Cup classic as Valley leave it late

By adminFirst Team, Match Report

SATURDAY 25TH JANUARY 2025
ALTRINCHAM & DISTRICT FA CUP
SECOND ROUND

BAGULEY ATHLETIC RESERVES

5

MERSEY VALLEY

6

MATCH REPORT

An out-of-sorts Mersey Valley made it through to the Quarter Finals of the Altrincham & District FA Cup after a crazy 11-goal thriller with Baguley Reserves.

Adams opened the scoring with a header

The game played on a dreadful pitch was lively from the start. Mersey took the lead when Owen Adams headed home from a Riley corner. However, the home side quickly levelled things up after an error keeper Brad Cooke.

The referee then awarded Baguley a penalty after judging Cooke had brought down the striker, a decision that baffled most of the Mersey Valley players. The penalty was dispatched, and the home side now led.

The lead didn’t last long, Goldrick with a brilliant switch to Mike Woolley who cut inside and fired the ball past the keeper to make it 2-2.

There was time for one more goal and another controversial decision by the keeper. The Baguley striker looked offside but the official waved play on and he kept his calm to slot the ball past Cooke.

HT: Baguley Athletic Reserves 3 Mersey Valley 2

Valley made a chance at half-time. Wilson replaced Goldrick, who was struggling with a knee injury with Jordan Downing being moved further forward.

In-form Mike Woolley with another 2 goals including a brilliant second.

Valley started well and was soon level with the goal of the game from Mike Woolley, cutting inside and unleashing a brilliant curling shot over the keeper into the roof of the net.

Valley then took the lead, a lovely move that ended with Riley curling a brilliant cross to the back post, that was met by a fantastic diving header from Adams.

Both sides were throwing everything into the game but the home side got the next goal, a bizarre free-kick cross that sailed over everyone into the back of the net and then they took the lead with a breakaway goal smashed past Cooke.

Time was running out, but Valley regrouped and showed their quality. Firstly, Downing was on the ball to seize on an error and fire the ball past the keeper, and then, with the game minutes away from a penalty shoot-out, Reece Skelton saw his shot deflected past the keeper into the back of the net to seal the comeback and the victory,

All credit to Baguley who didn’t really deserve to lose the game.

HT: Baguley Athletic Reserves 5 Mersey Valley 6

MATCH STATS

BAGULEY ATHLETIC RESERVES 5
MERSEY VALLEY 6

MVFC: Cooke, Howarth, Dignan, Evans, Greenwood, Downing, Goldrick (Chaddock) (Wilson), Adams, Riley, Skelton, Woolley
Subs Not Used: Renshaw, Acton, Downey

Goals: Adams 6, 60, Woolley 19, 54, Downing 83, Skelton 89

Booked: Woolley, Cooke

Referee: Honghai Chu

MAN OF THE MATCH

JOEL RILEY

A captains performance from Riley – worked hard and also assisted three of the goals. Has been one of the most consistent performers all season and now has 18 goal contributions in all competitions.

January 26, 2025

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Impressive Mersey win big on Merseyside

By adminFirst Team, Match Report

SATURDAY 18TH JANUARY 2025
NORTHERN CUP
SECOND ROUND

COLLEGIATE

1

MERSEY VALLEY

9

MATCH REPORT

Mersey Valley opened up 2025 with an impressive all-round performance against Liverpool side Collegiate in the Second Round of the Northern Cup.

Dylan Fraine opens the scoring – the 600th goal in the clubs history

Mersey Valley started the game well and took the lead after 10 minutes – Dylan Fraine with a great turn and finish past the keeper.

The second soon followed, and it was a brilliant team goal. Skelton, Riley, and Fraine combined and the ball was fed out to Goldrick, whose cross was brilliantly flicked home by Sam Deering.

Goldrick went close with a free kick before Deering played a quick one-two with Dylan Fraine and fired home to make it 3-0.

It was 4-0 when Goldrick pounced on a defensive error to fire home and just before half time it was 5-0, Woolley creating the opportunity for Deering to complete his hat-trick with a great turn and finish.

HT: Collegiate 0 Mersey Valley 5

The visitors flew out of the blocks. Deering went close, and Riley should have scored after a great run. Fraine then bagged his second of the game, Riley with a great free kick that was headed back across goal by Owen Adams and Fraine was on hand to head home.

Riley made it seven with a smart finish and Fraine completed his hat-trick with a lovely finish.

Arguably the goal of the game came from the home side, after Cooke had made a superb save the corner that followed saw a brilliant overhead kick fly past the keeper.

James Acton with his first goal for the club

The final act was a great moment for James Acton who scored his first goal for Mersey Valley to round off a great start to 2025.

FT: Collegiate 1 Mersey Valley 9

MATCH STATS

COLLEGIATE 1
MERSEY VALLEY 9

MVFC: Cooke, Renshaw, Woolley, Skelton (Chaddock), Greenwood, A Howarth, Deering, Adams, Fraine (Downey), Riley, Goldrick (Acton)

Goals: Fraine 10, 50, 80, Deering 16, 25,42, Goldrick 38, Riley 55, Acton 84

MAN OF THE MATCH

PETE GREENWOOD

Another Man of the Match Award for Greenwood after an impressive performance at the heart of the Mersey Valley defence. It was a fantastic team performance with everyone playing well but Greenwood was on top form, winning every challenge and not giving the Collegiate strikers a chance.

VIDEO

January 20, 2025

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Last gasp heartbreak as points shared

By adminFirst Team, Match Report

SATURDAY 14TH DECEMBER 2024
CHESHIRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE
LEAGUE 2

HAYDOCK

2

MERSEY VALLEY

2

MATCH REPORT

A late equaliser gave Haydock a draw in a controversial clash in St Helens.

Manager Jon Hudson had to rotate his squad with Pete Greenwood away, Alfie Howarth injured and Callum Evans suspended. Brad Cooke was back in goals, new signing Harry Shipton made his debut and Renshaw and Wilson also returned to the starting line-up.

After a slow start, Valley dominated the game. Deering was denied twice by the keeper, and Adams and Johnson should both have done better with headed opportunities.

In-form Mike Woolley with another goal and another fine display.

The deadline was broken on 18 minutes, Shipton won the ball in midfield and drove forward, Woolley timed his run to perfection and beat the keeper to give the visitors the lead.

The visitors continued to dominate. Riley hit the bar with a drive and after great work from Deering, Johnson hit the post from close range. It looked like one of those days when Riley with another powerful drive hit the post with his shot.

It was all Valley. Riley, Deering and Johnson all missed the target with efforts.

But the home side hit back, a break down the left-hand side, the winger beating Renshaw and firing a ball across – turned home at the back post to make it 1-1. Then straight from the kick off they attacked again, the centre half clipping the top of the bar with a looping header.

HT: Haydock 1 Mersey Valley 1

Valley started well after the break, Johnson again going close and Deering firing just wide.

Sam Deering scored his 10th goal of the season.

The lead was restored, Riley played Woolley into space and his cross was headed home by Sam Deering to give the visitors a deserved lead.

The game then swung in controversial circumstances. Roach and the Haydock number 10 Glover went in to compete for a ball, Roach got their first and Glover went in high and dangerously on the Mersey Valley defender, right in front of the referee who awarded the free kick.

The pair tangled on the floor and Roach kicked out. With Haydock players surrounding the referee and their bench also screaming at the official he showed the Mersey Valley defender a straight red card but amazingly gave nothing to the Haydock player.

It made no difference to the pattern of the game as Valley still were the only side creating real chances – Woolley and Deering both going close and the Woolley should have scored but hit the post.

The home side started to use their extra man but weren’t really creating chances, a speculative cross-shot clipped the bar.

With 90 minutes up the referee indicated he would be adding 3 more minutes yet added a further 2 and it was in the 95th minute Haydock got their equaliser, great work by Perrin to float a dangerous ball over which was headed home at the back post.

Dramatic late drama to deny Valley a three points their overall play had deserved.

FT: Haydock 2 Mersey Valley 2

MATCH STATS

HAYDOCK 2
MERSEY VALLEY 2

MVFC: Cooke, Renshaw, Dignan, Shipton, Wilson, Roach, Deering, Adams, Johnson (Chaddock), Riley, Woolley (Acton)
Subs Not Used: Downey, P Riley

Goals: Woolley 18, Deering 56

Sent Off: Roach

Haydock: Draper, Jolley, Dyson, Smith, Hughes, Glover, R Kayattianiraly, Perrin, Walker, Corrigan, Cross
Subs: L Kayattianiraly

Goals: Glover 44, 90+5

Referee: Tom Ottley

MAN OF THE MATCH

NATHAN WILSON

In for the absent Pete Greenwood and helped keep the league top scorer quiet, after the red card to Roach he stood up and defended magnificently and didn’t deserve to be on the losing team.

December 15, 2024

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Valley stun Wigan as promotion push continues

By adminFirst Team, Match Report

SATURDAY 30TH OCTOBER 2024
CHESHIRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE
LEAGUE 2

WIGAN TOWN

1

MERSEY VALLEY

4

MATCH REPORT

Mersey Valley put in an excellent away day performance with a brilliant 4-1 victory at Wigan Town on Saturday.

The visitors started well, Riley with a brilliant free kick that flashed wide with no one able to get on the end of the cross. Adams was next to go close, the high press working well but the midfielder couldn’t beat the keeper who made the save.

From the corner, another brilliant delivery from Riley found Johnson in the 6-yard box and he headed home to give Valley a perfect start.

It was all Mersey Valley. Dignan and Deering combined, the in-form winger jinking past two men before firing wide with a left-footed drive. Deering went close again with another left-footed drive.

Wigan started to get on the ball, Meadows at the heart of their play but Valley were in complete control. Another dangerous free kick, this time from Evans was headed wide by Evans.

Sam Deering with a brilliant finish to make it 2-0

The second goal came on the half-hour, Woolley keeping an attack alive before finding Riley – his cross found Deering at the back post who beat his man and fired home a brilliant second goal.

Deering nearly made it three with another drive and Woolley tried a spectacular overhead kick but the ball went over.

Johnson and Greenwood picked up bookings for two fouls breaking up Wigan breaks but the home side did get a way back in just before half-time. Green curled a clever free kick past Phillips to make it 2-1.

HT: Wigan Town 1 Mersey Valley 2

The second half was always going to be about which team could start stronger and it was the visitors. Johnson had a glorious chance after a great run by Deering but missed the ball.

Deering with his second goal to make it 3-1

Dignan then found Johnson with a brilliant pass and the striker showed his pace and strength to burst into the box before being hacked down for a clear penalty. Deering stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way to make it 3-1.

The fourth goal followed on 64 minutes, Deering again involved. Another high press won the ball back and Adams timed his run to perfection and stroked the ball past the keeper.

Wigan had another chance from a free kick, and the ball hit the wall before bouncing clear, the follow-up shot was hit well, but Phillips made a great save.

Fraine and Woolley both went close with great strikes, forcing the keeper into good saves. Howarth also created a good opening for Fraine but the keeper again made the save.

It could have been a great ending to the game, Evans with a brilliant ball to Riley, who was tripped in the box, but the captain couldn’t convert the spot kick.

FT: Wigan Town 1 Mersey Valley 4

MATCH STATS

WIGAN TOWN 1
MERSEY VALLEY 4

MVFC: Phillips, Howarth (Wilson), Dignan, Evans (Chaddock), Greenwood, Roach, Deering (Renshaw), Adams (Evans), Johnson (Fraine), Riley, Woolley
Subs Not Used: Goldrick

Goals: Johnson 10, Deering 30, 50, Adams 64

Booked: Johnson, Roach, Greenwood, Evans

Wigan Town: Birchall, Chinemhute, Garton-Matthews, Griffith, Hughes, Luby, Meadows, Sheridan, A Simpson, K Simpson, Wright
Subs: Green, Kenyon, Foster, Miller, Rasburn

Goals: Green 45

Referee: Jack Jones

MAN OF THE MATCH

MIKE WOOLLEY

Worked hard all game and was involved in lots of attacking threat down the right-hand side. Has earned his place in the team and put in an impressive run of form. Unlucky not to score.

VIDEO

December 2, 2024

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Late show as Mersey grab crucial victory over rivals Lymm

By adminFirst Team, Match Report

SATURDAY 16TH NOVEMBER 2024
CHESHIRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE
LEAGUE 2

MERSEY VALLEY

3

LYMM ROVERS

1

MATCH REPORT

A brilliant late rally from Mersey Valley saw them take all three points from promotion rivals Lymm Rovers.

With Brad Cooke away and Adam Rigby and Alex Gorst both injured, Mersey Valley handed a debut to 18-year-old goalkeeper Sam Phillips who joined on a dual reg from North West Counties side Abbey Hey.

Both sides looked positive, but the visitors started better, keeping the ball more and winning the early battles but it was Mersey Valley that created the first chances. Deering and Woolley combined, and Deering fired in a dangerous shot that the keeper bundled wide.

Another brilliant performance by Sam Deering

Dignan played a clever through ball for Goldrick, but the keeper was out quickly to smother the ball. Greenwood then set up Deering, who beat the keeper, but the defender was in the right place to clear the ball behind. From the corner, the ball came back to Woolley, who curled a great ball into the box, but Adams couldn’t hit the target.

Lymm reacted by slowing the game down and they started to get more control, their best chance was squandered by Pinney who headed over from close range.

Deering was the danger man; three times he beat his man and fired a dangerous cross into the area but Laidlaw in the Lymm goal was having an excellent game. In added on time Adams played in Deering but this time his shot curled just wide.

HT: Mersey Valley 0 Lymm Rovers 0

The second half started and Valley started to gain control, helped by an injury the Lymm player Roberts who had been a danger in the first half.

Howarth replaced Renshaw and the home side went close, Deering with a great take and turn to open up the space but his shot was straight at the keeper.

A goal and an assist from the in-form Mike Woolley

The breakthrough arrived just before the hour, brilliant work again by Deering created the chance for Woolley who showed his strength to get in front of the full back and beat the keeper.

The league lasted less than a minute but in very controversial circumstances. Quarmby, clearly offside, was allowed to run through and beat Phillips to level the game up again.

The game was end to end, with neither side able to really test the keeper. Fraine replaced the hard-working Goldrick to try and bring some freshness to the attack, but again, it was a lack of quality and composure in the final third, letting Valley down.

With time out and with Lymm tiring the home side took their chance. Woolley with a clever through ball to Fraine who did the rest, a brilliant finish past the keeper sending a good Banky Lane crowd wild!

The home side weren’t finished, Dignan bursting into the box and firing a brilliant shot past the keeper for his first of the season. A brilliant second-half performance and a deserved win for the home side.

FT: Mersey Valley 3 Lymm Rovers 1

A good crowd at Banky Lane for another great advert for the Cheshire League.

MATCH STATS

MERSEY VALLEY 3
LYMM ROVERS 1

MVFC: Phillips, Renshaw (Howarth), Dignan (Wilson), Evans, Greenwood, Roach, Deering, Adams, Goldrick (Fraine), Riley, , Woolley (Chaddock)
Subs Not Used: Acton

Goals: Woolley 59, Fraine 83, Dignan 88

Booked: Evans

Lymm Rovers: Laidlaw, Keating, Shoesmith, Pinney, A Quarmby, Z Smyth, E Smyth, Heale, Ridley-Thomas, Roberts, H Quarmby
Subs: Benson, Redmond, Richards

Goals: H Quarmby 60

Booked: None

Referee: Steve Jackson

MAN OF THE MATCH

SAM DEERING

Continued his fine form this season with another superb performance down the left hand side, he caused problems all day and could have had at least five assists. He is impossible to mark when he is in his zone and he is a massive part of this team.

VIDEO

November 17, 2024

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All square as Valley and Haydock serve up a Cheshire League cracker

By adminFirst Team, Match Report

SATURDAY 9TH NOVEMBER 2024
CHESHIRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE
LEAGUE 2

MERSEY VALLEY

2

HAYDOCK

2

MATCH REPORT

Mersey Valley missed the chance to go back to the top of the Cheshire League 2 after a 2-2 draw with Haydock on Saturday afternoon.

With Nathan Wilson and Aaron Johnson both ruled out with injury, Jack Renshaw came in at right-back and midfielder Jordan Downing returned to the starting line-up.

The visitors started well, Roach with a brilliant block and Cooke with a good save in the opening few minutes.

Valley had chances too, from a Riley corner, Adams saw his header cleared off the line and scrambled clear.

The home side took the lead on 18 minutes, Deering with a brilliant run down the left hand side, beating two Haydock players before setting up Riley, his shot was blocked but Woolley was in the right place at the back post to fire the ball into the back of the net.

Ewan Roach kept busy by the impressive Perrin

Valley were on top, Deering and Dignan again combined down the left hand side and the ball fell to Evans on the edge of the box – his drive was blocked on the line and the danger was cleared.

Woolley and Deering then combined causing problems and forcing a couple of corners, from the second from Riley, Roach timed his front post run well and saw his flick hit the top of the cross bar.

Haydock responded with a good break, the league top scorer Perrin causing problems and his shot also hit the top of the bar. Cooke was then called into action, Corrigan with a great chance when put clean through but the player of the month was quickly off his line to smoother the chance.

Valley had a great chance to make it 2-0 just before half-time – a brilliant through ball from Deering put Evans away but his finish was poor and the danger was cleared.

HT: Mersey Valley 1 Haydock 0

Mersey Valley made a good start, a Woolley corner was nearly punched into his own goal by the Haydock keeper.

The game was a open and end to end with both sides pushing for the next goal but it was the visitors who took their chances to turn the game on its head and it was the dangerous Perrin who did the damage.

On the hour they levelled. A good passing move found Perrin free in the area and he coolly slotted the ball past Cooke. Seven minutes later the comeback was complete, Haydock winning the ball to easily and Perrin again finding space in the area to give the visitor the lead.

Valley were fortunate not to go down to 10-men when Roach was penalised for a hand ball which seemed to deny the Haydock striker a clear run on goal but the referee chose to only award the free kick.

Mersey tried to force the play, Deering always causing problems down the left hand side but the quality in the final third again let the home side down. It felt like it was going to take something special to get them back in the game and that proved to be the case.

Captain Marvel! Riley with the equaliser late on

It was captain Joel Riley that provided the quality, the ball breaking nicely for him to hit a brilliant dipping 25 yarder over the keeper into the back of the net.

Mersey had the best chance to win the game in the 90th minute, Dignan with a great cross but Adams couldn’t get enough power on the header and the chance was cleared and the points were shared.

FT: Mersey Valley 2 Haydock 2

MATCH STATS

MERSEY VALLEY 2
HAYDOCK 2

MVFC: Cooke, Renshaw, Dignan, Evans (Goldrick), Greenwood, Roach, Deering, Adams, Riley, Downing, Woolley (Fraine)
Subs Not Used: Howarth, Acton, Chaddock

Goals: Woolley 18, Riley 78

Booked: Dignan, Riley, Deering

Haydock: Draper, Jolley, Dyson, Smith, Haselden, Glover, Kayattianiraly, Perrin, Walker, Corrigan, Cross
Subs: Woods, Moorehouse, Dutton, Taylor

Goals: Perrin 60,67

Booked: Kayattianiraly

Referee: Paul Callow

MAN OF THE MATCH

PETE GREENWOOD

Another man of the match award for Greenwood after another strong performance at the heart of the Mersey Valley defence, a tough afternoon against the impressive Perrin and Dutton of Haydock but Greenwood was dominant all afternoon.

VIDEO

November 11, 2024

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Reality check for Valley as Newton end unbeaten run

By adminFirst Team, Match Report

SATURDAY 2ND NOVEMBER 2024
CHESHIRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE
LEAGUE 2

NEWTON-LE-WILLOWS

3

MERSEY VALLEY

1

MATCH REPORT

Newton-le-Willows ended Mersey Valley’s seven-game winning streak with an impressive performance against a well-below-par Valley team.

It was the same team that started the game against Halton Farnworth, one change on the bench with striker Aaron Johnson returning after 3 weeks out with an ankle injury.

On a poor pitch, Valley started well, a Riley free kick was headed back by Greenwood and scrambled clear, from the resulting corner Evans curled a brilliant ball into the area but Goldrick failed to test the keeper with a headed chance.

The game was opening up but both teams were sloppy in possession. Another free kick was smashed in low by Deering but was easy for the keeper to collect.

GOAL! Niall Goldrick opens the scoring for Mersey Valley

The deadlock was broken on 15 minutes, Goldrick trying his luck from 25 yards out, the keeper misjudging the flight and was beaten to give the visitors the lead.

It didn’t last long, pace down the right-hand side from Walker burst past Roach and fired the ball past Cooke.

The game changed, the home side grew in confidence and started to win the battles, especially in the midfield. Valley seemed slow and lethargic and lacked quality when in dangerous areas.

Newton capitalised with a second goal on 32 minutes, Whittle finding space in the area and beating Cooke – far too easy.

Mersey tried to react but couldn’t get any momentum and seemed to lack any belief, which, after such a great run, was surprising to see.

HT: Newton-le-Willows 2 Mersey Valley 1

A big reaction was needed in the second half but Newton made a switch to a more defensive shape and their back four was solid and disciplined.

Adams was booked for a late tackle and Johnson replaced the unlucky Woolley in a tactical shift from the visitors.

Despite a good spell of possession, Valley couldn’t create any real chances and the home side were happy to make the game a stop-start affair. their game management was very effective.

Despite late pressure Newton hung on and grabbed a 3rd goal.

The big moment came with 8 minutes remaining, Johnson with a brilliant turn to create a chance, his shot was brilliantly saved by Potter in the Newton goal and looked to have earned the win.

With Valley committing men forward in added time the home side broke and scored a third goal through Boardman.

Their reaction at full-time showed how much the victory meant to them after a poor run of league form.

After the game, manager Jon Hudson spoke about the team’s performance. “We are all really disappointed. It was probably our worst performance of the season, and we looked like a different team today. As a manager, you always take responsibility for days like today, and we will work hard this week before the next game.

Newton deserves a lot of credit. They had a clear game plan in the second half, and it worked really well – I would expect them to kick on now and climb up the table.

We lacked quality today and with the players we have that is hugely frustrating, we have players back next week and need a strong reaction. We’ve had a brilliant season so far and one bad day doesn’t change that, it just reminds the lads how tough this league is and how we all need to step up now.”

FT: Newton-le-Willows 3 Mersey Valley 1

MATCH STATS

NEWTON-LE-WILLOWS 3
MERSEY VALLEY 1

MVFC: Cooke, Wilson (Chaddock), Dignan, Evans, Greenwood, Roach, Deering, Adams, Goldrick (Fraine), Riley, Woolley (Johnson)
Subs Not Used: Renshaw, Acton

Goals: Goldrick 15

Booked: Adams

Newton-le-Willows: Potter, Lyddon, Barrow, Hart, Wilson, Mulligan, Percival, Bickerstaffe, Whittle, Charleston
Subs: F Bickerstaffe, Boardman, Davidson

Goals: Walker18, Whittle 32, Boardman 90+2

Booked: Hart

Referee: Chris Stacey

MAN OF THE MATCH

PETE GREENWOOD

A hugely disappointing day but another strong performance from the ever-dependable Greenwood who continues his fine form this season. He won the majority of his battles and caused problems in both boxes.

November 3, 2024

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Valley make it 7 wins in a row and hit the summit

By adminFirst Team, Match Report

SATURDAY 26TH OCTOBER 2024
CHESHIRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE
LEAGUE 2

MERSEY VALLEY

4

HALTON FARNWORTH

1

MATCH REPORT

Mersey Valley continued their fine run of form with a 4-1 victory over Halton Farnworth Hornets at Banky Lane, but they were made to work hard for the three points.

Manager Jon Hudson made just one change to the side that beat Sandbach United – with Jordan Downing unavailable, Niall Goldrick returned to the starting line-up.

GOAL! Captain Joel Riley celebrates his opening goal

Mersey started well and took the lead on 5 minutes. Mike Woolley with a good run found Riley who coolly and calmly passed the ball into the bottom corner to give the home a perfect start.

Deering was looking dangerous on the left, cutting inside, putting the full-back on the floor, but the ball was cleared. From a Goldrick free kick, the keeper spilt the ball. Roach looked to tap home, but the keeper recovered to make a smart block.

Cooke had to be alert and make a good save after a bouncing ball got in behind the Mersey Valley defence.

Woolley was continuing his fine form, first a great cross curled into the area found Adams who hit the post with a header and then found Deering in space who curled the ball past the post.

An error at the back almost gave the visitors an equaliser, but Cooke was on hand to block the shot.

HT: Mersey Valley 1 Halton Farnworth Hornets 0

So far this season Valley have been brilliant after the break but today it was the visitors that responded well, Cooke was again in top form as he made two excellent saves.

The pressure paid, Dignan with a clumsy challenge in the area and the referee awarded the penalty – Cooke was sent the wrong way and the game was level with the visitors on top.

GOAL! Adams dives in to head home

The reaction from the home side was excellent, from a Riley corner the keeper failed to block the ball and Adams dived into the feet to head the ball home, taking a whack in the nose for his bravery.

Halton also reacted well, Byrne with a looping header that clipped the top of the bar. They continued to press but Greenwood and Roach stood firm and Valley looked to kill the game.

A huge part of Mersey Valley’s success this season has been their fitness levels, and this proved once again to be the case. Brilliant work from Adams created the opening Deering had been waiting for, and he smashed the ball home.

GOAL! Dylan Fraine makes it 4-1

Then deep in stoppage time, Deering was the creator as he set up Fraine to make it 4-1 and another big three points.

FT: Mersey Valley 4 Halton Farnworth Hornets 1

MATCH STATS

MERSEY VALLEY 4
HALTON FARNWORTH 1

MVFC: Cooke, Wilson, Dignan, Evans, Greenwood, Roach, Deering, Adams, Riley, Goldrick (Fraine), Woolley (Chaddock)
Subs Not Used: Renshaw, Acton, Downey

Goals: Riley 5, Adams 68, Deering 90, Fraine 90+5

Halton Farnworth: Taylor, Parsonage, Gash, Felton, Byrne, Harris, Shaw, Graham, Harrison, Strong, Ruddock
Subs: Millington, Lunt, Talbot, Robinson, Gould

Goals: Penalty 58

Booked: Byrne

Referee: Lewis Smith

MAN OF THE MATCH

OWEN ADAMS

Adams’s typical battling performance was highlighted by him throwing his head in where it hurts for the crucial second goal. Then, with a damaged nose, he continued to win every challenge, get the side going, and even set up Deering for the third goal.

VIDEO

October 27, 2024

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Deering at the double as Valley stun Sandbach and progress to next round

By adminFirst Team, Match Report

SATURDAY 19TH OCTOBER 2024
JA WALTON CHALLENGE CUP
FIRST ROUND

SANDBACH UTD RES

1

MERSEY VALLEY

2

MATCH REPORT

Mersey Valley ended their poor cup form with a brilliant away performance, knocking out League One Sandbach United Reserves.

The two sides met pre-season with the home side running out 4-0 winners but this was a very different Mersey Valley who arrived at the impressive Sandbach Community Football Centre.

It was a slow start, both sides trying to get a foot on the ball, Sandbach looking to break the lines with clips over the top but Cooke was in excellent form, commanding his area and the edge of the box.

Valley started to create chances, Evans with a brilliant cross found Adams in the area but his header went wide. On the break, Lees got in behind Roach but Cooke got his angles right and the danger was eradicated.

The first big chance fell to Riley who found space in the box but scuffed his shot. Deering switched over to the right-hand side and beat his man before curling a great ball to the back post but the pace just eluded Woolley.

Johns was very fortunate to escape with no booking, firstly two fouls on Evans and then a dangerous lunge was seen by the referee but somehow not punished.

1-0 – Deering beats the keeper to open the scoring.

Sandbach then had their best chance, a poor cross nearly caught Cooke out but he backtracked and made a smart save. Deering went close at the other end after a free kick was cleared.

The breakthrough came just before half-time. Evans with a brilliant pass inside the full back to Deering who did the rest with a clever finish underneath the keeper.

The half ended with another odd decision by the official booking Downing for a foul. Hudson was lucky to escape without a caution after remonstrating with the official at half-time.

HT: Sandbach United Reserves 0 Mersey Valley 1

The second half was all about Valley as they started brilliantly, finding another gear and dominating the ball, the high press worked and Deering went close. From the corner, the ball broke to Mike Woolley who hit a brilliant 30-yarder which smashed against the post and bounced clear.

Deering then went close again, a brilliant run cutting inside but unable to hit the target and from an Evans free kick Woolley headed over.

More baffling decisions from the referee, Johns with his fourth poor tackle went unpunished but Evans who won the ball was then shown a yellow card.

Just before the hour the pressure finally told, Cooke was again sharp off his line and cleared the danger, Woolley with a great turn found Deering in space after he made a brilliant run, he beat the keeper and made it 2-0.

Deering went close to completing his hat-trick but headed over and Woolley tested the keeper with a drive.

Valley were in complete control going into added time but the referee then gave a bizarre penalty after a brilliant tackle from Greenwood, he also booked the defender. The spot kick was tucked away and the home side had a glimmer.

The referee incredibly added 7 minutes of added time but Mersey managed the game brilliantly not allowing the home side any chances.

The full time whistle went and Mersey Valley were into the second round of the J A Walton League Cup.

FT: Sandbach United Reserves 1 Mersey Valley 2

MATCH STATS

SANDBACH UNITED RESERVES 1
MERSEY VALLEY 2

MVFC: Cooke, Wilson, Dignan, Evans, Greenwood, Roach, Deering (Chaddock), Adams (Goldrick), Riley, Downing (Renshaw), Woolley (Dorsey)
Subs Not Used: Downey

Goals: Deering 43, 58

Booked: Downing, Evans, Greenwood

Sandbach United Reserves: Dowey, Barker, Webster, Walker, Skupski, Dalton, Johns, Gorst, Chesters, Lees, O’Reilly
Subs: Bowyer, Nash, Withenshaw, Watson, Dodd

Goals: Barker (pen) 90+1

Referee: Terence Morgan

MAN OF THE MATCH

MIKE WOOLLEY

An excellent all-round performance from Woolley, worked hard all game and used the ball well. Nearly scored one of the goals of the season with a long range drive and also set up the second goal from Sam Deering.

VIDEO

October 20, 2024

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Riley at the double as Mersey make it five in a row

By adminFirst Team, Match Report

SATURDAY 12TH OCTOBER 2024
CHESHIRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE
LEAGUE 2

MERSEY VALLEY

4

NEWTON ATHLETIC

1

MATCH REPORT

Mersey Valley equalled the club record for successive league wins with a 4-1 victory over Newton Athletic yesterday at Banky Lane – keeping them in second place just two points behind league leaders St Helens Town.

Manager Jon Hudson made three changes from the side that beat Maine Road Reserves with Aaron Johnson, Ewan Roach and Niall Goldrick all unavailable. Sam Chaddock and Sam Deering both started as did fit again captain Joel Riley.

The visitors made the better start, Dylan Owens forcing Cooke into a great early save. Newton looked to get the ball up to the big centre forward quickly as he was causing problems.

Neither side good get control of the game but it was Newton who looked sharper and more dangerous in the opening period.

Sam Chaddock opens the scoring

Despite that it was the home side that opened the scoring on 20 minutes, a brilliant run by Sam Deering caused panic in the box and his clever ball was turned home from close range by Sam Chaddock.

Deering was dangerous, every time he got the ball he looked the get at the defence and when he got in behind again he was hacked down by Dicks and the referee awarded the penalty. Captain Joel Riley stepped up and stroked home from the spot to give the home side a 2-0 lead.

The away side could feel hard done by after making a good start to the game and they remained positive and continued to threaten and they got the goal their play deserved just before the break – the dangerous Owens firing past Cooke.

HT: Mersey Valley 2 Newton Athletic 1

The second half was a nervy, scrappy game. Valley always looking dangerous with Deering but he was well marked by the impressive Ollie Shone.

At the other end, Jones had a great opportunity to level the scores after he beat the offside line but Cooke was out well the block the shot.

Captain Marvel – Joel Riley scored a brilliant goal to make it 3-1

It looked like it was going to be a mistake or a moment of real quality that would settle the game and it proved to be the later. Joel Riley scoring a beauty, hit with power and pace, the ball dipped and curled past the keeper into the back of the net.

Deering added a last fourth after great work from Dignan and the three points were won.

FT: Mersey Valley 4 Newton Athletic 1

MATCH STATS

MERSEY VALLEY 4
NEWTON ATHLETIC 1

MVFC: Cooke, Howarth (Renshaw), Dignan, Evans, Greenwood, Wilson, Deering, Adams (Woolley), Riley, Chaddock (Dorsey), Baroudi (Downing)

Goals: Chaddock 20, Riley (pen) 27, 79, Deering 88

Booked: Deering, Dorsey

Newton Athletic: Middleton, Shone, Woodman, Dicks, Morgan, Pownall, Jones, Roddy, D Owens, Zahringer, Brown.
Subs: Bailey, Hughes, Edwards, P Owens

Goal: D Owens 44

Booked: Dicks, D Owens

Referee: Euan Kay

MAN OF THE MATCH

MACAULAY DIGNAN

Back in in top form and fully fit after an early season injury, a brilliant performance from the left-back, a danger going forward and strong defensively, linking up well all game with Sam Deering, the will be better left hand side in the league this season!

VIDEO

October 13, 2024

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