2009 - 2010 Match Reports
13/09/09
Middleton Rangers U13s V Newton Aycliffe SC U13s
Rangers U13s entertained a hard working & resilient
Aycliffe SC in the opening match of the new season
and cruised to a 5-1 win thanks to a solid and
disciplined team performance. Middleton created
several chances with Joe Abbott & Dan Pippen going
close before goalkeeper Robin Hall put Middleton
ahead with a thunderous kick out that deceived the
Aycliffe back line.
The 2nd half saw the Middleton Boys look
to increase their lead & duly do so through Dan
Pippen & man of the match Luca Dunn for a 3-0 lead.
Brad Bell was next on the scoresheet before Aycliffe
pulled one back.
Centre backs Mark Cairns and Cain James thwarted
Aycliffe's attack while full backs Mitch Armin, Danny
Speed & later Kyle Bruce dealt firmly with the
Aycliffe wingers. The Rangers midfield of Will
Hughes, Luca Dunn, Jake Richardson, & Brad Bell
controlled the play well & produced some fantastic
football, which ultimately lead to the goal of the
game from Luca Dunn. Luca beat several defenders
before unleashing a curling shot into the top right
of the Aycliffe net.
An entertaining match & a brilliant performance from
Rangers with a defiant Newton Aycliffe playing their
part and never once giving up on the match despite
the scoreline. Well done lads on a wonderful start
to the new league season.
21/09/09
Middleton Rangers U13s V Ferryhill U13s Lge Cup 1st
Round
The U13s had to battle hard for a 7 - 3 win over
Division 2 Ferryhill in the cup this weekend in a
hugely entertaining game of football. Rangers
stamped their authority on the match early on when
Jake Richardson side footed home a Luca Dunn cross
and were soon 2-0 up when Luca buried the ball in
the Ferryhill net.
It was soon clear that Middleton were not to have
things all their own way when the big Ferryhill
centre forward pulled one back and he was to go on
to cause the Rangers back four of Mark Cairns, James
Wilson, Kieran Wade, and Kyle Bruce a number of
problems with his strength and speed as the game
progressed.
Middleton's Danny Speed gave the lads back their two
goal cushion with a superb 20 yard shot into the top
right of the Ferryhill goal and Rangers took that
advantage into the half time break.
Ferryhill started the second half strongly and
managed to equal things out with two goals in the
first ten minutes and it could have been worse if
goalkeeper Will Hughes and man of the match James
Wilson had not been equal to the strong Ferryhill
forwards.
As the second half went on Rangers grew in
confidence and enjoyed the majority of the
possession, creating several chances, and it was
Danny Speed who put Middleton back in front with
another well worked goal. The lads then seized the
initiative and were quickly on the score sheet again
when Brad Bell buried his shot hard into the
Ferryhill net, and Brad capped another fine
performance with a fantastic long range effort that
gave the Ferryhill keeper no chance and took the
score to 6-3.
There could have been several more goals as left
winger Mitch Armin, midfielders Cain James, Jake
Richardson, and Luca Dunn continued to take the
match to Ferryhill but Mark Cairns finished the
scoring with a goal worthy of his hard work and
effort in a match that saw both teams playing some
quality football.
27/09/09
Wolviston Juniors U 13s V Middleton Rangers U 13s
The Under 13s were forced to play this match with 3
regulars missing. Centre backs Robin Hall and Cain
James were both injured and striker Danny Pippen was
still on holiday, so it was a bare 11 that took on
Wolviston in what turned out to be a great game of
football.
Rangers took the game to their hosts early and
opened the scoring through Luca Dunn after Jake
Richardson worked hard and battled to create the
opportunity. Wolviston were soon back in it though
and scored the equaliser minutes later.
Middleton found the net again to take a 2-1 lead
through Jake Richardson and nearly went 2 goals up
when Brad Bell hit the bar moments later. Rangers
claimed the 2 goal lead through a fine individual
goal from Luca Dunn, chipping the goalkeeper from
the right after creating space for himself with some
fantastic skill. It looked as though the Rangers
might control the match now but the Wolviston lads
had other ideas and brought the deficit down with a
well worked goal just before half time, some slick
team passing opening the Rangers defence.
Middleton found themselves 2 goals up again in the 2nd
half when Joe Abbott scored a real centre forward's
goal, sliding in on a rebound from a Jake Richardson
shot after Jake had battled his way through the
defence and unleashed a fine shot that came back off
the post.
Wolviston came at Rangers and crated several chances
for themselves and went very close with a shot that
centre back Mark Cairns did brilliantly to head off
the line, and goalkeeper James Wilson was kept busy
at times as the Wolviston boys sought a way back
into the game. Left back and man of the match Mitch
Armin dealt with everything Wolviston could throw at
him as did his counterpart on the right, Kyle Bruce,
and Danny Speed in the centre of defence made some
vital tackles to thwart several Wolviston attacks.
Middleton wide men Will Hughes and Brad Bell were
causing the hosts all sorts of problems and forward
Kieran Wade went close with a 25 yard shot hit 1st
time that went just wide before Brad Bell sealed the
win with brilliant header from a perfect Joe Abbott
cross. It was a fantastic goal and it capped off a
wonderful team performance from the lads to win the
match by 5 goals to 2.
04/10/09
Middleton Rangers U13s V Boro Rangers U13 Lge Cup
2nd Round
Middleton entertained Boro Rangers in the second
round of the TJFA League cup, a top first division
side who are used to winning, and having comfortably
beaten Cleveland Juniors last week in the league and
winning their last round tie by 15 goals, must have
thought that our division 4 status would make this a
comfortable match for them, but Middleton had other
ideas.
Rangers started strongly and attacked the Boro
defence in the opening minutes forcing the visitor's
keeper into action early. The Rangers back line of
Kyle Bruce, Mark Cairns, man of the match Robin
Hall, and Mitch Armin worked hard to keep the strong
Boro forwards at bay and goalkeeper James Wilson
made it clear that he would not be beaten easily as
this hugely entertaining match went from end to end
with both sides going close.
The deadlock was eventually broken when Boro forced
the Rangers defence into a last gasp tackle that saw
the ball end up in the Middleton net. This was an
unfortunate blow to Middleton who were matching
their adversaries ball for ball in all areas of the
pitch.
The goal settled the nerves of the visiting crowd
who had become frustrated by Middleton's resilience
but this was not to last long. Ranger's front man
Danny Speed seized upon a perfect through ball and
beat two Boro defenders before placing a perfect
shot into the bottom left of the goal to level the
score.
The match continued to see opportunities for both
teams go begging and the lead looked to be
Middleton's when Midfield General Jake Richardson
unleashed an unstoppable shot that just cleared the
crossbar, the effort bringing applause from everyone
watching.
Just before half time the Boro broke quickly and
forced Keeper James Wilson into making another
fantastic save but the Middleton defence were slow
to clear the rebound which fell into the path of an
oncoming Boro midfielder who made sure the second
time, making the half time score 2-1 to the
visitors.
This was a very physical match and the Middleton
boys were giving everything to break up the Boro
possession and stop the Division 1 side playing and
again the visiting crowd became increasingly
frustrated.
Luca Dunn worked hard to create attacking
opportunities and feed wingers Will Hughes and Brad
Bell, and Danny Pippen, Kieran Wade and Joe Abbott
tirelessly tried to open the Boro defence but the
next goal was to go to Boro and Middleton found
themselves facing an uphill battle now and a two
goal deficit.
The next goal came from the penalty spot as the
Middleton lads began to tire a little and could
count themselves unfortunate to be three goals down
in a match that up until that point had been poised
to go either way.
Despite the 4-1 scoreline the Rangers kept at their
opponents and forced several corners trying to force
a way back into the game, but it was not to be our
day as far as the score was to go and tired legs
cost the boys two more goals in the last five
minutes as fitness and stamina told.
Middleton Rangers made a fantastic account of
themselves today with everyone giving a hundred
percent against a team that is probably the best in
the TJFA. They frustrated their opponents throughout
the match and gave the Boro lads, coaches, and
spectators an edgy 70 minutes. Well done lads, I am
very proud of all of you.
11/10/09
Middleton Rangers U13s V Spraire Lads U13s
The Rangers were forced to play this match without
goalkeeper James Wilson which is not ideal when you
are playing a team with the calibre of Spraire Lads
but left winger Will Hughes made a fantastic
replacement in what was a most entertaining and end
to end 9 goal thriller of a match.
Spraire made the early running and forced the
Middleton defence into an error to make it 1-0 but
the Rangers were soon back in it when front man
Danny Speed battled his way through the Spraire
defence to make it 1-1.
The play went back and forth as two quality teams
cancelled each other out but TJFA top scorer last
season Jack Adams showed his ability and lightening
speed to send Spraire into the break with a 2-1
lead.
Early in the 2nd half Spraire Lads made
it 3-1 with another super fast break, burying the
ball in the Rangers net at the 2nd
attempt after Will Hughes had made a fantastic save
but could do nothing about the 2nd ball.
Middleton back line of Mark Cairns, Robin Hall, Kyle
Bruce and Cain James were working very hard to
contain the quick Spraire forwards and the Rangers
were soon back in the game when Mitch Armin buried
the ball in the bottom right of the Spraire net and
Middleton found themselves level two minutes later
Luca Dunn made it 3-3 from a corner.
Luca Dunn and Jake Richardson battled hard to try
and dominate the midfield and wingers Mitch Armin
and Brad Bell were causing the Spraire full backs
some problems and this pressure paid off when
Middleton fired themselves into the lead for the
first time in the match. Mitch Armin delivered a
perfect corner and Luca Dunn provided the finish for
his second of the match.
It looked as though Middleton might well go on to
get a few more and finish off the game when Danny
Pippen and Joe Abbott went close but Spraire Lads
had other ideas and came back fighting. Another
quick attack saw ex Ranger Liam Pollock presented
with the opportunity to draw Spraire level and he
duly did so, slamming the ball high into the
Middleton net and beyond the reach of Will Hughes.
At 4-4 this fantastic match was poised to go either
way but it was Spraire Lads who made the
breakthrough. Another break from deep in the Spraire
half saw the speedy centre forward latch onto a
through ball and finish the job.
With the score at 5-4 the Rangers tried hard to get
back into the match and right winger Kieran Wade
refused to let his head go down and battled hard in
the last few minutes to make a breakthrough but it
was not to be and the game finished 5-4.
This was a thrilling football match between two very
good teams and both sets of lads were a credit to
their football clubs and the TJFA.
Congratulations to Spraire on the victory and we
look forward to the re match next Sunday which I am
certain will be another brilliant and entertaining
football match.
18/10/09
Spraire Lads U13s V Middleton Rangers U13s
The Rangers took on local rivals Spraire Lads for
the second week in a row and once again everyone
watching was treated to a wonderful display from
both teams, and another nerve wracking 70 minutes
for both sets of coaches and parents.
For twenty minutes the match remained a tight but
defensive game as both teams tried hard to stamp
their authority on one another with neither really
succeeding. However, that all changed when Spraire
put the ball in the Middleton net for 1-0 despite
the best efforts of Rangers stand in keeper Will
Hughes. Will took his place between the sticks for
the second week running in the absence of regular
keeper James Wilson and put on yet another fantastic
display that deservedly was to earn him the man of
the match award at the end of the game.
The Rangers went on the attack from the restart and
won a corner through the grit and determination of
forwards Joe Abbott and Brad Bell. Mitch Armin
delivered the sweetest of balls which was met by the
head of the talented Luca Dunn to send it rocketing
into the bottom right of Spraire net for 1-1.
Middleton took strength from the quality of the
equaliser and were soon on the attack again when
Danny Pippen slammed the ball home after a goalmouth
scramble for 2-1 to Rangers.
Middleton were looking good value for their lead but
were reminded again of just how good Spraire lads
are by goal machine Jack Adams who got himself on
the end of a great cross to head home for 2-2.
The Middleton defenders were working hard and were
determined to get the better of the lightening fast
Spraire attack. Captain Robin Hall was leading the
line superbly and fellow centre back Cain James
seemed to be everywhere winning ball after ball
while full backs Mark Cairns and Kyle Bruce kept the
flanks closed.
With the first half almost over Rangers were on the
attack again and Brad Bell stepped up with the
coolest of finishes with the side of his foot from
eighteen yards out after the ball was intelligently
played across to him from the right and Rangers
found themselves with a half time lead of 3-2.
Middleton began the second half confidently and went
close twice through Cain James and Danny Speed, and
were looking to increase their lead, but once again
they were reminded of just how tight this match was
when Spraire knocked in the equaliser after the
initial shot was saved by Will Hughes who could only
watch helplessly as the rebound was expertly headed
beyond his reach and into the Middleton net for 3-3.
For the second week in a row the fixture sat on a
knife edge with attacking dominance moving back and
forth between the two teams. This week though, it
was the Rangers who seized the initiative. Midfield
duo Jake Richardson and Luca Dunn battled their
hearts out throughout the 70 minutes and this
determination was rewarded when after winning
possession in the middle the ball was played wide
left to Mitch Armin and then to Danny Speed in the
centre who confidently slotted home to put Middleton
4-3 up.
The remainder of the match again saw both teams
going on the attack as Rangers looked to increase
their lead and Spraire sought the equaliser. Kieran
Wade moved into the right wing position and was soon
in the thick of the action as possession continued
to go back and forth between the two sides.
When the final whistle went it was smiles all round
for the Rangers who had done enough to earn the 4-3
victory. Again, this was a fantastic game and both
sides played quality football and were again a
credit to their clubs and the TJFA.
With the two fixtures standing all square for the
second year in a row this should be quite a season
for both teams. Thank goodness we do not play
Spraire Lads again this league campaign as I doubt
my nerves could take it.
Well done Middleton Rangers on turning round the
disappointment of defeat last week. We are very
proud of all of you.
25/10/09
Middleton Rangers U13s V Norton SAS U13s Cty Cup Rd2
Rangers played Norton SAS from the TJFA 1st
Division in the second round of the county cup and
narrowly lost the match 6-4. Weather conditions were
not ideal with a gale force wind blowing and
Middleton were forced to play without goalkeeper
James Wilson again, forward Danny Speed, and
midfielder Jake Richardson. Due to the lack of
available players, it was also necessary for Robin
Hall, Luca Dun, and Brad Bell to play despite all
three of them carrying niggling injuries, so this
match was always going to be an uphill struggle.
On the plus side Rangers were able to give a full
game to new signing Jahaidid "J" Islam in the centre
of midfield and he did not disappoint, J had a
fantastic match despite playing with his new team
mates for the first time and a lack of full match
practise, topping his performance with a wonderful
goal, very skilfully finished after Danny Pippen had
selflessly put him through on goal with a sweetly
played pass.
Middleton started brightly and took the game to
their first division opponents and it was not long
before they were in the lead when man of the match
Joe Abbott got himself on the end of a perfectly
placed through ball from Luca Dunn to play the ball
over the advancing Norton SAS keeper and into the
open net. It was a brilliant finish and Joe put in a
solid performance throughout the game which
deservedly got him the man of the match award.
Rangers soon doubled their lead when right winger
Brad Bell got his head on the end of a wonderful
cross from left winger Will Hughes. It was Brad's
second headed goal of the season and brilliantly
taken.
Despite finding themselves 2-0 down Norton SAS were
determined to show Rangers that they meant business
and were soon back in the game for 2-1 from a free
kick. A few minutes later the match was level when
Norton scored again.
Middleton heads were down a little and some
defensive confusion due to conflicting sideline
instructions let Norton in for a third just before
half time.
After some half time encouragement the Rangers were
once again up for the battle and went close several
times through Joe Abbott, Will Hughes, Brad Bell,
and Danny Pippen, the post and bar saving Norton
more than once.
Middleton were unlucky to concede a fourth and then
fifth goal before bringing the match back to 5-3
through J Islam, and the lads were once again
unlucky to concede again before pulling the match
back to 6-4 when Brad Bell got his second of the
game.
This was a battling performance against a side three
divisions above Middleton and could easily have gone
the other way if Rangers had been at full strength
and injury free. Well done to Kyle Bruce who had a
great game at right back, Mark Cairns and Cain James
in the centre of defence, and also to Kieran Wade
who tried hard to make his mark up front, and very
well done to Jahaidid "J" Islam on his first match
with the Rangers, Joe "Hitman" Abbott who never
stopped once, and to Robin Hall for stepping up as
stand in goalkeeper.
15/11/09
North Ormesby U13s V Middleton Rangers U13s
Rangers took on 2nd place North Ormesby
and not for the first time this season had to go
into a match with only the bare 11 players due to
absence and injury. Midfield playmaker Luca Dunn had
to play with his knee heavily strapped, and with his
usual partner Jake Richardson sidelined through
injury, Middleton were reliant on some of the boys
playing out of position. This was always going to
be an uphill battle and Rangers were very lucky not
to be more than 1-0 down at half time, and most
certainly would have been if it were not for
goalkeeper and man of the match Will Hughes and his
back line of Mitch Armin, Robin Hall, Cain James,
and Kyle Bruce.
After a fairly frank half time talk we finally got
to see the usual Middleton Rangers in the 2nd
half as the boys upped their game and went looking
for the equaliser. 10 minutes into the half and
Middleton were level when the determination of Brad
Bell was rewarded with a goal to make it 1-1.
Rangers drew strength and confidence from the goal
and were soon on the attack again looking for
another. Joe Abbott, Danny Pippen, and Luca Dunn all
went close before the pain in Luca’s knee meant he
had to swap with Will Hughes and keep goal for the
remainder of the match. Mark Cairns, “J” Islam, and
Cain James were all unlucky not to find themselves
on the scoresheet before Brad Bell stepped up again
with a fantastic finish to send Middleton into the
lead.
Rangers now looked to be cruising and pilled forward
looking to finish the match off as a contest. Will
Hughes was playing some good football wide left and
Brad Bell continued to be a thorn in the side of the
Ormesby defence. “J” Islam, Mark Cairns, and Cain
James were also causing the home team problems and
Mitch Armin and Kyle Bruce were reading every attack
and clearing the danger along with Robin Hall and
Cain James.
10 minutes from time Middleton were on the attack
and caught on the break by the lively Ormesby
midfield, and against the run of play were punished
severely with an Ormesby leveller, and unfortunately
there was worse still to come.
Rangers continued to pile forward, this time looking
for the winner that their 2nd half
performance deserved and were once again caught on
the break. Ormesby broke down the left and a sweet
cross found the centre forward unmarked at the far
post with the simplest of tap ins.
The match kicked off again and seconds later the ref
blew time. So it was a close defeat for the lads in
a match that they might have won on another
occasion. On reflection, the 2nd half
performance was one that I was pleased with in terms
of effort and the game could have been over for
Middleton at half time if it had not been for the
determination of the back four not to give up. If we
as a team can learn from the mistakes we make in
terms of not putting in the necessary effort and the
consequences of not giving 100% then this defeat may
just turn out to be worthwhile. The 1st
half of this game was wasted and that cost us the 3
points. The 2nd half performance was
brilliant, especially in terms of endeavour, which
is all anyone can ask, but on this occasion it just
turned out not to be enough.
Remember lads, defeat hurts because you are the
champions. Success comes to those who want it the
most, and I know that you will all give 100% from
now on. Determination and desire to win are more
important in the development of any young player
than actual results and it is important that you do
not sell yourselves short by putting in anything
less that your best in every match you play in.
Well done Rangers on your 2nd half
performance and the effort you all put in and
congratulations to Ormesby on their victory.
Middleton Rangers U13s V Heighington Boys U13s
The Under 13s entertained Heighington Boys and were
keen to get back to winning ways and make last
week’s defeat a distant memory and hopefully a
lesson learned.
Rangers got off to the best start possible when Joe
Abbott slammed the ball home with less than 10
seconds on the clock after Brad Bell set him up from
a perfect delivery from centre back Robin Hall.
Middleton very quickly doubled their lead when Joe
got his second goal after latching on to a
thunderous goal kick from Robin Hall. Joe found
himself one on one with the Heighington keeper and
hit the net with the sweetest of finishes.
It was very soon 3-0 when midfield General Luca Dunn
got his head to a perfect delivery from the ever
reliable Mark Cairns. It was a fantastic effort to
rival Joe’s second goal as a contender for goal of
the match and the delivery from Mark Cairns mirrored
the fantastic season he is having with Rangers. Mark
has consistently played well in every position he
has covered and deserves a special mention for that.
The Middleton lads continued to pressure Heighington
but failed to add to their tally despite having
several chances to do so with Dan Pippen and Brad
Bell going close, and were unlucky to concede what
was a very well worked goal from Heighington before
half time.
The second half saw Heighington play some good
attacking football to try and lower the 3-1 deficit
but it was the Rangers who added to their tally “J”
Islam got his first league goal for Middleton after
a first class cross from Mitch Armin.
Rangers looked to be cruising and nearly made it 5-1
when Luca Dunn hit a shot just past the post and Joe
Abbott went just wide looking for his hat trick.
Despite the score line Heighington Boys could sense
that they were playing well enough to still get
something from the match and on their second half
performance can count themselves unlucky to have
been on the wrong end of 4-1 at that time.
Just as last week, one or two of the Middleton boys
let their concentration go and invited Heighington
back into the match in a series of lapses in
discipline. At times Rangers tried to play
complicated football when simplicity was the answer
and also failed on a couple of occasions to put a
name on the ball, or play to the referee’s whistle.
This resulted in a nervous last five minutes as
Heighington pulled two goals back with quick balls
over the top of the Rangers back line, despite a
fantastic performance in goal from Will Hughes and
the best efforts of Kyle Bruce to get a block on the
Heighington forward’s shot.
Cain James had another solid performance at centre
back and the ever effective Jake Richardson worked
very hard in the midfield. Kieran Wade played most
of the second half and did very well to make a
nuisance of himself as centre forward, being
involved in several of the chances Middleton created
in the second half.
The final score of 4-3 to Rangers was not quite what
the first twenty minutes of the game had promised
but was a positive ground out result against a very
decent Heighington side who passed the ball around
well.
6/12/09
Middleton Rangers U13s V Northallerton Juniors U13s
The Under 13s entertained Northallerton Juniors in
the fixture that had to be postponed last week and a
fantastic performance from the whole team saw
Rangers run out 11-0 winners.
Middleton had new signings Andy MacNab in goal and
Joe Capper to call upon today but unfortunately Jack
Kirtland’s registration did not arrive from the TJFA
in time for him to line up for this match. This was
a shame for Jack as he is very keen to get involved
as soon as possible and his enthusiasm is matched by
his skill, and we very much look forward to having
him play for us.
Mark Cairns played centre forward in this match
alongside Joe Abbott, and what a partnership this
tuned out to be with Mark bagging the 1st
goal and 6 of Ranger’s 11 goals in total, and
putting in yet another performance of quality and
consistency. It seems that this lad excels wherever
he is asked to play.
It was soon 2-0 when Mark netted for the 2nd
time, and then quickly 3-0 when Joe Abbott was set
up by Brad Bell. Everyone thought it was 4-0 when
Mark scored again but the effort was unluckily ruled
just offside. Brad Bell was next to go close when a
defensive error let him in, but unfortunately Brad
sent his shot inches wide of the post.
4-0 soon came however when Mark got his 3rd,
latching onto a perfect Jake Richardson through ball
and it was very nearly 5 moments later when Brad
Bell and Joe Abbott linked up to force a great save
from the Northallerton keeper.
Rangers were cruising by now, working hard for each
other, and passing the ball around superbly. Centre
back and Captain Robin Hall played a brilliant
switch ball to left winger Will Hughes who then very
unselfishly crossed the ball into the Northallerton
18 yard box only for it to bounce agonisingly away
from the waiting Middleton forwards when he would
have been entitled to a shot at goal himself.
Half time 5-0
Goal number six came early in the 2nd
half from “J” Islam, set up by Luca Dunn and beating
the keeper at his near post.
Despite the scoreline Northallerton never once
looked like giving up and certainly weren’t about to
let Rangers have everything their own way, winning a
free kick 30 yards out and forcing an incredible
save from Rangers keeper Andy MacNab. Andy stretched
the full length of his goal to get both hands to the
ball when a goal looked a certainty.
Goal number 7 was a peach and started when Jake
Richardson received the ball wide right. Jake turned
2 defenders inside out before cutting inside and
crossing the ball perfectly for Mark Cairns to head
the ball home.
Goal number 8 came from a 30 yard free kick. Luca
Dunn took the responsibility and buried the ball in
the Northallerton net like a bullet from a gun,
giving the goal keeper no chance at all. The next 2
goals came from Kieran Wade, the 1st set
up by “J” Islam and the 2nd set up by the
hard work of Joe Abbott.
To their immense credit Northallerton still didn’t
look like a beaten team and came back at Rangers
with another free kick, forcing Andy MacNab into yet
another brilliant save before Danny Pippen and “J”
Islam linked up to provide Mark Cairns with his 6th
and Middleton’s 11th goal of the match.
I was absolutely delighted with the performance
today from everyone, and not just the result. The
lads passed the ball around with fantastic
discipline which created no end of problems for
Northallerton who were just unable to keep track of
Rangers and therefore defend against us. New lads
Andy MacNab and Joe Capper gave a great account of
themselves, and the back line of Kyle Bruce, Mitch
Armin, Robin Hall, and Cain James kept the Middleton
penalty box a no go area for Northallerton.
Rangers switched the attack between both wings and
the middle very quickly which totally confused the
opposition, and the midfield of Will Hughes, Luca
Dunn, Brad Bell, and Jake Richardson worked
tirelessly to break down any Northallerton
possession.
Man of the match was nearly impossible to decide but
was given to our new goalie Andy MacNab for his 2
brilliant saves and our first league clean sheet of
the season. It could easily have gone to anyone else
in orange with Mark Cairns grabbing a double hat
trick, Kieran Wade netting his 1st 2
goals for Middleton, and to everyone else playing
their part in this victory.
Northallerton Juniors played their part in this
match too and rarely looked like defeated team, even
in the later stages of the match and I am certain
they will benefit from their positive attitude and
begin to climb the table very soon.
13/12/09
Middleton Rangers U13s V Mount Pleasant U 13s
Rangers played at home for the 2nd week
running and came away with a comfortable 5 – 0 win
over local rivals Mount Pleasant. Once again the
team performance was top drawer with several
Middleton players making a strong mark on the
eventual outcome of the match. Goalkeeper Andy
MacNab was once again in fine form, earning a second
clean sheet in a row, putting his name on every ball
that Mt Pleasant played into the Rangers box, and
collecting each ball comfortably with confidence.
The back line in front of Andy made certain that he
was never put under pressure in a match that
Middleton dominated in possession. The lads played a
tight line high up the field and restricted the
visitors to just one attempt at goal from distance.
Man of the match and left back Mitch Armin
completely closed the Mt Pleasant right wing,
winning the ball every time, as did his counterpart
on the Rangers right, Kyle Bruce. Centre backs Robin
Hall and Cain James blocked the centre to the
visitors, reading every attack perfectly and
frustrating Mt Pleasant as they were forced to play
the majority of the match in their own half.
The first goal was fantastic from winger Will Hughes
after Luca Dunn played a perfect free kick from the
left to the far post were Will was waiting with a
brilliant first time volley. The second goal came
from Mark Cairns and was again of the highest
quality. Midfield engine man Jake Richardson started
the move, playing a great ball wide left to Will
Hughes whose subsequent cross was met by mark’s
header, completely deceiving the keeper.
Middleton’s third goal came when Joe Abbott was
brought down in the box as he put the visitor’s
defence under more pressure and Luca Dunn blasted
home the penalty with confidence and skill.
Will Hughes got his second of the game before half
time when once again he was waiting at the far post,
this time the hard work and a perfect pass being
provided courtesy of ex Mt Pleasant man Kyle Bruce.
The second half saw Rangers keep up the pressure and
the Mt Pleasant lads defend superbly as they somehow
kept Middleton down to just one second half goal
with some fantastic goalkeeping, some critical
tackling, and several goal line clearances.
Mark Cairns was very unfortunate not to get his
second of the match when his well directed header
from a Jake Richardson cross came back off the post
and straight into the goalkeeper’s hands. Jake
Richardson was next to test the keeper, forcing
another great save.
Brad Bell and Joe Abbott linked up well several
times throughout the match and were both very
unfortunate not to get on the score sheet before
making way for “J” Islam and Kieran Wade 10 minutes
into the second half. It did not take long for both
lads to make their mark with “J” creating no end of
problems for the Mt Pleasant defenders with some
slick one twos and dangerous crossing.
Kieran’s mark and third goal in two games came very
quickly when intense Rangers pressure forced yet
another corner which Luca Dunn swung perfectly into
the box for Kieran to head into the visitor’s net.
Middleton kept up the pressure and “J” Islam forced
another save, had a shot cleared off the line, as
well as turning provider for Kieran Wade who headed
towards goal only to see the Mt Pleasant goalie pull
off yet another save.
Right back Kyle Bruce had a brilliant game and made
way for new signing Joe Capper who took his place
and continued the great work in defence. Goal scorer
and provider Luca Dunn made way for new signing Jack
Kirtland who got straight into the thick of the
action with some crunching tackles and some great
passing. Jack has shown good technical ability,
effort, and enthusiasm in training and he slotted
into the Rangers team effortlessly like he’d been
there years. Well done Jack.
Rangers continued pressuring their opponents’ right
up to the final whistle with Danny Pippen, Kieran
Wade, and Jake Richardson linking up well to create
chances. Just before the end centre forward Danny
Pippen turned two defenders inside out and looked as
though he would get his shot in but instead very
unselfishly laid the ball off left for Will Hughes
to strike, the shot going just wide of the post.
Well played to Mt Pleasant who defended very well.
07/02/10
Brotton Jnrs U13s V Middleton Rangers U 13s
Middleton finally got to play a match for the 1st
time since before the Xmas break, but it did take a
reversal of venue as Brotton’s pitch remains a
victim of the bad weather.
Brotton Juniors have had some good results this
season and have an immense physical presence on the
pitch and this makes it difficult for any team to
play good flowing football against them. This was a
day when the Rangers were going to have to literally
outplay their opponents and with the added obstacle
of every significant decision going our opponent's
way, this was always going to be an uphill task.
To get the result today would require Middleton to
put on a special display.
The game kicked off with a determined Brotton
Juniors setting out their stall and showing Rangers
they were going to be in for a physical battle. It
took a few minutes but the lads managed to compose
themselves and begin their quick pass and move game.
Once the lads got going it was very difficult for
Brotton to gain possession and Middleton were very
soon creating chance after chance.
The first ended with Mark Cairns shooting just wide
after "J” Islam intercepted a Brotton pass and
provided the perfect cross. This was soon followed
with Joe Abbott shooting just the wrong side of the
post and then Brad Bell sending the ball agonisingly
wide with a brilliant shot across the Brotton
keeper.
Brad and Joe were linking up very well and causing
the opposition defenders some serious problems.
This culminated in a fantastic volley from Joe
Abbott that went just over the Brotton bar from a
sweetly placed cross from Brad Bell on the right.
Not long after that, Will Hughes hit a shot just
above the Brotton crossbar and Mark Cairns hit
another just wide of the target as Middleton piled
on the pressure.
IRangers were literally having no luck in front of
goal and this was further confirmed when they were
denied what appeared to be a blatant penalty a few
minutes later when Joe Abbott was pushed hard in the
back well inside the box and right in front of the
referee.
Next, Will Hughes sent a half volley over the bar
from an inch perfect Joe Abbott cross as the
Middleton dominance continued.
Mitch Armin had yet another strong performance at
left back and was nearly rewarded with a goal when
his shot from distance was unlucky not to hit the
back of the net. Robin Hall struck a thunderbolt
from just over the half way line which was heading
straight for the top left corner until the Brotton
keeper got his palm to it, and Will Hughes was
unlucky not to get a better chance at the rebound.
“J” Isalm was next to test the keeper and again the
he showed his quality with another fine save. As the
Rangers attack went on, Joe Abbott was unlucky to
send another chance painfully just wide and left
winger Will Hughes saw another effort cleared off
the Brotton line.
Middleton’s strong performance was yet to produce
any goals and to rub salt in the wounds Brotton took
the lead seconds before half time when a deep cross
from the right deceived Ranger’s keeper Andy
MacNab
and ended up in the Middleton net.
Half time Brotton Juniors 1 Middleton Rangers 0
It was disappointing to be behind under the
circumstances but we knew more chances would come
our way.
Brotton continued to put themselves about and
started the 2nd half with confidence.
They were making sure our lads had to work hard to
win the ball but right back Kyle Bruce frustrated
them on their wide left while Robin Hall & Cain
James were like a brick wall to the Brotton forwards
despite their aggressive manner, keeping cool heads
when they could easily have got frustrated.
Mitch Armin confidently dealt with any threat on the
right and Rangers were soon back in the game when
Cain James calmly took possession, controlled the
ball perfectly, and unleashed an unstoppable shot
into the Brotton net for 1-1. This calmed things a
bit and topped up the Middleton confidence.
However, misfortune was once again to hit the lads
when the referee gave Brotton an indirect free kick
in the six yard area after he judged that the ball
had been collected illegally by Andy MacNab. The
Brotton lads worked the free kick well and found
themselves once again ahead against the run of play.
Character played it’s part today and the Rangers
quickly set about putting the situation right, and
once again Mark Cairns was unlucky to see his side
foot effort go wide.
In the midfield, Luca Dunn had been battling hard to
win the ball and create chances against some very
big opposition and was duly rewarded with the
equaliser, chipping the goalkeeper from the edge of
the box.
To their credit Brotton Juniors dug in and the game
went back and forth for about five minutes with
Rangers keeper Andy MacNab having to make a couple
of fine saves before Middleton were able to get
their game flowing again.
Jack Kirtland began to cause the opposition defence
some real difficulty with his relentless energy and
determination to win every ball, creating several
chances for his fellow forwards before being a
whisker away from getting his head on a Will Hughes
cross as the Brotton defence rode their luck to the
absolute wire.
Danny Pippen then went just wide with an effort as
full time beckoned and Jack Kirtland was again
desperately unlucky to see his on the turn volley
saved by the Brotton goalie.
Kieran Wade battled with the opposition, chasing
every ball and was so nearly able to claim a goal
when an unselfish cross from Danny Pippen found him
in the six yard area.
Rangers never gave up the belief that their
footballing style would overcome the opposition’s
game and were rewarded in the last minute of normal
time when Danny Pippen got himself in the danger
zone and side footed home a cross for 3-2 to Rangers
after the Brotton keeper had committed himself . The
relief showed and the other lads mobbed Danny in
celebration and had to be reminded that the game
still needed to be finished.
The match kicked off again and Middleton went
straight back on the attack. A great knock through
to Will Hughes allowed him to cut in and create a
shooting opportunity for himself, sending a
wonderful shot over the advancing goalkeeper and
into the net, despite a Brotton defender’s best
efforts to punch it clear. It was a great goal and
capped off a man of the match performance from Will.
The game restarted again and time was called moments
later for Rangers to take the match 4-2.
If we had buried even a quarter the chances we
created the game would have had a double figure
scoreline and I am very proud of all of you today.
You overcame bad luck, tough opposition, and some
less than fair decisions by playing quality football
and never letting adversity get the better of you or
cloud your concentration and belief. Well done lads!
14/02/10
Middleton Rangers U13s V Coulby Newham
U13s
A confident and determined Coulby
Newham were Middleton’s opponents today and proved to be
very tough opposition. At the same time it was unfortunate
that 2 or 3 Rangers decided prior to kick off that the team
are so good, it only takes us to turn up in order to win.
This mentality, although short lived, was to shape the match
this morning and Middleton were made to pay dearly.
The match kicked off and Rangers
quickly found themselves being outplayed by a opposition
that clearly believed in themselves and were hungry to turn
us over and set some daylight between us in the league
table. One or two Middleton boys jogged around the pitch,
making half hearted attempts to win the ball and we soon
found ourselves 1-0 down when Coulby buried the ball at the
third attempt after hitting both the post and the bar.
Thankfully, Middleton’s over confident
and lack lustre attitude was forced to change upon the
realisation that this match would become a walk over if they
did not knuckle down quickly.
From 10 minutes into the half Rangers
were back to their normal selves and it appeared that a 1-0
deficit would soon be overcome, but as they say, football is
a funny old game and nothing can be taken for granted.
Middleton piled the pressure on but
Coulby Newham dug in hard and their determination to get a
result today really showed as they thwarted Rangers at every
turn.
Luca Dunn was first to go close for
the home side with a cheeky back heel but the Coulby keeper
was quickly down to his right to make the save. Brad Bell
was next when he deftly tried to redirect a Luca Dunn shot
that was going straight to the keeper but unfortunately Brad
was not able to change the direction of the shot enough to
wrong foot the goalie.
Brad and Luca linked up well again
when a great cross from Luca found Brad’s head but the
glancing header went just wide. Luca Dunn then linked up
well with Jake Richardson providing a through ball for Jake
who was unfortunate to see his shot go narrowly wide.
Middleton kept up the pressure with
Will Hughes and Jack Kirtland both getting shots in while at
the other end Jake Richardson got two crucial tackles in to
thwart the Coulby Newham centre forward when it looked like
he would be shooting at goal.
The match appeared to be going
Ranger’s way in everything except goals as they kept up the
pressure and Luca Dunn was once again unlucky not to score.
Coulby Newham were determined to hang
on to their lead and were hitting Middleton on the counter
attack but Kyle Bruce, Robin Hall, Cain James, and man of
the match Mitch Armin closed them out well with Andy MacNab
making a couple of good saves too.
Half time Middleton 0 Coulby Newham 1
The 2nd half started with
Coulby on the attack and Kyle Bruce making some crucial
clearances. Cain James again put in an outstanding
performance and was able to back up the Middleton attack
with a cracking shot that went narrowly wide, as Rangers
went in search of the equaliser.
The visitor’s defence and midfield
were giving everything to nullify the Middleton attack
threat but it still seemed to be only a matter of time
before Rangers would score.
Danny Pippen was unfortunate to have
to go off due to him carrying an injury but Middleton kept
up the pressure when Joe Abbott hit a first time volley over
the bar. Kieran Wade mixed things up well in the middle
putting in several determined tackles and creating
opportunities for Joe as well as Jai Islam on the right.
Of course, one of the dangers of
chasing a game is you become vulnerable to the counter
attack and Coulby Newham punished Middleton this way to take
a 2-0 lead when their centre forward was brought down in the
box for a penalty. More misery was heaped on the lads when
another quick counter attack made the score 3-0 to the
visitors.
Middleton pulled a goal back soon
after when Luca Dunn was brought down on the edge of the box
and Robin Hall duly converted the penalty.
The match played out in a similar
pattern with Middleton’s efforts being blocked at every turn
by the resilient visitors and finished 3-1 to Coulby Newham.
Today was a case of the team who wanted the result more from
kick off taking all 3 points.
This was an unfortunate lesson to have
to learn and I sincerely hope that those one or two players
who started the match off in such a lack lustre fashion are
now aware of the importance of being focussed from the start
and the significance of not giving 100% from the very start
and the effect it
can have on the outcome of a football match.
I am happy with the effort of
everyone today from about the 10th minute onwards
and very much hope that lessons are learned by those few
lads who need to learn them. Coulby Newham wanted to win
this match from the off while one or two of us assumed that
a win was a given regardless of attitude and performance.
To the lads who gave everything from the first whistle, I
am proud of you and your approach. It is certainly true that
all the lads were determined to get a result today once the
reality of the situation had sunk in. Unfortunately by that
time it was too late and we were always chasing the game
against visitors who were able to take full advantage of our
frustration. What a contrast to last week.
Well done to Coulby Newham and thanks
to the Coulby Newham manager who stepped in to ref the game
and did a great job.
20/02/10
Newton Aycliffe SC U13s V Middleton
Rangers U13s
Middleton travelled to Newton Aycliffe
for a re arranged fixture against a high flying SC on a cold
Saturday morning for a match in which both teams played some
great football and kept the crowd well and truly
entertained.
Ranger’s Mark Cairns opened the
scoring with a well taken goal after him and Jack Kirtland
had literally battled their way through the Aycliffe defence
and it looked as though Middleton might take control of the
match. However, Newton Aycliffe SC had other ideas and dug
in well to stop Rangers taking a further lead when both Brad
Bell and Cain James were unlucky not to score from two very
well taken Will Hughes corners.
Man of the match Luca Dunn was next to
go close when his chipped effort went just wide of the
Aycliffe post and Middleton were again unlucky when Will
Hughes was just caught offside after a fantastic run from
engine man Jake Richardson picked him out with a wonderful
through ball after a brilliant run through the midfield
which left several home side defenders helpless.
Middleton appeared in control and were
putting the home side defence and keeper under pressure and
Jack Kirtland was very unfortunate several times to see his
hard work go unrewarded as he made sure the Aycliffe keeper
had to take the ball first time by following every Middleton
shot in and working tremendously hard for a goal. If Jack
keeps up this level of effort and energy in a match he is
going to be a TJFA top scorer for certain.
Newton Aycliffe were also playing some
great football and their left winger was showing off some
fantastic skill and making life difficult for Ranger’s right
back Kyle Bruce, but Kyle is never easily put off his game
and managed to keep the lad in check with some great
defensive tackles to stop the cross coming in. Cain James
and Robin hall seemed to be controlling Aycliffe’s centre
forwards and Mitch Armin was rock solid on the left as he has
been all season and it looked as though Rangers would take
their narrow lead into the interval but an unusual break of
concentration in the Middleton defence allowed the home side
to grab an equaliser seconds before the whistle when a
couple of lads left the clearance for each other. It was an
out of character error and these things are easily done and
as the half came to a close I was very please with the level
of effort and dedication from everyone. Half time 1-1.
The second half started well for
Middleton and Luca Dunn soon had us back in the lead with a
brilliant individual goal. Luca received the ball with his
back to the Aycliffe goal, turned and unleashed an
unstoppable shot into the top right of the home goal for
2-1. Luca had a fantastic game and was a real influence on
what was a great team performance along with Jake Richardson
who bossed the midfield with skill, strength and hard
tackling. Together these two must be one of the best
midfield partnerships in the TJFA.
Newton Aycliffe were determined to get
back into the match and did so not long after with a goal
that was very similar to their first. It was an unlucky blow
on the Rangers defence and keeper Andy MacNab who were all
playing a great match but it didn’t deter Middleton who
continued to attack and look for the winner.
That winner nearly came when Mark
Cairns hit the post and Luca Dunn just missed out on the
rebound. Joe Abbott on the right wing was linking up well
with the midfield and managed to create several chances that
were unfortunate not to end up in the net. Kieran Wade
looked to have got the winner when his chip to the far post
beat the keeper but went just the wrong side and Jai Islam
looked like he might add to his season’s tally but found the
Aycliffe goalie equal to his effort.
As the match drew to a close Newton
Aycliffe SC had a great opportunity to grab the winner when
despite the efforts of Joe Capper,
the tricky left winger engineered a run that found him one
on one with Rangers keeper Andy MacNab. Andy closed the lad
down and made sure that his final shot went well wide of the
mark to be certain Middleton got a point. Full time 2-2.
Well done to both teams today as you both treated us to a
great match.
This was a great game of football and
all the lads played their part with maximum effort which was
very pleasing indeed after the start we had last week. The
level of football in this league is getting better and
better and we are finding opposition far harder to break
down. I thought the result was a fair one but also thought
that on another day we may have won the game. We are still
playing great football and learning that playing well does
not necessarily guarantee a win. If as happened today, we
all put in maximum effort, we can do no more. Mistakes
happen, every player in every team makes them, from Sunday
league to Premier league and our players should never be
afraid of making them or feel under pressure. We are a great
team and play very attractive football, and with the
commitment you showed me today we are capable of, I know we
will finish this season very strongly as we always do. Well
done lads.
07/03/10
Middleton Rangers U13s V North Ormesby U13s
Middleton started this match very brightly indeed
despite playing with a much reduced squad due to
several absent players and made life very difficult
for North Ormesby. Ranger’s quick passing game meant
that the match stayed squarely in the visitors half
for the majority of the first half but failed to
yield any goals and it was Ormesby who struck first
with a penalty approaching half time and very much
against the run of play.
Half time 0-1.
The second half began much the same as the first one
and Jake Richardson was very unlucky to find the
opposition keeper in top form with what was
bizarrely pretty much the first time that Middleton
had tested him, despite having all the possession.
North Ormesby could sense the home side’s
frustration at our continued goal drought and
gradually began to gain more possession and look to
build on their 1-0 advantage but found Ranger’s
keeper Andy MacNab in top form despite carrying an
ankle injury. When the visitors did finally beat
Andy they found that right back Kyle Bruce was not
about to let them score with a fantastic clearance
off the line.
As is often the case in football, the home side’s
bad luck was compounded when engine man Jake
Richardson had to go off with a hamstring injury.
Jake’s seemingly endless supply of energy in the
midfield was sorely missed and very soon the Rangers
were struggling to keep up with North Ormesby’s
quick counter attacking which was leaving the
Middleton back four over exposed at times. However,
for the second time in the match right back Kyle
Bruce came to Ranger’s rescue with a brilliant
headed clearance off the goal line to keep the score
at 1-0.
Luck seemed to desert the home side completely when
Luca Dunn was forced off with a nasty knee injury
leaving Rangers to play the rest of the match with
only 10 men. Luca is the type of player that
influences team performance, and it was a desperate
blow to lose him.
Ormesby’s numerical advantage spurred them on and
Middleton very quickly found themselves with a
massive uphill battle when the visitors doubled
their lead.
Rangers still came out fighting and Will Hughes saw
a wonderful effort canon off the crossbar but the
toll was telling on the Middleton boys and they were
soon 3-0 down when Ormesby hit them on the break
again. Despite the deficit Rangers still went
looking for that elusive goal and for the fourth
time that day found themselves conceding a breakaway
goal for 4-0.
Mark Cairns tested the Ormesby goalkeeper and
Middleton kept pushing despite time running out and
Andy MacNab was unlucky not to score when he came up
from his goal area for a corner. Ormesby again broke
quickly and it looked like a fifth goal was
inevitable with Andy sprinting back down the field
in pursuit but it was Captain and man of the match
Robin Hall who saved Ranger’s blushes with a
crunching but perfect tackle on the Ormesby forward
when the Middleton goal was at his mercy.
Rangers 10 men continued to push forward and to
their immense credit did not let the hopelessness of
the situation get them down and they were rewarded
with a goal from what was the last kick of the game
when Brad Bell buried the ball hard into the Ormesby
net, saving Middleton from what I believe would have
been their very first blank scoresheet. Well done
Brad.
I cannot fault the lads today for effort and it was
another game where we outplayed the opposition but
failed to create many chances or convert those that
we did create. Mitch Armin and Cain James were once
again outstanding. Jai Islam had a hard task in the
middle without both Jake Richardson and Luca Dunn
after their injuries and Kieran Wade ran his heart
out up front for us.
We are currently going through a little bit of a
goal drought and therefore a bad patch as a
consequence. We appear somewhat shot shy and need to
work at both creating goal opportunities and getting
the confidence back to burry those chances as we
always have.
This is time when the team need you lads to show
character and not lose heart. We will get through
and past this, and I know all of you will rise to
the challenge and work hard to turn this around. A
third successive promotion is still very much within
our grasp.
I can only ask you to do your best. If we give 100%
and still lose the match then we can do no more.
Today’s match was the perfect definition of how it
is goals that win games. You outplayed your
opponents for much of the match today despite being
short of players and a man down. Your quick pass and
move game makes it very difficult for the opposition
to keep you in check and it really shows from the
sidelines. We just need everybody to dig deep and
find that stamina to battle hard when we are not in
possession. Everyone needs to track back when we
lose the ball and remember that defending is a team
responsibility and starts as soon as we lose the
ball.
Don't be too downhearted about today lads.
When we get our shooting boots back the rest will
click into place.
13/03/10
Richmond Town U13s V Middleton Rangers U13s
In the first of two matches this weekend Middleton
Rangers travelled to Richmond Town and played out a
1-1 draw in what was a very entertaining game of
football.
Middleton started brightly and took the game to the
home side and should have been awarded a penalty
early on when Luca Dunn was blatantly tripped in the
area by a Richmond defender but unfortunately as the
home crowd held their breath for the inevitable
whistle, the referee decided to let the infringement
go and the penalty that should have been, never was.
Undeterred by the decision the Rangers continued to
pile the pressure on the Richmond goal with Mitch
Armin and Jake Richardson testing the home keeper
but finding him in fine form. Next to bring the
keeper into action was Captain Robin Hall with a
fantastic header and the home side continued to ride
their luck when an obvious handball in the box went
unpunished by the referee again.
Luca Dunn was unfortunate to see his curling shot go
wide and Kieran Wade had a shot blocked before Mitch
Armin again tested the home keeper but found him
equal to the challenge. Next it was Mark Cairns’
turn to test the goalie, first with a shot and then
with a header, and Robin Hall brought yet another
fine save from him with a cannonball free kick.
With half time approaching it looked as though
Richmond had weathered the storm until a Will Hughes
corner found the head of Luca Dunn who duly sent the
ball into the roof of the Richmond net. It was a
special goal and particularly sweet as the lads had
practised the move just prior to the match.
Half time 0-1.
Middleton began the second half the same way they
ended the first and Joe Abbott nearly made it two
with a great header that went just over. Luca Dunn
and Will Hughes teamed up again from a corner but
this time Luca’s effort found the keeper rather than
the net.
Richmond then found themselves level in bizarre
fashion when a high sliced ball from the right found
it’s way into the net after deceiving the Middleton
defence and goalkeeper Andy MacNab for 1-1.
Undeterred, Rangers went back on the attack and a
very energetic Joe Abbott shot agonisingly wide when
it looked certain to go into the bottom left corner
and Brad Bell had a goal disallowed for what looked
like a harsh decision when Danny Speed was penalised
for a foul on the Richmond keeper.
This spurred the home side who could maybe feel that
this just might be their day but found man of the
match Cain James a near impossible obstacle to
negotiate in the centre of defence and Middleton
keeper Andy MacNab made two fantastic saves to deny
Richmond the lead.
Middleton have had very little good luck in the last
few matches and this was once again compounded when
Brad Bell saw his shot pushed onto the underside of
the bar by the Town goalie and then cleared, and
then Middleton keeper Andy MacNab forced to come off
through illness. Danny Speed who was playing his
first game in a while for Middleton was also forced
to retire early injured, as was engine man Jake
Richardson with a recurring hamstring problem.
Just before the final whistle and for the second
time in a few minutes Joe Abbott saw his hard work
go unrewarded when his shot went just the wrong side
of the post.
Full time 1-1.
New signing Elroy MacArthur made a fantastic debut
for Rangers in the centre of midfield and looks like
he will be a great asset to the team in our push for
promotion and I was also pleased with the way our
back line responded to the pressure Richmond put
them under during periods of the second half.
Captain Robin Hall and Cain James make a formidable
partnership in the centre while Mitch Armin on the
left and Kyle Bruce on the right continue to be a
thorn in the side of all opposition with some great
tackling and clearances.
This was a great performance and one of which I was
very proud due to the level of dedication from
everyone, and would have yielded all three points if
the Richmond keeper had not been in such fine form.
We tracked back well and everyone gave 100% against
a very determined and disciplined Richmond Town who
tested our willingness to defend when necessary very
well and made life difficult for us at times. No
one’s head went down and we battled right until the
end looking for three points that were to be just
outside our reach.Our luck will change.
14/03/10
Mt Pleasant Rangers U 13s V Middleton Rangers U 13s
Our second match this weekend was away to local
rivals Mt Pleasant Rangers and once again we were
treated to some entertaining football only this time
the lads were rewarded with seven fantastic goals
and a clean sheet for Andy MacNab and the defence.
The scoring was opened when Joe Abbott superbly
followed in a Brad Bell shot and was rewarded when
the home keeper was only able to parry the ball and
Joe was able to slam it home. The second goal was
one of the finest I have ever seen and we have been
treated to some wonderful goals this season without
doubt. Will Hughes hit yet another brilliant cross
for Mark Cairns to get on the end of and send the
ball gracefully over the advancing goalkeeper and
into the back of the Mt Pleasant net.
Middleton were piling on the pressure and it could
easily have been 3-0 soon after when Luca Dunn
played a perfect through ball into the path of Mark
Cairns who unfortunately shot wide of mark. Cain
James was next to test the home keeper but this time
found him in good form.
3-0 did come and it was in the form of a penalty
after Will Hughes was tripped in the box and Joe
Abbott confidently stepped forward to burry the ball
hard and high in the home net.
Mt Pleasant, although on the back foot, were
defending quite resiliently and trying to hit
Middleton on the break when they could but found our
back line of Mitch Armin, Cain James, Robin Hall,
and Kyle Bruce impossible to break down and were
restricted to high balls over the top that saw
Ranger’s keeper Andy MacNab read them perfectly and
collect every time.
The home goalkeeper was having a bit of a tough time
but played a great game despite the pressure and he
managed to thwart Joe Abbott when a hat trick looked
certain after Joe had once again followed in a shot
from left winger Will Hughes.
Luca Dunn and Elroy MacArthur dominated the midfield
and I lost count of the passes Middleton were
stringing together to make life very difficult for
the home side. For the second time in the match Luca
Dunn played a perfect through ball for centre
forward Mark Cairns who was unfortunate to shoot
just wide.
The fourth goal was another peach and was
orchestrated by Captain Robin Hall when he played a
splitting pass right through the midfield and into
the path of Will Hughes who made no mistake.
Half time 0-4.
The first half had yielded some wonderful football
and four great goals but I did feel we were somewhat
undisciplined at times. Under the circumstances I
probably should not have complained but thought I
should anyway….it’s my job.
I’m pretty pleased that I did bring it up however as
the second half went on to surpass even the great
display from the first, despite Middleton now
playing against a strong wind and an uphill slope.
Joe Capper played a great game in the centre of
midfield and was putting in some strong tackles and
again our back line, defending high up the field,
made it impossible for Mt Pleasant to make any
progress. The home side kept trying to break down
their left but found our right back and man of the
match Kyle Bruce in brilliant form and impossible to
beat every time.
Cain James set up Will Hughes who shot just over the
bar before Brad Bell made it 5-0 when he followed in
a rebound from a Joe Abbott shot. Cain himself was
next to test the home keeper who again responded
well with a great save.
Mt Pleasant were defending very well and their
determination was rewarded in that the scoreline
could have been a lot higher than the eventual total
if it had not been for their efforts but they were
powerless to prevent Mark Cairns getting his second
of the game and Middleton’s sixth when some slick
passing between Luca Dunn and Brad Bell set him up
with only the keeper to beat, a perfect finish
following.
Mitch Armin and Will Hughes linked up well on the
left and were getting ball after ball into the box
and Middleton continued to batter the home goal with
Cain James, Luca Dunn, and Brad Bell all unlucky not
to add to our tally. Kyle Bruce played a great pass
to Joe Capper who turned and hit a hooked shot that
looked certain to end up in the net but found the
home keeper again in great form.
The scoring was rounded off when Brad Bell got his
second and our seventh. Brad found himself with his
back to goal and turned sharply to place the ball
into the top left of the Mt Pleasant goal.
We could have had several more before the final
whistle from Brad, Will, Joe, and Luca but it was
not to be. It was nice to shed some of the bad luck
we have had over the last few weeks and get our
shooting boots back. The performance today was first
class, especially the second half.
Luca Dunn, if you play with that level of effort and
dedication that you did today every week then you
can make my teeth itch with stress all you want
mate.
21/03/10
Northallerton Juniors U13s V Middleton Rangers U13s
Rangers travelled to a resilient Northallerton this
week and ground out a comfortable win with a steady
team performance. I was very pleased with the
enthusiasm today which was very apparent with the
Middleton substitutes who constantly bugged me to
get on the pitch from the moment the match kicked
off until they got on the field. The lads who came
off kept at me to let them get back on as well, even
those that came off with only a few minutes to go
kept asking to get back on. This is what I want to
see, passion for football and an eagerness to always
be playing.
The back four of Kyle Bruce, Mitch Armin, Cain
James, and Robin Hall had a good game today and
their discipline and ability to work together as a
unit was plain to see and was reflected in the man
of the match award going to centre back Cain James.
Goal keeper Andy MacNab was very unfortunate not to
get his second clean sheet in a row and was only
beaten by a Northallerton free kick, and only after
what looked very much like a foul on him from the
home forward. The home side were restricted to only
one or two chances throughout the match and tended
to come about through rare mistakes from the Rangers
defence or our central midfielders being caught in
possession too far up the field.
The pattern of the match was set right away when
Robin Hall, Brad Bell, Mark Cairns, and Joe Abbott
all went close before a defensive error saw Jack
Kirtland chalk up his first goal for Rangers.
Middleton were soon two up when Will Hughes hit a 25
yard free kick into the top right of the home net in
what was the goal of the match. Joe Abbott was next
to have the ball in the home net but his effort was
ruled offside and Joe was very unfortunate moments
later when he intercepted a goal kick but placed his
shot just wide. Joe Capper was unlucky not to get
his head on another well delivered corner from Will
Hughes, the defender nipping in at the last second
to deny him.
The Northallerton keeper made a fantastic save from
a goalmouth scramble to deny Middleton a 3-0 lead
and went on to make three more great stops from Brad
Bell, Luca Dunn, and Jack Kirtland.
Half time 0-2.
The third goal came early in the second half from
Luca Dunn after Will Hughes had battled to win the
ball on the left before supplying the perfect cross.
Kieran Wade went close when his shot was saved by
the home keeper and Jack Kirtland narrowly missed
out with an overhead kick that he only just failed
to connect with before Jai Islam made it 4-0 with a
great individual goal, taking the ball passed two
defenders before hitting the net with what was a
very well placed finish.
Brad Bell rounded off the Middleton scoring when
Kieran Wade set him up to make it 5-0 to Rangers
before Northallerton pulled one back for the final
score of 5-1.
Elroy MacArthur continues to make good progress in
the centre of midfield in what was only his third
competitive match for Middleton and I was very
pleased with the way both our wingers, Will Hughes
and Brad Bell tracked back when we lost possession.
We only really found ourselves in difficulty of our
own making once or twice throughout the whole match,
and I was pleased to see my right winger run all the
way back to cover our left back position when
defensive confusion got the better of us on one
occasion.
A steady performance today and a good result. Well
done lads.
27/03/10
Middleton Rangers U13s V Richmond Town U13s
The Under 13 Rangers entertained tough Richmond Town
in a rearranged Saturday fixture and were good value
for a 4-1 win over a team that had held them to a
1-1 draw only three short weeks ago.
Despite kicking slightly uphill and against the
strong wind Middleton controlled the game and
dictated the play for much of the half and after an
initial midfield battle Jack Kirtland got us off the
mark with a well worked goal between him and strike
partner Danny Speed, Danny playing the ball into
Jack’s path and Jack providing the crucial finish
for his second goal in as many games.
Rangers continued to pressure the visitors and left
winger Will Hughes was unfortunate to place his shot
just wide after midfield magic man Jai Islam set him
up perfectly. Jai turned provider again for
Middleton’s second goal with an inch perfect cross
for Brad Bell who side footed the ball into the
visitor’s net.
Richmond Town are a disciplined team and difficult
to break down so I was delighted to see our lads
direct the play and continue to create chances.
Elroy MacArthur was next to go close and can count
himself unlucky not to have made it 3-0 with a
cracking long range shot.
Middleton did not have everything their own way
however and goalkeeper Andy MacNab was called into
action twice before half time but the visiting
forwards found him in his usual solid form and the
first half ended with Rangers two goals to the good
and still yet to unleash midfield general and TJFA
goal machine Luca Dunn on the match.
Luca started the second half in place of Elroy
MacArthur who had picked up a dead leg and very
quickly put himself on the scoresheet with the first
of two fantastic goals. Robin Hall lined up a free
kick on the half way line and delivered the perfect
ball into the Richmond box for Luca to head past the
advancing Richmond keeper to put Middleton into a
comfortable 3-0 lead. Joe Abbott and Brad Bell linked
up well as always and both of them were unlucky not
to find themselves with a goal each but 4-0 was just
around the corner and it was another brilliant Will
Hughes corner that found the head of Luca Dunn for
his second goal.
Richmond battled hard today and did manage to pull a
goal back just before the end to deny Andy MacNab
the clean sheet he deserved, but it was reward for
their fighting performance so we cannot begrudge
them that.
Our midfield battled for every ball and once again
the Middleton defence frustrated their opponents at
every turn. Full backs Kyle Bruce and Mitch Armin
continue to dominate the flanks when opponents
attack us that way, and centre backs Robin Hall and
Cain James play together with such confidence and
strength that the opposition often struggle to
create chances for themselves.
Today was a fantastic effort from everyone on the
team. Cain James won the man of the match award for
the second game running for yet another performance
of note. Well done Cain, and well done to the whole
team.
Good luck to Steve Vickers and his Richmond side for
the remainder of the season.
28/03/10
Middleton Rangers U13s V New Marske U13s
Middleton entertained New Marske in their second
match this weekend in what turned out to be a very
tough and entertaining football game with both sides
battling hard over the three points.
I was mildly concerned just prior to kick off that
one or two Rangers were a little over confident
about a match I knew would be difficult against a
team whose ambitions match our own in every way as
far as the league is concerned and those concerns
were justified as the visitors very quickly took a
two goal advantage.
New Marske are very difficult side to play against
and have several lads who played the match with such
passion and determination that it took a couple of
our players a little by surprise. This coupled with
a player who can throw a football further and more
accurately than many people can kick one makes them
very formidable opposition. When you add a very fast
and tall centre forward to receive those balls you
know you are in for one heck of fight.
Middleton have a lot of very technically gifted
football players but several of our lads have yet to
develop the physical presence that will one day
complete their game and that is just something we
can do nothing about until it happens. It showed
today as a lot of the visiting players were quite a
bit bigger and the Rangers had to encounter a
physical struggle from kick off to final whistle
which they did everything to contest.
It was this spirit and determination that got us
right back in the game when Will Hughes made it 2-1
after latching onto a Robin Hall through ball and
things were soon level when Robin Hall turned scorer
with a ferocious 40 yard shot that nearly broke the
New Marske net.
Middleton could sense that with things level, it was
now up to them to take the initiative and Will
Hughes was very unlucky not to get a second when
Danny Speed held the ball up well to set him up, the
final ball going just wide of the mark.
Will then became provider when a cheeky flick set
Jack Kirtland up with a shot but the visiting keeper
responded well to make the save.
With half time drawing in Middleton left back Mitch
Armin kept the score at 2-2 with a fantastic
clearance off the goal line.
Half time 2-2
Rangers faced an almost gale force wind in the
second half but started the brighter of the two
sides and some good passing football nearly paid off
when Luca Dunn set up Danny Speed but again
Middleton found the New Marske goalkeeper up to the
challenge.
The home side kept up the pressure and it looked as
though the visitors might crack when Kyle Bruce
played a great ball into the box and Luca Dunn went
close with the shot and moments later when Luca was
brought down five yards outside the box and Will
Hughes put the resulting free kick narrowly over the
crossbar.
Will Hughes went close again after chasing a ball
down on the left by line and beating the keeper to
it only to see his shot go into the side netting.
Centre forward Danny Speed was next to test the
visitors but again saw the New Marske goalie up to
the job.
The wind was getting stronger and the visitors were
causing our defence some major headaches with the
long throws and quick runs but goalkeeper Andy
MacNab and centre backs Robin
Hall and man of the match Cain James along with full
backs Kyle Bruce and Mitch Armin were coping well
with what were very difficult tactics to defend
against. Our back four were probably put under more
pressure today than they have been all season and
were very unlucky to see that pressure eventually
pay off for the visitors when they went back into
the lead a little against the run of play for 2-3.
Middleton were not put off and went straight back on
the attack and Elroy MacArthur, Jai Islam, Kieran
Wade, Brad Bell and Jack Kirtland were all
unfortunate not to level the score before the
visitor’s fourth goal came, again, as the result of
an incredible throw into the six yard box.
At 2-4 and having had to fight hard all game it was
becoming difficult for Rangers to believe that there
was a way back for them in this match but this did
not stop our lad’s determination and trying to break
them down.
Unfortunately it was not to be and the visitors
notched up another before the end for a final score
of 2-5.
We lost a very difficult match today, but battled
hard against a side that came to us determined to
win the game and physically block our quick passing
football. I thought that goalkeeper Andy MacNab and
our defence actually did quite well not to concede
more goals than we did as the height and speed that
Marske threw at them today was quite something.
I think that this was one of the toughest matches I
have seen us endure in recent seasons and I am very
proud of the effort that everyone put in against a
very physically dominating side with some very, very
difficult tactics to overcome. We congratulate New
Marske on their win and look forward to the rematch
in a few weeks.
11/04/10
Coulby Newham U13s V Middleton Rangers U 13s
Rangers visited Coulby Newham today for what we knew
would be a difficult match. The home side are flying
high in the division and their ambitions match our
own when it comes to the league. Middleton had
already lost to Coulby earlier in the season in a
match that we probably should have taken the points
in, but instead were taught a little lesson in what
desire to win can do. I am absolutely delighted to
say that the lads made no such mistake today and we
came away with a deserved 3-0 away win.
The first twenty or so minutes of the match was a
battle of the midfield without either side really
creating an opportunity but with Rangers enjoying
the majority of possession and the home side
absorbing the pressure well and hitting Middleton on
the break with a quick ball over the top to their
very fast forwards. Man of the match Robin Hall,
Cain James, Kyle Bruce and Mitch Armin played
together as a unit and dealt with the Coulby
forwards well, limiting them to very few chances. On
the two or three occasions when Coulby Newham did
unlock our back four they found Rangers keeper Andy
MacNab as solid as a rock and in no mood to give up
his clean sheet.
Coulby Newham are a difficult team to break down and
were defending well , absorbing the Middleton
pressure but the deadlock was broken when left
winger Will Hughes brilliantly flicked the ball over
the Coulby defender for centre forward Mark Cairns
to run onto and head over the advancing keeper and
into the right side of the home net for 1-0.
Middleton were unlucky not to double the lead before
half time when Mark Cairns literally battled his way
through the home defence with tremendous
determination only for a Coulby defender to block
his shot superbly.
Half Time 0-1
The second half started in the same manner as the
first with Rangers controlling play and enjoying the
majority of the ball and the home side trying to
soak up the pressure and hit us on the break. The
Coulby back line were doing a fine job of
restricting Rangers to shots from the edge of the
box which the home keeper was dealing with well.
Luca Dunn was very unfortunate not to increase
Middleton’s lead with a well met header from a Will
Hughes corner but Rangers were not having everything
their own way and Robin Hall did a brilliant job of
clearing the ball from the line after Andy MacNab
had made a great save but found himself stranded
when the second ball came in.
At the other end Danny Speed was having a fantastic
match and holding the ball up with his back to goal,
creating several opportunities for Brad Bell and
Jack Kirtland, and Middleton were passing the ball
around brilliantly to give the home defenders a
torrid time. Brad Bell shot just wide after Mark
Cairns set him up with a great diagonal cross from
the left and Will Hughes hit the post with a
brilliant hooked shot and Brad was again unfortunate
to see the home goalie equal to his follow up. Brad
was unfortunately carrying an injury and looked in
difficulty at times so had to have two spells on the
side line and this threatened to cause us a problem
when Jack Kirtland received a knock to the head and
had to come off, however, Bradley was happy to fill
in despite the injury while Jack took a rest from
the fast paced game.
Luca Dunn did his usual job of controlling the
midfield perfectly and Elroy MacArthur was putting
in some determined tackles to keep the home side at
arms length from the Rangers goal, and Elroy was
unfortunate to find the home keeper on form with a
couple of shots from the edge of the box before Will
Hughes hit a fantastic low shot into the bottom left
of the home net from twenty yards to give Middleton
the breathing space they deserved for 0-2.
The home side began to tire a little and more
chances seemed to be opening up for Rangers but
there was still always the danger of Coulby
breaking. They kept coming back at Middleton but
found Kyle Bruce on the right and Mitch Armin on the
left impossible to break down, and with Cain James
and captain Robin Hall playing their usual brick
wall game, the home team were frustrated at nearly
every turn. Andy MacNab was restricted to spectator
for much of the half but brilliantly kept his
concentration and reflexes when called upon, and
there was still always a danger of the home side
getting back into the game until Mark Cairns chalked
up his second goal of the match and Ranger’s third
to take the result beyond the reach of the home
side.
There was still time for Luca Dunn to force the
Coulby keeper into action one more time before the
final whistle but the score was to remain 0-3.
This was a wonderful performance from Middleton
Rangers today who not only played real quality
football throughout the match but also fought for
every ball along the way. The desire to win was
there for all to see as we closed the home side down
at every turn and came away deserved winners against
a very good Coulby Newham side who are also having a
great season.
As performance and effort go, this was the perfect
game, and I am absolutely delighted with everybody.
Very, very, very well done today to all of you and
let’s finish this season strongly and at the top end
of the table where we belong.
18/04/10
Middleton Rangers U13s V Wolviston U13s
Middleton were forced to play this match on an
unfamiliar pitch due to problems with the pitches at
Haughton and were only able to fulfil this fixture
thanks to the efforts of Chairman Les Hughes who
very kindly gave up his Saturday morning yesterday
to mark out a pitch for us to play on. I am aware
that the situation was not ideal, but please
remember that we are sometimes required to make the
best of the resources we have at our disposal and
Les’ time and help should be very much appreciated.
The omens for this game were not good, we were on a
very small pitch, we were short of players through
injuries and other problems, the referee let us down
and we were forced to give it to the opposition, two
players failed to show without any notice or warning
and left us with the bare eleven and with three lads
having to play out of position, and to top things
off I had the mother of all hangovers. I appreciate
that the last one was totally my own stupid fault
but being the superstitious type I was a little
apprehensive about a match that we simply had to win
to keep our promotion challenge on track, and the
sequence of negative events that were accompanying
the pre match build up.
However, I need not have concerned myself as the
eleven lads that played today did themselves and
their club proud and came away with a comfortable
5-3 win although we did make hard work of it at
times as chance after chance failed to hit the
visitors net.
Will Hughes set up Joe Abbott for 1-0 to Rangers
about ten minutes into the game but back came
Wolviston with an equaliser soon after. Things went
the visitor’s way and soon after they were 2-1 up
with a contentious goal that we had expected to be
disallowed. But we all know enough to always play to
the whistle so there are never excuses, and
Wolviston were working hard and probably good value
for their lead at the time.
After a bit of a change around Middleton came back
into the game and took control. Cain James made a
fantastic run from his central defensive position
leaving the whole Wolviston team in his wake only to
see his rocket of a shot go narrowly wide. The
equaliser was delivered by the every reliable Luca
Dunn when his run from the right of the box opened
up a shooting opportunity and Luca made no mistake
in hitting the Wolviston net.
Joe Abbott nearly put Rangers ahead soon after but
his shot was saved by the visitor’s keeper but
Middleton did not have to wait long for another
goal. Danny Speed took the ball forward and after a
very unlucky attempt by the Wolvistion goalie to get
down to Danny’s feet, he buried the ball into an
empty net with the keeper committed and grounded.
Half time 3-2.
The second half started and Rangers stepped things
up a gear, looking to finish the game as a contest
but Wolviston dug in and defended well. The visitors
calved out a few chances of their own as well but
found Ranger’s keeper and man of the match Andy
MacNab in top form on several occasions to deny them
a route back in.
Middleton were creating chance after chance with
Cain James, Luca Dunn, Brad Bell, Joe Abbott, Danny
Speed, and even full backs Kyle Bruce and Mitch
Armin having a go but the Wolviston keeper and his
defence stood firm. The visitors could quite easily
have equalised if it had not been for the reflexes
of Andy MacNab and I was becoming concerned that we
were making hard work of a match we should have put
to bed long before now and that the visitors might
just punish our lack of urgency if we were not
careful.
Will Hughes and Luca Dunn both went close again with
a free kick each and Brad Bell found himself one on
one with the goalkeeper only to see his finish go
agonisingly wide. Danny Speed flicked on a Robin
Hall goal kick and Luca Dunn was thwarted by a goal
line clearance when he looked certain to score. Will
Hughes nipped between two defenders only to see his
header go over the keeper and unfortunately over the
cross bar and it seemed as though we would never put
some daylight between us and the visitors.
Thankfully, midfield master Luca Dunn settled mine
and the team’s nerves with a very well taken goal
over the advancing Wolviston keeper for 4-2 and it
was soon 5-2 when Brad Bell found himself with his
back to goal and the ball at his feet. Brad turned
and sent a chip over the goalie and into the net.
There was still time for the visitors to get a third
when Middleton switched off a little towards the end
and also time for Will Hughes and Cain James to test
the away keeper again before the final whistle went.
A good win today against a team who are better than
their league position would suggest, keeping our
promotion push on target. I could not have asked for
any more from the boys who played today who
delivered the right result despite some of them
playing out of position and without several key
members of the squad. Well done to everyone and in
particular to Will Hughes, Joe Abbott, and Kieran
Wade who all played out of position today.
We wish Mick and his lads all the very best for the
remainder of the season.
25/04/10
Middleton Rangers U 13s V Brotton U 13s
Middleton played this home tie at Brotton Junior’s
ground due to them having to come to us earlier in
the season because of a waterlogged pitch and came
out 4-1 winners in what turned out to be a great
game of football with both sides showing just why
they are at the right end of the league table.
From the pre match team talk I could tell that
Rangers were going to be all but unbeatable today,
the focus and determination to continue our push for
2nd place and eliminate today’s
opposition’s chances of beating them to it was clear
in their attitude and desire, and if they continue
to put in performances like today and the last few
weeks then my grin will have to be surgically
removed as it’s starting to hurt a bit.
Middleton opened the scoring in the first minute
when a cross to the far post from Will Hughes caused
all sorts of confusion in the Brotton defence and
the ball found it’s way in the net off the unlucky
home keeper. There is some dispute as to who got the
last touch with both Will Hughes and Brad Bell
laying claim and the rest of the team unable to
decide and confirm. However, 1-0 to the Rangers it
was, and there was much more quality football to
come.
Brad Bell nearly turned provider shortly after when
a perfect through ball from Luca Dunn put Brad in a
great crossing position. Brad provided the perfect
cross but Middleton had to watch in anguish as no
one was able to put the ball away.
Luca Dunn was next to test the home keeper and go
close before he was rewarded with a goal after the
goalie failed to hold onto a stinging shot from
strong man Danny Speed and Luca was there to put the
rebound into net for 2-0.
The Brotton keeper was being kept very busy and made
a fantastic save from a Jack Kirtland header that
looked certain to go in. Will Hughes providing the
perfect cross to start what would have been a
brilliant goal.
Luca Dunn was causing the home defence all sorts of
problems and was very unlucky not to get his second
when his shot went just wide and soon after Brad
Bell tested the keeper again when a fantastic pass
from Elroy MacArthur put him through on goal.
Bradley then turned provider when he played the
sweetest of crosses into the box for Jack Kirtland
to fire home with the perfect finish for 3-0.
Midfield general and goal machine Luca Dunn
continued to be a massive thorn in the home team’s
side and was so unlucky again when his shot was
saved by the Brotton keeper after Luca turned two
defenders inside out to create the opportunity.
Danny Speed had a marvellous game and once again his
strength on the ball was a real asset to Middleton.
When he holds the ball up he makes it so difficult
for the opposition to get it off him and sometimes
defenders just seem to bounce off his upper body,
and he was next to test the home keeper with a great
shot that the goalie held well.
Will Hughes was creating havoc for the home defence
and he nearly made it four, only to see the Brotton
keeper make another great save.
Luca Dunn again played a wonderful ball through to
Will Hughes but once again the Brotton keeper came
to his team’s rescue.
Although the score was 3-0 and Rangers were enjoying
the lion’s share of possession, the home side simply
would not lie down and never once gave up the belief
that they could still win this match. To their
credit they forced Middleton keeper Andy MacNab to
make a string of crucial saves that were to earn him
man of the match for the second game running when
the Brotton no 2 battled his way through the centre
of the Ranger’s defence on two or three occasions to
find himself one on one with Andy. Thankfully, on
all these he found Andy confident and in fantastic
form.
4-0 came seconds after one of those Brotton chances
when a wonderful wide ball found Brad Bell who then
came inside and chipped the advancing keeper for
what was another brilliant goal.
Even at 4-0 Brotton would not lie down and you could
sense that they still believed that the match was
not beyond them. At times they put our back four
under tremendous pressure but Kyle Bruce, Robin
Hall, Cain James, and Mitch Armin were in no mood to
give anything away and all of them pulled off a
string of tackles, blocks, and interceptions to
thwart the Brotton forwards.
Back at the other end Jack Kirtland could have had
his second of the game but saw his shot go just wide
so it was a half time of 4-0 to Rangers.
For the second half Elroy MacArthur made way for the
returning Jake Richardson. Jake has been very
unlucky this year with injuries and has had terrible
problems with a recurring hamstring strain so it was
nice to see him take the field for the first time in
a while as the team really miss his relentless
energy and skill in the centre of midfield. Jack
Kirtland made way for Mark Cairns up front as well
in what was not a tactical double substitution but
one made to ensure as many players as possible got
as much match time as I could give them. Both Jack
and Elroy received well deserved applause for their
first half efforts and to their credit they pestered
me non stop to go back on but with five substitutes
at our disposal that was always going to be a long
shot. Sorry lads.
Jake nearly made an instant impact on the game with
a great shot from 20 yards out that went just wide
and Mark Cairns continued where Jack had left off
and started causing the home defence serious
difficulties right from the off.
Will Hughes hit a 25yard shot that went inches over
the bar before there were further substitutions with
the luckless Jake Richardson having to limp off
injured again, Jai Islam taking his place, and
forward Danny Speed coming off to a standing ovation
for Kieran Wade to replace him up front.
Both lads got stuck in right away and Kieran made
some strong tackles on the Brotton defenders to put
them under further pressure and Jai hit a fantastic
header from a Will Hughes cross only to see the
Brotton goalie make another great save.
The home side got back into the game with about
fifteen minutes to go with a brilliantly struck shot
from the edge of the box when their forward managed
to elude our defence and the Brotton right man
switched play quickly across the Middleton area and
put the ball into his path with a clear run at Andy
MacNab’s goal. The final ball was well struck and
gave Andy no chance at all for 4-1.
Brad Bell gave way for Joe Capper and Middleton
continued their search for further goals and Joe was
able get involved right away when he marked his man
very well during a Brotton attack and then was able
to take the ball up the wing and play a great ball
through to Mark Cairns who’s final shot went just
wide.
The rest of the match played out with Middleton
never really looking uncomfortable and I thought we
were very good value for a great 4-1 win over
another one of the better teams in the division.
Well done lads on a brilliant show as we continue to
try and make that 2nd TJFA place ours. I
am once again immensely proud of your performance
today.
We wish Brotton Juniors all the very best for the
remainder of the season.
4/05/10
Heighington Boys U 13s V Middleton Rangers U 13s
A back to full strength Rangers played away at
Heighington in their final match of this league
campaign in what was a good natured football match
that had the feel of a friendly as neither team had
anything really to play for with regards to improved
league positions.
Middleton, although back to full strength, found it
difficult to motivate themselves for this match and
the signs were there from the pre match warm up that
this might just turn out to be a bit of a struggle.
Heighington deservedly won the match by 5 goals to 2
with Danny Speed and Jack Kirtland chalking up for
Rangers. Middleton struggled to contain the quick
Heighington forwards and found themselves two goals
down at half time.
After a talking to at the interval Middleton
threatened a comeback as they went on the attack,
putting the home side under considerable pressure.
However, Heighington weathered the storm and soon
went 3-0 up, and the 4-0, hitting the Rangers on the
break both times.
Middleton rolled up their sleeves and pulled two
goals back but it was the home side who had the
final say with a goal five minutes before time.
Cain James was once again awarded the man of the
match award for an incredible 5th time
this season which is quite some achievement,
especially among football players of the calibre we
have here at Middleton Rangers. Cain deservedly
takes the trophy home to keep.
It’s been a long season with the bad weather playing
havoc with fixtures and stretching the fixtures much
further into the back end of April and early may,
and we have had some highs and lows to reflect on.
Well played all season lads. I am delighted with the
effort and attitude you have shown this year.
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Middleton Rangers Junior Football Club