Match Reports - Season 2004/2005

POS	Division One	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Walshaw SC	24	18	3	3	80	40	40	57
2	Mostonians	24	17	4	3	76	32	44	55
3	Broughton Amateurs	24	15	5	4	66	43	23	50
4	Old Blackburnians	24	13	3	8	64	41	23	42
5	Fairfield	24	11	3	10	69	53	16	36
6	Astley Bridge/Sladians	24	10	5	9	67	68	-1	35
7	Hindley Juniors	24	10	4	10	51	52	-1	34
8	Horwich RMI	24	10	3	11	43	42	1	33
9	Bolton Wyresdale	24	9	3	12	51	59	-8	30
10	Thornleigh	24	7	6	11	43	64	-21	27
11	Bolton Ambassadors	24	4	9	11	40	72	-32	21
12	Burnley GSOB	24	3	6	15	49	87	-38	15
13	Accrington Amateurs	24	2	0	22	37	83	-46	6

Back l to r : Graham Mason; Daniel Spensley; Richard Care; James Mottley; Peter Stephenson; Liam McGlarigan; Michael Jones; Tony Martin Front : Mick Elgee (Manager); Andrew Whillians; Brett Dawson; John Greenwood; Karl Harford; Richard Wharton; Andrew Wilson 1st Team Results, Scorers and Match Reports (where submitted).
Wed. 18th May 2005	v	Thornleigh (a) 5 - 3 (ht.1-1)	scorers : Mottley, Martin 2, M.Jones, Whillians
		At last we have managed to get this match played and it turned out to be one of the best of the season. Both teams started brightly and Thornleigh opened the scoring after 18 mins with a headed goal from a corner. After 25 mins Mottley tapped in from a Spensley cross after good work down the right. Immediately after half time Martin put Broughton back into the lead but two goals in five minutes 55 mins into the game meant that Thornleigh were back in front. They only held this for two minutes before an excellent turn and shot from Martin brought the scores level. Both teams kept the tempo of the game high and in the 80 min Jones was brought down in the area and he converted the penalty. The keenly contested game continued with Broughton securing all the points at the end of the game when Whillians headed home a free kick. A good end to a successful season.
Sat. 14th May 2005	v	Accrington Ams (a) 2 - 0 (ht.1-0)	scorers : McGladrigan, Martin
		On a hard pitch and a windy day the football was not pretty to watch. Although we had most of the play as we did not convert our chances the score therefore does not fairly represent the game. McGlarigan forced the ball in from a corner after 12 mins and we failed to add to the score before halftime. The second half continued with Broughton in control but until Martin got the second after 65 mins there was always the chance of a surprise result.
Mon 9th May 2005	v	Burnley GS (a) 8 - 2 (ht.3-2)	scorers : Martin 3, M.Jones 4, Stephenson
		On a night when we could clinch third place we had the worst possible start to the match going two down through defensive errors in the first 15 mins. After 20 mins M Jones scored from a corner and this seemed to settle the nerves and we went on to score two more goals in the next 10 mins from T Martin and M Jones. We dominated the second half with T Martin scoring two minutes into the second half after an excellent move. M Jones then scored from two penaties in five mins as the Burnley defence struggled to cope with his surging runs. P Stephenson added another five minutes from the end and then just as the match was about to end T Martin completed his hat-trick as we record our highest score of the season.
Sat. 30th Apr. 2005	v	Mostonians (a) 0 - 4 (ht.0-2)	scorers : -
		Against a young Mostonian side we struggled with the pace of their game. After 15 mins a miss hit shot/centre spun into the top corner of the net, just the sort of thing you don't want to happen. A mistake after 30 mins allowed Mostonians to increase their lead. We enjoyed our best spell in the match in the first 10 mins of the second half but this ended when Mostonians scored from a quick break out of defence. They added a fourth in the 75 min. A game to forget.
Wed. 27th Apr. 2005	v	Bolton Wyresdale (a) 1 - 3 (ht.0-0)	scorers : Stephenson
		The match on Monday left us with a depleted/battered team to go away to a strong Bolton Wyresdale side. The first half was an evenly contested affair with both sides having opportunities to score. After 60 mins slack marking from a set piece allowed Wyersdale to take the lead. Renewed efforts from Broughton brought an equaliser from Stephenson on 73 mins. A tremendous volley on 80 mins restored Wyersdales lead. In the last 10 mins the game became stretched and with it opportunities for a Broughton equaliser. However Wyresdale scored with a break away goal in the 89 min ensuring all 3 points .
Mon. 25th Apr. 2005	v	Fairfield (a) 3 - 2 (ht.3-0)	scorers : K.Harford, Martin, Mottley
		In a fixture we knew was going to be to tough we had to battle hard and after 20 mins K Harford scored from a free kick. Martin increased our lead just before half time and on the stroke of half time Mottley was brought down and converted the resultant penalty. 3-0 at half time was comforting but Fairfield are not a side that give up and 5 mins into the second half they scored and for the next 20 mins battered our goal and added a second. The game became stretched and both sides could have added to their scores. We ran out 3-2 winners be it at a cost of a number of injuries following a physical encounter.
Sat. 23rd Apr. 2005	v	Bolton Ambassadors (a) 6 - 0 (ht.2-0)	scorers : Martin 2, Mottley 2, Stephenson, McGladrigan
		On a hard bouncy pitch with a strong cross wind it was not a day for pretty football. However we quickly adapted our game to the conditions and opened the scoring after 5 mins through McGladrigan taking advantage of a poor clearance from a corner. After 35 mins Martin increased our lead. Although we exerted a lot of pressure Ambassadors held out until the last 20 mins when Martin increased our lead, Mottley scored in the 72nd & 81st mins and in between these goals Stephenson added to the score. Lets hope for better conditions in the remaining fixtures.
Sat. 16th Apr. 2005	v	Astley Bridge (h) 4 - 3 (ht.4-0)	scorers : Mottley 4
		The pace of Mottley proved too much for the Astley Bridge defence and amongst the numerous chances created he scored all four in the first half in the 10th, 17th 30th (pen) and 40th mins. Broughton began the second half in the same way but failed to convert any more of the chances created. This encouraged Astley Bridge who came back into the game and scored three goals in the last 10 minutes giving tham a flattering looking score-line.
Wed. 13th Apr. 2005	v	Astley Bridge (a) 3 - 1 (ht.2-0)	scorers : Martin, M.Jones, K.Harford
		On the narrowest pitch we have played on for a long time play was crowded and not much football could be played. However a couple of defensive mistakes in the 3rd and 15th mins allowed M.Jones and Martin to score and we controlled the first half. Although we started well Astley Bridge scored 10 mins into the second half and started to apply pressure. A couple of substitutions steadied the team and we missed a number of opportunities to make sure of the game. Just before full time K.Harford settled the game from a well taken free kick.
Mon. 4th Apr. 2005	v	Burnley GS (h) 2 - 0 (ht.0-0)	scorers : K.Harford 2
		In a match reduced in time Broughton's first half performance was below par and a lively Burnley side kept the Broughton defence busy. 7 mins into the second half a well taken free kick from Karl Harford lifted the Broughton side who came back alive and started to run the game. K Harford then rounded the goalkeeper to score a second goal with 8 mins to play. We then had to weather the final Burnley pressure in a game that had become bad tempered.
Sat. 2nd Apr. 2005	v	O.Blackburnians (a) 0 - 0 (ht.0-0)	scorers : -
		Broughton shaded the first half as both teams battled hard and failed to take the few chances that two strong defences gave. In the second half Old Blacks had more of the possession but again both defences were outstanding and neither attack could score what would have been a deciding goal.
Sat. 19th Mar. 2005	v	O.Blackburnians (h) 5 - 2 (ht.2-2)	scorers : M.Jones, Whillians, J.Graham
		Broughton started the match quietly although after 10 mins good work down the left hand side resulted in A.Whillians converting at the far post. Old Blacks then had a spell of possession and scored after 15 mins and then went ahead after 35 mins. Just before half time J.Graham converted a corner for Broughton to go in at half time 2-2. Broughton were more lively after half time and scored through M.Jones in the 48 min. Broughton then began to control the game and two further goals in three mins from M.Jones mid way through the second half sealed the match for Broughton.
Sat. 12th Mar. 2005	v	Fairfield (h) 3 - 2 (ht.1-1)	scorers : Stephenson 2, M.Jones
		We began brightly and dominated the first half by playing some attractive football. After 30 mins a mistake by their goalkeeper resulted in a goal for Stephenson. We could not add to this goal and on half time conceded a penalty to go in 1-1. Immediately after half time we failed to clear a set piece and went a goal behind. This encouraged Fairfield and it took us some time to get back into the game. After 60 mins a free kick from Jones eluded the goalkeeper to equalise the score. After 75 mins a flowing move from Broughton was converted by Stephenson. Although Fairfield threw men forward our defence dealt with any threat and won a very competitive match.
Sat. 5th Mar. 2005	v	Accrington Ams (h) 3 - 0 (ht.1-0)	scorers : Whillians, Dawson, og
		We began by playing with a strong wind and took some time to adjust to the conditions. An own goal from an inswinging corner opened the scoring for Broughton after 15 mins and although we had chances to increase the score it remained 1-0 at half time. Playing against the wind was easier in the second half and Broughton dominated the match. After 60 mins a cross ball from Dawson was converted by Whillians. Then after 80 mins Dawson scored to ensure that Broughton collect all three points.
Sat. 26th Feb. 2005	v	Walshaw SC (a) 2 - 4 (ht.1-1)	scorers : Martin 2
		We started brightly and missed a golden opportunity to score within the first five minutes. Walshaw opened the scoring after 15 mins when poor defensive work from a corner allowed a free header. The remainder of the first half was evenly matched and Martin finished off a great move on 35 mins to equalise. Although Broughton started the second half brightly Walshaw proved the stronger side as the half progressed and took the lead after 55 mins then scored a third after 65 mins. A great long range shot after 70 mins from Martin gave Broughton hope again and they threw caution to the wind in an attempt to equalise. This resulted in an end to end contest and just before full time Walshaw secured all the points when they scored a fourth goal.
Sat. 19th Feb. 2005	v	Horwich RMI (h) 2 - 2 (ht.0-1)	scorers : Greenwood, Mason
		A poor team performance but at least we grabbed a vital point. A clinical opportune finish gave them the lead on five mins but we dominated possession for the rest of the first half creating and squandering many good goal scoring chances, they looked dangerous on the counter attack several times in the half and we had to stay alert at the back. We again started slowly in the 2nd half with them in the ascendency and making the most by going 2-0 up. This stirred us and we showed some more passion, which was rewarded when Graham Mason forced the ball over the line from a corner after 70 mins and Greenwood was awarded a penalty in the last 5 minutes which he converted himself. With the last kick of the match we had an opportunity to win the match, this was spurned and left us glad that at least we had salvaged a point from an un-inspiring performance.
Sat. 5th Feb. 2005	v	Hindley Juniors (h) 3 - 1 (ht.1-1)	scorers : Greenwood 2, Martin
		After the eight week lay off Broughton began slowly. After 12 mins Hindley gave away a penalty which Greenwood converted well. From this point Broughton began to dominate the match but against the run of play Hindley equalised with a great strike from a free kick. Although having the best of the play Broughton could not get the second and the score remained 1-1 at half time. Broughton kept the pressure on after half time and soon scored when Martin finished a great move down the left side between Wharton and Spensley. Greenwood then completed the scoring after 55 mins. Broughton remained in charge of the match and missed a number of opportunities to increase the score. A good result against the club third in the league, and after such a long lay off.
Sat. 4th Dec. 2004	v	Bolton Ambassadors (h) 2 - 2 (ht.1-1)	scorers : Martin, Greenwood
		We began brightly and Greenwood opened the scoring with a well taken goal from a delightful Martin pass. We continued to control the game for the next twenty minutes but as we missed chances to increase the lead Bolton came back into the game and equalised in the 30th minute. The game now became more evenly balanced and the score remained at 1 - 1 until early in the second half when Bolton's tall centre forward looped a header over our goalkeeper. Bolton enjoyed their best spell now but a determined Broughton side fought their way back into the game and equalised through Martin with ten minutes to go. The last ten minutes belonged to Broughton and we were unlucky not to eventually take all the points.
Sat. 13th Nov. 2004	v	Walshaw SC (h) 0 - 4 (ht.0-3)	scorers : -
		After the recent excellent performances Broughton played badly and were well beaten by Walshaw. Walshaw dominated the first half and after 20 mins went ahead, they scored two more to go in at half time 3 - 0 up. Broughton came more into the match in the second half but could not pull a goal back and Walshaw ended any hopes of a point when after 80 mins they added a fourth.
Sat. 6th Nov. 2004	v	Horwich RMI (a) 3 - 2 (ht.2-0)	scorers : Mottley3
		Broughton defeat new league leaders and remain undefeated in the league having played the top three teams in consecutive weeks. On a miserable day at Horwich Broughton took a little time to settle and then set up attack after attack. Just when it seemed that we were to be frustrated Mottley scored two goals in one minute. The first after 30 mins from a great cross from Martin and the second a nicely weighted through ball from Greenwood. Broughton continued to dominate until the 54 min when Horwich pulled a goal back. Broughton then had to weather a more confident Horwich side but after 76 mins Mottley completed his hat trick and restored a two goal lead. Just before the end of the match Horwich scored again to leave a few anxious minutes.
Sat. 30th Oct 2004	v	Mostonians (h) 1 - 1 (ht.0-0)	scorers : Greenwood
		Broughton remain undefeated as they draw with the league leaders. In an an excellent match to watch the two sides were pretty evenly matched in the first half with Mostonians having more of the play but Broughton having a number of chances that they failed to take. In the 57th minute the deadlock was broken with Greenwood finishing a flowing Broughton move. Within 5 mins Mostonians equalised after Broughtons defence failed to clear the ball. The match continued at a frantic pace and only poor finishing by Broughton prevented them winning the match.
Sat. 23rd Oct 2004	v	Hindley Juniors (a) 1 - 1 (ht.0-0)	scorers : Greenwood
		On a pitch that quickly cut up badly Broughton struggled to get into the game but a resolute defence limited Hindley to long range shots. The first half ended 0-0 with Broughton having come closer to scoring than Hindley. Just after half time Greenwood latched onto a through ball and put Broughton ahead. We had the best spell of the match after this goal hitting the bar and narrowly missing other chances. However Hindley fought back and equalised after 70 mins. The last 20 minutes saw missed chances by both sides as they tired on the heavy pitch.
Sat. 16th Oct 2004	v	Old Mancunians (h) 0 - 2 (ht.0-2) LFA Cup Rd.3	scorers : -
		Early on we struggled to hold a lively Old Mancunians attack and made little headway against their resolute defence. After 33 mins when it appeared that we were getting to grips with Old Mancunians our keeper could only tip a shot cum cross onto the bar and Old Mancs. reacted quicker to take the lead. Just before half time they increased their lead. We made changes at half time and came back into the game and finished the stronger side, but failed to break down a strong Old Mancs defence.
Sat. 9th Oct 2004	v	Gregorians (a) 1 - 3 (ht.0-0) LAL Cup Rd.2	scorers : K.Harford
		Broughton began brightly and missed an early chance to take the lead, then shortly after we had a strong penalty appeal was turned down. Broughton continued to dominate the first half but could not score whilst a tall Gregorian side caused problems from set pieces. In the five minutes following half time two sloppy mistakes meant we were 2-0 down and had to weather the pressure from a now confident Gregorian side. However we worked hard and after 65 mins a great free kick from K. Hartford reduced the arrears. We continued to press and only the woodwork prevented an equaliser. Just before full time Gregorians got a third from a quick break as Broughton committed men forward in search of an equaliser. An excellent game against last years Premier Division Winners.
Sat. 2nd Oct 2004	v	Bolton Wyresdale (h) 3 - 2 (ht.3-2) abandoned	scorers : Whillians, Martin, Mottley
		Match was abandoned after 52 mins due to injury to ref. Wyres refused to appoint a guy of their own and wouldn't accept a volunteer from us, We STILL await (on 13.12.2004) league decision about result or replay !!!
Sat. 25th Sept 2004	v	Collegiate OB (h) 3 - 2 (ht.3-1) LFA Cup Rd.2	scorers : Martin, K.Harford, P.Harford
		Collegiate started brightly and were the better side for the first quarter of the match. As the game progressed Broughton came back into the game and after 30 mins a quick break down the left resulted in P.Harford converting the resulting cross. Almost immediately afterwards a through ball was clinically finished by Martin. Collegiate kept fighting hard and scored just before half time but almost from the kick off a great strike from K.Harford caught the goalkeeper off his line and we went in at half time 3 - 1 up. Broughton then had to soak up a lot of pressure as Collegiate threw men forward in an effort to score and we gave away a penalty which brought out a brilliant double save from Care. In the 60 min they eventually broke down our defence to score their second goal. They continued pressing but our defence held firm and we were able to run out 3 -2 winners, progressing to Round 3.
Sat. 18th Sept 2004	v	Radcliffe Boys (a) 4 - 1 (ht.3-0) LAL Cup Rd.1	scorers : Martin 2, Greenwood, Harford
		Broughton began brightly and after 3 mins Martin scored with a great left foot shot. They continued to dominate and after 30 mins Martin scored again from a through ball. Greenwood completed the scoring in the first half when after 40 mins he headed home a corner. Radclffe Boys pulled one back just after half time and using the wind and slope pressed hard. The defence held out well and a good move in the 65 min saw Harford force the ball home. Although Radcliffe kept pressing the score remained at 4 - 1.
Sat. 11th Sept 2004	v	Thornleigh (h) 4 - 2 (ht.3-0)	scorers : Mottley 2, Greenwood, Barry
		We began brightly and although dominating the game failed to score any goals until the 37 min when Greenwood headed home a corner. This relaxed us and two mins later Mottley converted a through ball. Just on half time Barry increased the lead from another corner. In the second half although we were still looking lively Thornleigh came back into the matched and both sides missed the chances created. Thornley eventually scored after 60 mins and it was left until the 86 min before Mottley put the game beyond Thornleigh although they scored again before full time.
Sat. 4th Sept 2004	v	East Villa (h) 5 - 3 (ht.2-2) LFA Cup Rd.1	scorers : Martin 2, Mottley 2, Greenwood
		Broughton began lively and after 6 mins Martin robbed an East Villa defender and opened the scoring.This stunned East Villa into life and they soon equalised and then went 2-1 up. Just on half time Mottley scored an opportunists goal to equal the scores. Immediately after half time East Villa went ahead again and took control of the game. However Broughton battled on and after 62 mins Mottley converted a clever free kick and within a minute Martin scored with a great left foot strike. This brought renewed pressure from East Villa and with 5 mins to go they missed a penalty. Broughton went straight up field and Greenwoods great strike finished off the move and East Villa. A great performance.

POS	Division Three	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Walshaw SC Res	26	19	4	3	84	23	61	61
2	Rossendale Amateurs Res	26	19	2	5	84	53	31	59
3	Accrington Amateurs Res	26	17	2	7	64	46	18	53
4	Little Lever SC Res	26	16	4	6	99	47	52	52
5	Mostonians Res	26	13	6	7	64	68	-4	45
6	Bolton Wyresdale Res	26	13	4	9	61	56	5	43
7	* Bury GSOB Res	26	11	4	11	51	54	-3	33
8	Old Blackburnians Res	26	7	6	13	50	67	-17	27
9	Broughton Amateurs Res	26	6	9	11	59	89	-30	27
10	Prairie United Res	26	6	7	13	41	64	-23	25
11	Radcliffe Town Res	26	6	6	14	55	77	-22	24
12	Rochdale St.Clems Res	26	4	9	13	50	63	-13	21
13	Oldham Hulmeians Res	26	4	5	17	49	79	-30	17
14	* Thornleigh Res	26	5	4	17	42	67	-25	15

Sat. 30th Apr. 2005	v	Little Lever SC (h) 2 - 9 (ht.1-3)	scorers : Seedon 2
		A poor end to the season, although we had a weakend team we would've expected a bit more as we did not put anywhere near enough effort in and got soundly beaten.
Tue. 26th Apr. 2005	v	Rossendale Ams (a) 1 - 4 (ht.0-1)	scorers : Mottley
		On a slightly soggy pitch we battled hard, however with a very depleted side Rossendale took lead with a lucky strike which slithered in. We did keep the deficit down to one goal until half way through the second half. Then shortly after Mottley pulled one back with a cooly finished penalty following a stupid tackle from one of the Rossendale defenders. Pidge had an effort dramatically saved by the keepers face, however Rossendale scored 2 late goals that sealed the win for them.
Sat. 23rd Apr. 2005	v	Oldham Hulmeians (h) 2 - 1 (ht.1-1)	scorers : Moore, Eccles
		With injuries hitting the squad we had an out field debut from our goal keeper Wayne who slotted into the heart of defence. We started very brightly creating lots of goal scoring chances and we should have been 1 nil up when one of our stand in centre forward rounded the keeper only to pass the ball to the defender on the line. Our first goal came from a great move down the left started of by Alston who fed in Moore who coolly placed the ball home. We were on top for most of the first half but we slipped up and let them back into the match and went in at half time 1-1. The 2nd was much of the same plenty of chances but no goals to show. We changed the team around pushing Eccles upfront and from this change came our winner. Eccles was sent through on goal from a delightful ball from midfield, he picked his spot and rifled home from 10 yards. We could have scored 10 on another day but it’s the 3 points that count, again well done to all the lads.
Thu. 21st Apr. 2005	v	Rossendale Ams (h) 2 - 3 (ht.1-1)	scorers : R.Pomfret, K.Harford
		We played pretty well and were all committed. We didn’t have full squad of 2nd team players but we managed to put in a good performance. Karl scored a cracking free kick and Pommy lobbed the keeper from 35 yards. But they broke us with a goal in the last minute from a disputed corner.
Sat. 16th Apr. 2005	v	Prairie United (a) 0 - 2 (ht.0-1)	scorers : -
		We turned up to this match with only 5 players from the 2nd team. With the team we scraped together we were awful. We hardly created one chance and Prairie dominated from the start. At half time we only had one man to thank for not being 10 nil down our goal keeper Wayne Thomas. After the break there was an improvement, we kept hold of the ball and played to each others feet. But we couldn't create anything and Prairie took advantage broke the dead lock and scored. It wasn’t too long before they were 2 up which didn't make us play any better. We did have one chance to bring ourselves back into the game when Simon rounded the keeper and squared a pass to Swan who had the whole net to choose from but sent the ball wide from 2 yards. Overall a very miserable day for 2nd team players who showed up but well done to the lads who helped out.
Tue. 12th Apr. 2005	v	Accrington Ams (a) 2 - 1 (ht.0-1)	scorers : Vanny 2
		Against second in the league we had our work cut out to take anything, with a bare 11. We started brightly and created more opportunities than our opponents. But it was them who took the lead first capitalising on some weak defending. We carried on pushing forward but could not get the goal we deserved. After the break we regrouped and swapped the team around and we started were we left off. We pushed forward causing their defence problems and got what we deserved when Vanny was sent through one on one to chip the neatly over the keeper. The goal was a huge confidence boost for us and we had total control of the game. Our winner came from the right side when K.Harford played an inch perfect cross into the box for Vanny to tap home from 6 yards. With a very small squad we took the game to Accrington and came out on top. Well done lads.
Sat. 9th Apr. 2005	v	Bury GS (a) 0 - 2 (ht.0-1) Cup Rd.3	scorers : -
		With us now safe from the drop a good cup run was in order, we started slow and never seemed to get started. Bury were playing the ball around us whilst we stood there and watched. Their breakthrough came just before the break, which is what they deserved. A few changes were made but again we never took hold of the game and 5 minutes into the 2nd half they went 2 up. Bury kept the ball well and made us do all the chasing, we never got a grip in the match and never looked like pulling the goals back.
Tue. 5th Apr. 2005	v	Accrington Ams (h) 2 - 3 (ht.2-3)	scorers : Seddon 2
		Well back to our usual selves again 2 nil up and got beat. We created the better chances and took the early lead when Seddon found space at the back posted to tap home. Minutes later we were 2 up, again Seddon latching on to the loose ball in the air and heading home from close range. But it was never going to be that easy and they pulled one back after they capitalised on some sloppy play in midfield. They pressed forward again earning themselves 3 or 4 corners in succession resulting in their equaliser from the last set piece. Our heads went down and right before half time they scored off another corner and went in at the break 3-2 up. After half time we had a lot of possession but couldn't create any clear chances. But a life line was thrown our way when we were awarded a penalty for deliberate hand ball. Our ever reliable manager Danny Barry (who scored from the spot 3 days ago) stepped up and sent the ball over the bar. With 20 minutes to go we pressed forward but couldn’t break down their defence or create any chances to test the opposing keeper. A hard fought game that we threw away.
Sat. 2nd Apr. 2005	v	Thornleigh (a) 2 - 1 (ht.1-0)	scorers : Horn, Barry
		In a game that we needed to win we showed plenty spirit and controlled the game from the start. We created plenty of chances from all directions keeping their keeper and 5 defenders very busy. Our break through came when Barry played a deep cross into the box which was cleared only as far as Horn who curled a shot into the top corner. After the break we were still on top restricting Thornleigh to any sort of attack. We continued to search for a second goal and it came from the spot after Eccles had rounded the keeper only to be flattened in the process. We were never put under any pressure and had ourselves to blame for the goal when a clearance ricocheted off one of our own defenders and went in. We held on and collected the 3 points we desperately needed.
Sat. 26th Mar. 2005	v	Prairie United (h) 5 - 2 (ht.1-2) Cup Rd.2	scorers : Eccles 3, Alston, Dawson
		As we looked to end an awful run of defeats we couldn’t possibly have started any worse. Within the first minute Prairie had gone 1-0 up leaving us shocked about what had happened. Eventually we started to play some good football and our breakthrough came when Dawson whipped in a superb cross for Eccles to head in from 6 yards. We created more chances towards the end of the half but it was Prairie who got the advantage when they were awarded a penalty, which was converted easily. After the break we took total control and straight away were back level, Alston split the defence open with a delightful ball which Eccles ran on to and rounded the keeper and slotted the ball home. Again we piled on the pressure and our reward came when Alston again played a pin point ball over the defence for Eccles to nod in at the back post for his hat-trick. Prairie needed to lift their game which they did but we caught them out with an excellent counter Eccles this time the provider for Alston who lifted the ball over the keeper to make it 4-2. We kept it tight and with only 5 minutes left scored another when Dawson scored a screamer from 25 yards. A well deserved win that puts us through to the next round.
Sat. 19th Mar. 2005	v	O.Blackburnians (a) 3 - 7 (ht.-)	scorers : Wright 2, Eccles
		A slight improvement upfront scoring 2 more goals than the previous match but still a shambles in defence. We started off the better team going 1-0 up through Eccles but we collapsed and went in at the break 3-1 down. It didn’t change much in the second with them going 5-1 up before Wright pulled one back to give us a little bit of hope. But it wasn’t to be and Blacks found them selves in dream land when they went 7-2 with still 20minutes to go. With no substitutes we were very tired but we held them out and got a slight consolation when Wright bagged his second. A disastrous performance that lands us right on the edge of the relegation battle.
Sat. 26th Feb. 2005	v	Walshaw SC (h) 1 - 7 (ht.0-3)	scorers : Seddon
		A woeful Broughton performance saw Walshaw put seven past us in a match that wasn’t as one sided as it seems. We had the same amount of chances, maybe even more, but couldn’t finish them off hitting everything but the back of the net. Walshaw were 3-0 up at half time and the changes were made. Seddon hit back with a great lob from outside the box but we couldn’t keep it up. Walshaw extended their lead and from then on it didn’t look like we were going to get back into it. If we had finished our chances earlier in the game it might!! have been a different game.
Sat. 19th Feb. 2005	v	Bolton Wyresdale (a) 1 - 5 (ht.1-1)	scorers : Barry
		A dreadful start from us let Bolton score in the first minute and in the very cold conditions it took us a while to play any sort of decent football. With 30 minutes played we had changed the game putting them under a lot of pressure, in this spell our break came when Barry scored a superb goal from 30 yards. We continued to press but couldn’t extend our lead by half time. After the break we were playing into the wind and up a slope. They came right at us and within minutes of the restart they were back in front. It wasn’t long after that they went 3-1 up and were in total control of the game. We made a couple of changes and we seemed to make steady progress until they countered and went 4-1 up. In the dying stages of the game there was an awful mix up at the back that let their forward in to walk the ball into the net. A strong first half performance but we collapsed in the second and we were punished for our mistakes.
Sat. 5th Feb. 2005	v	Oldham Hulmeians (a) 6 - 4 (ht.3-1)	scorers : Wright 4, Seddon, Fairhurst
		After a 4-0 thrashing the week before we needed to bounce back straight away. Only minutes after kick off we were 1-0 up when Wright scored from close range, it wasn’t long until were 2-0 up with Seddon scoring another beauty from outside the box. Oldham piled on the pressure and they got their breakthrough of a corner but straight away we had another 2-goal cushion when Farhurst’s long range looping effort slipped through the keeper’s hands. After the restart Oldham were back in the match within seconds and they continued to press until we countered and Wright notched his second. Again we let Oldham back in the match to make it 4-3, Oldham were having a really go at getting the equaliser but once again we countered and Wright scored another for his hat-trick. The game evened out a bit more in the closing stages but Oldham ag! ain dragged themselves back into the match making the score 5-4. With only 5 minutes to go we tightened up at the back with every man behind the ball except Wright who collected one of our many clearances on half way and with no defence had the simple task of beating their helpless keeper and sealing a deserved win.
Sat. 29th Jan. 2005	v	Mostonians (h) 0 - 4 (ht.0-2)	scorers : -
		Ultimately a very depressing performance and result. Although we started well we couldn't convert our chances and the writing was on the wall as they pressed forward and won a penalty and although Wayne saved it they took the lead not long after, then added a second before half time. Second half more of the same, we created more chances than them and had as much possession but failed to score and they took their chances to win the game comfortably in the end.
Sat. 15th Jan. 2005	v	Radcliffe Town (h) 3 - 3 (ht.2-1)	scorers : Wright, Fairhurst, Gaz
		Another two points lost as a last minute equaliser for them snatched a share of the points. It had all started brightly for us, with two good goal from Wright and Fairhurst in the first half. They did pull one back before half time but we remained on top when Gaz made it 3 - 1 before our indiscipline re-surfaced in the last 10 mins which cost us the game.
Sat. 11th Dec. 2004	v	O.Blackburnians (h) 3 - 3 (ht.1-1)	scorers : Eccles, Wright, Craig
		Having led at every stage of the game and being 3-1 up with 10 mins to go we threw away the chance of victory with some sloppy defending and poor discipline in those last few mins. It all looked so different when Eccles scored a fine goal in the first 5 mins of the match. Although they levelled before half-time we thoroughly deserved to take the lead through Wright's opportunism and then increase it when Craig pounced on a loose ball in their box to drill home the third. Then came the crazy finale which gifted them a point - but keeps up our amazing number of draws this season.
Sat. 4th Dec. 2004	v	Rochdale St.Clements (a) 2 - 0 (ht.2-0)	scorers : Wright, Seddon
		Only our second win of the season and what a way to start. Straight from kick off the ball was played up front to Wright who took it past his man and fired home from 20 yards all inside the first 20 seconds. We dominated play for most of the first half and when Seddon scored absolute beauty we were cruising. It was hard work in the second half with Rochdale firing everything at us but we defended excellently and played very well as a team. If we can play more often like this all those draws won’t seem too bad.
Sat. 27th Nov. 2004	v	Bury GS (h) 4 - 4 (ht.2-1)	scorers : Wright 2, Freeman 2
		We started brightly but it was the visitors who took advantage of some sloppy defending and took a 1 nil lead. It wasn’t long tho before we were back in control and 2-1 in front with two neat finishes from our debut midfielder Anthony Freeman. After the break it was Bury who took control and levelled only for Wright too smash home his first for us to regain the lead. Again Bury came back and punished us for some weak defending and pulled it level again. With the game at 3-3 both sides were pushing for their fourth and it was Broughton who got it when Alston made a darting run down the wing and it laid it off for Wright to run onto and pick his spot in the goal. Unfortunately we couldn’t hold on and with five minutes left Bury equalized for the third time. A battling performance but couldn’t hold on for those three points we desperately wanted and needed.
Sat. 13th Nov. 2004	v	Walshaw SC (a) 2 - 2 (ht.2-1)	scorers : Craig 2
		After last weeks performance we needed a drastic improvement to achieve any sort of result against joint league leaders. We were the better team from kick off playing some good football and creating a couple off chances. But once again it was the opposition who broke the deadlock and from a corner their centre half rose above everybody else and powered a header into the net. Straight from the restart the ball was played out wide to Alston who made a surging run down the left wing, he carved open the Walshaw defence and whipped in a superb ball that Craig controlled and smashed towards goal only to be deflected in off his strike partner. We were right back in the game and just before half time we found ourselves 2 – 1 up, another darting run down the left by Alston again finding Craig on the edge of the area who took one touch and fired the ball home on the half volley making sure this time the ball only hit the back of the net. After the restart Walshaw piled on the pressure and created too many chances for our defences liking. It wasn’t long before their pressure paid off and they grabbed the equaliser. With them now pressing forward for the victory it left them open at the back and with some great link up play from the front two they couldn't find the net. Strong defensive play and great goalkeeping from Seddy kept Walshaw out and we finished with a well deserved point and still unbeaten away from home.
Sat. 6th Nov. 2004	v	Bolton Wyresdale (h) 3 - 6 (ht.1-4)	scorers : Wright 2, Barry
		It was never going to be an easy game against the runaway league winners last season. We started reasonably well but then it all went wrong with their centre forward scoring 4 goals in 20 minutes. We did carve one back in-between his 4 goal romp but our heads were down and we all looked lost. After the break there were signs of improvement, Wright neatly finished a through ball from midfield and then minutes later he was up-ended in the box and Barry scored the resulting penalty. Now 4-3 down, we were still chasing the game which left us wide open at the back, with us pressing forward they counter attacked and scored 2 late goals to completely finish us off.
Sat. 30th Oct. 2004	v	Little Lever SC (a) 2 - 2 (ht.1-2)	scorers : Alston, Wright
		A full strength Broughton side travelled to Little Lever where we showed no signs of the quality produced the week before. They created some early chances but big Seddy in nets produced some outstanding saves to keep the game level. But it wasn’t to last and they capitalised on some poor defending and scored, but straight away we were back in the match when Wright scored a powerful volley through the keeper’s legs. This well worked goal did not improve our play and Lever grabbed a second right on the stroke of half time. After the break we started to play some decent football and we prevented Lever from any sort of attack. Lever got frustrated with the game and when a long ball over the top was fumbled by the keeper, Alston had the simple task of finding a spot in the empty net. A hardworking second half performance saw us take a point from the league leaders.
Sat. 16th Oct. 2004	v	Mostonians (a) 2 - 2 (ht.2-0)	scorers : Wright 2
		A positive start was needed after last weeks poor performance, and we got it, playing against a strong team it wasn’t going to be easy. We started well, putting some good passes together and keeping hold of possession and it wasn’t long before our good play paid off, a blinding through ball from midfield inch perfect for Wright to run onto, he took one touch and hooked the ball into the net. We had the early goal but Mostonians piled on the pressure and had 5 corners in succession, all credit to Pomfret the stand-in keeper who pulled of some magnificent saves. We dealt with their pressure well as a team and still had most of the possession and when we were awarded a free kick just inside our own half we scored again. Barry playing a good ball forward to the edge of the box where a shot was fired in and the keeper could only parry to Eccles who unselfishly squared it to Wright to power home his second. No changes were made at half time but after the break Mostonians pressed on and within a couple of minutes of the restart they had pulled one back. We settled down again playing some good football but it was Mostonians who caught us out with their centre forward weaving his way through our defence and firing home passed the helpless keeper. From then on both teams had good chances to win the match but it ended as a very entertaining draw that saw the best football Broughton 2nds had played for a long long time.
Sat. 9th Oct. 2004	v	Thornleigh (h) 2 - 5 (ht.0-1)	scorers : Davies, Wright
		A scrappy first half where neither side played with any fluency, they crucially took the lead just before half time. However we came out more determined after the break and scored immediately after a fluent passing move between Seddon and Eccles set up Davies who slotted home the chance confidently. Bouyed by the equaliser we pressed hard and were further rewarded whne Davies was up-ended in the box for a penalty, however Barry smashed it against the bar and it went out for a goal kick. This was the pivotal moment in the game as they then scored twice in 5 minutes. Although we pulled one back through Wright they scored again to inflict on us our first defeat of the season. A heavy defeat at that and one to be forgotten, quickly.
Sat. 2nd Oct. 2004	v	Radcliffe Town (a) 5 - 5 (ht.0-2)	scorers : Craig 2, Barry, Davies, Seddon
		Well what a match, just what we needed after our unusual 0-0 draw the week before. We started lively playing some nice football but neither side had any clear chances. They broke the deadlock capitalising on the little pressure they were putting us under and it wasn’t long before they were 2 up. It stayed like this until half time when we made a couple of changes. Straight after the break Radcliffe scored their 3rd and it looked like it was all over. Another sub was made bringing Alex Alston onto the left which was the turning point in the match, it was his incisive run down the wing that brought us a goal back, when he was upended in the box and Barry neatly slotted home the resulting penalty. Then we piled on the pressure but from a break away Radcliffe restored their 3 goal cushion. We immediately responded with a break from Davies who laid it off for Craig to power! a shot past the keeper. We again built up the pressure and were right back in the match when Craig grabbed his second after some sloppy defending. It was a great spell from us and we equalised when a poor clearance fell to Davies just outside the area he spotted the keeper of his line and fired into the top corner. With only five minutes left to play we pressed for a winner but again they broke and with a mix up at the back they scored and we were rooted to the spot. It was all or nothing for us now and when Alston picked the ball up on the left he weaved his way down the left wing to whip in a superb cross which Seddon met on the volley and smashed it passed the keeper. All our second half pressure paid off and we ended up with a good point when again it looked unlikely at half time. A great team performance and hopefully the draws will turn into victories - we're still unbeaten though.
Sat. 25th Sep. 2004	v	Prairie Utd (a) 0 - 0 (ht.0-0)	scorers : -
		We started with a new formation and battled hard in the first half playing with the wind in our faces. The 3 centre backs gelled well together and stopped everything getting through. The team found it hard work but in the second half we had the wind behind us and we started creating some chances. Nothing was to come of these tho and we played out a 0-0 draw which is hard to believe with us being used to walking off the pitch at 5-5. A strong team performance gaining another vital point away from home.
Sat. 4th Sep. 2004	v	Bury GS (a) 3 - 2 (ht.2-1)	scorers : Eccles 2, Szmit
		A very lively start for our first win of the season with the first goal coming inside of 30 seconds, a superb through ball by Alston for Eccles to run onto and slot it neatly into the goal. We seemed to have all the possession and controlled the game and it wasn't long before we were 2 up, a nice run down the wing by Seddon who left their defence just standing and coolly passed the ball to Eccles running through who smashed the ball passed the helpless keeper. But once again we thought the game was won and Bury started coming at us, their first goal was down to a defensive mistake and their second just after the break landed us back at square one. With most of the second half been battled out in midfield we did have some chances but their keeper was up for a challenge, but he couldn't keep out a superbly struck free-kick from Szmitt to wrap up the match in 85th minute. Bury piled on the pressure right at the end but our defence were strong and we held on for an excellent away victory.
Sat. 28th Aug. 2004	v	Rochdale St.Clements (h) 4 - 4 (ht.1-3)	scorers : Eccles, K.Harford, Martin, Wilson
		A dodgy start to the 2nd teams season meant after 15 minutes we were 2-0 down. We eventually started to play football and create some good chances with Eccles coming close hitting the outside of the post. Is wasn't long before we pulled one back with Eccles connecting onto a Davies flick on. But once again we were on the backfoot and Rochdale scored again to restore their 2 goal cushion. After the restart we were a different team, we started to pass the ball more and our early pressure paid off. A free kick from 25 yards out was fired into the top corner by Harford and not long after that we were on level terms when Martin scored a belter from just inside the 18 yard box. With the opposition wondering what to do we scored again off a corner when Williams fired in a close range header. The game slowed down with both teams tiring in the sun but it was Rochdale who had the final bit of steam and scored an equaliser with 2 minutes to go. In the end it was a great comeback and a good point which had looked unlikely at half time.

POS	Division Six	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	O. Blackburnians 'B'	26	17	4	5	81	39	42	55
2	Little Lever SC 'B'	26	16	5	5	73	46	27	53
3	O.Blackburnians 'C'	26	15	5	6	68	47	21	50
4	Gregorians 'B'	26	15	2	9	60	32	28	47
5	Broughton Amateurs 'A'	26	14	4	8	67	50	17	46
6	Bolton Wyres.'A'	26	13	1	12	72	68	4	40
7	Mostonians 'A'	26	11	5	10	62	59	3	38
8	Lymm 'A'	26	11	5	10	58	59	-1	38
9	Old Boltonians 'B'	26	9	7	10	52	61	-9	34
10	O.Mancunians 'A'	26	7	8	11	52	71	-19	29
11	Horwich RMI 'A'	26	7	4	15	51	80	-29	25
12	Thornleigh 'B'	26	6	5	15	48	70	-22	23
13	Rochdale St Clem.'B'	26	3	10	13	40	64	-24	19
14	Oldham Hulmeians 'A'	26	4	3	19	29	67	-38	15

3rd XI Cup Final Wed. 11th May 2005	v	Rochdale St. Clements 'A' 2 - 4 (ht.1-2) (@ Little Lever SC)	scorers : Duffy, McHugh
The 3rd Team Cup Final Squad (match report is below picture). Back l to r: Doug Birch, Pete Monks, John Major, Kieran Stewart, Carl White, Carl Duffy, Trev Lafferty, Rick Grundy front l to r: Mark Shirley, Ben Ssebatta, Ian Smith, Jim McHugh, John Seddon, Adam Hayhurst, Simon Rawsthorne, Olly Mills missing off photo: Rick Swan, Ian Winn Well we lost and although we can admit they were deserved winners on the day there's plenty of ifs and buts and there wasn't much between the sides at all, maybe just their aerial advantage that caused us problems from set plays, as you can read below. It all started so well, with a goal from Carl in the 3rd minute when he challenged for a ball between a defender and their keeper bravely heading over the advancing keeper into the net. The game had no dominant side in it for the rest of the half but we still went in at ht 1-2 down. This happened when they had a series of corners which were not dealt with by us and finally from one they stabbed the ball home for an equaliser. Then in 1st half stoppage time another corner wasn't cleared and again they poked the ball in to take an interval lead. Second half was much the same with little between the teams they were maybe stronger in the air and this proved our undoing again when from yet another corner which was not cleared an opponent drilled it home from the 6 yard mark to put them 3-1 up. We showed good resolve at this point and our hard working midfield got us back in the game when Jim rifled in a shot from the edge of the box, after good approach play from, Hayhurst, Duffy and Monks, although their keeper will feel he should've dealt with it. Still, at 3-2 (and with 20mins to go) our tails were up and we had our best spell of the game and pinned them back for the rest of the match but chances were few and far between. Then in the last minute from another corner one of our defenders was adjudged (harshly) to have pushed a forward and a soft penalty was given and converted although Seddy in goal got a hand to it. So the summary is that ALL 4 of their goals were the result of corners, this fact disappointed us and was an area we didn't have any bother with all season. We take comfort and pride at being the FIRST ever Broughton 3rd team to reach this Cup Final but sadly the honour of winning it for Broughton will fall to another squad - maybe next year !!
Thu. 5th May 2005	v	Bolton Wyres 'A' (a) 4 - 7 (ht.1-4)	scorers : McHugh, White, Lafferty 2
		A disasterous start defensively saw us 2 down in the first 10 mins then our keeper went off injured and our only sub was on. When the next injury occurred, to Pete, he had a go in goals rather than go off, however this didn't stop them adding 2 further goals before half-time, although Jim had pulled one back with a tidy one-on-one finish. A stern ht team talk saw us apply ourselves a lot better in the second half, Chalky got another goal for us, but we were again undone by defensive lapses and then Pete had to go off so we were down to 10 men. Although Lafferty's brace got us to 4-6 and we were having all the attacking play at this stage we missed an opportunity inside the last 10 to get within a goal of them. They rounded off the game, as they started it, with another simple finish to beat us soundly.
Sat. 30th Apr. 2005	v	Old Bolts 'B' (a) 5 - 2 (ht.3-0)	scorers : Grundy 3, Duffy 2
		A great performance in which we dominated in all areas. Grundy scored a stunning opener after 10 mins and this set the tone for the whole match. He scored again and Duffy added a third before half time. Second period saw us continue to dominate and although they scored a couple of goals Grundy completed a fine hat-trick and Duffy got his second with a neat lob over the keeper. The 5-2 scoreline was as emphatic as it sounds.
Wed. 27th Apr 2005	v	Old Blacks 'C' (a) 1 - 3 (ht.0-0)	scorers : Monks
		3 months and 13 games unbeaten, it had to come to an end eventually? After a goalless 1st half, the only incident of note was Blacks having to replace their keeper after the original goalie clashed heads with one of his posts following a shot from Grundy which he tipped over the bar. We had the advantage of playing downhill in the 2nd half, but Blacks took the lead against the run of play. We equalised from the spot after Swan was fouled in the box, which also resulted in a sending off for the offending defender for dissent. Monks confidently stroking the ball low to the keepers left. With a man advantage we should have gone on to dominate, but instead we failed to clear the ball from our box which resulted in us giving away a penalty ourselves, which was converted. Blacks then sealed the points with a dubious penalty, the initial offence appeared to be outside the box althought the attacker waited until he got into the box to fall over... Again the spot kick was converted and Seddys continuing disagreement with the decision earned him the 2nd red card of the game. Monks took over in nets, but there wasn't enough time for us to get back into the game. Sadly this probably ended our slim chances of promotion.
Mon 25th Apr. 2005	v	Lymm 'A' (a) 5 - 2 (ht.2-0)	scorers : Duffy 3, Monks, BIRCH
		It seems we like playing Lymm - 3 games, 3 wins. Missing a few regulars, and an early injury to Stewart, Lymm started the brighter. We slowly got into the match and Duffy opened the scoring, lobbing the keeper from 25 yards. The manager himself (Doug Birch) won a penalty, felled in the box by a clumsy challenge. Monks scored from the spot at the second attempt after the ref ordered his 1st effort to be retaken. Lymm pulled one back early in the 2nd half, but we regained our 2 goal lead when Duffy ran onto a through ball from Swan and finished clinically one on one with the keeper. Birch capped a rare run out with a goal of his own, a well taken finish from 12 yards. Lymm pulled another back, but Duffy completed his hat trick beating the keeper one on one again. We could have scored more, Major hitting a thunderbolt from 25 yards which was well blocked probably the most noteworthy. This is our 2nd in a hectic run of 4 games in 8 days.
Sat 23rd Apr. 2005	v	Old Bolts 'A' (a) 0 - 0 (aet 5-3 on pens) Cup SF	scorers pens : McHugh, Rawsthorn, Monks, Ssebatta, Duffy
		On a fine pitch the game was made awkward by a stiff cross-wind. They started strongly and pinned us back for the first 15 mins, hitting the bar during this time. We started to assert ourselves and began to cope with all they had and by half-time had a good foothold in the game and Duffy hit their bar from outside the box. Into the 2nd half and with the wind helping we did the same to them and pinned them back for long periods, obviously failing to convert any of the chances created. Extra time saw both sides on top when they had the wind and both sides had chances to score. We lost our keeper and Grundy went in nets for the 2nd half of ET. Then it was onto the Penalty shoot out. All 5 of ours were scored with some aplomb and, it must be said, so were theirs except for the one that missed the target. This was a fine win against a team from a higher division (as most rounds have been) and the final will be no different, we can look forward to it.
Tue. 19th Apr. 2005	v	Rochdale St. Clems 'B' (a) 1 - 1 (ht.0-1)	scorer : Ssebatta
		Missing some key personnel, this was always going to be a tricky fixture. On a rough pitch Rochdale were quicker out of the blocks and took an early lead, inside 5 mins, as the unfortunate Smith put past his own keeper. After this initial set back, we settled into the game and pushed them back as the half went on. The 2nd half saw us start to dominate the game without creating any clear cut chances, but Seddy was largely untroubled at the other end too. Finally the equaliser came, Ben was allowed time to turn in the box and rifle a shot past their unsighted keeper. We pressed for the winner, Shirley clearing a goal bound effort from Monks, who also had a goal disallowed from a Shirley long throw, flicked on at the near post from Swan. Next up is the Cup Semi, nearly a year from Simple's injury, we return to the same ground.
Sat. 16th Apr. 2005	v	Mostonians 'A' (a) 3 - 2 (ht.3-1)	scorers : Duffy, Monks, Grundy
		Great start to this game when we finally found where we were playing at the 3rd pitch we had got to! The conditions weren't great, however the first half was one sided to say the least, and we took the lead mid way through the first half following a neat finish from Duffy. This was then followed by several missed opportunities, and then we were made to pay as we were than were pegged back by a scrappy equaliser from Moston. We were back on track shortly after following 2 neat finishes from Monks and Grundy, and went in 3-1 up at half time. The 2nd half started brightly, however following a rash tackle to say the least from Ben, he was in the book, for his first booking of the season. This was then followed by Moston pulling a goal back through another poor goal to make it 3-2, they finished the game strongly, however we managed to shut up shop, and ran out 3-2 winners. Poor pitch, poor game. Certainly not one for the spectators, result was right for us though!!
Tue. 12th Apr. 2005	v	Thornleigh 'B' (a) 3 - 1 (ht.2-0)	scorers : Duffy 2, Shirley
		9 games without defeat as we make a late bid for promotion (shame there's no playoffs). After losing at home to Thornleigh earlier in the season, we felt we had to put the record straight. Without ever hitting top gear, we won this game more comfortably than the scoreline suggested. We took the lead mid way through the 1st half, Duffy pouncing in the box to finish from 12 yards. He had another chalked off for offside although Stewart was not interfering in play. Thornleigh were then awarded a dubious penalty for an alleged foul by Chalkie, justice was done though as Seddy saved well to his left. Shirley increased the lead before half time lashing in a left foot volley at the far post following a corner. Into the second half and Thornleigh pulled one back against the run of play. We responded by re-establishing the 2 goal cushion with a goal of the season contender from Duffy, after a neat one touch lay-off from Swan, Carl hit the sweetest of half volleys from 25+ yards in off the crossbar and just inside the post. We missed a number of opportunities to increase the lead, Swan slicing wide from Grundys shot-cross. All in all a good result from our 1st night match.
Sat. 9th Apr. 2005	v	Little Lever SC 'A' (h) 2 - 1 (ht.0-1) Cup QF	scorers : Duffy, o.g.
		Now bearing in mind in the last 2 seasons we have played Lever's 'B' team 4 times without registering a single point, you may get an idea of the enormity of the task facing us. In the 1st half we contained Lever pretty well without really threatening ourselves. Unfortunately, they took the lead in bizarre circumstances. A speculative shot from outside the box sliced off Chalkies boot and into the bottom corner giving Seddy no chance. Dougie's half time teamtalk had the desired effect as we came out fighting in the second half. The equaliser duly arrived from the boot of Duffy, finishing into the bottom right from 12 yards, for his 18th goal of the season and his 7th of this cup run (he's now scored in every round). Both teams were looking for the winner, nobody wanted extra-time or penalties. In last years competition we were knocked out by an unfortunate "golden goal" own goal, so it seemed fitting that our winner came from the boot of a Lever player. Following a goal mouth scramble and a header from Grundy cleared off the line, the ball was heading out for a corner when one of their defenders tried to hook the ball clear but only succeeded in slicing the ball across the face of goal and under the crossbar at the far post for a goal of the season contender. We held on well for the remaining minutes to record a famous victory. Thoughts of dodgy suits and rubbish songs, will start to creep into the dressing room as we await the draw for the semi final, and although both teams are from the North-West, no doubt the FA will see fit to play the semi in Cardiff to maximise profits?
Sat. 2nd Apr. 2005	v	Lymm 'A' (h) 3 - 0 (ht.2-0)	scorers : Grundy, Duffy 2
		Lymm will be sick of the sight of us after this week. Fresh from an extra time win in the cup last weekend, we entertained the same opposition and beat them convincingly again. One up within a minute, Grundy scoring with a neat right footed finish. Two up five minutes later, Duffy scoring from the edge of the box into the bottom right hand corner. We could have been three up within 1/4 of an hour, but after Monks was blocked by a poorly-timed challenge McHugh tamely rolled the penalty wide of the mark (I put it down to the impending Stag Do and presumably wedding to follow). Lymm rarely threatened, apart from a smart double save from Graham in goal touching onto his crossbar and then one handed from the rebound, he was mostly just a spectator. (We tried to charge him admission rather than subs) Duffy completed the scoring in the second half, intercepting a backpass and rounding the keeper to score from a narrow angle. This could, maybe should, have been more convincing. Their keeper saved well from Stewart and Grundy, and Lafferty and Swan should have at least tested the keeper with shot and header respectively. Up to 5th.
Sat. 26th Mar. 2005	v	Lymm 'A' (a) 4 - 3 (aet.FT.2-2) Cup Rd.2	scorers : Duffy 4
		On paper this was always going to be closely contested between two teams separated by one place in the league, Broughton though, dominated the majority of the first half and with many chances going begging from Grundy, Duffy and Rawsthorn we were beginning to wonder when that first goal would come. It came after 25 mins in spectacular fashion with Duffy controlling on the edge of the box before flicking over his head and volleying into the top right corner. Unfortuately they equalised minutes before half time after some sloppy defending resulting in a tap in from 6 yards. A change had come in defence and smithy made way for a recently rejuvenated chalky. It didn't change anything immediately as Lymm took control and the lead in the 70th min. We hit back with 10mins to go through Duffy that took it to Extra Time not what we wanted on a terrible pitch. Into ET and we continued to pressure their goal only to see them catch us on the counter attack and go 3-2 up. An instant reply was needed and it came with Duffy claiming his hat-trick. It was now destined for penalties and with their defence caught dreaming of who's going to take them we snatched a goal in the second period of ET, Duffy calmly slotting his 4th from good build up play.
Sat. 19th Mar. 2005	v	Oldham Hulme 'A' (a) 1 - 1 (ht.0-0)	scorers : Monks (pen)
		It would appear the Oldham are our bogey team this season? Bottom when we played them at home, we only managed a 0-0 draw, at least this time we could say it was a point gained rather than 2 dropped. In a 1st half starved of goalmouth incident, the only talking points were 2 bookings - for Chalkie (kicking the ball away) and Rawsthorne (failure to remove jewellery). Both were harsh in the extreme, and some bad tackles by the home side went strangely unpunished. The 2nd half wasn't much better in terms of entertainment, until Oldham took the lead after a goalmouth scramble led to the ball breaking towards the edge of the area to an unmarked Oldham player, who fired past an unsighted Seddy. This prompted Broughton to play with more urgency, 3 substitutions were made and we finally began to test their keeper, who saved flambouyantly from Grundy. Shirley's long throws were causing mayhem in the Oldham box, with Swan heading agonisingly over on one occasion. Finally, with time running out, our pressure was rewarded. Following a corner from the right, Swan was tripped in the area and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. With regular penalty taker McHugh, sunning himself on the sidelines, the responsibility fell to Monks, and he stroked the penalty bottom right, sending the keeper the wrong way to score his 1st goal for the club.
Sat. 12th Mar. 2005	v	Bolton Wyresdale 'A' (h) 5 - 0 (ht.2-0)	scorers : Hayhurst, Rawsthorn, White, Stewart, Grundy
		Four wins in a row and our second clean sheet of the season our good form continues...shame there's no play-offs. Our 1st meeting of the season with 'Wyres' and we produced one of our best displays. 2 - 0 up by half time after a headed goal by Hayhurst from Duffy's cross and Rawsthorne scored his 4th in 3 games. Into the second half we seemed content to sit on our lead, until a flurry of substitutions brought us back to life. Chalkie scored for the 2nd game in a row, doubling his career tally! (It's like waiting for a London bus), Kieran added the 4th thanks to a good run and cross from Shirley. The best, however, was saved until last, Grundy picked the ball up in the centre circle, nutmegged one and fed Ben who with the help of one of Wyres defenders returned the ball to Rick who hit a 1st time 30 yard thunderbolt that the keeper didn't see until it hit the net. Seddy, who had been a virtual spectator even saved a penalty late on to preserve the clean sheet, after Monks had fouled 2 yards outside the box. The ref must have felt sorry for the visitors, but at least resisted the temptation to send Pete for an early bath despite denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Sat. 5th Mar. 2005	v	Rochdale St. Clems 'B' (h) 3 - 0 (ht.1-0)	scorers : White, Rawsthorne, Grundy
		A game the table suggested we should win, but on a rough pitch that counts for nothing. Playing down the slope with the wind at our backs, we dominated the 1st half with only a solitary goal to show for it, Chalkie netting his 1st for the club (at the right end at least), although he'll tell you himself he could have had a hat-trick! Over to Chalkie: "I could've had a hat-trick today !!" - told you he would. Into the 2nd period and we expected to come under some pressure from the visitors, but it never materialised. Rawsthorne increased the lead with a battling goal, showing great persistence, and Grundy put the result beyond doubt with a neat right foot finish after good approach work from Swan and Duffy - 3 wins in a row and up to 6th in the table.
Sat. 19th Feb. 2005	v	Old Mancunians 'A' (h) 4 - 1 (ht.2-1)	scorers : Rawsthorn 2, McHugh, Shirley
		A strong performance in which we scored at crucial times to supress any thoughts they had of victory. A lively performance from Simon saw him rewarded with two simple goals, Jim slotting a penalty and Mark with a clinical stike in the last 15 mins made the end less pressurised for us. Our good start saw us ahead at half-time and we continued to create chances in the second period dominating most of the play with our goalkeeper a freezing spectator on a cold day, a solid performance gaining the result we deserved.
Sat. 5th Feb. 2005	v	Horwich RMI 'A' (h) 2 - 1 (ht.1-1)	scorers : Duffy, Grundy
		Our first 'double' of the season. After crushing Horwich 6-1 at their place in October, we came away from todays game with a narrower margin of victory. Playing downhill in the 1st half, we deservedly took the lead through Duffy with a neat finish after rounding the keeper. Unable to increase our lead in the opening period despite testing their keeper on numerous occasions, Horwich equalised with virtually their only chance of the half, stealing in in front of the otherwise excellent Seddy to head level. Into the second half and we laid siege to their goal once more the winner coming from the right!?! boot of Grundy after some head tennis from Duffy and Swan sent him clear. We spurned some decent chances to increase our lead including Swan hitting the bar for the 2nd time in the match! Horwich finally put us under some pressure for the last 20mins without really threatening to equalise as we recorded our 1st win of the New Year.
Sat. 29th Jan. 2005	v	Old Blacks 'B' (a) 2 - 4 (ht.1-3)	scorers : Duffy, McHugh
		One of our best performances of the season, just not the result we were looking for, when even the home crowd admitted they robbed us! Playing up the slope in the 1st half, we were one down early on to a route 1 move by Blacks. McHugh equalised not long later with a well taken left foot effort from outside the area. Unfortunately Blacks scored 2 more before the break, in between which Ben had a goal harshly rules out for offside. Into the second period and Blacks scored another, this time with an unstoppable shot from the edge of the area Duffy pulled another back after great blocking from Monks(a career in American Football beckons?) Hopefully more performances like this in the coming weeks will yield the rewards we deserve.
Sat. 15th Jan. 2005	v	Little Lever SC 'B' (a) 3 - 7 (ht.1-5)	scorers : Duffy 2, Rawsthorn
		A disasterous start which we never recovered from saw us a couple of goals down early on. We did battle hard in the second half but it was only for respectability, which we didn't really achieve, and for pride which we regained some with goals that proved to be only consolations.
Sat. 18th Dec. 2004	v	Mostonians 'A' (a) 2 - 1 (ht.0-1)	scorers : Duffy, McHugh
		Although it was a fairly even first half we went in one down. However we applied ourselves with much more determination in the second half and won the day with strikes from Duffy and McHugh. We (well the ref) even allowed them a dubious penalty, which they missed and we deserved to run out worthy winners.
Sat. 11th Dec. 2004	v	Gregorians 'B' (a) 0 - 1 (ht.0-0)	scorers : -
		A closely fought contest in which we once again could not quite provide the cutting edge in their box and came away with a narrow defeat after matching the title contenders for the whole game.
Sat. 4th Dec. 2004	v	Oldham Hulmeians 'A' (h) 0 - 0 (ht.0-0)	scorers : -
		Dour game in which neither side created many chances. Our defence were largely untroubled and midfield worked hard but we did not create enough openings for our front men. We enjoyed more possesion and pinned them back for long periods paricularly in the last 15 mins but were unable to get the goal we needed.
Sat. 13th Nov. 2004	v	Thornleigh 'B' (h) 2 - 3 (ht.1-3)	scorers : Winn, Grundy
		Despite dominating long periods of this match we conceded goals from their counter attacks, too frequently in the first half. After going 2 down Winn, marauding from full-back cracked in a great goal to hopefully set us on the way. Despite hitting the bar or post 4 times in the first half we fell subject to another sucker punch and went in at half time 1-3 down. Showing great attitude in the second period we laid seige to their box when Grundy reduced the arrears to a single goal we pressed on for the equaliser, or better. But bad luck, bad finishing and bad pitch, plus some good goalkeeping by their custodian, all contributed to us failing to score again, and end up with a disappointing defeat.
Sat. 6th Nov. 2004	v	Old Mancunians 'A' (a) 4 - 1 (ht.0-0)	scorers : McHugh, Duffy 2, Stewart
		After a slow start in which they dominated for 20 mins we were grateful to a competent performance from Swan in nets and a well marshalled defence. We then began to assert ourselves and by half time were threatening their goal regularly. A positive start to the second period saw us dominate the rest of the match and when Shirley was upended in the box after a good run McHugh scored from the spot to open the scoring. It looked like the flood gates had opened as we scored twice more in the next 15 mins both by Duffy then Stewart added a fourth after a good team move opened up their defence for him. They got a consolation near the end which disappointed our otherwise solid defence.
Sat. 30th Oct. 2004	v	Old Bolts 'B' (h) 0 - 3 (ht.0-1)	scorers : -
		A truly poor performance, in which we only created a few opportunities and clearly failed to take any of them. On a horrible surface a defensive error saw us concede an early goal this meant we were always chasing the game and never seemed to relax or be allowed to settle into any rhythm. They scored again in the early stages of the 2nd half and then we conceded a third through a needless penalty. We continued with the effort but didn't even get the consolation goal we desperatly sought.
Sat. 23rd Oct. 2004	v	Horwich RMI 'A' (a) 6 - 1 (ht.3-0) scorers : O.Mills, Ssebatta, McHugh, Grundy, Shirley, Sharp
		A game in which we were always on top and scored at regular intervals whilst defending solidly we never let them dominate at any time and could've scored more than the six goals that won us the match comfortably. Six different scorers.
Sat. 16th Oct. 2004	v	Old Blacks 'B' (h) 3 - 1 (ht.1-1)	scorers : Stewart 3
		A lively opening 20 minutes saw us completely dominate and we took the lead with a cool one-on-one finish by Stewart. However we gifted them an equaliser and then had to withstand some pressure albeit only in the form of a series of corners. We once again exploded out of the blocks in the second half and Stewart beat the goalkeeper twice in similar fashion within the first ten mins to seal our well deserved victory and gain himself a neat hat-trick, in a game which saw Duffy hit the bar no-less than 3 times - but no cigar. Altogether a thoroughly convincing win.
Sat. 2nd Oct. 2004	v	Little Lever SC 'B' (h) 1 - 4 (ht.1-0)	scorers : Grundy
		A real lesson learned here for an hour we absolutely overran the current league leaders and had only ourselves to blame for poor finishing from every area of team. The forwards and midfield worked hard and combines extremely well to create the openings, but regardless of who they fell to we missed. So all we had to show for 60 mins domination was a well taken Grundy solo effort mid way thru the first half. Then, still against the run of play, they scored and with the confidence that gave them they scored 3 more times while we laboured whenever we got near their box.
Sat. 18th Sep. 2004	v	Accrington Ams 'A' (a) 5 - 3 (ht.0-2) Cup Rd.1	scorers : Hayhurst, McHugh, Duffy 2, Ssebatta
		Although starting brightly and positively we fell behind to a thunderbolt of a free kick and were then guilty of missing the chances we created. They scored again before half time however we continued to create, and miss, chances eventually Hayhurst pulled one back for us with a great shot from just inside the box into the bottom corner. McHugh scored from the spot to equalise but they attacked almost immediately and regained the lead. Duffy flighted a cross over that looped beyond their keeper and into the net to make it 3-3. We then had a multi passing phase of play that opened them up and was finished when Ben crashed in a superb shot to put us in front. We never looked like losing our lead and Carl neatly rounded the keeper for the fifth to seal our passage into Round 2.
Sat. 11th Sep. 2004	v	Old Blacks 'C' (h) 2 - 2 (ht.0-1)	scorers : Duffy 2
		Against a team that beat us 10-2 on aggregate over 2 games last season, this was going to be a good benchmark for our improved line-up. A tense 1st half saw us go in 1 down at the break although we created the better chances, profligate finishing saw us draw a blank, whilst 'Blacks' took one of few chances they created. An inspired half time substitution by Doug saw new boy Carl take to the field, his impact was almost immediate as he drew the sides level with a neat finish from 12 yards. 'Blacks' took the lead in bizarre fashion, as Seddy in goal was beaten by a mis-hit cross which dropped in at the far post. With time running out we pressed forward and got the reward we deserved, Carl capping a memorable debut with an exellent left foot drive from the edge of the box to level matters.
Sat. 4th Sep. 2004	v	Gregorians 'B' (h) 2 - 1 (ht.2-0)	scorers : Grundy, Shirley
		We dominated the 1st half and went in a deserved 2-0 to the good, a 25 yard screamer from Grundy and a calm finish from inside the 6 yard box from Shirley after good approach work from RichS. Young Hayhurst came on as sub, for the injured Wright, on the right side of midfield with no disruption to the team. 2nd Half and Gregorians came back into the match, pulling a goal back with a neat finish from the edge of the box. We were still fairly comfortable until with 10mins to go, a clash of heads in our box left Monks requiring 7 stitches and looking like Terry Butcher! After lengthy treatment he was replaced by Dougie, and the last 10mins were a little frantic as Gregorians piled on the pressure, but we held out to record a good win.

POS	Division Six	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Accrington Amateurs 'B'	24	18	4	2	87	33	54	58
2	Lymm 'B'	24	15	3	6	60	36	24	48
3	Radcliffe Town 'A'	24	13	3	8	73	51	22	42
4	Rossendale Ams.B'	24	12	5	7	78	43	35	41
5	Hesketh Casuals 'B'	24	12	5	7	78	57	21	41
6	Bury GSOB 'A'	24	12	5	7	62	51	11	41
7	Spotland Meth.'A'	24	10	5	9	57	51	6	35
8	Broughton Amateurs 'B'	24	8	3	13	59	76	-17	27
9	Burnley GSOB 'A'	24	8	2	14	50	65	-15	26
10	Chaddertonians 'B'	24	8	2	14	44	64	-20	26
11	Bury GSOB 'B'	24	6	4	14	49	86	-37	22
12	Oldham Hulmeians 'B'	24	4	6	14	44	89	-45	18
13	Bolton Wyresdale 'B'	24	4	5	15	36	75	-39	17

Sat. 14th May. 2005	v	Rossendale Ams 'B' (h) 1 - 8 (ht.1-1)	scorers : Ben
		We stayed at home I think for this game high on the hills of Rossendale. The first half we looked quite strong, although we conceded a sloppy goal. We came back and equalised through Ben with a great strike. The second half was a different story with an embarrassing performance where we conceded seven goals. Even though it was a game where nothing rode on it, it is the most embarrassed I have ever been. Very disappointing end to a quite successful season.
Wed. 11th May 2005	v	Chaddertonians 'B' (a) 0 - 0 (ht.0-0)	scorers : -
		A dull stalemate was played out in the penultimate game of the season. Many of the players weren't really interested in an evening kick off where neither team was playing for anything. The game had little or no real goalmouth action.
Wed. 4th May 2005	v	Oldham Hume 'B' (a) 1 - 2 (ht.0-1)	scorers : own goal
		Once again fielding a makeshift team we struggled all the way through this match. Although behind at half time they scored an equaliser for us, but even this didn't lift us enough to press for a win. They stole another goal to take the points in a game where we didn't play well at all.
Wed. 20th Apr. 2005	v	Radcliffe Town 'A' (h) 2 - 8 (ht.1-4)	scorers : R.Ainscough 2
		With a depleted side we started a little disorganised and their "strenghtened" side scored early and we soon found ourselves too far behind. Always chasing the game we made some basic defensive errors conceding goals at regular intervals and never threatening to get a closer result. Two good goals from Rick was all we had to show.
Thu. 14th Apr. 2005	v	Chaddertonians 'B' (h) 1 - 3 (ht.0-1)	scorers : Porter
		Our luck just goes from bad to worse. Tired legs to start off with, we now had our 7th game in 14 days! And it showed. We were lethargic all over the pitch and everyone wanted the game to end before it even started. We tried our hardest the in the circumstances but the tiredness showed all over the pitch and we went off one nil to the worse at half time. The second half was no different. Although they weren't the best team we've played this season, they out played us all game and swiftly took a three goal lead. We pulled a consolation goal back from a Grant Porter penalty but that was that and we sunk to our third defeat in three games and 7 days!
Sat. 9th Apr. 2005	v	Rossendale Ams 'B' (a) 1 - 2 (ht.1-1) Cup Rd.2	scorers : Clarke
		This game was a chance to get our confidence back straight away after the demoralising defeat against Lymm. In terrible terrible conditions and with only eleven players and a weakened side, things were against us from the start. They took an early lead after the mud pit of a pitch caused havoc in our box, however we managed to equalise through a John Clarke header at the back post from a corner. The second half was more of the same. The rain was pouring down now and the pitch was getting heavier and heavier and the lads were getting more and more tired. Rossendale took advantage of having three subs, and after using them all at half time, their fresh legs tore us apart raining chance after chance on our goal before scoring what proved to be the winner with about 20 minutes to go.
Wed. 6th Apr. 2005	v	Lymm 'B' (h) 2 - 5 (ht.2-1)	scorers : M.Bulman, D.Roberts
		The match started with us high on confidence after the good run we were having and within the first ten minutes we were 2-0 up through goals from Dave Roberts and Mike Bulman. We let our foot off the gas and Lymm soon began to take control and had numerous chances before pulling one back with five minutes of the half left. But we went off at half time 2-1 up. The second half saw the team just self destruct and gift Lymm the game. An early equaliser saw everyones heads go down and from then on it just went from bad to worse. Terrible defending and individual errors saw Lymm score a further three in that half and saw us lose 5-2 in a game that maybe should have been closer than the final result.
Mon. 4th Apr. 2005	v	Bolton Wyres 'B' (h) 2 - 0 (ht.1-0)	scorers : S.Roberts, D.Roberts
		Coming off three wins in a row, confidence was high in the team. Having beaten this Bolton side 6-2 away, we believed that a victory was not out of the question. We begun the first half with some great passing football and created numerous chances without actually putting the ball in the goal. However after ten minutes Ste Roberts scored with a back post header from a corner from Mark Aquilina. The rest of the half saw us continue our dominance but we still only went off at half time 1-0 up. Bolton came out in the second half determined to make a game of things and had more of the possession. We weren't really tested at the back though and when there was danger we defended well. Dave Roberts scored late on in the game just when we needed to cement our lead and we finished the game with another clean sheet and four wins out of the last four games.
Sat. 2nd Apr. 2005	v	Spotland Meths 'A' (a) 2 - 1 (ht.1-0)	scorers : Ainscough, D.Roberts
		Confidence is high at the moment after some great recent performances although it was a shaky start in this match with the opposition having much the better of the chances. However we absorbed the pressure well at the back and ended up going off at half time one nil up thanks to a great half volley by Rick Ainscough. The second half was much the same as the first with Spotland doing most of the pressing and our front two not getting much of the ball at all. Soon enough we conceeded the equaliser after some poor defending from a corner. We were soon down to ten men after David Green had to go off with an injury and our backs were against the wall. However some heroic defending by the back three and Midfield quartet saw us valiantly holding on for the draw. But, seven minutes from time, a breakaway from defence saw Dave Roberts finish off a great move and we took the lead. More fantastic defending took place by the whole team and we managed to hold on for another three points.
Sat. 19th Mar. 2005	v	Burnley GS 'A' (h) 4 - 0 (ht.0-0)	scorers : D.Roberts 2, S.Roberts, D.Green
		The first half of this game was dull with not much goalmouth action to talk about really and this showed as the teams went off the pitch at half time at 0-0. The second half was different as we played more passing football and created numerous chances. Dave Roberts got the first goal after great interplay between himself and Ste Roberts. Ste then got on the score sheet himself with a great solo goal. David Green came on as a substitute and scored with a fine header from a corner from Grant before Dave Roberts finished off the rout with a goal near the end. All in all a great second half performance to give us two wins out of two.
Sat. 12th Mar. 2005	v	Bolton Wyres 'B' (a) 6 - 2 (ht.1-2) scorers : D.Roberts 2, Ainscough, Stirrup, Kirwan, Harrington
		This was a lot more like it although the phrase a game of two halves is very apparent. A great passing team performance saw us all over Bolton but again unable to score, they hit us on the counter attack and were two nil up before we knew it. Even though we had the majority of possession we could not score. A fortunate deflection from a shot by Dave Roberts saw us pull one back just before half time but again we went off behind against a team we knew we could beat. The second half was a different matter with the Bolton team looking tired at half time it was our opportunity to play some fantastic passing football and really give them the run around and after five minutes of the second half we were 3-2 up. A delightful lob by Rick Ainscough and then a mazy run through the defence and calmly slotted home by Daniel Stirrup. Soon everyone was trying to get in on the act with both Paul Keen and Mark Hodson testing the keeper. We made it four after some more great passing play and Dave Roberts getting his second of the game and Daniel Kirwan rounding off a great full debut for the fourths with a deserved goal. Matt Harrington finished the rout off with a goal as well although if he hadn’t scored we would have had a definite penalty. A great performance that I hope we can build on. It was just like watching Brazil !
Sat. 26th Feb. 2005	v	Bury GS 'B' (h) 2 - 3 (ht.1-2)	scorers : Ainscough, S.Roberts
		A much changed Bury B team turned up for this game after we had already beaten them in the league this season. We started off well and Rick Ainscough scored after a scramble in the box after just five minutes. Once again after a goal we took our foot off the pedal and conceded straight after. A defensive lapse the culprit. They then scored again and in eerie fashion we went off at half time behind after being in the lead at the start. The second half begun with them adding to their advantage as the team appeared to still be having a drink at half time! We quickly got into the swing of things and put a lot of pressure on their goal without seriously testing the goalkeeper. We finally scored through a back post header by Ste Roberts but unfortunately it was a little too late and we couldn’t get that elusive equaliser - again !
Sat. 19th Feb. 2005	v	Bury GS 'A' (a) 2 - 3 (ht.1-2)	scorers : Clarke, Harrington
		We started off this game quite well against a team that had already beaten us at home convincingly earlier on in the season. Taking the lead through a goal by Matt Harrington early on in the first half. Unfortunately they equalised quickly afterwards and, like a number of games beforehand, then took the lead after we couldn’t capitalise on the pressure we were putting on them. The second half was better with us putting a lot of pressure on the opposition goals though we couldn’t get that equalising goal. It came with about five minutes to go, John Clarke scoring direct from a free kick with the keeper rooted to the ground. This would have been a great result for us but unfortunately for us another terrible refereeing decision saw them score a winner even though there was a blatant handball in the build up. We was robbed !
Sat. 29th Jan. 2005	v	Hesketh Casuals 'B' (h) 4 - 2 (ht.2-1)	scorers : G.Smith
		Another game another win and it was a good game to win against a good side. The first half started badly though as Hesketh took an early lead but, after David Green was fouled in the box after a great run, Graham Smith scored from the penalty box. Some more great play from Graham saw him and Dave Roberts combine and Dave had an easy finish from two yards out. As confidence grew, the team continued the great passing play that has grown over the last five or so games. Although we were riding our luck at the back as they hit the woodwork twice but Graham got his second and our third and this stayed the same til half time. The second half we were under pressure straight from the kick off with Hesketh going to three up front. They had numerous chances to score but Mark Smith in goals was in inspired form for all game. Despite this pressure, a break away led to Graham getting yet another hat-trick as he continues scoring for fun. Hesketh got a consolation goal towards the end but it was too little too late.
Sat. 4th Dec. 2004	v	Burnley GS 'A' (a) 4 - 2 (ht.2-1)	scorers : D.Roberts 3, Anderton
		Not very confident at the start of this game as we were playing third in the table and we had a few people not feeling as fit as usual. Got off to a bad start going a goal down after 15 minutes. Scrappy play on a muddy pitch but Paul Anderton, playing his last game before he goes to Korea for a year, scored his second in two games. Dave Roberts then added a second and we went off at half time leading. The second half saw us growing in confidence with a steady performances in defence and great link-up play between midfield and attack. Soon enough Dave Roberts scored another two goals and completed his hat-trick. A consolation goal for the opposition aside, we walked off the pitch victorious for our first win against this side for God knows how long and back to back victories.
Sat. 13th Nov. 2004	v	Bury GS 'B' (a) 5 - 1 (ht.2-1)	scorers : S.Roberts 2, D.Roberts 2, Anderton
		We started off slowly again and too soon we were one nil down. This shocked us into some fluent passing play and a well worked equaliser through Ste Roberts. We were regaining some confidence after this goal and created more good chances without taking the lead. Towards the end of the half Dave Roberts cheekily lobbed the keeper to give us a 2-1 advantage at half time. The second half was much like the first with us playing some great football but not adding to the lead. Another beautiful lob by Dave Roberts, almost a carbon copy of his first, gave us a two goal advantage. We were playing some great football and after a couple of dubious offside decisions our pressing paid off as Ste Roberts got his second and our fourth. With a strong defensive display as well the game was finished off by Paul Anderton after some fine work on the right by Alex McDonald. A great show by the lads that we hope to continue next week at home.
Sat. 6th Nov. 2004	v	Bury GS 'A' (h) 2 - 7 (ht.0-6)	scorers : G.Smith2
		A shambolic first half performance saw Bury take a six nil lead at half time. It was quite possibly the worst performance in the history of the fourth team. It doesn't really warrant a report. Half time 0-6. The second half was a different story with a great team performance. Strong defending and better play in the final third saw Graham Smith score two goals and we also had other good chances to make the score respectable but unfortunately we couldn't finish it and were hit with a sucker punch towards the end. The only plus from this game was that we won the second half !!!
Sat. 30th Oct. 2004	v	Rossendale Ams 'B' (a) 6 - 2 (ht.3-0)	scorers : G.Smith 3, S.Roberts 2, D.Green
		The victory we were hoping for finally came at a usually tough Rossendale. An adventurous change of formation saw the team playing great football and being 3-0 up at half time. The first couple of goals by Graham Smith again were brilliant team goals as was a third he scored in the first half which was wrongly disallowed for offside. Despite a couple of chances for the opposition they never really threatened our goal in the first half and with about five minutes to go, David Green converted from a Ste Roberts corner. The second half was very similar to the first as we piled on the pressure until Ste Roberts headed in from Smithy's corner to make it four. Rossendale pulled one back just after with a cross that nestled in the top corner but this was only one of two chances they had in the second half. We continued to dominate until Ste Roberts made it five one. Rossendale scored another goal but it was all over when Smithy got his hat trick with five minutes to go. This was a great performance and hopefully will Spur us on with more confidence.
Sat. 16th Oct. 2004	v	Hesketh Casuals 'B' (a) 2 - 4 (ht.1-1)	scorers : G.Smith, D.Roberts
		A changed team from last week saw another defeat inflicted on the team. The first half started off sloppy with most of the play stuck in the midfield. Graham Smith and Ste Roberts both had chances to give us the lead but both shot wide. Then Hesketh scored the first goal and started to press for a second. A break away led to the equaliser after a fine finish from Dave Roberts. Then it was our turn to pile on the pressure but still no further goals before half-time. The second half started much the same as the first until two defensive errors led to Hesketh taking a two goal advantage. We were now under the cosh and struggling to find a foothold in the game. Hesketh then capitalised on another poor clearance out of defence to take the game beyond us. We finally got a consolation goal back toward the end of the game after a classic goal mouth scramble. Graham Smith netting once again. A disappointing result that we can hopefully change at the next match.
Sat. 9th Oct. 2004	v	Spotland Meths 'A' (h) 3 - 3 (ht.3-2)	scorers : G.Smith 3
		After a disappointing start to the season we really needed a win to boost the confidence of the team. The game started slowly with a lot of the play confined to the midfield. Spotland took the lead against the run of play with a goal that the defence should have dealt with. Almost straight after that we equalised after good play between the front two, Graham Smith got the first of his goals. We then took the lead through Smithy again and more great interplay led to him getting his, and the team's third. Unfortunately the defence lapsed again and a cross-shot sneaked in at the near post. We went off at half time 3-2 up. The second half started with Spotland desperate to get the equaliser and pretty soon they got it through a deflected shot off our own defender! After that heads went down a bit but the team carried on clawing away for that elusive first win of the season. Despite having numerous chances in the last twenty minutes we were unable to get that goal with Smithy and Ben both coming close. In the end though we got a well deserved point but were unlucky not to get all three.
Sat. 2nd Oct. 2004	v	Accrington Ams 'B' (a) 2 - 4 (ht.2-1)	scorers : G.Smith 2
		Got off to a bad start by conceding an easy goal, then pulled one back. Then had a goal disallowed for apparent offside (same every year). Then game became fairly even matched. They scored just before half time with another sloppy goal. Second half started off quite well with us on the attack but once again we were called offside at every opportunity. We then gave away a penalty which was brilliantly saved, then within 5 minutes we gave away another penalty resulting in our keeper being sent off and them scoring this time. We then gave away another bad goal direct from a corner. G. Smith scored an excellent individual goal however it was too little to late.
Sat. 25th Sep. 2004	v	Oldham Hulme 'B' (h) 4 - 4 (ht.1-3)	scorers : G.Smith 3, Keen
		Very unfortunate to only take a point, by far and away we were the more dominant side enjoying far more possession and creating far more clear cut chances. We should have been 3-0 up after 10 minutes but all chances went begging. Then came the sucker punch(es) with Oldham scoring 3 breakaway goals in the space of 20 first half minutes. We responded well and continued to create chances but it looked like it may be one of those days. But with half time approaching Smith netted from close range to offer a glimmer of hope. Second half began and again we piled pressure on the Oldham goal but again to no avail. Then approaching the hour mark Smith netted his second, after rounding the keeper, to bring us right back into the game. Unfortunately a defensive lapse allowed Oldham to respond with what looked like the killer goal, but credit to our team's never-say-die attitude we didn't give the game up and deservedly pulled a goal back through Keen with around 10 minutes left. We continued to bombard the goal, and with a couple of minutes left we snatched a thoroughly deserved equaliser when Smith netted his hat trick with a great finish.
Sat. 18th Sep. 2004	v	Oldham Hulme 'B' (h) 6 - 1 (ht.4-0) Cup Rd.1	scorers : G.Smith 4, S.Roberts, Seddon
		A fantastic first half performance, with us playing fast incisive passing football, we attacked from the start and were unlucky not to go ahead in the first minute when Dave Roberts had a shot well blocked by their keeper, we took the lead shortly after when again the keeper made two fine blocks before Graeme Smith headed in the rebound. We defended solidly as a team and restricted the visitors to long range efforts only. The second goal came around the half hour mark when Steve Roberts broke away from inside our half to score a stunning solo goal. The third and fourth goals soon followed as Graeme Smith completed a first half hat trick. In the second half we took our foot off the pedal, allowing Oldham to score a consolation goal, this seemed to galvanise us as we started to dominate again but chances went begging as again their keeper made vital saves, but our advantage was further increased in quick succession as Smith netted his fourth and Seddon completed the rout when he notched the sixth. An excellent team performance and we could have added to the goals tally as many a chance went begging.
Sat. 11th Sep. 2004	v	Radcliffe Town 'A' (a) 1 - 6 (ht.0-3)	scorers : Keen
		An under strength 4th team were soundly beaten by a strong and physical Radcliffe side. All 3 goals conceeded in the first half were down to individual errors, and as a team rarely threatened as an attacking force. At half time we regrouped and made a number of tactical changes and this seemed to work as for the first 20 minutes of the second half we were the better side and came close to scoring on a number of occasions, we finally pulled a goal back with about 25 minutes to go to make it 1-3 and for the next 10 minutes continued to be the better side, but then we were hit by a sucker punch as Radcliffe broke away to score and kill off the game, Radcliffe's confidence returned and they started to dominate the game again and limit us to only sporadic attacks and long range efforts, they went on to score two more soft goals in the last 15 minutes.
Sat. 4th Sep. 2004	v	Lymm 'B' (a) 0 - 3 (ht.0-2)	scorers : -
		We battled hard for no reward and didn't take our chances when we created them, a dissappointing start.

Date	Vets Team 2004/2005		Venue	Result	Scorers
	Opponents			F - A

2004-05	-	Round 1	-	-