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Match Report

Fourth straight win as Valley enter the promotion picture

By First Team, Match Report

SATURDAY 5TH OCTOBER 2024
CHESHIRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE
LEAGUE 2

MAINE ROAD RES

2

MERSEY VALLEY

4

MATCH REPORT

Another excellent away day performance saw Mersey Valley win their fourth game in a row and finish the day in the second automatic promotion place in the Cheshire League 2.

With Sam Deering recalled by parent club New Mills and captain Joel Riley injured Mersey made two changes from the side that thrashed Sandbach Town last week. Zaid Baroudi replaced Deering and Nathan Wilson came in for Riley with Adams taking the captain’s armband.

The visitors made a good start, Baroudi and Goldrick looking dangerous in the wide areas but the game soon became sloppy with neither side able to get on the ball for long periods – it was the home side that created a number of half-chances.

The first big chance fell to Valley. Johnson with a great run that took three fouls on him to bring him down. From the free kick, Goldrick curled a great effort just wide of the post.

Aaron Johnson

Johnson with another brace now has 7 goals for the season.

The breakthrough came after 29 minutes. Goldrick and Howarth with a brilliant combination down the right-hand side, Howarth rolled the ball to Evans who a brilliant drive from 25 yards which was superbly tipped onto the post by Taylor in the Maine Road goal but the ball bounced back into the box and Johnson reacted quickest to poke the ball home.

It was 2-0 just a minute later. Adams found Johnson in space and the striker did the rest, beating the defender before sliding the ball underneath the unlucky Taylor who thought he’d done enough but the ball slowly trickled over the line.

The home side reacted well to the double blow and got a goal back before half-time, poor defending from Valley allowed the impressive Turner to ghost in at the back post to make it 2-1.

It should have been 3-1 however in the final minutes of the half. A poor clearance was headed back by Adams giving Goldrick a clear sight on goal but the winger sliced his shot horribly wide.

HT: Maine Road Reserves 1 Mersey Valley 2

Valley made a tactical tweak at half time. Wilson moving to right back, Howarth pushing up to right midfield and Goldrick moving into a central role.

It worked as Valley took complete control of the game in the opening fifteen minutes of the half. Dignan played a glorious ball through for Johnson who rounded the keeper but couldn’t hit the target.

From a Ewan Roach long throw Goldrick found himself in a great position but the keeper made two great point-blank saves and from the corner, the ball flashed across the face of the goal.

The pressure finally told. Howarth with a great challenge to win the ball found Evans who curled a brilliant ball to the back post to find Adams who fired home with a superb volley.

Zaid Baroudi

A cool calm finish from Baroudi made it 4

As with the first two goals Valley scored another immediately. Johnson nearly completed his hat trick but in the scramble that followed Baroudi kept his composure to fire home to give the visitors a 4-1 lead.

Dignan suffered a dead leg and was replaced by Woolley and Downing and Chaddock replaced Evans and Goldrick.

Another defensive error gifted the home side a way back into the contest. Adams failed to clear his lines and Orhenomare was on hand to curl the ball past Cooke.

They almost made it a nervous last ten minutes when their captain Imrie powered a header towards goal but Cooke made a brilliant save, meow.

Johnson hit the bar and Howarth nearly scored a wonder goal from 45 yards out but the game ended with a 4-2 victory for Valley who moved into second place.

FT: Maine Road Reserves 2 Mersey Valley 4

MATCH STATS

MAINE ROAD RES 2
MERSEY VALLEY 4

MVFC: Cooke, Howarth, Dignan (Woolley), Evans (Downing), Greenwood, Roach, Baroudi, Adams, Johnson (Downey), Wilson (Renshaw), Goldrick (Chaddock)

Goals: Johnson 29,31, Adams 53, Baroudi 55
Booked: Evans

Maine Road Reserves: Taylor, Soma, Carter, Pickard, Imrie, Hallinan, Harris, Paterson, Schofield, Turner, Orhenomare
Subs: Croasdale, Lau-Mackaay, Kershaw

Goals: Turner 42, Orhenomare 75

Referee: Atticus Mills

MAN OF THE MATCH

PETE GREENWOOD

Another commanding performance from the centre half who has been one of the best players for Valley this season, arguably one of the best central defenders in the league this season, has played every minute and put in another brilliant display.

October 6, 2024
Love0

Magnificent Seven as Mersey impress once again

By First Team, Match Report

SATURDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER 2024
CHESHIRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE
LEAGUE 2

MERSEY VALLEY

7

SANDBACH TOWN

0

MATCH REPORT

Another breathtaking second-half performance yesterday saw Mersey Valley inflict a huge victory over Sandbach Town and move into third place in the Cheshire League.

Gaffers

Hudson and his assistant Paul Riley

Hudson named the same starting eleven as last week’s victory over Stretford Paddock and there was great news on the bench as Jordan Downing returned after over a year out with a serious knee injury.

Right from the first whistle, the visitors set up very defensively and looked to slow the game down and the opening period was very flat, the home side forced four corners in the opening ten minutes but failed to test the keeper.

The opening goal arrived in bizarre fashion, Adams with a great ball breaking the line for Johnson to attack, the Sandbach full-back had to make a challenge but he skewed his clearance, and it rolled into the back of the net to give Valley a deserved lead.

Goal Mersey Valley

Pete Greenwood with another goal as Valley doubled their lead before half time.

It was all Mersey Valley, Johnson creating several half chances and Adams missing a glorious chance from a corner. Good combination play between Riley and Johnson created a good opening for Riley but the defence closed him down and the ball went behind for another corner.

This time Goldrick delivered a good ball and Greenwood found space at the back post to smash the ball past the keeper and double the home side’s lead with his second goal in as many games.

HT: Mersey Valley 2 Sandbach Town 0

The instructions at half-time were very clear, start fast and play with intensity and hunger – it certainly was taken on board by the players who scored two quick goals.

Niall Goldrick

New signing Niall Goldrick has made an impressive start to his Mersey Valley career

Sam Deering went on a brilliant run, beating three players before getting his shot away which was brilliantly saved by the keeper, Howarth attacked the rebound and his drive was again saved but the rebound was pounced upon by Johnson who poked the ball into the net.

Then a poor error by the keeper as he let a pass back roll under his foot, Adams anticipated and smashed the ball into an empty net!

Hudson rang the changes. Woolley, Renshaw, Wilson, Chaddock and Jordan Downing all came on – Dignan, Howarth, Adams, Evans and Riley all withdrawn with the game safe.

Aaron Johnson

Another two goals for striker Aaron Johnson who has now hit 5 goals in 5 games this season.

Johnson made it five after great work from Goldrick down the right, despite the changes the home side continued to completely dominate the game.

It was soon six, Chaddock with a great cross into the box finding the head of Niall Goldrick who powered his header past the keeper.

The biggest cheer of the day was saved for the 90th minute. Chaddock with another brilliant delivery from a corner and Jordan Downing towered above his marker to head home and complete a very satisfactory day for Mersey Valley

FT: Mersey Valley 7 Sandbach Town 0

MATCH STATS

MERSEY VALLEY 7
SANDBACH TOWN 0

MVFC: Cooke, Howarth (Renshaw), Dignan (Woolley), Evans (Wilson), Greenwood, Roach, Deering, Adams (Downing), Johnson, Riley (Chaddock), Goldrick

Goals: Own Goal 25, Greenwood 44, Johnson 49, 73, Adams 51, Goldrick 75, Downing 90
Booked: Roach

Sandbach Town: Birkenhead, Carney, Little, Welch, Smith, Jaffrey, Evans, Lamb, Said, Elfatih, Zadeh
Subs: Williams, Holloway, Powell, Lees, Eitayeb

Goals: None
Booked: Elfatih

Referee: Andrew Ollerenshaw

MAN OF THE MATCH

ALFIE HOWARTH

Another superb display from the youngster at right-back defended will all game and was a constant threat going forward. Building a really strong partnership with Niall Goldrick down the right-hand side.

September 29, 2024
Love0

VALLEY STUN PADDOCK WITH BRILLIANT DISPLAY AND FLY UP THE TABLE

By First Team, Match Report

SATURDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER 2024
CHESHIRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE
LEAGUE 2

STRETFORD PADDOCK

1

MERSEY VALLEY

3

MATCH REPORT

A brilliant team performance saw Mersey Valley inflict a first home defeat for Stretford Paddock and move them up to fourth in the table.

Just two changes to the side that beat Moore United, Cooke replacing Rigby in goals and Johnson coming in for the ill Baroudi.

Pete Greenwood

Man of the match Pete Greenwood opened the scoring

Both sides started nervously but it was the visitors that struck first, Deering with a deep corner headed over the keeper by Pete Greenwood for his first goal of the season.

The home side responded well and levelled on 18 minutes. Howarth misjudged a header and the dangerous De Andrade set up Katumba for a simple finish past Cooke.

Olatunji was fortunate to escape without a booking after a horrible lunge on Johnson.

Paddock were controlling the ball with Taylor and Salmon-Harris looking dangerous but they couldn’t create any clear chances.

Johnson had a great chance after creating space in the box, but the ball seemed to get stuck under his feet and the keeper did well to block his attempt. Deering then went close, beating three players before curling his shot wide.

Olatunji finally got the yellow card after his third bad challenge and from the free kick, Johnson again went close after a brilliant delivery from Riley.

HT: Stretford Paddock 1 Mersey Valley 1

It wasn’t a good start to the second half for the visitors. Roach was sin-binned for comments made to the linesmen but in the ten minutes down to 10 men Valley were the better team and defended brilliantly not allowing Paddock any chances.

Mersey seemed to grow in confidence, the fitness levels of the players again showing as they started to win the midfield battles. Goldrick went close with a shot from the edge of the box after his own free-kick hit the wall.

Roach had a glorious chance from a corner but got underneath the ball and headed over and Derring burst through but the excellent Salceanu was again quick off his line to smother his shot.

Ewan Roach

Ewan Roach celebrate his first Mersey Valley goal.

The pressure told, Goldrick with another corner and this time Ewan Roach timed his run and jump to perfection to head home and restore the lead for Valley.

Roach and Riley then brilliantly combined to create a chance for Johnson but again the keeper made another good block.

Paddock tried to get back into the game but Cooke was in top form with a brilliant catch from a dangerous cross.

Sam Deering

Another brilliant performance from Sam Deering and another goal

With 8 minutes to go Johnson brilliantly span his man and raced clear, the keeper once again blocked his shot but this time Deering took control, taking his time and brilliantly smashing the ball past the keeper

Wilson and Chaddock game on to keep things tight and Paddock ended up with 10 men as Sinclair was sent off for a professional foul as he pulled down Riley.

The whistle went to cheers from the Valley supporters and players – a very good day for the club against one of the pre-season favourites.

FT: Stretford Paddock 1 Mersey Valley 3

MATCH STATS

STRETFORD PADDOCK 1
MERSEY VALLEY 3

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

Goals: Greenwood 8, Roach 65, Deering 82
Booked: None
Sin Bin: Roach

Stretford Paddock: Salceanu, Fulwood, Liddle, Walker, Olatunji, Bel, De Andrade, Taylor, Katumba, Salmon-Harris, Tek
Subs: Coleman, Black, Kemp, Iyumva, Sinclair

Goals: Katumba 18
Booked: Olatunji
Sent Off: Sinclair

Referee: Nigel Lane

MAN OF THE MATCH

PETE GREENWOOD

On a day when the whole team stood up, Greenwood scored his first goal of the season and defended well all day keeping their dangerous striker Ryan Katumba quiet for the majority of the game.

September 22, 2024
Love0

Mersey hit Moore for five and hope the spark is lit

By First Team, Match Report

SATURDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER 2024
CHESHIRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE
LEAGUE 2

MERSEY VALLEY

5

MOORE UNITED

2

MATCH REPORT

Another dominant second-half performance was the difference yesterday as Mersey Valley hit Moore United for five to claim a big Cheshire League victory.

Baroudi replaced the absent Johnson up-front and there was a first start for fit-again Macaulay Dignan.

Mersey started well, pressing high and forcing early errors, Goldrick fired wide and Deering got free after a good move with Howarth but dragged his shot wide of the target.

With their first real attack, Moore took the lead. Dignan misjudged the bounce of the ball and Rigby was beaten to the ball and Rudge rolled the ball into the net.

This gave the visitors a boost and they enjoyed a good spell of possession, Rigby making a good save from McConkey.

The equaliser came and there was a huge slice of luck. Baroudi was fouled on the edge of the box and from the free kick, Niall Goldrick saw his shot deflect off the wall and wrong-foot the keeper to make it 1-1.

As with Moore when they scored, it was Mersey Valley who now had momentum. Riley and Deering combined down the right and the ball deflected clear off the post. Deering then again got in behind and from Baroudi in the box but his shot was cleared off the line.

The pressure finally paid as Adams found Deering in space on the right-hand side again, he cut inside and fired an unstoppable shot past the keeper to give the home side the lead.

HT: Mersey Valley 2 Moore United 1

Niall Goldrick

Niall Goldrick, hat-trick hero

Valley started the second half really, Owen Adams could have had two headed goals in the opening five minutes but he somehow missed the target with both.

It was soon 3-1, Riley played a brilliant pass inside the full-back for Howarth to attack, and he pulled the ball back for Niall Goldrick to direct the ball into the back of the net. Woolley replaced Dignan at left-back.

The home side were in complete control but gifted the visitor a way back into the game. Howarth and Greenwood failed to communicate and Rudge burst through and kept his composure to finish underneath Rigby. Adams then picked up a needless yellow card for a silly challenge on Allen.

Baroudi created a brilliant chance with a superb first touch and pass to Deering but his finish was wide although he did seem to be fouled after he’d got his shot away.

Wilson replaced Baroudi who had worked hard all game and Adams again went close with a header.

The fourth goal arrived thanks to a great ball curled in by Evans, Goldrick stooping to head home at the back post to complete a very unconventional hat-trick.

Number five soon followed, Woolley finding Deering in the area whose clever feet created the opening and he fired past the keeper. It was too much for Dixon who was sin-binned for his complaints to the referee.

FT: Mersey Valley 5 Moore United 2

MATCH STATS

MERSEY VALLEY 5
MOORE UNITED 2

MVFC: Rigby, Howarth (Renshaw), Dignan (Woolley), Evans, Greenwood, Roach, Deering (Acton), Adams, Baroudi (Wilson), Riley, Goldrick (Chaddock)

Goals: Goldrick 24, 61, 81, Deering 33,86
Booked: Adams

Moore United: Buckley, Gibbons, Sweeney, Hankey, Allen, Rudge, Kneale, Hackett, McConkey, Willott, C Dixon

Subs: L Dixon, Hawley, Giddings

Goals: Rudge 14,68
Booked: None
Sin Bin: Dixon

Referee: Rob Goodwin-Davey

MAN OF THE MATCH

ALFIE HOWARTH

Another stand-out performance from the youngster who worked hard all day, made several key tackles and interceptions and also go an assist for the third goal.

September 15, 2024
Love0

Penalty heartbreak as Valley out of Cheshire Cup but season spark is lit

By First Team, Match Report

FRIDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER 2024
CHESHIRE CUP FIRST ROUND

CHESTER NOMADS

3

MERSEY VALLEY

3

MATCH REPORT

Mersey Valley fought back from 3-0 down before undeservedly being knocked out of the Cheshire Cup in a heartbreaking penalty shoot-out on a warm, muggy Chester evening.

Manager Jon Hudson made changes from the side that lost to Wigan Town. Alfie Howarth moved to right back with Nathan Wilson and Aaron Johnson making their full debuts, but the headlines were all about the return to the side of Sam Deering. Renshaw, Baroudi and Woolley made way in a tactical shale up.

It was a great start but the visitors, Goldrick dug out a brilliant cross, but Adams header was straight at the keeper. Valley were using the ball better, Evans making a good start to the game dictating play well.

Tucker picked up a yellow card for a bad tackle on Adams as the home side started to get frustrated. The supporters on the sideline started to hurl abuse at the Valley management team to try and get their own side going. Nomads play in the West Cheshire Football League, 2 levels higher than Mersey Valley.

Evans was also booked after an accumulation of fouls, the supporters making sure the referee showed the card.

The home side started to get more of the ball but Greenwood and Roach looked solid again at the back, fitness levels were being tested on a hot night.

The deadlock was broken on 38 minutes. The dangerous Spridgeon burst down the right and squared for Rowlands to fire home to give Nomads the lead.

Riley was then booked by the referee, a decision that baffled most. The official was having a poor game and seemed heavily influenced by the noise coming from the Nomads players and supporters.

The half-time whistle went and Mersey Valley were very unfortunate to be behind.

HT: Chester Nomads 1 Mersey Valley 0

The second half started and the home side took control but another poor decision by the referee frustrated the visitors. Smyth curled a dangerous ball into the box, Rowlands in a clear offside position blocked Gorst’s view of the ball but the referee allowed the goal and Chester Nomads took a 2-0 lead.

It was then 3-0, great link play by Spridgeon and the impressive Evans and the number 8 calmly slotted the ball past Gorst.

The home side celebrated like they’d won the game but Mersey Valley had other ideas and the next fifteen minutes they produced their best football of the season so far.

Niall Goldrick

Goldrick started the comeback with his first goal of the season

The first goal for turned in from close range by Niall Goldrick after great work down the left by Sam Deering.

Four minutes later it was game on as Joel Riley smashed the ball home following a scramble from a corner. The home side were stunned and the visitor were flying.

The comeback was complete with the best goal of the game. Deering played Johnson through but the defender Woodward got back but Johnson showed all his quality twisting his way through and firing a shot past the keeper sending Valley and their players into raptures.

Howarth hit a post and Gorst made a good block but the game finished 3-3, Valley had shown great quality to come back from 3-0 down against higher-level opposition.

FT: Chester Nomads 3 Mersey Valley 3

The shootout started with Goldrick scoring, Nomads scored their first kick before Riley slotted home to make it 2-1.

Nomads then got lucky a poor penalty squirmed underneath Gorst to make it 2-2. Deering restored the lead and Gorst then gave Valley control with a great low down save.

Johnson stepped up to give the visitors a 4-2 lead but got under the ball and fired over. Nomads equalised and then Owen Adams saw his effort saved. The Nomads player stroked the ball home for a 4-3 victory for the home side.

MATCH STATS

CHESTER NOMADS 3
MERSEY VALLEY 3

Chester Nomads win 4-3 on penalties

MVFC: Gorst, Howarth, Wilson, Evans, Greenwood, Roach, Deering, Adams, Johnson, Riley, Goldrick
Subs Not Used: Renshaw, Woolley, Acton, Dignan, Baroudi, Acton, Downey

Goals: Goldrick 59, Riley 63, Johnson 72
Booked: Evans, Riley, Wilson

Chester Nomads: Millington, Harper, Moss, Tucker, Woodward, Hinchcliffe, Apolionio, Evans, Spridgeon, Rowlands, Smyth
Subs: Gilmartin, Stamper, Clarke, Dickinson, Gorst

Referee: Christopher Hooper

MAN OF THE MATCH

SAM DEERING

Two assists and caused the Chester Nomads defence problems all night.

September 8, 2024
Love0

Disappointing day as Wigan grab all three points as old issues resurface for Valley

By First Team, Match ReportNo Comments

SATURDAY 31 AUGUST 2024
CHESHIRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE
LEAGUE 2

MERSEY VALLEY

1

WIGAN TOWN

2

MATCH REPORT

A strong late rally from Wigan Town handed them the three points in a well fought out battle on Saturday at Banky Lane.

Both sides started brightly, Niall Goldrick and Joel Riley both having early shots but neither able to hit the target. Wigan also created a couple of half chances but Greenwood and Roach stood firm.

Joel Riley Mersey Valley FC

Joel Riley went close to giving the home side the lead

On 32 mins the home side had a great shout for a penalty, Riley shooting from long range and the Wigan defender had his hands raised in an unnatural position, but the referee didn’t agree and waved play on.

Minutes later Riley also appeared to handle the ball and again the referee played on, this time the ball ran and sent Riley through on a one-on-one with e keeper but his finish was poor.

HT: Mersey Valley 0 Wigan Town 0

Johnson replaced Howarth and straight away caused problems in the box, his shot was blocked, Mike Woolley followed up and forced the Wigan keeper into a good save.

Alex Gorst Mersey Valley

Man of the Match Alex Gorst made a number of great saves

Wigan also started to create good chances, Gorst made two brilliant saves as the game started to become very open.

Valley looked disjointed and the midfield was not able to get any control in the game, Wigan took control and took the lead on 70 minutes after a scramble in the box.

The home side tried to throw everything at Wigan but quality in the final third let them down and Wigan grabbed a second goal in the 90th minute from the penalty spot.

There was late drama, Baroudi pulled a goal back and then had a great chance to equalise but brilliant defending from Wigan saved the day and the three points went back to Lancashire – a deserved victory for the visitors.

FT: Mersey Valley 1 Wigan Town 2

After the game we caught up with manager Jon Hudson.

A frustrating afternoon and hopefully just a bad day. We started ok but we just didn’t perform today, we never really got going and too many players were below par. I thought Wigan Town were excellent today, they never stopped working for each other and looked like a real team – something we still need to do. We will carry on working hard at training and bounce back next game. We’ve got a huge test on Friday night in Chester and we really need to step up against higher level opposition.

MATCH STATS

MERSEY VALLEY 1
WIGAN TOWN 2

MVFC: Gorst, Renshaw, Woolley (Downey), Adams (Dorsey), Greenwood, Roach, Baroudi, Howarth (Johnson), Riley, Evans, Goldrick (Wilson)
Subs Not Used: Acton

Goals: Baroudi 90+5

Wigan Town: D Foster, M Foster, Glynn, Griffith, Higham, Luby, Meadows, Sargent, A Simpson, K Simpson, Wright
Subs: Allen, Garton-Matthews, Halliwell

Goals: Meadows 70, 90 (pen)

Referee: Brian Taylor

MAN OF THE MATCH

ALEX GORST

Made a string of saves in the second half and kept the scoreline down.

September 4, 2024
Love0
Mersey Valley v Warrington Rylands

Johnson arrives with debut goals as Valley claim victory

By First Team, Match ReportNo Comments

SATURDAY 17TH AUGUST 2024
CHESHIRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE
LEAGUE 2

MERSEY
VALLEY

4

WARRINGTON RYLANDS DEV

2

MATCH REPORT

Mersey Valley produced a brilliant second half performance to come from behind to beat Warrington Rylands Development Squad.

The young Rylands team started well, moving the ball nicely and working hard off the ball to make it difficult for the home side. Brad Cooke making his debut for Valley looked solid in goals.

Valley started to look dangerous, wide players Zaid Baroudi and another debutant Niall Goldrick both starting well.

It was Rylands who took the lead on 25 minutes, after forcing a number of set pieces the made their pressure count. A corner was not dealt with by the defence and Green was in the right place to fire home from close range.

The home side could not get into the game, Rylands shape and work rate was much better and they looked dangerous. Cooke making a smart save and centre halves Greenwood and Roach both making good interceptions.

Riley & Goldrick celebrate Owen Adams equaliser

Hudson made a big call on 38 minutes, replacing the unlucky Downey and Chaddock with debutant Aaron Johnson and fit again midfielder Sam Glendon.

With seconds remaining in the first half in was Glendon’s long throw that caused havoc on the box and Owen Adams skilfully glance the ball past the keeper to make it all square at the break.

HT: Mersey Valley 1 Warrington Rylands Dev 1

It was a positive half time break as the home side came out looking a different side, confidence flowing through the team. The home side started winning the 50/50 balls and pressing Rylands faster and higher up the pitch.

Baroudi was seeing a lot of the ball playing more centrally and looked dangerous. Glendon and Adams started to win the ball more and control the possession as Valley looked the take full control.

Aaron Johnson goal

What a debut! Aaron Johnson makes it 4-1

The goal the pressure deserved arrived just before the hour. Baroudi with a defence splitting pass to Johnson who smashed the ball past the Rylands keeper to give the home side the lead.

The visitors had no response, Valley were on top and Riley & Goldrick bot went close. On 72 minutes Baroudi was again involved, a great run and pass to captain Joel Riley who smashed the ball home.

Soon it was 4-1, Johnson again the man in the right place picking up a loose ball in the box to fire home his second of the game. It was nearly the perfect day for the new striker, a brilliant flick beat the keeper but hit the top of the bar.

The visitors got a consolation in the final minutes, Cooke harshly punished after a collision with the Rylands substitute was deemed by the referee to be a penalty which was tucked away.

The full-time whistle went shortly after and Mersey Valley had the three points their second half performance deserved.

FT: Mersey Valley 4 Warrington Rylands Dev 2

MATCH STATS

MERSEY VALLEY 4
WARRINGTON RYLANDS DEV 2

MVFC: Cooke, Renshaw, Woolley, Adams, Greenwood, Roach, Baroudi (Acton), Chaddock (Glendon), Downey (Johnson), Riley, Goldrick (Fraine)

Goals: Adams 44, Johnson 59, 79, Riley 72
Booked: Adams

Warrington Rylands Dev: Goldson, Williamson, Cooper, Yates, Campbell, Hives, Whitfield, Martin, Green, Clarke, Oakes
Subs: Williams, Stevens, Eyres, McHugh, Pendlebuty

Goals: Green 25, Martin (pen) 89

Referee: Simon Humphries

MAN OF THE MATCH

AARON JOHNSON

A brilliant debut from the new striker who made a huge difference when he came on and took his chances superbly.

August 19, 2024
Love0

RILEY AT THE DOUBLE AS LATE DRAMA IN CONTROVERSIAL CLASH!

By First Team, Match ReportNo Comments

SATURDAY 3RD AUGUST 2024
CHESHIRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE
LEAGUE 2

NEWTON ATHLETIC

2

MERSEY VALLEY

2

MATCH REPORT

A 93rd minute equaliser from Joel Riley earned Mersey Valley a fully deserved point on Saturday in a hugely controversial game with Newton Athletic.

Looking resplendent in their new kit, manager Jon Hudson made two changes from the side that lost to St Helens Town on Tuesday night. Alex Gorst was back in the sticks and Sam Chaddock replaced Dylan Fraine.

Joel Riley opens the scoring

Valley started well, moving the ball nicely and controlling the pace of the game and took the lead on 10 minutes. Greenwood with a great ball to Joel Riley, he finished brilliantly past the keeper to give Mersey Valley the perfect start.

The home side had good moments but couldn’t sustain any pressure and the visitors continued to dominate, the Howarth brothers combined to set up Riley, his curling shot hit the bar.

Howarth was unlucky on two occasions to be called offside by the over eager official.

 

When Valley failed to clear a long ball, Newton had their first chance, a clever through ball followed by a smart first touch and excellent finish gave the home side an equaliser.

Mersey Valley thought they’d gone back in front just two minutes later, Mike Woolley darting in at the back post to bundle the ball home before a referee’s whistle stopped the celebrations, Riley judged to have been offside.

At the other end however a much clearer offside was a not given as Newton again broke the line and got in behind, the striker calmly beat Gorst to make it 2-1 at the break.

HT: Newton Athletic 2 Mersey Valley 1

It was a bad start to the second half, Renshaw was a fouled and had to be replaced, Wilson coming on. The free kick was poor and on the break the Newton striker again got through, but this time couldn’t hit the target.

The game then saw a huge moment of controversy on 61 minutes. George Howarth burst in to the box and curled a great shot past the keeper into the back of the net, the ball hit the metal stanchion and bounced out, but Mersey started celebrating and even the Newton players turned away to walk back for the restart.

The only person who didn’t see the ball go in was the referee who carried on with the game. It obviously caused a huge reaction from the visitors. Howarth was sin binned for his reaction and assistant manager Paul Riley shown a straight red card for his protests.

Down to 10 men it was Valley that did all the pushing. Fraine replaced Chaddock and Acton came on for Woolley as the push continued for an equaliser.

Last gasp drama as Riley makes it 2-2

Adams should have scored on 90 when he hit the bar, but the goal did come in the 93rd minute – Greenwood with a long ball, well controlled by Riley who didn’t panic and managed to get a shot away which took a deflection and looped over the Newton keeper for a deserved equaliser.

FT: Newton Athletic 2 Mersey Valley 2

After the game we caught up with captain Joel Riley.

“We were genuinely unlucky today; despite the late goal it still feels like 2 points lost but with everything that went against us today we showed a really good attitude to keep on pushing in a situation when as a team we would have probably given up last season.

We just need to touch up those fine details and stay focused – we go again next week!”

MATCH STATS

NEWTON ATHLETIC 2
MERSEY VALLEY 2

MVFC: Gorst, Renshaw (Wilson), Woolley (Acton), A Howarth (Wilson), Greenwood, Roach, Chaddock (Fraine), Adams, Riley, Evans, G Howarth
Subs Not Used: Cooke, Downey

Goals: Riley 10, 90+3
Booked: None
Sin Bin: Howarth

Newton Athletic: Jones, Evans, Bytheway-Jackson, Moran, Robinson, Downall, Bradley, Hewitt, Woodman, McLean, Edwards.
Subs: Dodd, Dwyer, Dalton, Artell

Goals: 30, 40
Booked: None
Sin Bin: None

Referee: Christoper Hooper

MAN OF THE MATCH

JOEL RILEY

2 goals and a hard-working display from the captain.

August 5, 2024
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St Helens punish Valley to claim victory

By First Team, Match ReportNo Comments

TUESDAY 30TH JULY 2024
CHESHIRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE
LEAGUE 2

MERSEY VALLEY

1

ST HELENS TOWN

4

MATCH REPORT

A clinical well organised St Helens Town inflicted Mersey Valley’s first defeat of the season last night – a game all around fine margins and big moments.

The game started with a bang and Valley should have been in front after just 20 seconds. From the kick off Adams and Riley combined to put Adams clean through but he shot straight at the keeper.

St Helens first attack saw a good challenge knock the ball back to Rigby, the St Helens Town striker Williams so quick to close down and Rigby’s attempts to move the ball resulted in the ball hitting the striker and rolling into the net to give the visitors a freak lead.

The away side had a clear plan, long direct balls up to number 8 Liam Diggle and feed off the flick ons and second balls – it worked well with them dominating the oping 20 minutes.

George Howarth

The home side went close, George Howarth cutting inside to unleash a long range drive which went just past the post. However, it was the visitors that struck next, another long ball was misjudged by Roach and Willims again got inside the area and curled the ball past Rigby to make it 2-0.

The home side responded, Howarth and Adams should both have scored after finding space in the area but hit their shots too close to the keeper who made two smart saves.

The pressure was building and finally told, Roach played in Howarth who easily escaped the defenders with his pace, rounded the keeper and tapped home – it was a deserved goal and Valley were right back in the contest.

There was one more chance and a controversial end to the half. A St Helens corner was smashed home by midfielder Liam Beech but it appeared Diggle had elbowed Greenwood in a head – unseen by the referee – and the goal was given.

Despite creating more clear-cut chances the home side went in 3-1 down.

HT: Mersey Valley 1 St Helens Town 3

A slight reshuffle at half-time saw Alfie Howarth move into a more advanced midfield position and it nearly paid off straight away, a burst in to the box and his shot from a tight angle smashed against the post.

The home side had also stopped threat of Diggle who was no longer winning every header thanks to Adams and Greenwood.

Fraine was the next to hit the woodwork, he clever run inside and shot clipping the top of the bar.

It seemed that the home side pressure would pay off, keeper Jenkinson again denied George Howarth. At the other end Rigby made a brilliant reflex save to deny Beech another goal.

But it was another Mersey Valley error that sealed the win for the visitors. Adams caught on the ball inside the area and  Leech was on hand to accept the gift and slot past Rigby.

Young defender Nathan Wilson came on for his Mersey Valley debut but despite some good possession the visitors defended well to the end.

FT: Mersey Valley 1 St Helens Town 4

After the game we spoke to manager Jon Hudson.

“To gift them three goals if very disappointing. We knew how they’d play, we knew the’d be direct and at times we let them bully us. But this is a young team and games like this only make you better prepared and the Cheshire League is a tough learning curve. The confidence we have in this group has not changed after one defeat, we go again Saturday and we’re confident we improve and develop as a team.”

MATCH STATS

MERSEY VALLEY 1
ST HELENS TOWN 4

MVFC: Rigby, Renshaw, Woolley (Bowcott), A Howarth (Wilson), Greenwood, Roach, Fraine, Adams, Riley, Evans (Chaddock), G Howarth

Subs Not Used: Acton, Downey

Goals: G Howarth 41

St Helens Town: Jenkinson, Roby, Buckley-Benbow, Sant, L Diggle, Beech, Simpson, Gibson, Liam Diggle, Williams, Leech
Subs: Hughes, Foster, Cook, Watson, Garrett

Goals: Gibson 5, 25, Beech 43, Leech 67

Referee: Jamie Barlow

MAN OF THE MATCH

ALFIE HOWARTH

Moved into a new position but produced another solid performance.

July 31, 2024
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Mersey Valley v Maine Road Reserves

New look Valley shine with opening day victory

By First Team, Match ReportNo Comments

SATURDAY 27TH JULY 2024
CHESHIRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE
LEAGUE 2

MERSEY VALLEY

2

MAINE ROAD RES

0

MATCH REPORT

Mersey Valley startyed their 2024/25 Cheshire League campaign with a deserved 2-0 win over Maine Road Reserves at Banky Lane.

Manager Jon Hudson handed debuts to new signings Sam Glendon, Ewan Roach, Sean Dorsey and Aaron Bowcott and a second debut to keeper Adam Rigby who rejoined the club in the summer.

Also included was dual-reg forward George Howarth but Macaulay Dignan and another new signing Niall Goldrick were borh ruled out through injury.

It was a good start by the home side, Howarth down the left hand side seeing plenty of the ball but the visitors, with a lot of new faces started to get control and Rigby was forced into a great block when Turner got free.

The turning point arrived on the half hour, Glendon sin binned for dissent and the visitors changed their shape to try and capitalise on the extra man but it was the home side that took advantage.

Joel Riley opens the scoring from the spot

Adams played in George Howarth again who burst through on goal, as he was about to get his shot away he was taken out by Winteroube and the referee pointed to the spot.

Captain Joel Riley converted coolly from the spot to give Mersey Valley the lead.

Glendon returned but Maine Road then saw themselves reduced to 10-men. Orhehomare this time speaking out of turn to the match official.

The half-time whistle went and the vistors felt hard done by to be going in at the break 1-0 down.

HT: Mersey Valley 1 Maine Road Reserves 0

The scond half belonged to the home side, Howarth contined to cause problems down the left hand side, a brilliant run and cross found Chaddock at the back post who timed his run to perfection but couldn’t get his header on target.

Chaddock and Evans then combined, Evans delivering a perfect cross for Mike Woolley to arrive unmarked but again he couldn’t get his header on target.

Dylan Fraine

Dylan Fraine makes it 2-0

Hudson made his first change of the day, young forward Dylan Fraine replaced Chaddock and it took him just 5 minutes to make his mark.

Glendon broke up a dangerous attack and the home side counter attacked quickly, Woolley found Fraine in space, he cut inside and curled a brilliant goal past Taylor in the Maine Road goal.

Evans, Roach and Adams picked up yellow cards as well as Richards and Turner for the visitors.

The home side managed the game perfectly, keeping control of possession and Rigby didn’t have a save to make in the second half.

FT: Mersey Valley 2 Maine Road Reserves 0

MATCH STATS

MERSEY VALLEY 2
MAINE ROAD RES 0

MVFC: Rigby, A Howarth, Woolley (Bowcott), Glendon, Greenwood, Roach, Chaddock (Fraine), Adams (Dorsey), Riley, Evans (Renshaw), G Howarth (Acton)

Goals: Riley (pen) 33, Fraine 76
Booked: Roach, Adams, Evans
Sin Bin: Glendon

Maine Road Reserves: J Taylor, Saine, L Taylor, Hallinan, Winteroube, Richards, Orhenomare, Roe, Lau-Mackaay, Turner, A Seye.
Subs: Soma, Mizen, McAling, Adenzi, M Seye

Goals: None
Booked: Richards, Seye, Turner
Sin Bin: Orhenomare

Referee: Jacob Stone

MAN OF THE MATCH

OWEN ADAMS

Excellent performance in the heart of the midfield from Adams, won key challenges all day and never stopped running and working hard for the team.

July 28, 2024
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