offside trap. The 3^rd goal was typical of the way we now play as a team as it developed from our own goal kick. Abbie’s kick was caught in the wind and travelled only a short distance to Westie at chest height, with great control Westie played the ball back to Abbie who found Immo in space in mid-field. Immo once again linked up with Jess on the left before a perfect through ball from Jess set Lucy free and the ball was in the back of the net – from one end of the pitch to the other in a matter of seconds, all by passing the ball to players in space, superb to watch!

Our last 3 home games have now produced 0 goals against us and 22 for us – how impressive a record is that? With the top 3 teams all up next at home then if they aren’t 100% switched on and ready for us then they just might be in for a bit of a surprise…..

 

This match will be rescheduled for later in the season.

 

Meet on Ecclesfield no later than 10:00am on Saturday morning, we’ll be going back to the Griffin afterwards as usual.

Training is at Fives (5-6 pm) on Thursday – remember to bring £1 with you if you can.

 

Meet on Ecclesfield no later than 10:00am on Saturday morning, we’ll be going back to the Griffin afterwards as usual.

Training is at Fives (5-6 pm) on Thursday – remember to bring £1 with you if you can.

 

What a great day out we had at the Premier League game at the DW Stadium between Wigan and Blackburn on Saturday – an exciting game followed by a lovely meal afterwards and it was great to see the team all having fun together off the pitch. Let us know if you would like to do this again or if there is anything else you would all like to do as a team and we’ll try and organize it for you.

 

What a brilliant game and once again with just an ounce of luck we would have picked up the point we deserved, if not all 3 points. The game plan was to keep it tight at the back and in midfield to counter the Wigan formation and to use the through ball for the strikers to chase beyond the Wigan defence. For 25 minutes this plan worked to perfection with Lucy and Sophie both going close from perfect through balls before Lucy tucked one away to make it 1-0 to Rovers. With the defence (Chelsea, Westie & Abbie) looking strong in front of a confident Holly and the midfield (Rebekka, Immo, Jess, Paisley) closing down the space we looked in total control until a 15 minute purple patch resulted in a 3-1 lead for Wigan. Once again, a controversial ‘was the ball over the line’ decision went against us and you wonder when one will actually work in our favour.

Despite the score line Rovers midfield and strikers set about Wigan with renewed vigour - with Paisley dropping to right back to keep the speedy winger quiet and Westie/Abbie having the Wigan forwards so demoralized they spent most of the game on the floor we now looked solid at the back and back in control. A great cross from Jess was turned in by Lucy for 3-2 before another controversial goal restored Wigan’s 2 goal advantage. I know we are all taught to play to the whistle but an absolute obvious foul on the edge of the box on Immo was ignored by the Referee and the offending Wigan player swept the ball into the net much to the dismay of the Bleak Hill players and supporters. Lesser teams would have given up but not these girls – another defence splitting ball put Lucy through and we were back to 4-3. With the match becoming more and more tense, a through ball from Sophie tempted the keeper out and her hurried clearance was deflected in by Lucy and the girls had done it, 4-4 and all to play for.

With Botch on up front and showing some nice touches, it was Bleak Hill that looked the likeliest team to win the game only for Wigan to ride their luck for a 3^rd time and benefit from an unfortunate own goal to take all 3 points.

Whilst disappointed with the result, no one could fault the effort of the Rovers players or fail to be impressed by the excellent football they played again – I know everyone at the game today will be eagerly waiting the return fixture early next year. Perhaps we are saving all of our good luck up for the cup semi-final!!!!

 

Venue: JJB SOCCER DOME, STADIUM WAY, WIGAN, WN5 0UN
Meet at Waterside at 09:30am on SUNDAY morning.

Training is at Fives (5-6 pm) on Thursday as usual.

 

Don’t forget we have tickets for everyone to next week’s Premier League game at the DW Stadium (Sat 19^th November – KO 3.00pm) between Wigan and Blackburn so although we don’t have a match please keep the day free. We’ll also be doing something in the evening and your Parents, Brothers, Sisters etc will be welcome to join us after the game. Full details will be given out at training this week.

 

Well we asked for more of the same and my how the girls delivered as they cruised into the semi-finals of the West Lancs League Cup. Full marks to the visiting Blackburn team who competed right to the end and contributed to a very entertaining game despite what may look like a completely one-sided score line. The defensive players worked extremely hard to keep a second consecutive clean sheet and all of the attacking mid-fielders and strikers are well aware that this exceptional effort laid the platform for the team to explode in the second half and reap the rewards at the other end of the pitch.

Indeed, early on a long ball from Blackburn looked to have split the Bleak Hill defence only for Holly to come racing out of her area and clear the danger. Captain Westie and her 2 lieutenants Abbie and Chelsea tackled everything and kept the Blackburn attack at bay and they were ably assisted by the excellent protection from the hard-working Immo holding and controlling the centre of mid-field.

There was a real cup-tie atmosphere as the game ebbed and flowed when finally the breakthrough came, a long clearance from Holly was chased by Lucy who took it through to the edge of the box and shot past the advancing keeper. A short while later another Holly clearance was flicked on by Sophie and Lucy repeated the chase and finish for 2-0. Bleak Hill now relaxed and really started to play their football, a majestic drag back and turn by Westie, followed by a defence splitting long ball almost resulted in the third. With half-time approaching another excellent run and cross from Jess was finished in fine style by Lucy for the hat-trick and the girls went into the break with a 3 goal advantage.

With Bleak Hill attacking their favourite end in the second half they really started to turn on the style, with the wide players Jess, Paisley and Rebekka all causing havoc on the flanks and Immo dominating the mid-field the chances now came thick and fast. Despite the best efforts of a hard-working Blackburn defence and an excellent display from the visiting goalkeeper a further 6 goals were scored by the home team.

The fourth came from yet another Jess run and cross that was volleyed home by Sophie, whilst the fifth was an unfortunate own-goal for Blackburn as a wicked low cross from Lucy was deflected into the goal. A deft flick from Sophie sent Lucy away and another class finish made it 6 and Paisley this time read a long Holly clearance, chased it into the area and finished expertly for number 7. Great approach work from Rebekka and a slick pass from Immo set Sophie up for the eighth before Immo, Lucy and Sophie repaid Jess for all her hard-work by setting her up for the final goal and the match finished at 9-0. Blackburn were by no means disgraced and contributed to a highly entertaining game, still creating chances of their own in the second half but outstanding defending from Westie, Abbie and Chelsea, with a couple of fine saves from Holly (including one very brave effort at the feet of the onrushing striker)  kept them out and sends Rovers into next week’s away game at Wigan in fine form and full of confidence.

Here’s hoping for a home tie in Thursdays semi-final draw………

 

West Lancs Cup Quarter Final, Meet on Eccleston Fields no later than 10:00am on Saturday morning. Please note due to a kit colour clash we will be wearing Yellow shirts with this seasons Blue shorts and Blue socks but you will need to bring your Blue shirt with you as we will be taking a new squad photo after the game at the Griffin.

Training is at Fives (5-6 pm) on Thursday and all be confirmed then.

 

A much easier report to write this week as for once the score line tells the story.  A superb performance from the girls to overcome a brave Dynamo effort and all done in the kind of  true sporting fashion that would put some of the more ‘illustrious’ teams we have faced recently to shame. As the last few weeks have been a story of missed chances, the focus at training this week was finishing and full marks to all as the hard work during the week came to fruition out on the field. A bright start from Bleak Hill soon settled the girls and strong running from Jess caused confusion in the visitors defence and as the keeper came out to close her down a simple pass to Sophie on the edge of the box created the first chance of the game. In previous weeks we may have panicked and put the chance wide but Sophie clinically drove the ball into the unguarded net for the first goal and set the tone for the day. A short while later, Lucy burst through the middle of the defence and facing a one-on-one with the keeper rifled home a shot with supreme confidence. Just before half-time, Rebekka made one of her trademark runs down the right hand side – beating defenders with ease she worked her way into the area and slotted in a third past the despairing drive of the excellent Dynamo keeper.

The second half was a case of more of the same, Lucy swept home a shot from just inside the box after a great passing move and Sophie also bagged her second, beating defenders in the box before rolling the ball into the corner. It was now time for our attacking mid-fielders to take over – an exquisite Immo pass set Jess away down the left, leaving the poor Dynamo right-back in her wake (not for the first time), she ran onto the box and hit a shot with such venom that the keeper could not keep out even though she did well to get a hand to it. On the right flank, Paisley was also now starting to run riot and it wasn’t long before she served up a typical Paisley special for the 7^th goal (just reward for tireless running right to the end). There was just time left for a brace from Rebekka with another good finish after a strong run down the line and the calculators were out in the crowd (including ex-Rover Rachel Craven – there’s a shirt here for you Rach should you get the desire to pull the boots on again after watching this).

No team is complete without a holding mid-fielder and no one plays this roll better than Immo, over recent seasons we’ve been great going forward but when we’ve lost the ball it’s been easy for opponents to run through our unguarded midfield.  We’ve now got that missing piece, happy to sit and hold the middle, Immo is now there to intercept clearances, win tackles and play intelligent passes to set the attacking players on their way again – a particular highlight from this match was the ‘reverse turn’ skill that left 2 Dynamo players looking at each other and scratching their heads as Immo disappeared with the ball.

Whilst the 8 score makes great reading, just as pleasing was the zero score for the opposition, who did have a strong attacking threat. Make no mistake, this was a good days work for the defence who can be very proud of their efforts today not least towards the latter part of the game when Bleak Hill sportingly reduced the numbers out on the field to counter act some Dynamo injuries. As the game got stretched Holly was left one-on-one a number of times but each time kept the opposition at bay including a tremendous double-save from the dangerous Dynamo number 7. It was also great to see another training drill pay dividends in a game situation – with Westie under pressure from an advancing defender she rolled the ball back to Holly rather than look for the touchline and ‘Bleak Hill’s number one’ swept the ball out to Jess on the opposite  wing and another attack was set in motion. Another captains knock from Westie was almost crowned with a goal from a well taken free kick and alongside her Abbie was rock-solid again before having a stint in centre midfield to round off another top performance. Right Back was covered by a combination of the ‘Haydock contingent’, Chelsea and Chloe – both bringing different qualities to the position. Early on the determined defending of the never say die Chelsea was vital to see off the initial opposition onslaught before the composure and passing of Chloe could be utilized as we gained the ascendancy.

A special mention to our debutant today as Botch played her first game for us and showed great promise for the future. In at left-back she was tested very early on twice by the pacy Dynamo right winger. Just like we have practiced in training, Botch tracked the run, forcing the player away from the box and on both occasions the move fizzled out over by the corner flag.

This win moves us up 3 places in the table to 7^th, we’ve got away games at the big 3 out of the way and with a big cup match to look forward to this weekend this could prove to be an interesting rest of the season if we can carry on like this.

 

Home match this weekend – don’t forget training moves indoors to Fives soccer centre (5.00pm – 6.00pm)

 

Venue: Bedford Park, SOUTHPORT, PR8 4HT

No game this weekend (15^th Oct) so we have a weekend off - training is on this Thursday (13^th) and next Thursday(20^th)  as usual (5.30 – 6.30pm Eccleston Fields).

 

The draw has been made for the quarter finals of the West Lancs league cup with matches to be played on 5^th November

Bleak Hill Rovers v Blackburn CSC
Skem Athletic v Birkdale
Town Green v Wigan Athletic
Burnley v Lostock Hall

 

Last minute heartbreak for Bleak Hill, in a game switched to Eccleston Fields due to the weather, as a speculative shot from the visiting team found the top corner of the net after the girls had battled bravely back from 3-1 down and thought they had secured a share of the points.

As usual we chose to play up the slope and against the wind in the first half and some fine early saves from Holly and strong defending from Westy, Abbie and Chelsea kept the scores level. A mistake from the otherwise excellent Euxton keeper resulted in a free-kick on the edge of the box which was punished with a thunderous finish from Lucy. The midfield combination of Rebekka, Immo, Paisley and Chloe were all working extremely hard helping out the defence whilst still creating chances for the forwards and we were unlucky not to stretch the 1 goal lead to 2 or 3. A good, strong Euxton team were still exerting pressure though and from a throw-in deep in our half managed to work a shot onto goal which went in for the equalizer but with the score locked at 1-1 the omens were good for us in the second half.

The second half started in much the same fashion as the first one ended, excellent end to end football with both teams creating a number of chances until the deadlock was finally broken with a highly controversial goal. A fine corner from Euxton was headed against the bar and the ball bounced down onto the line via the post and out but much to the surprise of both home and away players and fans a goal was awarded. As usual, the girls showed tremendous discipline and didn’t contest the decision but instead pushed forward to try and get back into the game but unfortunately were caught on the break and were suddenly 3-1 down in a game where they had been arguably the better team.

Heads did not go down though and they just dug deeper and began to play even better and many fine chances were created. Holly’s long clearances where causing panic in the opposition defence, good approach play led to a chance from Lucy going narrowly wide, Sophie hit the post, Rebekka had a shot cleared off the line after taking the ball off the keeper, Abbie was somehow penalized on the edge of the opposition area when it was Abbie who had appeared to have been fouled and fine saves denied goal bound efforts from both Westy and Immo. Just as it appeared time was running out, Sophie picked up the ball mid-way in the Euxton half and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the net. Tails were well and truly up now and with minutes to go, Lucy broke the offside trap getting onto the end of a through header from Sophie and leveled the scores at 3-3 much to the delight of the home supporters. As the seconds ticked down it seemed that both sides would share a well-deserved point when a speculative shot from an Euxton player caught the wind and dropped cruelly into the Bleak Hill goal.

Whilst the result was ultimately disappointing it shouldn’t be forgotten that we created more than enough chances to win the game and with a bit more luck would have emerged as winners.

 

Venue: GREENSIDE PLAYING FIELDS, EUXTON, PR7 6BL

We will be meeting at the Waterside at 8.15am on Saturday morning – lifts will be available and final arrangements will be made at training on Thursday (5.30 – 6.30pm Eccleston Fields)

 

This what the West Lancs league is all about, a fantastic game between 2 evenly matched teams who both gave 100% and served up top class entertainment with great saves, excellent defending, near misses, superb goals and a result which was right in the balance until a late goal wrapped up the first league points of the season for Bleak Hill.

With the advantage of quite a steep slope it was Town Green who took the early initiative and a fantastic one-on-one save from Holly with their pacy striker clean through stopped Bleak Hill from going behind early on. As the pressure from the home side mounted our defence came to the fore and got better and better as the half wore on – Captain Westy, Rainford’s answer to Bobby Moore, was majestic reading the game brilliantly and breaking up the home attack time after time. Alongside her Abbie Kay was outstanding, winning tackle after tackle and demonstrating perfectly how to use your shoulder to win the 50/50 challenges exactly like we had practiced in training during the week. Special mention to Paisley, playing out of position at right back but looking like an accomplished defender – also taking on board what we had discussed at training and clearing the ball out of the area time and again. It wasn’t all one way traffic though and as the first half wore on the girls from Bleak Hill got more and more into the game, whilst the midfield were working hard to help the defence they were also giving fine service to the attack. Lucy worked a fine position for herself and saw a fine shot rebound cruelly from the post with the keeper stranded , a short while later a lovely flowing passing move saw Immo cut in from the left and flash a great drive narrowly wide.

At half time with the score at 0-0 we could turn round knowing the conditions were going to be in our favour and unlike the Fillies game where we didn’t take advantage we did in this game. Immo kindly put her hand up and dropped in to right back which allowed us to push Paisley further forward down the right and Rebekka  pushed inside to a ‘Messi-esqu’ attacking midfield role where she proved a revelation, time and again picking up the ball in tight spaces and starting another attack. How wonderful it was for Bleak Hill to welcome back the Denton’s Green express, Jess, and she gave the opposition right back a torrid time marauding down the left hand side – how glad am I that I don’t have to mark Jess, does she ever stop running? The front two of Sophie and Lucy were running the home defence ragged and time and again cut them open through the middle without quite being able to apply the finishing touch – Lucy rattled a fierce shot against the bar (new boots syndrome – you’ll get a bagful next week Luce), Sophie took the ball on from a long Holly clearance (trademark move for the Redman sisters), rounded the keeper but was foiled by a desperate defender scrambling back into position, a fantastic run and cross from Jess was turned agonizingly wide by Paisley who had taken up the perfect position and an effort from Rebekka after some great footwork had the crowd on their feet as it flashed narrowly wide.

The crucial goal came from a Town Green corner which was cleared out to Paisley at the edge of the box who set off running down the line, passing player after player she kept going, cut into the box and finished coolly – what a goal, 1-0 to Bleak Hill. Whilst still dominating the game the result was still in doubt right until the end, Town Green are a very good side and always looked dangerous – they scored 3 goals away at Wigan recently so a clean sheet for our defence was most impressive so top marks to Holly, Abbie, Westy and Immo for keeping their concentration and staying so committed to the cause.

The killer goal came a few minutes from time, strong work from Jess on the left forced a corner, Lucy swung in another perfect cross and Sophie, making a nuisance of herself on the line, was first to react and force the ball home.

What a game and what a way for Bleak Hill to secure their first win of the season – more of the same please girls, phenomenal stuff!

 

Venue: WINIFRED LANE, AUGHTON L39 5DJ

We will be meeting at Mr Elephant (formerly the Wheatsheaf) on Rainford By-Pass at 11.15am on Sunday morning – lifts will be available and final arrangements will be made at training on Thursday 

Venue: Towneley Park, Burnley.BB11 3RQ

We will be meeting at the Waterside at 8.45am on Saturday morning – lifts will be available and final arrangements will be made at training on Thursday. 

Training is every Thursday from 5.30 – 6.30pm on Eccleston fields until the clocks go back at the end of October when we will move inside. Check the news page nearer the time to find the arrangements for indoor training.

New players will be made most welcome at training so any girls currently in year 9 or 10 please come down and join in or contact Donna on 07772 229533 for more information. 

All you can say about this game is that the best team lost. Bleak Hill battled bravely against the wind and the slope in the first half with some superb strong defending from Westy, Abbie and Chelsea keeping The Fillies at bay, whilst Holly dealt expertly in goal with anything that came her way. Intelligent play from Immo in mid-field, backed up with strong running from the wide players Chloe, Rebekka and Paisley resulted in some half chances being created for the deadly strike partnership of Lucy and Sophie. With the half-time score at 0-0 the stage looked set for Bleak Hill to take advantage of the conditions in the second half, a long range shot from Chloe had the Fillies keeper scrambling to scoop the ball wide and a succession of corners for Bleak Hill resulted in a number of chances with a superb header from Immo just going wide being the pick of the bunch. As we pushed further and further forward, a huge clearance from the under pressure Fillies led to a break-away goal completely against the run of play and suddenly we were an undeserved goal down. The girls rallied and again put the Fillies under intense pressure but twice more the Fillies broke away and scored and the game seemed to be over. The girls weren’t finished though, a long punt from Holly was chased by Sophie who took it through to the keeper but the shot was saved, perseverance from Sophie enabled her to retain possession and lay the ball back to Lucy who coolly slotted the ball home. Bleak Hill finished the game strongly but were unable to add further goals to get the result their performance deserved.