After Sundays disappointing result we were all looking forward to a performance we know the boys are capable of. Matthew was back in goal, Adam back in defence and Kurt replaced Matty H in the starting line up. 

The game started well enough with Euxton having a lot of the ball and passing it about to one another. Sammo took a volley straight in the face which would have knocked out any normal person, fortunately Sammo is not normal and to his credit was straight back up again scything down the opposition. There were a couple of early scares when a long ball down the middle from Ladybridge was put just wide of the post by their striker and then Matthew was called on to make a good save. The rest of the first quarter Villa had practically all the ball. There were good runs from Nathan and Mikey down the left and Liam was pressing hard down the right forcing a corner but despite all the possession, just like against Aspull, we never came close to scoring. Then on 13 mins a run and shot down the right and we were 1-0 down. For the next few minutes Ladybridge barely touched the ball but when they did they were straight at us hitting the post and then scoring when the goal kick was not cleared. 2-0 down.

Euxton kept going and James put a shot just wide of the post but it seemed that whenever we lost the ball we were always under pressure and sure enough with 20 minutes gone we were 3-0 down. We were still looking for that goal with Jack making a good run and earning a free kick 20 yards out which Barney struck just wide of the post. Jack was unlucky not to score from a corner and then Barney had another free kick saved by the keeper. A Ladybridge long ball down the middle and we were 4-0 down.

Deep into first half added time their keeper picked up a pass back and we were awarded a free kick inside the penalty area. Now does anyone know what type of free kick this is? That’s right Alan an indirect free kick. And what do we call a direct free kick inside the box? Well done Graham – a penalty. So what is it when the ref holds his arm up for an indirect free kick tells Barney he can have a direct shot which Barney then scores and the ref gives the goal which Ladybridge dispute Jack gets elbowed in the face and the ref changes his mind and orders a retake which we don’t score? Answer - chaos on the touchline.

Half time 4-0 down. All that possession how can it be?

The second half gave the boys a chance to show what they were made of. Unfortunately it was not metal. There were some good saves by Matthew and a couple of efforts on goal by Jake and James but on the whole it was a lacklustre performance.

Final score 7-0.

Man of the Match: Matthew Boyle

You boys have come a long way in such a short space of time having played only a handful of games together. Lets not forget this is a new team, it’s a totally different game to 7 aside and you are on your way up the learning curve. It has to be said though that the likes of Aspull and Ladybridge are no better than Euxton. In fact you have the skill and ability to beat both teams.  The problem is you were well beaten by effort and determination in both games and that is something that can’t be taught. Its up to you guys to get stuck in and show everyone what you can do. We have one more game in the group stage so lets finish on a high and give the supporters something to cheer about.