Birkdale United AFC

Only the second game of the year, and arguably their toughest task in their entire history faced Birkdale United in the last 16 of the Liverpool County FA Cup. They had been drawn against a Liverpool Feds team who boasted players with Premier League experience, and who were in the top four of the Northern Combination – the third tier of English Women’s Football. Noel had a squad of 15 to call upon, with no Tuakli this week but White was back after a long lay-off. Noel and Dave chose to make two changes, with Ferguson coming in for Griffiths, and Reppion – against her former club – replacing the absent Tuakli.

Noel and Dave had told the home side to stay disciplined and concentrated throughout the match, and it was evident that this was going to have to be their paramount priority if they were to gain anything from the match. Feds quickly displayed themselves to be a well-drilled, skilled and fit side, comfortable in possessions and accurate with the ball. The first ten minutes saw the home side pretty much pinned in their own half. However, chances on goal were at a premium as the home side pressed and harried from the front and did not give their guests any time on the ball.

The home side grew in confidence and started to make more frequent forays into the Feds half, again without really threatening to score. Just when the home side looked to have weathered the early storm, Feds took the lead with what was, in contrast to their excellent build up play, quite a soft goal to concede. A long ball over the top caught the Birkdale defence a little high, and although Hesketh was able to pull off a smart stop to keep out the first effort, she was able to do nothing about the follow-up which gave the visitors a lead which was deserved on the whole balance of play.

The visitors gained confidence from this, and attempted to press home their advantage, but they found the home side in particularly resolute mood. Every time it looked as though they had managed to find a yard of space, a Birkdale player would close down and snuff it out, or manage to get a touch away from them. Reppion and Jackson were trying their best to shield the centre of defence, and managed to get some crucial tackles and blocks in. At times it was a little bit of desperation stakes but at the same time Cooper and Gillingham were offering an outlet and Granby and Ferguson looked dangerous every time they came forward. At half-time, the deficit was but a simple goal.

The second half started in very much the same way, with Feds pressing and Birkdale defending in organised and resolute fashion. The visitors thought they had doubled their advantage at one point, only for Jackson to intervene in the most timely of fashions to intercept an accurate cross from the Feds left. The back four of Davidson, Lloyd, McEvoy and Coulter were displaying the same kind of resilience they had shown in the win against Dingle the week before, but multiplied by about five! The first Birkdale change was made, with Griffiths replacing Reppion. Noel had said at half-time that the home side would get at least one chance though, and so it proved when a fantastic through ball put Cooper one-on-one with the Feds keeper, who pulled off a good save, but unfortunately the Birkdale top scorer put the rebound wide.

Shortly afterwards, it seemed as though the door had been closed on the Birkdale chances of an upset as Feds doubled their lead in slightly fortuitous circumstances. They hit in a great cross from their right which was headed back from an acute angle towards goal. With Lloyd waiting on the line to clear it if it cleared Hesketh, the ball hit the underside of the bar, dropped straight down and hit a Feds player on head and hand at the same time, landing in the goal. It was a bit harsh on the home side but the contact with the hand was totally accidental.

Birkdale brought one White for Ferguson in an attempt to shore things up, although Feds understandably grew in confidence after this and had what they felt was a good claim for a penalty when Davidson’s clearance hit Griffiths’ arm at point-blank range, but the referee declined their requests. This was crucial because only a matter of minutes later, the deficit was halved. Granby, Jackson and White combined well in midfield to release Gillingham further forward. It looked as though she had lost the ball but her tenacity saw her win it back and play it to Griffiths. The substitute showed great composure to put an excellent pass back into the path of Gillingham who hit a fantastic swerving shot past the keeper from the edge of the area and into the corner of the net, and suddenly it was game on again.

For the first time in the match, the visitors looked a little less than sure of themselves and the home side regained confidence. Birkdale were suddenly first to all the fifty-fifty balls and it was this which lead to them levelling the scored with another superb goal. Jackson and Granby worked well together to bring the ball forward before the latter put the ball into Cooper’s feet. From nowhere, the Birkdale striker found a burst of pace to take her past the Feds defenders and from about ten yards she hit a left-footed thunderbolt which was past the ‘keeper before she had even seen it, to spark huge celebrations on the home touchline.

Feds were stung into action by this and it took a huge concerted effort to keep them out for the last ten minutes, but manage it the Blues did. They were indebted to some unbelievable saves from Hesketh in the Birkdale goal, and some blocks which were pretty much equal to players putting their bodies on the line for the team, but they all kept going and the final whistle sounded to signal 30 minutes of extra time.

In truth, the home side were beginning to tire by this point. Many of this team had not been used to playing 90 minutes a match until this season, and the prospect of an extra 30 was draining. However, the ladies kept plugging away and working hard, and caused some problems for their more illustrious counterparts. However, they went behind for the second time in the match just before the turn-around, when a good cross from the right found a Feds forward who finished adroitly on the volley to make the score 3-2. This was still the score when the teams turned around for the second period of extra time, although the third and final substitution had been made when Dixon replaced the unwell Davidson in defence. She made a good start by making an excellent clearance when under pressure only seconds after going on. This unfortunately meant that Waring could not take part in the game but she had more than made an impression and a positive contribution with the constant encouragement which she had given her teammates throughout the match.

By this point the home side were at desperation stakes and were beginning to take a few risks, and although they had a few half-chances, Feds were able to hit them on the break very effectively to add two further goals. The first saw a ball in from the left get stuck under a forward’s feet, with McEvoy and Lloyd unable to clear. She turned and hit a low shot past the unsighted Hesketh to seal the result. Then, in the final couple of minutes a long cross from the right to the far post was well headed in to give the scoreline a slightly more emphatic feel than was just. Shortly after, the final whistle went to underline Liverpool Feds passage to the last eight of the County Cup.

Noel and Dave both had no complaints with the final result, even if they did feel the scoreline was a little harsh on their team in the end. However, both of them were absolutely delighted with the attitude, effort and performance from the Birkdale team in this match. Without  a shadow of doubt, this was their best ever performance and they should take huge confidence from the performance and the result after ninety minutes. Both of them declared themselves incredibly proud of the ladies, and that they should always bear this performance in mind when facing other difficult opposition, as this is what they are capable of when everyone is pulling in the same direction. Well done to all of you ladies, and thank you!

The Player of the Match award couldn’t be given, as everyone deserved it!

Team: Hesketh, Davidson (Dixon 97), Coulter (c), Lloyd, Cooper, Jackson, Granby, Gillingham, McEvoy, Ferguson (White 68), Reppion (Griffiths 60). Sub not used (and Supercoach!): Waring.

After three home games ,we were back on the road. An away game at Burscough awaited us for the second time in a week. Another cold but dry day with the pitch soft but playable. Birkdale had a near full strengh squad with only Hubbard with a slight thigh strain.

Once the game kicked off it was clear to see that it was going to be a hard fought game. The first half had few chances from either team with Elliot and Edmondson having half chances. The second half began with Birkdale fast out the blocks, and the passing game was greatly improved in this half. Gray-Smith who normaly plays in defence was moved to left midfield for her first time to replace the injurd Hubbard and Armstong played on the right.

Keeping the positions well, Birkdale took a foothold in the game. A long range effort by Elliot produced a good parry by the goalkeeper, only resulting in giving the ball to Grey-Smith to roll the ball home into an empty net. There were other chances by Edmondson and Elliot which came close, but Burscough had a great chance with a one on one with Harrison in goal but she producing a fine save

Well done girls, a result that takes us up to second. A difficult choice for player of the match, with the award being split between Grey-Smith and Cunliffe.

Birkdale S visited Town Green Lions on a great day for football. Both teams got stuck in from the start but it was Birkdale who struck first with Welford scoring his 20th of the season. Town Green managed to get a goal back when Birkdale stopped playing due to a misunderstanding from a Town Green free kick in their own half. Birkdale fought back and got a free kick on the edge of the box which Casterton floated into the top corner making it 2-1 to Birkdale.

Town Green again though managed to pull another goal back from a corner, but not long after it was Birkdale`s turn and Welford floated a inch perfect corner for Casterton to nod home to give Birkdale a 3-2 lead. It was looking like a Birkdale win with only three minutes to go but the game seemed to go on for a lot longer and Town Green got the equaliser to make it 3-3, and that was the end of the game. It was a good game of football by both teams – well done.

The long wait for a league fixture was finally over as Birkdale Ladies played their first competitive game since November 22nd. They faced a Dingle side who had given them a tough game at the start of the season in a fixture which saw a 3-3 draw, so the home side knew they were going to be in for a tough game. From the last time out against Mossley Hill, McKenna missed out with an ear infection while Lloyd, Tuakli, Waring and Gillingham returned to the squad.

The visitors started the first half strongly and didnt give Birkdale any time on the ball. They forced a couple of corners which were well defended, but the home team found it difficult to string any passes together. Therefore it was a surprise when from their first attack. the home team took the lead. Granby did very well to win the ball down the left and play it to Cooper. She looked up and whipped a ball across goal which the keeper could not deal with and Gillingham was waiting at the far post to poke it in.

This settled the home side a little and they began to have a more even share of the game. They were unlucky not to double their lead when a fantastic pass from Davidson put Cooper in, but her shot hit the post and bounced out. She retrieved the ball and crossed it to Tuakli who headed wide when it seemed easier to score. This let-off galvanised the visitors and they drew level with a well-rehearsed corner routine but poor defending from Birkdale, as players were allowed to run unchallenged and head the ball home , giving Hesketh no chance.

Both teams had chances to take the lead before half-time, with Dingle narrowly missing from a deep free-kick, while Waring seemed to be impeded in the box when put through after good work from Reppion and Gillingham. Cooper was also very unlucky when she hit the crossbar from distance with the keeper beaten. However, at half-time the teams were level.

At half-time, Noel and Dave spoke to the girls about making sure they won the first and second ball. Up until then the visitors had been that bit more determined than their hosts and they needed to gain a foothold in midfield in the second half.

In fairness, the second half started much better for Birkdale, with Dixon and Jackson controlling the central area, and Gillingham and Ferguson causing problems with their pace down the flanks. Good work from Gillingham and Reppion seemed to have released Waring clear on goal, but she was narrowly judged offside with the goal gaping. Dixon was also causing problems with her long throws. At the back, the unit of Davidson, Lloyd, McEvoy and Coulter were having a collectively excellent game, ensuring that Hesketh had very little to do, although the keeper was alert off her line on a number of occasions.

It seemed as though nothing was going right in the opponents’ penalty area for the home side with Tuakli being denied by a good save from the ‘keeper and Cooper hitting the post again with a low, powerful shot. However, with a quarter of an hour remaining, Birkdale retook the lead. Granby took a throw which Griffiths flicked on to Cooper. She then hooked the ball over her shoulder into the six-yard box. Gillingham rose highest to beat the keeper to the ball, and it fell kindly for Tuakli to volley calmly into the unguarded net.

The home side stepped up a gear from this point and began to exert more pressure on their guests, but the back four had to remain alert and did so to great effect. Cooper was very unlucky to score on two occasions, once after excellent work from Coulter and Griffiths, and again after a neat passing move involving Gillingham and Jackson which led to a snap-shot which the keeper did well to save. The relief was short-lived though, as Cooper’s corner was delivered with pin-point accuracy to allow Granby to power a diving header into the back of the net for a goal which her performance had certainly merited. There was not much time after this for the visitors to stage a comeback, and the final whistle sounded to signal a valuable victory for Birkdale.

This had been a searching test of the home side’s credentials against a strong, determined opponent and although the first half display was not particularly good and showcased a considerable amount of rustiness, the second half was much more impressive with every team member making a valuable contribution. Of particular note was the solidity of the defence as a unit, which formed the foundation for the victory. They should take heart from the fact that they weren’t at their very best but managed to do just enough to merit a victory against one of the best sides in the league. Well done, and keep it up!

The Player of the Match, awarded by Dingle, went to A. Gillingham.
The Manager’s Player of the Match was shared between L. Granby and A. McEvoy.

The team was Hesketh, Davidson, Coulter (c), Lloyd, Tuakli, Cooper, Griffiths, Jackson, Granby, Gillingham, McEvoy, Reppion, Waring, Dixon and Ferguson.

After a long lay off due to the bad weather and Christmas the girls were raring to go . A wet start to the day meant the pitch was perfect for football. The game started at a fast pace with both sides keen on winning the ball .Chances were few and far between with both sides cancelling each other out, with Birkdale maybe edging it.

The second half began as the first half did with Birkdale keen on winning the ball and starting to dominate the play The home side had many shots on goal, the best were from Elliot , Edmondson and Molyneux . The pressure continued and resulted in a corner which lead to a goal mouth scramble which Edmondson converted from close range to put the home side a goal to the good.

The pressure did not ease up from the home side and as a result of this a fantastic solo run from her own half saw Core score in the bottom left hand corner. The Crosby girls were understandably deflated by this, but tried their best to get back into the game. Unfortunately for them, the Diamonds were in particularly resolute mood today. It was a great result for the girls after all that time off, well done to both teams for a great game of football.

Player of the match : All the girls !

This game saw the meeting of the top two teams in the league, although it is fair to say that the game could have come at a better time for the visitors. They had been decimated by work commitments, injury and illness which left them with only 12 players, two of whom were making their debuts – namely McKenna and Reppion. A top of the table clash is never ideal for making a debut, although Noel and Dave had confidence in both players’ ability to perform. They were, however without Lloyd, Tuakli, Birnie, Waring, Corrigan, Gillingham, White and Griner, which meant that a number of people had to play in unfamiliar positions at times.

Both sides spent considerable time getting used to the playing surface, which with hindsight was probably not fit to be played on, certainly by the end of the game. A number of players lost their footing when going into challenges and this could have resulted in serious injury in a number of cases. Hesketh was particularly lucky to escape this as an onrushing striker lost her footing as she ran towards her, and she ended up with studmarks in her neck. Thankfully, she was alright to continue.

The game was reasonably even to begin with but the home side adjusted to the conditions (and the slope!) more quickly and they took advantage by scoring twice within a couple of minutes towards the end of the half. They were similar goals, right through the centre, and it was clear that the visitors had switched off after having  conceded the first.The visitors had found it tough going and had rarely threatened, although Cooper and Granby had a couple of decent efforts on target. However, they were also indebted to some great goalkeeping from Hesketh and some superb tackles from McEvoy and McKenna to keep the home side from adding to their lead, particularly with some debatable offside calls.

The second half could not have started worse, as Mossley increased their lead despite what appeared to be a clear offside in the build-up to the goal. The ladies let their heads go down a little and a good side like Mossley Hill will always take advantage, scoring two well-taken goals, although Noel was unhappy with the last as he felt that McEvoy was fouled immediately beforehand. It was becoming a little frustrating for the ladies with the conditions making things difficult, and also a number of key decisions not going their way.

However, great credit to all the players in that they became more resolute and grew stronger as the game went on, and got on the scoresheet twice to reflect their effort. Firstly, after Griffiths had been fouled on the edge of the area following an excellent run, Cooper hit an unstoppable free-kick which the keeper could only help into the goal. Then, Jackson picked up a pass from Griffiths, beat two players and curled in an excellent shot from the edge of the area with her left foot. It was a slight surprise to hear the final whistle sound immediately after the restart.

It has been a little frustrating that in the two games against Mossley Hill, Birkdale have not been able to field a full-strength squad, and unfortunately it told today. The conditions were very tiring and despite the girls best efforts, they were certainly beaten by the better side today. Noel and Dave were frustrated with the officiating which they felt had not seen them get the rub of the green, and the state of the pitch was not conducive to good football from either team. At times, however, the visitors had been too slow to close down attacking players, notably in the crucial area in front of their own defence.

There had been some positives to take from the game. The character of the players in responding to the setbacks they received was superb, while both debutants gave pleasing performances in trying circumstances and should take confidence from the speed at which they have fitted in. The workrate of every player was without question and it is not easy to play when you can’t actually see either of the far corners of the pitch because they are on a slope down a hill! Every player needs to think about what they did well, and what they need to improve on. So long as they act on the things they think they need to improve, then today’s game will have been a worthwhile experience. Well done, and thank you.

The Player of the Match, selected by Mossley Hill, went to M. Coulter.
The Managers’ Player of the Match went to S. Hesketh.

The team was Hesketh, Davidson, Coulter (c), Cooper, Dixon, Griffiths, Jackson, Granby, McEvoy, McKenna, Reppion and Ferguson.

Ainsdale were the visitors this Sunday. The game kicked off at good speed with both teams working hard. Ainsdale looked like they had come to keep Birkdale from scoring with numbers in defence and it took a penalty to make the breakthrough with Casterton slotting the ball home. Birkdale grew in confidence and Casterton made it 2-0 with a great goal from some good passing, and that was the score at half time.

Birkdale fell asleep at the start of the second half and Ainsdale got a goal back making it 2-1 and game on. With 10 minutes left Welford was put back on after his injury in the first half. He had a number of chances but the Ainsdale keeper was in fine form until he received the ball on the turn and hit it into the bottom corner for number 14 of the season making it  3-1 to Birkdale which was the final score. Well done everyone for a great game of football

The start of the game  had Burscough nearly grabbing an early goal but Birkdale quickly got into their game and kept getting the ball up into the Burscough box.  A few tussles in the box but no-one could get their foot behind it to get it into the back of the Burscough net.   After a great run by Birkdale it looked like we were going to score but the ball just went past the post.  Burscough then had a couple of good chances but our goalkeeper made a couple of brilliant saves and kept the score  0-0 at half time.

Going into the second half, the teams were quite equal so the match could either way.  The girls continued to battle hard and Birkdale had more chances than Burscough but it was a lucky goal that finally took Birkdale into the lead.  The Birkdale girls continued to put pressure on Burscough, though Burscough had a good shot in the last few minutes that had us holding our breaths.

Final score 1-0 to Birkdale.  It was a good game by both teams, well done girls.

Player of the match:  C. Carney – played a great game!

This wasour first home league game v Athletico but the second game running after last week’s Cup win against the same team. We knew it was going to be a very hard game but from the start Birkdale pushed forward testing Athletico`s defence on a number of occasions. Birkdale were keeping their shape a lot better this week and it paid off when Elliott again as last week took a few players on and stabbed the ball into the bottom corner to make it 1-0 .Birkdale dominated the half and kept Athletico to one very well-hit long range shot but Harrison in goal made a very good save.

The second half was as the first with Birkdale dominating the game but the Athletico keeper and defence worked very hard and kept Birkdale at bay until some great work from Hubbard winning the ball and then some great team passing, which at the end found Core at the far post to finish the move making it 2-0 Birkdale. Athletico came back late on winning a penalty from a corner but it was hit wide. The final score could have been more but credit has to be given to Athleticos defence and keeper who played very well. Well done to the Diamonds today and it was good to see every player having a good run out - well done girls!

Birkdale United looked to continue their recent good form with a tough home game against Liverpool Feds, a long established team with a fine tradition in the women’s game. The home side were hit with two substantial blows before kick-off. Both Lloyd (family commitments) and Griner (injury) were ruled out, while Waring was away on holiday. Changes to the starting team from the previous game saw McEvoy line up alongside Birnie in the centre of defence, and Ferguson started on the left hand side of midfield.

The home side started well and began to put the dangerous visiters under pressure. Their early pressure was rewarded as they took the lead within the first five minutes. Cooper worked hard to win Birkdale a corner down their left. White went over to take hit and played a dangerous ball towards the near post. The Feds defender had no choice but to go for the ball but only succeeded in helping it on its way into the roof of the net, giving the keeper no chance.

Birkdale were buoyed by this and put the visitors under more pressure but were finding them a particularly tough and organised nut to crack. Set pieces were very dangerous, and Jackson was very unlucky with a controlled volley from a corner which flashed just past the angle of post and bar. Cooper then brought the very best out of the Feds keeper as she hit a dipping, swerving shot from fully 25 yards which looked destined for the top corner, only for the keeper to pull off a stunning save away to her right.

It was a crucial stop as Feds drew level soon after. They won a corner on their left, and as the ball was whipped in, a Feds player stole a run and rose high to nod the ball into the net giving Hesketh no chance. A few of the Birkdale defenders felt they had been pushed or impeded, but in truth it was impossible for the referee to ascertain this with the penalty area so packed. It was not long after this that the half-time whistle sounded to show a promising performance if a slightly frustrating scoreline for the home side.

Noel and Dave spoke to the players at half time and stressed that the performance had been good, and that if they continued in a similar fashion they would reap the rewards of their play. They needed to work hard and play the ball as simply as they could.

Feds started the second half strongly, and Jackson and Dixon in midfield were working hard to stem the flow, while the passing forward had become a little aimless. The home side had a lucky escape when Feds hit the crossbar with a shot from a corner, the rebound from which fell to a home player. Indeed, it was from a succession of pressure and corners for the visitors that Birkdale retook the lead. Davidson cleared the ball out of the area and Jackson battled hard to win the ball before playing it forward to Cooper. The Birkdale striker showed strength and speed to manouver her man-marker into allowing a shooting opportunity. She fired low across goal forcing a fine save from the keeper, but the rebound was into the path of the supporting Corrigan, who showed great composure in curling the ball into the net for her first goal for the club.

Feds were understandably deflated by this having started the second half so well, and sought to regain the initiative but were hit by a further sucker-punch. A ball forward from Feds was intercepted by McEvoy, who chipped an accurate ball over the top of the defence into the path of Cooper. She got to the ball before the keeper and managed to head it away from her but also away from goal. The ball came to Gillingham with her back to goal, and she took one look towards goal with the keeper stranded but two players on the line, and in one motion turned and chipped the ball from 20 yards over all three and into the back of the net for a fine, deserved goal.

Establishing a two-goal lead gave the home side confidence and they were unlucky not to increase their lead with opportunities for Granby, Griffiths, Cooper and Gillingham, however they had to be mindful of the constant threat from the visitors, with Hesketh and her defence having to be constantly on their guard. The next goal would prove crucial, and it came to the home side. Dixon won the ball in midfield and worked it to White, who chipped an accurate ball forward into the path of Cooper. It bounced up and towards the keeper but Cooper was not to be denied and, despite being unintentionally felled by the onrushing keeper, managed to get to the ball first and head it into the net for a goal which her all-round performance had certainly merited.

If anything, the home side were guilty of relaxing a little and this gave Feds the initiative which they were only too happy to take. With five minutes on the clock they cut the deficit with a fine goal. Birkdale cleared a corner but only to the edge of the area, and it was played across for a player to hit a fine strike with the outside of her right foot, curling into the top corner giving Hesketh no chance – although she should certainly have been closed down quicker. This gave the Feds renewed hope, but in the end the clock was against them and Birkdale ran out 4-2 winners.

This was an extremely entertaining and competitive game between two good sides played in a good spirit, and was a good advertisement for the league. Noel and Dave were delighted with the performance of their side. They had not quite played to their full potential but they had certainly raised their level from the previous few games and were returning to the standards set against Dingle and Tranmere. They were particularly pleased with the way in which many of the players had worked so well together, and also the team spirit which had helped carry them through. They are exceeding all expectations and are a credit to themselves and the club. Hopefully their great start to the season will continue in the County Cup match against TMS next weekend.

The Player of the Match, awarded by Liverpool Feds, went to A. Cooper.
The Managers’ Player of the Match was awarded to A. Gillingham.

The team was Hesketh, Davidson, Coulter (c), Birnie, Cooper, Griffiths, Jackson, Gillingham, White, McEvoy, Ferguson, Dixon, Corrigan and Granby.

Back to winning ways for Birkdale S with a 3-1 win v Ormskirk.  Birkdale’s first came from Casterton with a great long range effort. Their second came from hard work on the right from Oyebola who crossed the ball and Welford was there to finish making it 2-0.Ormskirk took advantage of a one off bad mistake by Birkdale to make it 2-1. With 5 minutes to go Birkdale got a free kick outside the box. Casterton hit the ball towards goal, Welford was distracting the keeper and managed to put him off. So the ball hit the back of the goal making it 3-1 to Birkdale. Well done to all.