On Wednesday 11th September, the 5-a-side league begun again, with 13 teams entering the league this season. The season started with two very close and entertaining games at 8pm, with Ingleton facing Sam Dennis, whilst Crown Lane faced Lune Valley.
In Sam Dennis’ first game in the league, they had a very exciting, back and forth game with Ingleton. Sam Dennis opened the scoring for his team, getting them off to the dream start, before they were pegged back by Dec Murrary, making it 1-1. The game continued in a back and forth fashion, one side scoring followed by the other, throughout the game. Sam Dennis restored their advantage before they were pegged back again, this time by Josh Captstick. Sam Dennis’ side soon restored their lead, but two quick goals before halftime by Josh Capstick again ensure that Ingleton went into half time on top.
Much like Sam Dennis’ side, Ingleton’s lead didn’t last long and Sam Dennis once again brought his team level. The goal of the game was scored soon after that, with Josh Capstick getting his fourth of the night – with this one arguably the best of the lot. He dribbled through the Sam Dennis’ side and slotted it home to restore Ingleton’s advantage. But Sam Dennis’ side don’t know when they are beaten and they continued to press, looking for an equalizer which they soon got. Sam Dennis got his fourth of the night, slotting home to bring them level. However Sam Dennis’ heroics for his side weren’t enough as Ingleton got another two goals, with Josh Capstick getting his fifth of the evening to round off a great evening for them. However, Sam Dennis’ side can take much encouragement from the result and will be a tricky side to face this season.
In the second game of the evening, Crown Lane faced Lune Valley, who were boasting several new faces, making the team much stronger. It was not going to be an easy game for Crown Lane! Lune Valley started much the better side as well, Jonny Sudell, James Sutton and Nathan Park linking up well, whilst Dan Sudell made some excellent saves in net. Lune Valley struck first as well, James Sutton smashing the ball home past Crown Lane keeper Luke Parkinson. However, as always, Crown Lane continued to fight and battle hard, looking to draw level. It was only through a penalty did Crown Lane come back into the game, fired home by Dan Giannoccaro. Half time came and the sides were level with little between them.
Moving into the second half and Lune Valley continued to be much the better side, however, Crown Lane battled hard and were soon rewarded as Sam Hogarth fired home for them to give them the lead. Despite Lune Valley being the better side and on top for much of the game, Crown Lane soon added a third to be 3-1 up. Lune Valley played some nice football but couldn’t find a way through the Crown Lane defence and they saw it out to win 3-1.
At 9pm, James Rosendale shared with those there, speaking about his broken leg and how God had been throughout the whole experience, and three of the things he learnt from that time, being: God is a prayer answering God, God is real and our plans don’t count, but God’s do and sharing the verse Philippians 4:7 – ‘the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding…’ and how relevant that was during that time.
In the 9pm games, defending champions Roeburndale Rascals took on Chipping, whilst Wray faced new team Halton Rangers. In their game, Halton Rangers played nice football and soon went into a 2-0 lead against Wray at half time. However, with Wray, you cannot ever count them out and they are a really tough side to beat. They never know when they are beaten, and that was seen in the second half of the game as they scored 6 times to race into a 6-2 lead, before Halton got a third goal back to make it 6-3. All in all it was a really good game between two good sides who will be up there at the end of this season.
In the second of the 9pm games, Roeburndale Rascals faced Chipping. Chipping raced into a 3-1 lead after Will Huddleston had given Rascals the lead. A brace from Joe Kelsall and one from Oscar Foot gave Chipping a commanding lead, against a Rascals side that wasn’t quite firing. However, as always possible, Will Preece came up with a bit of magic with two scorchers that flew past keeper James Smith to bring the scores level. Throughout the game, however, James Smith pulled of some fantastic saves – that defied logic at times!! Steven Whitaker found the goal to take Chipping up 4-3 shortly before half time, before Will Huddleston scored again to bring Rascals level. It was a great back and forth game, with both sides battling hard to try and take an advantage into half time. It was John Townley from Chipping who did just that to give Chipping a 5-4 lead.
This however, got Rascals going in the second half and they scored 3 goals unaposed through Will Preece, Jake Shorrocks and Will Huddleston scoring to take them 7-5 up to victory. Great individual performances from Will Preece and Will Huddleston leading the charge to victory, both scoring hattricks. Four fantastic games at the start of this new season – lets hope they continue this Wednesday evening with the next four fixtures to take place!
