Match Reports - Season 2006/2007

	DIVISION ONE	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
1	Old Blackburnians	24	21	1	2	93	27	66	64
2	Horwich RMI	24	18	3	3	67	22	45	57
3	Tyldesley United	24	15	5	4	65	36	29	50
4	Thornleigh	24	12	3	9	59	50	9	39
5	Bolton Wyresdale	24	11	3	10	55	53	2	36
6	Spotland Methodists	24	9	5	10	67	66	1	32
7	Hesketh Casuals	24	10	2	12	46	61	-15	32
8	Tonge United	24	9	2	13	58	71	-13	29
9	Little Lever SC Res	24	8	2	14	55	57	-2	26
10	Chaddertonians Res	24	8	2	14	41	61	-20	26
11	Bolton Ambassadors	24	6	4	14	41	67	-26	22
12	Broughton Amateurs	24	5	3	16	51	80	-29	18
13	Oldham Hulmeians	24	5	3	16	45	92	-47	18
Little Lever withdrew from League Mid Season

Sat. 19th Aug 2006	V	Hesketh Casuals (h) 2 - 3 (ht.2-1) scorers : A.Chatell, S.Glennister
		After an undefeated pre-season and with a totally new squad we arrived to the first league game of the season full of confidence. After being let down by our stand in keeper, James Graham stepped in (our trusted centre half) to hold the fought. After an average opening 10 minutes we settled down and started passing the ball well using the width of the pitch to our advantage. A.Chatell could have put us 1 nil to the good after 15 mins but made amends soon after, collecting a through ball from M Jones and rounding the keeper to tap home. We should have been further in front before Hesketh equalised when their attackers shot was well saved by James in goals only to see his parry rebound back of the attacker and into the net (some calls for offside but worst was yet to come). After re-grouping in the middle of the park we pressed forward and won a succession of corners, from our third in a row a moment of magic happened, Stegsy scored a cracker, his darting run from outside the box was well timed to smash home a low cross from the corner kick. Half time came and went with words of encouragement from manager and captain to continue what we started and to finish the game off. But that never happened, we never had control of the ball anywhere on the pitch, substitutions were made hoping for a change in fortune but still the ball was being kicked up to the forwards who at this time were also struggling. Hesketh equalised after an error at the back but their winner was scored from an off-side position and the linesman flag was overruled. The game ended shortly after with the whole team disappointed. The encouraging prospects were the teams 1st half performance which you couldn’t fault plus its early days in the season so we can still work in training on what went wrong - ME.
Sat. 26th Aug 2006	V	Tyldesley United (a) 3 - 6 (ht.2-3) scorers : R.Taylor 2, B.Stuart
		With a very weakened side we approached the game hoping our luck would change, started off brightly with chances for both teams. Tyldesley got the upper hand first but with goals from Ricky Taylor we went in at half time still in the game. Second half came and went in the same manner with Ben Stuart adding to our goals. In summary, we played well for half the game, created lots of chances but defensive frailties at the back cost us three points - ME.
Sat. 2nd Sept 2006	V	Oldham Hulmeians (h) 2 - 2 (ht.1-1) scorers : J.Graham, M.Jones
		In a must win game and with a stronger team out, especially at the back with James Graham playing, I was hoping three points would come. 2 goals were scored by James Graham and Mick, the motley, Jones, but unfortunately goal keeping errors upon which Oldham pounced meant the game ended 2 - 2, Simon in nets was unfortunate, again we should have won against our bogey team. - ME
Sat. 9th Sept 2006	V	O.Blackburnians (h) 3 - 7 (ht.2-4) scorers : A.Chattell 2, M.Jones
		We were facing top of the league with only 11 players and no subs against a team we've not lost against in three years, but that was to change. Old Blacks scored at will, at the beginning and at the end, scoring 7 in total, at one point we were 4 - 0 down, but great goals for Chattell 2, and Mick Jones 1 reduced it to 4 - 3, but the lack of subs meant Old Blacks were physically fitter and stronger and we were let down. Yet again the lack of quality defending, which starts from the front but ultimately the defence should cope better than they are doing. As for the next game, I hope i'm not let down by players and we start on our winning ways. I must remind all players that read this, we have scored at least 2 goals per game, sometimes 3 away from home which should get us 3 points on the board, we will work at training and hopefully sign some new players, things can only get better! - ME
Sat. 16th Sept 2006 LAL Cup Rd 1	V	Little Lever (a) 1 - 5 (ht.0-2) scorer : Sedu
		Started the game yet again with seven changes and two new signings on an even pitch with very long grass. Broughton started brightly with the welcome return of Graham Mason at sweeper dictating the game from the back which enabled Broughton to play a lot of good football. Chances, very good chances! Came and went by the dozen, but we could not score and Little Lever inevitably scored a couple of goals and got the upper hand. At half time M.E'S team talk was short and sweet, more of the same lads and the goals will come. Second half started where it left off in the first half with Broughton creating umpteen chances but could not score, meanwhile, Little Lever kept on scoring through mistakes and errors by Broughton. It didn't help when Graham Mason had to go off which upset the balance, this meant Little Lever in the last 10 mins made the score 5 - 1 to them. It's not very often i'll say this, but we did not deserve to lose and could have quite easily have won by 5 clear goals ourselves. This is a competition we played in last year and got to the semi-final but at the moment hands are tied with a forward progression for the first team, unless we get a settled side from the players that are available reports like this will occur weekly. - M.E.
Sat. 23rd Sept 2006	V	Chadderton Res (a) 3 - 2 (ht.1-1) scorers : D.Bamber, J.Mottley, M.Elgee
		Another 6 changes for the game meant yet another unsettled team for Broughton and another new signing plus the fact we were playing against an unbeaten team. We started the game well again and dominated with some good football that allowed us to create lots of chances. It wasn't until substitute Dave Bamber came off the bench (for an injured Stegsy) that the game opened with it's first goal. Dave was originally on left midfield, but by a stroke of genius by the manager [ha-ha] was switched to right midfield. A cross came in from the left and Dave hit the ball on the volley, from 30 yards and it nestled into the top right hand corner of the goal, without a doubt will not be beaten as goal of the season - until later in the game! Before half-time, Chadderton equalised. HT team talk yet again was short and sweet, more of the same and a result should follow and it did. Second half started as the first half finished, an even game until Mick the Motley Jones scored a typical goal (for him) pace and accuracy after a well worked move made the opening. Then another forced substitution meant Mick Elgee went on, (although only 50% fit - as three players no showed today), but the goal of the season was to come as Mick picked the ball up beat a player and shot from fully 35 yards which the keeper could not handle due to the power and accuracy [ha-ha-ha]. Chadd's were now 3-1 down and threw the kitchen sink at us which ended in a free kick 20 yards out for them and credit to their striker scored a cracking goal, but it ended up 3-2 and a well deserved win for Broughton. Its great to get 3 points on the board in such a manner with every single player giving 100%. A new captain Pete Monks, and the new signing in centre mid and too many others to mention having hopefully matured from this game. - ME
Sat. 30th Sept. 2006 LFA Cup Rd 2	V	Springfields (WIGAN) (a) 3 - 0 (ht.0-0) scorers : P.Monks, A.Chatell 2
		Only a few changes from the week before, the first team seems to be getting settled. Playing in the Lancashire Cup against an unknown quantity although reports showed that they won their league last season meant we had to be focused and ready for the game. The pre-match warm up was non-existent as we got changed in the cellar of a pub and had to walk a good 15 minutes to the pitch and kicked off as soon as we got there. The game started at a hectic pace with Springfields creating lots of half chances but Broughtons defence (inc Simon in nets) was solid. It was an even first half which ended up 0-0. The game started in the second half as the first half, with Springfields creating a few half chances but within 20 minutes, Broughton started playing good two touch football and started to dominate. Captain Pete Monks, with 20 minutes to go, took the game by the scruff of the neck, beat two players and shot from fully 25 yards into the top left hand corner. Anthony Chatell scored another 2 good goals in the last 15 minutes. Man of the match; Pete Monks is still defying the harshest critics, the rest of the team man for man from Craig at right back and Motley/ Chatell up front are starting to gel, Simon in nets made yet again some quality saves, well done lads. - M.E
Sat. 7th Oct 2006	V	Thornleigh (h) 0 - 1 (ht.0-1) scorers : -
		Only two major changes from the week previous, but a slight alteration in positions for the team. Also players were asked where they preferred to play and were played in that position. On paper, this is the strongest team i've had out of all season, but it wasn't to be successful. First half was played in blustery conditions but on a big flat playing surface which meant no excuses for no football being played, but all advice pre-match, was not taken on board and can only be described as the worst first half of football we played since i've taken over as a manager nearly 2 and a half years ago, which resulted in Thornleigh, going in at the break 1 - 0 up, but could have been more. Half time, team talk was furious and straight to the point, play football. Second half came and went, just as the first half, three substitutions were made quite quickly with only 3 or 4 players holding their heads up high after the game, result 1- 0 to Thornleigh. Absolutely dismal display and could have lost by 3 or 4 goals, although the ref did not help matters, that is a poor excuse but had to be said. M.E
Sat. 14th Oct 2006	V	Chadderton Res (h) 2 - 3 (ht.1-1) scorers : M.Jones, A.Chatell
		As it my last game as first team manager the report will be short and straight to the point. It's a game we lost 3 - 2 against a team we have already beaten 3 - 2, although this is a game we should have won again. Danny Spensley, Rick Simpson, Pete Monks, Richard Merch, Anthony Chatell, Mick Jones all played well, but the reason came again as to why i have handed over the reigns to Wayne, players who are asked to do jobs decided to do the complete opposite as was asked of them, i feel it is the right time for Wayne to impose his authority hopefully this will improve the first team and the results will become more consistent, the building blocks are there - ME
Sat. 21st Oct 2006 LFA Cup Rd 3	V	Aldermere AFC (MANCHESTER) (a) 2 - 5 (ht.1-1) scorers : A.Chatell 2
		The game started with Broughton completely in control and going 1 - 0 up through a well worked A. Chatell goal, before the break the Manchester team equalised. Unfortunately, the first team had no subs (but the 2nd team had 3) so all players that turned up had to play the full 90 mins. The game ended in the 5 - 2 defeat with A.Chatell scoring both goals and the result probably not reflecting Broughtons ability. Hopefully, the new approach from Wayne and Paul and new ideas, will result in an upturn in fortune for the first team. M.E
Sat. 18th Nov 2006	V	Horwich RMI (h) 1 - 4 (ht.0-2) scorer : A.Chatell
		After four weeks without a match this was not the best time to be playing one of the high flyers in our league. We began brightly but an excellent worked goal by Horwich after 16 mins deflated us. Poor marking 9 mins later meant that we went further behind and struggled through the remainder of the first half. Changes were made at half time and after quickly conceding another goal the performance improved with Chattell scoring from a cross after 57 mins. Another piece of slack marking allowed Horwich to put the game beyond our reach in the 70th min. We need to build from the improved second half performance if we are to escape from the relegation zone.
Sat. 25th Nov 2006	V	Tonge Utd (a) 3 - 6 (ht.2-3) scorers : P.Harford 3
		A much improved performance although the final score does not reflect it. We began brightly and after 7 min Harford scored from a free kick. Tonge equalised after 15 min but 3 mins later Harford again scored from a free kick. For almost all of the rest of the first half we played well and should have gone further ahead in the 40 min when following a delightful move we missed an open goal. Then our luck changed and Tonge scored twice just before half time the second goal being a penalty from an accidental hand ball. Changes were made at half time and before we settled down Tonge had got a fourth goal. It was reassuring that the players responded well and took the game to Tonge and in what now had become an extremely open game Tonge scored twice on the break and Harford got his hat trick.
Sat. 2nd Dec 2006	V	Spotland Meths (h) 2 - 2 (ht.1-1) scorers : A.Chatell, P.Harford
		On a heavy pitch which neither side really came to terms with the game was very scrappy with both teams not making the most of their chances. In an even first half Spotland scored the first goal after 32 mins in spite of Thomas making a great save from their first attempt. Just as half time approached Chattell converted a fine through ball from Harford to even the score. Broughton went ahead in the 60th minute when after a period of pressure Harford scored . Unfortunately five minutes later Spotland scored from a free kick and after that neither side could convert any of their chances to win the match.
Sat. 9th Dec 2006	V	Hesketh Casuals (a) 2 - 5 (ht.1-3) scorers : P.Harford, M.Jones
		The home match with Hesketh had been a close affair so we travelled to Southport hoping to reverse the score and win. However a quick raiding Hesketh attack had our defence in a spin and they went three up by the 38 min. P Harford scored just before half time to give us some hope. Back to a 4-4-2 in the second half resulted in a quick goal from M Jones and we started believing we could get something from the game. However another soft penalty was awarded against us and the task became harder. The team battled on missing an open goal and hitting the post twice. Hesketh again caught with a fast break and although we kept going to the end we could not pull anymore goals back.
Sat. 27th Jan 2007	V	Little Lever SC Res (h) 2 - 3 (ht.1-3) scorers : N.Eccles, C.Best
		After a lay off of seven weeks we were back in action against a Little Lever side that has struggled for points lately. We began brightly and missed our chances to go into a lead. Then after 25 mins poor marking at a corner allowed Little lever to score, this was then followed in the 33rd min by them scoring directly from another corner. Before we recovered from that a poor back pass was cleared against a Little Lever player and the rebound went into the net. Then just before half time we scored when Best was first to a rebound from the bar following a free kick. This goal brought back the belief and five minutes into the second half Eccles scored. Although we dominated the second half we could not get the equaliser. Monks went into goal after an injury to Thomas but Little Lever never really tested him. Another match that we should have gained points from - how many times have I said that this season ? - SS
Sat. 3rd Feb 2007	V	Bolton Wyresdale (a) 0 - 3 (ht.0-0) scorers : -
		Following last weeks improved performance we went to Bolton Wyresdale hoping for a repeat effort but a kinder result. However we never reached the level of last weeks performance and on a pitch that favoured the long ball approach we struggled to hold their lively attackers. We did however hold out until the 55th min when Wyresdale went ahead and then increased their lead in the 67th min. Although we continued to battle all hopes were dashed when we had another dubious penalty decision given against us in the 80th min, from which they scored to seal our fate. - SS
Sat. 17th Feb 2007	V	Horwich RMI (a) 1 - 7 (ht.0-3) scorer : J.Mottley
		We travelled to Horwich knowing that we would have to play better than in the previous game if we were to get any points from a high flying side. In the first half we matched Horwich in all areas except goal scoring; we missed our opportunities and Horwich converted all theirs, result we were three down at half time. Five minutes into the second half we conceded another goal from a corner and from this point the team lost heart, discipline and some players energy as Horwich went on to score a further three goals to our solitary response from Mottley. All the team need to look hard at themselves and start to work together for 90 minutes if we are to avoid relegation.
Sat. 10th Mar 2007	V	Bolton Wyresdale (h) 0 - 0 (ht.0-0) scorers : -
		Saturday saw us playing only our third match in the new year against a Bolton Wyresdale side that easily beat us two games ago and following our heavy defeat against Horwich. We saw the return of three key players and although Chattell stood in as goalkeeper the sides performance was totally unrecognisable from the two previous games. The defence allowed Wyresdale only a couple of half chances throughout the game. Chances were also rare for us but had we taken the opportunity in the dying minutes we would have managed all three rather than the one. A far better performance by everybody. -SS
Sat. Mar 17th 2007	V	Little Lever SC Res (a) 5 - 4 (ht.1-2) scorers : P.Lindsay, P.Monks, T.Martin, M.Elgee, og
		Playing away vs a team in the top half of the table, with five players missing from the team that played so well the week before. We made a slow start and it was not surprising that we went behind after 15 mins. Although starting to play better we conceded another goal after 30 mins but a great strike by LINDSAY reduced the arrears 3 mins later. We now started to believe we could get something from this game and after 56 mins Tony Martin was brought down in the area and MONKS converted from the spot. Little Lever scored after 62 mins and when Whillians scored an own goal with an excellent header we thought the game might have slipped away. However we kept going and after 75 mins MARTIN converted a through ball quickly followed by ELGEE scoring after some great wing work by Alston. We continued to pile on the pressure and with five minutes to go a cross from PLASKETT was put into the Little Lever net by one of their players. A great fighting performance for the three points. It was good to see Tony Martin back after a long absence and that he still knows how to find the net. -SS
Sat. 24th Mar 2007	V	Oldham Hulmeians (a) 6 - 3 (ht.1-1) scorers : N.Eccles, J.Mottley, P.Lindsay, A.Alston, T.Martin, D.Bamber
		This was a match we had to win if we are going to stay in Division One. Wayne let us down by not turning up and with no other volunteers that "man-to-be-relied-on-in-a-crisis" Mick ELGEE donned the hastily bought gloves. We pressed from the start but found it hard to break down their defence. Eventually ECCLES broke through and scored after 20 mins but five minutes later Oldham equalised from a quick break away. After half time we continued to dominate but again a defensive mistake gave Oldham another goal. We quickly replied and scored five goals in 12 mins through MOTTLEY, LINDSAY, ALSTON, MARTIN and BAMBER. Oldham replied with a consolation goal in the 76 min. Three well earned points. -SS
Sat. 31st Mar 2007	V	Bolton Ambassadors (a) 1 - 4 (ht.0-1) scorer : T.Martin
		Another match were we had hopes of gaining more points, although when players let us down at the last moment we travelled with the bare 11 and Mick ELGEE again having to don the gloves. The pitch was hard and bumpy and the wind strong, a day for the strong and brave. Ambassadors quickly went one up after we failed to clear the ball. Although we had the wind we couldn't score so half time came with Bolton one up. We struggled with the conditions in the second half and Ambassadors scored three more goals with MARTIN getting our consolation goal in the 81st min. PS. Bad news Oldham got three points and are now only one point behind us.. -SS
Sat. 7th Apr 2007	V	Tyldesley Utd (h) 0 - 2 (ht.0-2) scorers : -
		As Tyldesley were second in the league and could not afford to drop points this was a hard fixture against a high flying side. The first half saw us absorbing a lot of pressure with the back four competing well. However we were getting over run in midfield and that resulted in Tydlesley eventually scoring two goals. In the second half Broughton took the game to Tydlesley and we were the better side but could not convert this into goals. A disappointing result but a good performance. - SS
Sat. 14th Apr 2007	V	Spotland Methodists (a) 1 - 2 (ht.0-1) scorers : M.Jones
		Another bone hard and bumpy pitch not the surface that suits our style of play. The game was evenly balanced in the first half with both sides struggling to control the ball and get any shots on target. However after 30 mins a long ball from Spotland was dealt with badly which resulted in Spotland going one up. In the first period of the second half Broughton were well on top and JONES scored from a through ball. Unfortunately for all the pressure we applied we could not get our shots on the target and gain a lead. As the game progressed both defences took control and just when it looked like the game was heading for a draw we failed to clear a corner and Spotland made it 2 - 1 in the 88min. - SS
Mon. 16th Apr 2007	V	Bolton Ambassadors (h) 2 - 0 (ht.1-0) scorers : M.Jones 2
		Back at home and on a pitch that players could control the ball and play football. We started well and JONES opened the scoring after 6 mins. Although dominating the first half chances were missed and the score remained 1 - 0 at half time. Immediately after half time JONES scored again to calm the nerves. The remainder of the second half was a close contest but again we didn't convert any of our chances and their defence stood firm. This win means we now move off the bottom on goal difference but with a harder run in than Oldham. - SS
Sat. 21st Apr 2007	V	O. Blackburnians (a) 2 - 3 (ht.2-0) scorers : J.Mottley 2
		On a warm and sunny day we went to Old Blacks with them having already won the Division title. Within 30 seconds we had scored a goal as their defence hesitated and MOTTLEY scored from the cross. After 11 mins we again harried their defence and from the resultant centre MOTTLEY scored again. We continued to match their play all the way through the first half and the score remained 2-0. In the second half with the wind now against us we worked hard to remain in front and after they missed a penalty wondered if it was going to be our day. After 68 mins an own goal encouraged them to increase the pressure and our midfield began to tire. A superb strike from midfield equalised the score after 72 mins and they got a third 5 mins later. We tried hard to get an equaliser with Mottley hitting the bar but they kept us out. - SS
Wed. 25th Apr 2007	V	Thornleigh (a) 3 - 4 (ht.1-3) scorers : L.Plaskett 2, N.Eccles
		We went to Thornleigh knowing that if we win this mid week match then we cannot be piped by Oldham. However in the first half we struggled against a tall Thornleigh side who used a long ball at every opportunity. We quickly went one down as we failed to clear a corner and then two down after 10 mins when we again could not clear from a corner. After 31 mins things turned even blacker as we again could deal with a dead ball situation. But one minute later PLASKETT finished off a great move with a tremendous shot. In the second half we were now playing down the slope and with more believe and after 55 mins PLASKETT put a free kick into the top corner. We continued to press hard but could not get an equaliser. After 80 mins a break away from Thornleigh resulted in them scoring again. We pressed hard and scored after 85 mins with a great passing sequence that was finished off by ECCLES. Thornleigh held out in the last five minutes and we now have to win on Saturday to be sure of staying up. - SS
Sat. 28th Apr 2007	V	Tonge Utd (h) 4 - 3 (ht.2-2) scorers : J.Mottley 2, N.Eccles, L.Plaskett
		Another sunny day with the need to win to ensure avoiding relegation. Disaster struck early as Tonge scored directly from a corner after 5 mins and then increased their lead after 20 mins. Although we were making chances we until the 35 min when MOTTLEY scored twice in five minutes. The second half was dominated by Broughton and as chances were spurned things were not looking good. However after 79 mins ECCLES scored after we tore the Tonge defence apart with a fast flowing movement (the crowd went wild!!) and then 5 mins later PLASKETT scored from the penalty spot to ease the anxiety. Just before the whistle Tonge scored after a mix up in defence. Oldham also won so the win was necessary to ensure safety. - SS

	DIVISION THREE	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
1	Rochdale St.Clements ‘A’	24	15	5	4	50	34	16	50
2	Old Blackburnians ‘A’	24	14	6	4	58	41	17	48
3	Old Mancunians Res	24	14	6	4	47	30	17	48
4	Hesketh Casuals Res	24	15	1	8	61	40	21	46
5	Broughton Amateurs Res	24	10	3	11	60	50	10	33
6	Bolton Wyresdale Res	24	8	7	9	48	51	-3	31
7	Ainsworth	24	9	3	12	46	47	-1	30
8	Accrington Amateurs Res	24	7	8	9	39	36	3	29
9	Radcliffe Town Res	24	8	5	11