Holker Old Boys v. Bootle FC

Saturday 10^th March

So Holker’s first team return to Rakesmoor for the first time in eight weeks as they entertain Bootle FC from Liverpool, who were themselves also making a welcome return to Rakesmoor and North West Counties Football after a few years in lower standard football. The talk before the game was would Bootle’s style of play have changed since us ‘old timers’ faced then, always had plenty to say, tough & physical, but always able to play. On the face of yesterday’s game they were just the same & it made for a superb afternoons entertainment. If you can find anywhere, where for £2.00, you can get this much out of 90 minutes I’ll be amazed, todays game had everything & as both sides trooped off, lambasting the officials (no more about them today, this websites had it’s say, but they just confirmed it) the spectators retreated to the bar to discuss an amazing & exciting afternoon.

The game kicked off with Holker playing down the slope and passing the ball around nicely, then on 10 minutes Bootle showed the pace of their counter attacks, with their excellent right back Doran releasing Fowler with a quick ball, who in turn found Rainford with an excellent pass and only the first of a number of saves from Holker keeper, and Man of the Match, Stephens prevented Holker going 1-0 down early. Holker then had a period of dominance as Southward had two efforts & Bootle scrambled away a couple of corners. Then on 15 minutes Holker should have taken the lead, Bamber’s long throw was flicked on by Southward to Kennan, his excellent scissor kick volley was to high from 10 yards out, then on 20 minutes Southward went close as he turned well, found space & chipped the Bootle keeper, Mawdsley, from 20 yards, the ball floating wide of the near post.

The game then started to settle with Bootle playing well on the counter attack and a good Holker backline, marshalled by skipper Capstick, catching them offside 80% of the time & Stephens being alert the other times. Then on 35 minutes Bootle’s Porter let his team mates down by head butting Holker full back Smith only 5 yards from the referee, no matter how strongly Bootle’s player manager O’Brian complained, there was little else the man in black could do but brandish the red card. The half continued with Holker attacking and just before the break a good move involving the hard working Bamber and Southward released right back Stevens, who could only put his effort wide. Half time arrived 0-0.

The second half was a cracker with end to end play & to be absolutely fair to Bootle if you arrived now you’d not realise they were down to 10 men, as they stayed in the game and a couple of the Holker veterans started to show signs of lack of fitness. On 55 minutes Bootle had a great opportunity to take the lead but Rainford pulled his effort horribly wide from 10 yards out and 5 minutes later Holker spurned their chance as Hudson put over from the edge of the box after Bootle had once again struggled to clear a corner.

On 65 minutes Stephens showed the natural ability he has by getting a finger tip to an excellently struck freekick from McDonald that thundered onto the cross bar & rebounded to safety almost on the half way line! Then two minutes later he made a great full length save at the feet of Rainford as he was taking the ball around him, this save even got the keeper applause from the striker!

Holker then came into the game and a good passing move involving Southward, Livingstone and Low saw a great near post cross scrambled out for a corner by Doran with Kennan lurking. Holker then started to get momentum down the Bootle left and attacked fullback Marr at every opportunity, with first Livingstone skilfully beating him and then Stevens getting into space but shooting wide. Then on 81 minutes a 5-minute period of shear theatre, Stevens was again released into the box and was unceremoniously felled by Marr, no question, penalty…play on…unbelievable! The home crowd went mad…three minutes later the giant No 5 for Bootle Bazmer ‘lent’ on Southward in the box and they both went down, loud blast of the whistle…penalty, the Bootle players went ballistic with player manager O’Brian almost ready to explode! Up steps Bamber to put Holker 1-0 up in the 84^th minute. Before Bootle kick off O’Brian sees red in more ways than one…Bootle now down to 9 men. Will they give in, not a bit of it, their response was excellent and they went for it!

They attacked in waves down the Holker left, with Doran superb, and they got ball after ball into the box, that Holker under pressure could only just lumped forward. On 90 minutes a another move saw Stephens make a great save from Doran’s effort, the rebound fell back to the right back & he instantly released Rainford who slotted home, but up went the yellow flag, offside, game over now? None of it, again Doran attacked Holker & again found Rainford who coolly slotted home in what was acres of room, 1-1, game over, eh-no! Holker then decided they’d better start playing again and Mawdsley made saves from Hudson and Southward, the second a smart stop at the bottom of his near post.

Holker Old Boys v. Leek CSOB

Saturday 28^th January

On a bloody cold afternoon with a biting Northerly wind Holker entertained Leek CSOB on another excellently prepared playing surface (thanks Maxi & Sam).

Holker included debutant Kevin Watkins from Furness Rovers in the side, replacing the injured Tod Bamber. Kevin is exactly the quality local talent that Holker are trying to develop & we are really pleased to have him at the club.

The game kicked off with Leek playing down the slope, they must be the biggest side in the league with a number of them being over 6 foot 2, however their ‘liking’ of tight shorts make them look like a 70’s side with only the Kevin Keegan perms missing. It was not long before their No. 4, Barlow demonstrated that he was to be a pain in the a**e all afternoon with his continuous moaning and disputing every decision, but I suppose when you have no pace & can only ‘launch’ the ball, there’s not much else you can do, but for heavens sake man, give it a rest!

The first half was fairly even with Holker playing good football down the flanks and creating some chances, however Leek fell into the long straight ball trap & spent the first half chasing balls that went out for goal kicks. They did have one chance on 25 minutes when Ritter was clean through & only a great tackle from Capstick prevented a shot on goal.

On 20 minutes Holker had to make a change as skipper Bruce was caught, for the third time from behind, & left the field to be replaced by Livingstone. Holker's first opening came on 30 minutes with a great move down their right with Daly releasing Keenan, his cross was met by Livingstone but Powell defended well to block the effort, then on 33 mins a cross from Smith hit the bar & as the ball fell to Keenan he smacked it goal bound, it was in all the way until Leek’s No 11 Fox made a superb block. Half time 0-0, but Holker confidant that if they continued like this the 3 points should be theirs. Keenan & Watkins had had good first halfs & so the warming cup of tea in Maxie’s room was enjoyed with a fair degree of satisfaction and anticipation.

On to the second half & Holker just did not play, except for a 25 yard shot from Watkins and a shot from the edge of the box by Livingstone, both saved by Smith, Holker did not pressure the goal.

The game also lost all shape as the whistle continually blew for what appeared minor offences and Leek enjoyed this disruption to launch counter attacks. One such attack on 66 minutes saw Holker keeper Stephens make an excellent brave stop at the feet of Ritter. Then on 70 minutes Leek scored the goal that resulted in 3 points. Ritter hit a fierce drive from outside the box that Stephens somehow turned onto the bar, as the ball rebounded Bradbury was allowed the opportunity to nod the ball into an empty net.

Holker still tried to create opportunities, but as fitness started to tell they reverted to shooting from distance and trying to deliver 30-yard killer passes. Then on 85 minutes Leek went down to 10 men as Bradbury was sent off for his second bookable offence, but Holker could not make the advantage pay.

At the final whistle Leeks reaction showed how much they wanted the win & the spectators all trooped of to the bar to give our ears a rest from Mr. Barlow. One final point, Barlow’s defensive partner Powell had had banter all afternoon with the Holker contingent, but came over at the end with a big smile (well they had got the 3 points) & thanked everyone for the laugh, well done son.

So Holker’s period of competing but not getting results continues and with other results we are in danger, along with Daisy Hill & Norton, of getting cut adrift at the bottom.

Holker Old Boys v. Aston Athletic

Saturday 23^rd December

Well it had to happen, after 5 games in eight days Holker ‘hit the wall’ producing the poorest 45 minutes of football this season in a totally inept first half. To see quality footballers just ‘boot’ the ball up-field is depressing, it may be alright for some clubs who only have the players to execute ‘route one’, but Holker have players who can pass it about. A half decent crowd had turned up today and they must have wondered why at half time!

Holker were without skipper Rob Bruce and stalwart Robbie Coulter as a result of injures from the mid week Morecambe ties, whilst there is little doubt these two were missed they still had enough ability on the pitch to win this game, if only they had played from the off.

The first twenty minutes were fairly poor as both sides decided that ‘booting it’ down the middle was the order of the day. Nothing happened until on 21 minutes Ashton executed the long ball for the first time with Holker keeper Stephens making a smart stop after Mahoney had run through. The respite lasted a minute before McVeigh was put through to slot home and give the visitors an early lead. No sooner had Holker kicked off then they were caught flat again with Bennett’s effort hitting the post, the game then descended into a poor one with Holker only managing one passing move, but it was of quality as 8 passes down the right released the overlapping Robinson, but Southward could not get the touch required to level the game.

The bar talk at half time was lets hope they get a ‘Christmas’ roasting and come out & play, pass the ball, it’s what Holker are good at!

The second half was a much better game as Holker responded & played and Ashton were good on the break.

On 50 minutes Ashton were awarded a free kick when a mistake by Robinson resulted in him pulling White back, from the free kick Mahoney’s superb effort hit the post. Holker were now starting to play & Southward’s control and shot from 35 yards just drifted over. Then in the 56^th minute an incident that changed the game, Holker youngster Low cut in from the left and as he cut back in the box he was clearly tripped by Rigby, clear cut…no argument…penalty, er no! Play on, the spectators went mad, but the injustice fired Holker up and at last they got involved and on 60 minutes they were level as Southward controlled another cross from the right and fired the ball home from the edge of the box, 1-1 game on.

Holker increased the pressure and the momentum and forced Ashton back, however Ashton can play on the break and in one move they released Mahoney who was brought crashing to ground by Houson, penalty rightly awarded, up stepped right back Wallace, who had a fine afternoon, to coolly slot home in the keepers bottom right (other teams keepers take note!). There is always something about full backs taking penalties; they are always of top quality. 2-1 and harsh on Holker, but that’s football.

Straight from the kick off Holker got the ball down and passed and on 70 minutes a superb diagonal ball from the once again excellent Daly released Hudson in the box, whose progress was impeded by Rothwell, penalty said the Ref., not as clear-cut as the first! Up stepped Bamber to power into the roof of the net, Holker then piled on the pressure with Ashton just about hanging on, then on 80 minutes an almost comical moment as the ‘aged’ Ashton skipper, Rothwell, who had struggled to run 10 yards all afternoon suddenly became a 20 year old winger and speed down the Ashton right flank & delivered a superb cross that took a quality tackle from Robinson to snuff out any danger. The game then ended in controversy as Bamber powered into the box and had his heals clipped, but did not dive, he stumbled & in doing so lost the goal scoring opportunity, play on waved the Ref., never went down he shouted, what happened to the advantage rule…! The Ref then booked Smith and Bamber for frustration (dissent).  The shout of the game then came from the Assistant Referee, who summed it up, “ If you want better officials play at a higher level…” and of course he is absolutely right.

So 2-2 & at least an enjoyable 45 minutes to finish, but we have to be careful with the younger lads, too many games in a short space of time will not help, but the Management at Holker are aware & will look after the lads, this may be at the detriment of other clubs who use our players, but we cannot let them get burnt out!

So to Rakesmoor on Saturday and our important league game against Aston Athletic, see you there.

Eccleshall v. Holker Old Boys

Saturday 16^th December

After the rain this week it was a surprise when the call come through that the game was on, so the 31/2-hour coach journey was completed and Holker arrived at the ground nice and early. The pitch was in old terms ‘heavy’ with the middle being sand & mud, but after the rain what did we expect, but it was playable.

I’ll mention the officials now as I don’t want to go on about them, I’ve said before that at this level of football the standard of officials has deteriorated over the past few years, probably as a result of restructuring and the lack of referrers overall. However today two of them were poor and affected the game for both sides, it is sad when the players & managers are walking off shaking hands talking about how bad the officials were, a quote ‘…it’s the same every week…’. Enough said & lets hope the league, as well as challenging the clubs to raise our standards, can also challenge the various associations.

The game kicked off on time and was fairly even, however Eccleshall did look a powerful and well-organised side in the mould of Winsford. The heavy conditions in the middle of the park did not help the Holker young pair of Bamber & Daly to play football, with the excellent McDonald, who may be small but what an engine he has, seemingly everywhere. On 25 minutes the game kicked into life, Holker lost the ball in the midfield mud & the home side released Millington who was stopped just as he entered the box by a superb tackle from Robinson. The reprieve last a few seconds as Holker again lost the ball in the middle, this time the huge blond figure of Dunn was fed who turned smartly and buried the ball into the bottom corner, 1-0 up and no real surprise. Holker continued to play & created a number of half chances with a free kick on the edge of the box being closed down by Mills from out of the wall, either he is quicker than Linford Christie or the wall was about 5 yards back!

On 36 minutes some poor play by Holker allowed a cross to come in, Dunn’s presence attracted everybody to the front post and as the ball was missed by everybody Williams executed a scissor kick that saw the ball go in off both posts, 2-0 and time to fight (for the ball!). Holker then started to get into the game & with Bruce running at the home back-four & Southward being strong up front they started to get some reward, however the central pair of Eccleshall, Mills (J) and Reeves were quality, strong quick and good in the air. The game seemed to be heading for a 2-0 half time score when the ‘assistant’ went to sleep and missed a 3 yard off side decision for Dunn to slot home. You know the official has got it wrong when the home supporters laugh and the official starts arguing with the players! 3-0 down & a little harsh.

The second half was a totally different game as Holker dominated; it was the classic game of two halves with the home team not getting out of the dressing room. Holker brought big Glen Capstick on & he out muscled the Eccleshall midfield and they totally disappeared, where they had won everything they now won nothing. The half started however with an example of the inconsistency from referees that infuriates all others involved in the game, a throw from the wrong place by Holker was awarded to the home side, however in the first half exactly the same ‘offence’ had resulted in it being retaken!

On 50 minutes Holker got back into the game when a good ball down the line found Smith whose run and pass found Bruce, who ran clear to coolly slot home, Holker than had a wave of half chances, as Smith, Robinson, Stevens, Southward, Livingstone and Bruce all had chances to make Abel work, however Eccelshall clung on. In 71 minutes another talking point as Ecceleshall were denied a clear-cut penalty that had everybody in the ground groaning!

Holker trooped off disappointed, their work in the second half not quite making up for the poor first half display, but with Graham Capstick a rock at the back and the Holker play in the second half, brought some positives out of a defeat.

Holker Old Boys v. Norton United

Saturday 2^nd December

D-Zine (Contractors) NWCFL Division II Cup

The first Saturday of December and Holker have a home Cup tie against bottom of the league side Norton United, who had to make the three and a half hour journey from Stoke to South Cumbria. No doubt by the end of the game a few of them were wishing they had spent the day Christmas shopping as they crashed out 2-0.

Holker kicked off playing down the slope against a side they had defeated 4-2 only four weeks earlier and were quickly into their stride without really creating any openings.

Norton were also trying to play but seemed, even in the early stages, not to have any penetration from their forwards. The game was a tussle in midfield but Holker were starting to get the ball down & pass it about with Bamber in the midst of most passing moves. Holker were also creating space on both flanks but did not produce enough quality to get the ball out to them quickly enough to cause any damage. Then, on 15 minutes, Bruce was put clean through but Norton keeper Latham turned his shot for a corner. From the corner, as Norton’s defence stood & watched, Southward powered his header against the bar with the rebound being scrambled away.

Holker did not have to wait to long to take the lead, on 20 minutes Bruce again broke down the left wing and as he cut in along the by-line he pulled the ball back across the face of the goal and with Latham & his fellow defenders all stood watching Low nicked in to score at the far post from, oh…about a foot!

Holker then continued to press and first Livingstone hit the post with a free kick and then Bamber was put through by a quality pass from Southward but could not get the ball out of his feet to shot, allowing Norton skipper Kirk just enough time to got back and make the tackle. As half time approach the game petered out………..

It is worth saying now that the second half was a non-entity, with not much to note for all the huff and puff. Holker’s goal was in itself almost predicable as once again (two goals in the first game had come in similar fashion) Latham and his defenders stood and watched as a cross came in, this time a corner from Low went straight in. 2-0 up and game over, for all Norton’s endeavour they only created one opening and this was blasted wide by substitute Goodwin. The only other point to note in the second half saw young Phil Morris, another 17 year old, make his NWCFL debut and so the development of youth at Holker continues. Overall this was a poor game and with Nationwide Conference side Morecambe due at Rakesmoor on Tuesday, in the 2^nd round of the United Cooperative Cup, Holker will have to substantially up their performance. As for the second round of this cup we hold our breath in anticipation awaiting the draw, could we yet have a cup run in what is a very transitional season for the club.