How the points were won...

Tuesday 21st August 2007 k.o 18:15

Sidac Social F.C 1-1 Greenfield F.C (D)

Greenfield returned to Wheatsheaf Avenue to kick off their league campaign at the venue of their Tom Worrall cup heroics two seasons ago, looking to make a good start to the season. They went in search of three points missing key players in Innes, Kelly, Mulligan, Duffy, Tasker, Bayliss and keeper Burrows. In came Price between the sticks, Ablewhite partnered debutant Butcher up front with Appleton and Stead on the flanks. Roberts, Bain and Smart made up the bench.

Tuesday night games always struggle to get going and this one was no different. Nevertheless, Greenfield signalled their intent early on as they went in search of the opening goal. Sidac also signalled theirs from the first whistle with the clumsy number two chopping down Stead on the left after the tricky winger took the ball passed him. He was lucky to escape without a booking. The resulting free kick was whipped in but somehow managed to evade everyone at the back post.

The visitors continued to attack with the final ball letting them down in the last third, as they struggled to fashion a clear cut chance. The home side lacked any creativity, something that was clear to see from the start as they tried to utilise their height with long kicks downfield and forcing their forwards to feed on scraps. Garland, Bishop and Barrigan doing well to allow them no chances. In attack the lively Appleton did well on the right to support the front men as Butcher began to get into the game.

The first real chance fell to Ablewhite when a beautifully delivered free kick from Barrigan to the back post, landed perfectly on the forwards foot. Slack marking had allowed him to pull free and he would have been disappointed not to have hit the target as his effort scewed wide of the goal. This miss seemed to spur the blue and whites into action and more chances began to be created as Sidac looked to hold out. Ablewhite whipped in a fantastic cross from the left, in which skipper Burrows met with a fantastic leap as he directed a good header on goal. It looked for all the world to be hitting the back of the net, only for the huge keeper to make an excellent save as he dived down to his left to palm the ball away.

The game began to get scrappy as the frustrated home side started to commit foul after foul, with the referee seeming reluctant to produce any cards. Again the number two was lucky to stay on the pitch after cowardly aiming a punch at Smith who was on the ground after a great challenge, with the man in black claiming not to have seen anything. With the Sidac side realising they were being outplayed they tried to bring the game down to their level and unfortunately Greenfield obliged as they began to get involved with petty arguements. Tackles were by now flying in and after losing patience the referee finally produced a card to the red number seven.

Half time and Greenfield knew they had it all to do if they wanted to take all three points from this scrappy game. But they knew that if they worked hard enough, there was enough quality in the team to do that.

The second half saw Garland on the right flank link up well with Appleton as he got forward at every opportunity, causing the home side numerous problems. Ten minutes into the half and the breakthrough came and it was down that very wing. Garland produced a great ball over the top that Butcher did well to latch onto. He was given space and time on the right edge of the penalty area and as the keeper advanced the stocky striker lashed home a superb half volley that nestled in the bottom left hand corner.

The goal did little to change the flow of the game as Greenfield knew that they needed to kill the game off with Sidac continuing to pump long balls down field. Burrows slipped into the back four from goal kicks and along with Barrigan and Bishop dealt with them with relative ease. Smith and Burrows were dominating the midfield, with Smith in particular making some excellent challenges. But the game was not being helped by some poor refereeing decisions as he failed to take any action on numerous late challenges from the Sidac side.

Butcher's skills were giving the back four the run around, supported well by Ablewhite, but it was Garland who came closest to getting the second. His cross come shot to the back post came back off the bar and denied the visitors a goal which surely would have killed off the game. Ablewhite also went through on goal and just as he looked to get his shot off, the defender came across to make a vital interception. With that sprung a Sidac attack and another long punt downfield was not dealt with by Houghton. He made the cardinal sin of allowing the ball to bounce and that allowed the number ten to sneak in and lift the ball over the stranded Price. The scores were level totally against the run of play.

That did not stop the Greenfield attack as they continued to press for the second, but the referee was not helping with some of his decision making. He showed a yellow card to Butcher for a nothing tackle and also booked Ablewhite for being headbutted by the Sidac substitute. Butcher tried from long range but his free kick went well over.

Bain came on to replace the impressive Appleton and got into the action straight away. A great passing move down the right between Garland, Ablewhite and Bain allowed for the latter to produce a great ball to the back post for Stead to make himself a hero. Unfortunately his effort on goal was beaten away by the keeper and the game remained deadlocked. That was to be Stead's last contribution as he made way for Roberts. There was still time for one last effort as Ablewhite's header just crept over the bar after a great leap.

Late in the game with Greenfield having given everything, they were made to sustain some Sidac pressure. But they defended corners and free kicks around their box resolutely and the home side failed to create a chance.

Full time and a disappointing draw for title hopefuls Greenfield as they looked to make a winning start, against a Sidac side that lacked any real creativity and managed to secure a point without ever troubling keeper Price. On a positive note there were impressive debuts for Butcher and Garland, as well a good performance from the returning Appleton. Smith also played well, the midfield man looking as though he had a real point to prove. Mom was awarded to Garland who was a constant thorn in the Sidac side as he came into his own in the second half, creating the goal and even coming close to getting on the scoresheet himself.

Tuesday 28th August 2007 k.o 18:15

Greenfield F.C 4-1 Rainford North End (W)

Greenfield took on Rainford in their first home league game of the season looking for a huge improvement on last weeks draw against Sidac. Manager Houghton had a full squad to choose from with the returning Bayliss, Innes, Williams, Kelly and Mulligan included in the 16 man squad. The manager named an unchanged side but for Mulligan and Bayliss coming in for Stead and the absent Appleton. The home side knew that nothing less then 3 points would suffice if they wanted to keep up with the early pace setters.

Playing into the sun in the first half, Greenfield could have taken the lead inside the first two minutes. A swift attack down the left produced a cross into the box that the keeper punched out to the edge of the area. Skipper Burrows was there to execute a sweet volley on target that was blocked on the line by a good save. That didn't deter the blue and whites though and they continued to attack the Rainford goal. Mulligan and Butcher were leading the line superbly and causing the away side all kinds of problems. For the second game on the run Greenfield were being asked to defend long balls into their own box as Rainford offered little in attack.

The home side were doing all the running as they looked for the break through, but they were going to have to be patient as Rainford weathered the storm. Chances fell to Ablewhite who was unlucky with a good header and Mulligan again came close. But it was Butcher who was to get the opener, when a long Garland throw on the right picked out the stocky forward standing unmarked in the box. He planted a well placed header into the top right hand corner from six yards out and Greenfield had the goal they'd been looking for.

The goal did not stop the attacking play as Greenfield knew they'd need a few more to to kill off the game. Rainford on the other hand were reduced to counter attacking and long ball tactics, with the back four led by Houghton and Bishop, coping well under anything thrown at them. The away side's defence were by now being asked some serious questions and the second goal came from another Garland throw just inside the oppositions half. Mulligan got in front of his marker and his flick on fell at the feet of Bayliss, playing in an unfamiliar left midfield role. He did well to get the ball under control and kept his cool to take it round the keeper and finish with his right foot into the left hand corner to make it two nil.

The midfield in Burrows, Smith and Ablewhite were dominating, winning the aerial battle against a big side and linking up well with the front two. A ball over the top from Burrows found Mulligan on the left wing. Burrows continued his run into the box and Mulligans precise cross was met by his header, in which he unfortunately directed wide. Smith will be disapointed not to have hit the target with the goal mouth gaping, with it looking harder to miss than to score. The scores would remain the same going into the half time interval.

Williams was introduced on the left for the once again impressive Barrigan, who'd picked up a knock and Bayliss reverted to left back. Greenfield were slow to start the second period and Rainford began to get a foot hold in the game. But at the same time they were afforded very little clear cut chances and Price's handling between the sticks was excellent. Smith picked up a stupid caution for kicking the ball away as Rainford were limited to set pieces and long range pot shots. With most of the attacking play coming down the right with Garland and Ablewhite supplying the strikers. Mulligan in particular causing the opposing defence problems with his aerial threat. Innes was introduced for the hard working Butcher as Greenfield looked to kill off the game and it wasn't long before he found the back of the net.

An attack down the left saw a cross cleared to Smith on the edge of the box. His header back into the danger area caused the away defence problems and Ablewhite rose with the keeper as his header fell to Innes, lurking on the right 12 yards from goal. He produced a fantastic half volley that flew into the top of the net and it was three nil. Stead was introduced into the action for the injured Bayliss and as Greenfield looked to reshuffle their defence, they allowed Rainford the chance to get a goal back. Burrows' attempted clearance in his own penalty area fell to the number 16 who finished from 8 yards out with a deflected effort off Houghton.

This gave the team in yellow a fresh impetous as they looked to try and get something out of the game and thus forcing Greenfield to play on the counter attack. The extra man in the Rainford midfield was making life difficult for the home side but the only real chance they had came from a header that Price saved superbly, with Garland doing well to clear the loose ball. Almost immediately after Mulligan went up the other end and hit the post after a cross come shot from the left byline. With Greenfield looking to see out the game, Smith was given space in the middle of the park and he produced a great through ball for Mulligan to latch onto. He skinned the centre back and bore down on goal, keeping his cool to calmly slot a neat finish under the keeper into the left corner and the game was over.

A great performance in what was more about the result than anything else. Greenfield put last weeks slip up against Sidac behind them and got off to a winning start at Bishop Road. Even more pleasing for manager AJ Houghton will be four different players getting on the scoresheet in a game where they could have had a few more. Impressive performances all over the park in particular Smith, Ablewhite and Burrows. But MOM goes to Mulligan for a fantastic performance up front. His pace and power was too much for Rainford to handle and his aerial dominance led to numerous chances for the home side.

Saturday 1st September 2007 k.o 14:30

Prescot Leisure Res 2-3 Greenfield F.C (W)
Greenfield travelled to Prescot to face a side that has started the season inconsistently but knowing they would always be hard to beat on a small, difficult playing surface.

Houghton had a more than capable squad to choose from with Barrigan coming in at centre half and Harrison replacing Ablewhite on the right side of midfield. Keeper Burrows would start his first competitive Greenfield game of the season with Kelly, Stead, Houghton and Duffy making up the bench.

Greenfield unsurprisingly started the game the much brighter as they knew anything less than three points would not be good enough. Early efforts on goal came from Butcher and Innes, signalling their intent with Mulligan bringing a good one-on-one save from the keeper.

Prescot really didn’t offer much in offence as they looked to overcome a strong Greenfield side, as well as a steep slope with Bishop and the developing centre back Barrigan dealing with most high balls competently.

It wasn’t long before the Northern cup holders took the lead. A through ball inside their own half released Mulligan and the in-form striker had a free run goal. He kept his composure superbly to lift the ball over the advancing keeper to grab his second of the season and make the score one nil.

Greenfield by now were running rampant, Smith breaking up play in the centre of the park and the skipper Burrows looking to push on. Once again Innes tried his luck, hitting the side netting with one effort and Butcher again looking sharp as he dragged one effort narrowly wide.

Not long after and the continued pressure told once more. Butcher received the ball on the edge of the box surrounded by blue home shirts, but somehow managed to twist and turn inside and break into the box. After taking on virtually the whole of the defence, from an impossible angle he slammed an unstoppable effort past the helpless keeper. A quite magnificent goal and his third of the season that is already a goal of the season contender.

Prescot didn’t let their heads drop and keeper J Burrows produced two great saves, closing down the striker both times as they looked to get off the mark. But they finally managed to pull a goal back when a fortuitous cross come shot from the winger looped goalwards and was headed home after Bishop had cleared the initial effort off the line. Prescot somehow were back in the game.

But Greenfield went up the other end and almost immediately restored their two goal advantage. A quick throw by Bayliss found Burrows who's cross was cleared out to Barrigan, he then produced a great ball in that found Smith. His cushioned header found Innes on the edge of the box and the ex-Stars player chested the ball and produced a stunning roundhouse volley that flew into the side of the net. Another superbly taken goal and the score was 3-1.

The away side in their changed colours of yellow were unlucky not have taken a more convincing lead into the interval but couldn't take their chances. Houghton decided not to make any changes as GFC were looking more than capable of adding to their current lead.

A few inspired substitutions and a very demanding uphill slope to play against, Greenfield found the going considerably more difficult in the second half. Prescot continued to pump long balls into the box, looking for some kind of flick on to drop their way. The back four being marshalled by Bishop and Barrigan and ably assisted by Bayliss and Garland, were supported well by the hard working midfield and managed to keep Prescot at bay for twenty minutes. But eventually the pressure told.

A long throw in was flicked on by the lanky number sixteen and the ball fell kindly to the number nine. He turned on the ball and produced a neat finish, giving the home side some much needed hope.

Burrows, Bucher and Harrison all came close to wrapping the game up but their chances went begging as Greenfield were forced to play counter attacking football. Butcher was also denied a stone wall penalty when he was blatantly felled in the box, but the referee was not in the position to see it and gave a goal kick. Duffy was introduced to make a a welcome return for Harrison and Kelly replaced the lively Mulligan, who had ran his socks off.

Much to Houghton’s delight Greenfield hung on for a well deserved, hard earned three points on a ground where many sides will find it hard picking up points.

Despite excellent displays from the hard working Smith in midfield, a good full debut from Innes who grabbed another great goal, MOM was awarded to Craig Butcher. The Tevez-like centre forward not only worked hard but once again showed glimpses of brilliance with a tremendous individual goal worthy of recognition in the Greenfield archives.

Tuesday 4th September 2007 k.o 18:15

New Street 1-0 Greenfield F.C (L)

Next up in the race for automatic promotion Greenfield faced an away tie played at Bishop Road against a young, spirited New Street side that had started the season impressively themselves. Despite missing key players in Garland, Mulligan and Kelly AJ Houghton once again had an impressive squad to choose from. Duffy came in at left midfield and Innes partnered Butcher up front with Houghton coming back in at centre back.

The game started very scrappy despite a nice playing surface and Greenfield struggled to avert their physical presence on the game. New Street were happy to question every decision from the referee and prevented the game from gaining any real flow with the man in black reaching for his cards early doors. Missing the physical presence of Mulligan up top meant a lack of any real chance in the opening fifteen minutes although Innes did try his luck from long range.

Mid-way through the half and it was New Street who started to find some rhythm and come into their own, utilising their younger legs. The impressive number 17 playing in centre midfield looked to knock the ball around whilst the captain broke up play equally as effective.

With Greenfield sitting off, the dead lock was finally broken in somewhat fortuitous fashion. The number 17 was allowed space as he turned Smith and advanced on goal. With no one closing him down he tried his luck from thirty yards out, with the ball taking a huge deflection off the unlucky Houghton as the ball looped over keeper Burrows who will be disappointed not to have done better.

Despite the set-back Greenfield rallied once more as Ablewhite looked to get the ball in the box at every opportunity. Unfortunately the keeper’s handling was up to scratch and he dealt well with anything that came his way. Set pieces from Bayliss seemed to be the most likely way for Greenfield to get back in the game, but the away side couldn’t capitalize. One Ablewhite cross in particular managed to elude the keeper and the ball fell to Duffy on the edge of the box. With space and time and the keeper stranded he blazed over and will be disappointed not to have hit the target.

The home side managed to maintain their lead as the teams entered the half time interval. Houghton was replaced by Roberts in the only change to come during the break and he would go straight in to partner Bishop in the middle of the back four.

Greenfield started the second half well knowing that they would have to attack the opposition if they wanted to get anything out of the game and immediately put their opponents on the back foot. Burrows, Smith, Ablewhite and Duffy all got forward as they looked to support the front two. Meanwhile the Greenfield defence, effectively lead by the in form Barrigan, resisted any counter attacks the home side would look to launch.

Greenfield continually got the ball forward as they looked to break down a stubborn, well organised defence. Roberts came closest when he ran onto the ball thirty five yards from goal and unleashed a superb effort that just clipped the top of the bar, with the keeper well beaten. Great link up play between Barrigan and Burrows saw the skipper play a neat one - two with Ablewhite, but as he strode into the box his effort on goal was beaten away by the keeper at the near post. The resulting corner from Bayliss saw Burrows’ header back across goal land at the feet of Smith who was penalised for handball. This coming despite moments earlier the referee turning down a blatant handball in the box from a New Street defender.

On the rare chance that New Street were able to counter the number 17 managed to round keeper Burrows after the defence allowed him through. Fortunately for the blue and whites he took the ball too wide allowing the back four to get back and recover. Greenfield were by now well and truly dominating their younger opponents as they looked to hold out, but without creating any more clear cut chances.

The referee appeared to blow somewhat early but this cannot hide the fact that Greenfield will be very disappointed with a defeat against potential league contenders at such an early stage in the season. Despite the result Bayliss and P Burrows put in solid performances but MOM was awarded to Barrigan for another resilient performance in defence, coping well against a tricky winger and linking up well with Ablewhite in attack.

Saturday 8th September 2007 k.o 14:30

Greenfield F.C 6-1 Boilermakers F.C (W)

On a glorious afternoon for football, Greenfield entertained their fiercest rivals Boilermakers F.C in what was sure to be one of the toughest tests of the season. Bishop Road was to be the scene of a match that could, even at such an early stage in the league proceedings, go a long way in deciding the destination of the title.

Houghton had a very healthy and versatile squad to choose from, with Roberts replacing the manager at centre half, August’s player of the month Garland reverted back to right full back with Innes starting on the right of midfield. Ablewhite was pushed up top alongside Butcher with Mulligan again missing. There was also a return to the squad for Bain and Harrison who started on the bench.

The home side started the game at a ferocious pace knowing from past experience that their opponents would be snapping at their heels from the first whistle. Greenfield immediately put their opponents on the back foot as Ablewhite and Butcher tried their luck within the opening five minutes. Boilermakers did come close to getting the first goal when a well whipped in corner on the right looked to be heading straight for the back of the net, only for skipper Burrows to somehow clear at the last second.

Greenfield were in total control as they dominated the ball and it wasn’t long before the pressure told. After Butcher saw his incredible effort cannon off the crossbar, the away defence failed to clear their lines which allowed Smith to volley the rebound back towards goal. His effort went straight to Butcher who was unmarked to poke home from six yards out.

The blue and white’s sensed there were goals to be scored as the normally water tight defence looked all at sea. Greenfield took advantage and didn’t rest on their laurels as they punished them again moments later when Innes found himself one on one with the keeper after a neat flick on from Butcher. The pacey wide man produced a great lobbed finish from the right as the ball went in off the left hand post and the home side were cruising at two nil.

About twenty minutes into the half and Boilermakers did start to exert a little bit of pressure on the home defence. Keeper J Burrows produced two decent saves with Roberts and Bishop looked very assured in the heart of the back four, as they dealt with everything very effectively.

But Greenfield weathered this mini storm and soon added a third. A precise Bayliss corner on the right found Ablewhite unmarked six yards out. The number 6 rose superbly and buried a firm header into the back of the net to get his first of hopefully many more this season. Greenfield were really on top now with the away side stunned almost into submission.

As the half drew to a close Innes raced through on goal from a precise Smith through ball after a great team move, he fired a well struck effort that produced an equally impressive save from the keeper. But moments later a goal kick from Roberts was flicked on by Burrows in the centre of the field. Butcher latched onto it and with the defender breathing down his neck drilled a sweet half volley that almost broke the back of the net. Route one, but it was more than effective as the stocky striker grabbed his second and Greenfield’s fourth to take into the half time interval.

Houghton didn’t really need to say much at half time other than to keep things tight and secure, knowing that their mouthy opponents would not give up to the final whistle.

Boilermakers unsurprisingly started the second half a little brighter as they looked to reduce the deficit by utilising their pacey right winger at every opportunity. However, the discipline of Barrigan and Bayliss as they doubled up on him managed to neutralise his threat as he was forced to cut inside time and time again rendering him ineffective.

Knowing that the next goal was vital it was Greenfield who got it. The home side were awarded a throw in on the left and Barrigan expertly picked out the late run of the tireless P Burrows with his long throw. The skipper got a yard on his marker and glanced a well placed header past the despairing keeper to get off the mark for the season. The match by now was merely a training session but Greenfield didn’t sit back as they knew the game wasn’t over.

Burrows and Smith were dominating the midfield and the away side were being outplayed despite having the extra man in the centre of the park. Greenfield continued to defend resolutely with Smith making a superb last ditch tackle to deny the Boilermakers forward as he bore down on goal. Barrigan and Garland both working hard down the flanks as they looked to supply Innes and Bayliss at every chance.

A flick on from Smith evaded everyone and landed at the feet of the impressive Butcher and he produced a first time ‘wonder strike’ from thirty yards to add to his already impressive collection of quality goals. The keeper was left with no chance as the ball nestled firmly in the back of the net to complete a superb hat-trick, hopefully the first of many to come in Greenfield colours.

With the game effectively over Houghton made a double substitution with Harrison replacing Bayliss and Bain coming on for the hard working Smith. As the game entered the final stages the Boilermakers frustration at being totally outplayed came to the fore as Ablewhite was felled in the box. The lively forward took exception to accusations of diving and the Boilermakers resident troublemaker gripped him by the neck. Both players saw red in what was a disappointing end to an impressive performance for the make shift target man.

The away side did manage to pull a goal back against the run of play when the normally solid Bishop failed to deal with a long ball, which saw keeper Burrows haul down the centre forward who got up to dispatch a neat penalty.

Full time, 6-1 and an impressive victory in what promised to be a tough encounter against a side that hadn’t suffered defeat this term. Greenfield finally produced the kind of performance that has been coming for the past few weeks. Impressive performances from every member of the squad, Roberts solid at the back, Burrows and Smith dominating the midfield and Innes was outstanding as he constantly terrorised the opposition with his pace and direct running. But MOM was awarded to Craig Butcher who by now appears to have fully settled in at Bishop Road with the away side having no answer to his power, pace and finishing along with his tireless running. An excellent hat-trick as he looks to continue his recent form in front of goal.

Greenfield can now put the disappointing defeat to New Street behind them and look to get maximum points out of the next two games, first up is Junction FC. Last season the blue and whites rolled them over twice but Junction got off to a decent start to the season and look a much more competent outfit.


Saturday 15th September 2007 k.0 14:30

Junction F.C 0-3 Greenfield F.C (W) match abandoned after 50 min
After last weeks crushing victory over the Boilermakers, Greenfield travelled to Parr Stocks to take on an improved Junction. This weeks opponents would provide a tough test but the form Houghton’s men are in it would take a heroic effort to derail their promotion campaign. The manager once again had a strong looking squad as he he reinstated himself into the heart of the defence alongside Roberts. Bain was recalled for his start in Greenfield colours for well over 6 months and recent addition Williams was named on the bench.

Greenfield again started at a ferocious pace and immediately pinned their opponents in their own half. From the first whistle Innes was a constant menace and terrorised the left full back with his direct running along the right flank. The first chances of the game fell to Innes and Butcher whom, fortunately for the keeper, fired their efforts straight at him. Ablewhite also saw his sweet volley fly just over the bar.

The home side started to come into the game more as the half progressed mainly in the form of long balls and throw ins, in which Greenfield dealt with competently. Smith could have broken the deadlock for the away side when unmarked from a corner his double effort was cleared off the line when he perhaps should have scored.

After Junction's pressure failed to materialise into any real chances the blue and whites started to really turn up the tempo. With the home defence on the back foot, Butcher was given time on the ball and his neat dribbling skills saw him advance into the box at pace. His lay off fell at the feet of Burrows twelve yards out from goal, he took a touch to get the ball out of his feet and then cooly drilled a low shot beyond the keeper giving his side a deserved lead.

Minutes after the re-start and the away side added a second as Garland played the ball to the impressive Innes wide on the right. He ghosted past three attempted tackles and produced a tidy finish over the advancing keeper, the ball landing in the left corner of the net. Two nil and Greenfield were flying.

Greenfield did not sit back on their lead as they continued to attack at will. A great team move saw Garland break down the right, he swung in a pin point cross that Ablewhite will be disappointed not to have buried, as his effort went over the bar. By now there was some excellent football on display and the home side had no answer as Greenfield looked to put the game to bed. There was still time on the clock for Innes to thunder the crossbar from ten yards out and Garland also tried his luck from range.

Despite the complete domination of the match possession Greenfield only took a two goal lead into the break, but the team knew goals would come if they continued to play the way they were.

Minutes into the half and Innes was still harassing his opposite number on the right and Ablewhite and Butcher were combining well on the other flank. It was this link up play that brought about the third goal. Houghtons clearance from inside his own half was neatly flicked on by the head of Ablewhite. Butcher controlled the ball and raced through on goal, duly dispatching his effort beyond the stranded keeper to continue his impressive scoring record.

By now the Junction players heads had dropped and the away side were running rampant until an unfortunate moment brought the game to an abrupt halt. The Junction winger came off worse in a fully committed but fair challenge with Smith, that left the number seven with a broken leg. Understandably the Junction players didn’t feel up to playing the remaining 40 minutes and the game was abandoned. Everybody associated with Greenfield F.C would like wish Phil Arnold all the best and hope for a speedy recovery.

Full time and it would appear after the early confusion Greenfield were rightly awarded the 3 nil victory and consequently the three points.

Another great team effort with some outstanding individual performances from skipper Burrows, grabbing his second in successive games, Ablewhite and Butcher looked dangerous and Houghton returned to the starting line up with a very reassuring display at the back. However, MOM was awarded to Innes as he threatened from the first to the last minute, tormented the Junction defenders endlessly as well as grabbing a great individual goal.

Saturday 22nd September 2007 k.o 14:30

Royal Oak F.C 2-4 Greenfield F.C (W)

Greenfield returned to Parr Stocks to face an old adversary in Royal Oak, an opposition who possess one of the leagues most potent forwards who almost single handily ruined their promotion party two seasons ago. Houghton travelled with a full strength squad to choose from, having to leave himself, Duffy and the returning Kelly out. There was a place on the bench for new acquisition Lee Veidman, a recent signing from Knowsley South’s Premiership winning first team with all time top scorer Mulligan returning. Williams started his first game for the blue and white hoops on the left of midfield with Bishop coming back in at centre half .

Greenfield continued how they left off as they started the game at a fast pace, looking to get amongst their younger opponents. Although Greenfield dominated possession it was from the set pieces they looked most dangerous. Bayliss and Butcher both putting quality into the box, which Royal Oak managed to deal with albeit very unsurely at times.

The away side continued to dominate the match and eventually their hard work paid off. A trademark Bayliss corner was attacked with the usual venom and with Smith causing problems in the box the keeper flapped at the ball. It fell nicely for skipper Burrows and he did well to nod home from close range with bodies on the line.

The home side came into the game for a brief moment after the goal, on one occasion their very talented striker managed to skip past the Greenfield defence but uncharacteristically mis-struck his shot. But once again it was the title hopefuls who looked more likely to score as some great football saw them advance into the opposing half looking for the all-important second goal. Burrows wasted a golden opportunity to grab his second when a neat pass from Butcher saw the midfielder take one touch to many and he fired wide with the angle getting tighter.

But it wasn't long until the second goal came after some intense pressure. Some good build up play led to a big melee in the box as Smith bravely threw himself at the ball as his attempted header was somehow scrambled away. But Innes managed to get the ball back into the box and with the ball loose Burrows managed to direct it towards goal. He found Smith, who with his back to goal five yards out, somehow managed to produce an exquisite flick with his left foot that bamboozled the Royal Oak players and find the back of the net. A excellent bit of improvisation from the midfielder.

The away side saw out the half and ran into the interval comfortably leading by the two goals. In an attempt to completely kill of their opponent’s manager AJ Houghton made drastic changes at half time, bringing off the hard working Roberts to be replaced by Veidman. He also reverted to a more attacking 3-5-2 formation as Ablewhite dropped into the middle with Veidman and Butcher leading the attack.

The Greenfield players started the half a little too casually, allowing their opponents to gain in confidence as they looked to get back into the game. Greenfield were still getting to grips with the new formation when Royal Oak made them pay for some sloppy defending. Greenfield failed to head the early warnings when their impressive number 9 controlled the ball and ran at the confused looking defence. With Bayliss and Bishop covering and their seeming no possible danger, the forward slipped his markers and unleashed a great strike with the outside of his right foot into the roof of the net. This made the score 2-1 and the blue and whites would have to raise their game if they wanted to keep hold of their lead.

The lads from Bishop Road were by now very much on the back foot as they still looked uncertain of the tactical changes enforced at half time. The younger opponents could sense Greenfield were there for the taking and continued to press for the equaliser. They were now using the home sides attacking threat to their advantage as they started to play on the counter attack using Williams, Innes, Butcher and Veidman as excellent outlets.

Good link up play between Garland and Innes was casuing problems on the right and Butcher and Veidman showed promising signs with some neat football. It was this partnership that eased the pressure as Viedman broke through from his own half with some powerful running. He got to the byline on the left and cut back onto his right foot to deliver a pinpoint cross to the back post, which was met with a brave diving header from Butcher to restore the two goal advantage.

But the home side didn’t let their heads drop and continued to use the slope to their advantage. Firstly they won a series of corners that the blue and white defence dealt with resiliantly, then they tried their luck from long range. They did manage to pull another goal back when once again the Greenfield defence allowed the number 9 to get his shot in from a seemingly impossible angle, as he fired across keeper Burrows and into the left side of the net.

Greenfield immediately responded and good work from Butcher saw his direct running left him with a free run on goal, he calmly took the ball around the on rushing keeper. With the goal gaping he unselfisly laid the ball off to Burrows who had continued his run into the box, but instead off getting his shot off his extra touch allowed the defender to get back and make a vital block.

Houghton rang the changes as Ablewhite dropped into centre half and Barrigan came on for Bayliss as they reverted back to a 4-4-2 formation to see out the remainder of the game. But once again Greenfield showed their class and winning mentality by taking the game back to their opponents. Mulligan came on for the hard working and creative Butcher for the last fifteen, as the lanky striker looked to cause the back four problems with his strength.

The blue and whites were continuing to create chances and Innes will be disappointed not to have scored when he missed a header from 5 yards out. But the away side did finally manage to kill off their opponents when Butcher again went through on goal and with one defender to beat played a delightful pass into the feet of the tireless Burrows who'd again burst forward into the box. This time he made no mistake showing good strength to hold off the challenge as he took the ball under control and neatly dispatched his effort into beyond the keeper and into the right hand corner.

Dan smith almost rounded off a faultless display with a dazzling solo effort. He skilfully danced around 3 defenders before rounding the keeper, unfortunately the keeper somehow got his fingers on the ball and regained full control denying Smith what would have been a great goal.

Full time and Greenfield registered a very important 4-2 victory, a solid, determined performance in which some excellent football was on display at times. Excellent displays from Williams and the versatile Ablewhite as well as a very impressive debut from Veidman who made an impact off the bench. MOM was however awarded to midfield battler Smith, who over the last few weeks has cemented his place in the team with his tough tackling and ball retention. This week he managed to get on the score sheet with a neat goal.

Saturday 6th October 2007 k.o 14:30

Cronton Villa Res 0-4 Greenfield F.C (W)
Greenfield travelled to Widnes looking to progress to the next round of the Liverpool County Cup, against a team in the Warrington and District League. With all three registered keepers unavailable vice captain Bishop stepped up to the plate and took his place between the sticks. Ablewhite reverted to centre back with Stead and Veidman replacing Garland and Bayliss who took their place alongside Williams on the bench.

On a perfect day for football the game kicked off on a nice playing surface, with both sides looking to make the early breakthrough. But it was Greenfield who looked the more hungry as they set down the marker with some tough tackling from Burrows and Smith in particular. This seemed to rattle the home side as Greenfield were first to every ball, looking to utilise the class of Veidman and Innes on the flanks.

The Cronton back four seemed unable to deal with the power of Mulligan and Butcher leading the line and there were early signs that this could be a good day for the in form strike pairing. With most of the play focusing on the right side, Veidman's direct running was getting the better of the home side and the first chance fell to Mulligan who's rushed shot went wide. Butcher also went close at the near post after some neat build up play. Roberts and Ablewhite, as commanding as ever, dealt with any threat at the back with ease abley assisted by full backs Stead and Barrigan.

The home side did show some flashes of quality with some neat passing, without ever fashioning any real effort on goal and it was the blue and whites who took the lead twenty minutes into the game. A swift counter attack saw Mulligan latch onto Smith's precise through ball on the right. His direct running had the defence on the back foot and he slid the ball across the six yard box where Butcher was on hand to finish from close range. A goal that had been threatening to come.

Cronton didn't let their heads drop and moments later were awarded a corner on the right, allowing for them to load the box with height. They did just that as the big number four lost his man at the back post and directed his header at goal. Just as it looked as though the scores were about to be levelled, Bishop managed to get a strong hand on it and palm the ball over the bar with a great reaction save. A welcome let off for the Northern Cup holders. Greenfield took the warning and began to dominate preceedings.

A free kick was awarded on the right to the home team and a dangerous ball was whipped in to the box, Burrows rising highest to clear with a firm header. The ball fell at the feet of Barrigan who played a hopeful ball up the line. Burrows didn't give up and continued his run to the half way line and managed to touch the ball past the despairing centre back who had gone to ground. He carried the ball forward down the left, keeping his head to look up and slide the ball across for Mulligan to finish and make the score two nil. Real end to end stuff.

Butcher picked up a needless booking with his skills seeming to antagonise the Widnes outfit as they knew they were being outplayed. A floated free kick from Ablewhite to the back post found Innes unmarked, but he fired a sweet volley over. Good link up play from Stead and Veidman on the right was leading to wave after wave of attack with Mulligan also firing wide.

The half time whistle blew with Cronton having no answer to the pace and power of Greenfield. No changes were made at the break and the players took to the pitch looking to put the tie beyond any doubt. It wasn't long before they did just that as a Greenfield free kick was awarded inside the Villa half, allowing Ablewhite to get into the box. Having dominated aerially at the back all game, he rose superbly to head home a great Barrigan delivery to make the score three nil and no more than they desrved.

By this point the home side's heads had well and truly dropped and it was just a question of how many. Veidman and Innes continued to harass the opposition full backs with Burrows and Smith now just sat back breaking up the play in the centre and feeding the front men. The referee seemed to show some sympathy and more and more decisions were awarded in the oppositions favour, with Mulligan in particular paying the price as he was given offside time and time again. Viedman had a glorious chance to open his Greenfield account when a ball over the top from Burrows gave him a free run on goal. But the keeper made a good save at his near post to keep him out.

Greenfield weren't done though and after another attack was repelled they were awarded a corner on the left. Butcher swung it in and it was cleared back out to Veidman, who layed the ball to Butcher. He produced a pin point cross for Ablewhite to head home a mirror image goal as he beat the keeper in the air. Four nil and the game was won. Garland and Williams were introduced for the tireless Stead and hard working Butcher.

At the other end Bishop, a mere spectator for the whole second half, was eventually called upon. The number ten lost his man at the back post and his ferocious volley from 8 yards out had goal written all over it. Only for Bishop to produce a magnificient point blank save and preserve Greenfield's clean sheet. A truly wonderful save from the stand in keeper, who's solid handling and kicking had been excellent all game.

Bayliss came on for Barrigan for some fresh legs as he linked up well with Williams down the left. There was still time for Ablewhite to have what would have been an excellent hat-trick ruled out by a dodgy refereeing decision, as his headed goal was disallowed. But not to worry, game over and a convincing four nil victory in what was surely Greenfield's best performance this season. Every player was outstanding in a game that could easily have seen twice as many goals. Special mention to Bishop for selflessly covering in goal and assuring displays from Veidman and Roberts. MOM goes to Rob Ablewhite for an excellent performance at centre half, leading from the back, commanding in the air and getting on the scoresheet with two great goals.

Saturday 13th October 2007 k.o 14:30

Malpas F.C 1-9 Greenfield F.C (W)
Greenfield travelled to Wrexham in the 2nd round of the Northern Cup to defend the trophy that they won last time around. Keeper Burrows was restored to the starting line up along with Garland who came in for Roberts. The only other change saw Duffy's return in place of the unwell Innes, with the rest as you were. A strong looking bench contained Bayliss, Smart, Stead and Roberts.

On a short but wide pitch with a bit of a slope Greenfield would look to use the wings as much as possible to exploit the home sides defence. Playing up the hill in the first half the blue and whites started the game at their usual high tempo, looking to put down a marker that they are here to defend their trophy. The holders were playing some neat football and it was clear to see from the start that the opposition were going to struggle against the combination team. It was only a matter of time before they would take the league as Malpas struggled to get to grips with the front pairing of Butcher and Mulligan.

Ten minutes in and Greenfield made their possession count. A mix up in the penalty area saw the keeper stranded and he fumbled the ball straight to the feet of Ablewhite. His goal bound shot was palmed away by a diving save from the covering defender on the line to deny the in form centre back. The referee had little option but to point to the spot and show the unlucky defender a red card. Skipper Burrows stepped up and tucked his effort to the left of the despairing keeper and make the score one nil.

Greenfield didn't rest on their laurels and immediately looked to make their one man advantage count. Some excellent football was on display with full backs Garland and Barrigan linking up superbly with wingers Veidman and Duffy as the ball was knocked about on what was a nice playing surface. Malpas were struggling to get out of their own half as Butcher and Veidman came close. With the game seeming a little too easy for Greenfield they were guilty of overplaying at times as they looked for the killer pass that they hoped would unlock the back four.

Twenty five minutes into the game and they got their second courtesy of another goalkeeping error. A cross came in from the left and the number one again fumbled in the area, leaving the well placed Veidman to tap home from close range to increase the lead. Further chances came and went with Smith firing over from the edge of the area when given too much time Ablewhite going close from some good Barrigan set pieces. But again, some overplaying meant the score remained two nil.

With just minutes to go until half time, Malpas were thrown a lifeline courtesy of a Greenfield defensive mix up. A long ball over the top was not dealt with by Bishop as keeper Burrows came off his line to clear. The striker managed to chase down the ball and nipped in to make the score 2-1 and give them some fresh impetous to get a foothold in the game. A disappointing goal to conceed as Burrows had been a mere spectator for the whole of the half, nevertheless Greenfield went into the break knowing they had this game in their own hands.

The second half got underway with the away side looking to make the most of the slight hill and immediately restored their two goal advantage. Butcher picked up the ball in between the half way line and the eighteen yard box. With defenders backing off, scared of the tricky forwards neat skills, he unleashed a fantastic swerving shot from a full thirty five yards that rocketed into the roof of the net. Another spectacular goal from the current top scorer.

From here on in Greenfield were dominant and it looked a question of how many as they attacked from every angle. Veidman, Mulligan and Duffy all terrorising the home side with their direct running. It wasn't long before Veidman got his second and Greenfield's fourth as Butcher's pass found him and he cut in from the right and buried his effort in the bottom corner. Malpas looked defeated. The Northern cup holders didn't stop there though as they pushed on, with Garland looking to get of the mark for the season with a strike from distance. Bishop and Ablewhite at the back looked as assured as ever, the latter in particular dominating the aerial battles with the oppositions forwards.

The home side were having to repel wave after wave of Greenfield attacks as they looked to score every time they went forward. A ball over the top found Duffy in space six yards from goal, as he looked to score the defender made a rash challenge bringing down the skilful midfielder. Penalty. Burrows once again took the honours and scored his second with the keeper static to his line.

A corner on the left was awarded and Butcher's floated ball saw a trademark Ablewhite leap as he planted an unstoppable header into the back of the net to grab his third in two games. No more than he deserved having earlier been denied on the line. He did however see yellow for dissent after getting involved in an altercation with the mouthy number 5. With the game dead and buried at 6-1, manager AJ Houghton brought on Stead for Barrigan with Smart also replacing Duffy as he looked to reshuffle the pack.

The attacking did not relent and Smith again missed the chance to get his name on the scoresheet. The powerful player doing well to create a chance for himself but he slipped as he looked to bend the ball into the bottom corner and it was comfortable for the keeper. That was his last contribution as the hard working midfielder made way for Bayliss, moving Ablewhite into midfield to partner Burrows. Greenfield weren't done and it was that livewire winger Veidman who was again on hand to complete his hat-trick with another well taken goal. Almost immediately after he got his fourth as Butcher's pass released him on the halfway line as the Malpas back four looked to catch him offside. He kept his composure superbly as he bore down on goal and emphatically hammered in his fourth, as he drilled his effort into the back of the net leaving the keeper no chance.

8-1 and Greenfield were showing no mercy. With the back four having been reshuffled and Garland alongside Bishop at centre back there was still time for keeper J. Burrows to make a great save from point blank range as Malpas to regain some pride. As Greenfield defended a corner the ball fell to captain Burrows on the edge of his area, who's ball over the top found Mulligan with a free run on goal with the Malpas defence pushed up. After missing a host of chances the lanky striker made no mistake as he got his name on the scoresheet with a well placed finish.

9-1 and the final whistle blew to signal the end of the match and a resounding victory for the blue and whites as they look to reach a second successive Northern cup final. Another great team performance and their fifth victory on the bounce for the in form side. Great individual displays from Duffy and Butcher in particular but MOM goes to Lee Veidman who capped an outstanding display with four great goals. His pace and power was too much for Malpas to handle and the recent signing looks more and more at home at Greenfield with each passing game.

Saturday 20th October 2007 k.o 14:30

Greenfield F.C 4-0 Thatto Heath F.C (W)

This week the in form Northern cup champions returned to league action to face a tough, freshly promoted Thatto Heath side determined to prove they are capable of performing in the dizzy heights of St Helens Combination division one. Houghton for once didn’t have a full squad to choose from but knew his side was more than capable of maintaining their promotion push. Houghton came in for Bishop with Innes and Bayliss restored in place of Duffy and and the absent Barrigan. Ablewhite was the other absentee as he started his ban.

In what has become an accustomed routine for the bishop road side, it was them who were quickest to start as they piled on the early pressure. The front pairing of Mulligan and Butcher in particular firing some early warning shots at the away sides goal.

Greenfield continued to press against a stubborn, dogged Thatto Heath defence. Skipper P Burrows and Smith effectively broke up play when the away side did rarely get to the see some of the ball. It wasn’t long before Greenfield carved out their first real opening which resulted in them deservedly taking the lead. Mulligan broke free and put last weeks frustrations behind him as he coolly slotted beyond the keeper, the resident goal poacher doing what he does best.

The goal somewhat deflated the men in orange and black and it was the blue and whites that started to run rampant. Butcher once again went close to doubling the Greenfield lead, but was disappointed to narrowly miss a one-on-one opportunity after a great through ball from Veidman. Burrows was once again making his presence felt at the heart of the midfield putting in some crunching challenges.

Soon after and the stocky striker made amends and even by his own high standards, produced another goal of the season contender. A ball upfield was flicked on well by Smith as the ball landed at the feet of Butcher. He controlled the ball well 30 yards from goal and executed a stunning half volley that flew over the keeper and nestled in the top corner of the net. A truly spectacular effort to add to his collection.

The home side were by this point fully in their stride with the opposition at times chasing shadows on a beautiful warm, autumn day in perfect conditions for football. Only moments after doubling their lead the home side all but secured the points with another sublime Butcher finish. Veidman supplied the ammunition with an intricate pass and Butcher using his deceptive pace beat the defender to drill a low left foot effort in off the far post.

Not much needed to be said at half time other than to keep the discipline and ensure a clean sheet.

Shortly after the re-start and Bishop replaced manager AJ Houghton, who alongside Roberts at centre-half put in a solid performance. Some good football was on display with Bayliss and Garland continuing to link up well with the midfield. But to their credit the away side battled hard and put up more of a fight in the second half, somewhat aided by some lenient refereeing decisions. Innes was comng into the game and was always an attacking threat with his direct running.

Greenfield's fourth of the afternoon came courtesy of the clubs all time top goal scorer Mulligan as he grabbed his second of the game. Great link up play from Innes and Smith down the left played Mulligan in on goal and he neatly stroked the ball home from 6 yards. A terrific team goal, from a side brimming with confidence after four successive victories.

The game was by now won but Smith continued to put himself about as he made sure he was first to every ball, proving his value to the side. Skipper Burrows, who was also having a great game was replaced by Duffy in the centre of the park, with Bishop donning the armband, as Stead came on for the tiring Innes.

There was still time for the man in black to deny Mulligan a blatant penalty as he was hauled down in the area, as well as ruling Veidman offside when played through on goal. But Greenfield saw out the rest of the game keeping the ball and limiting the away side to one off target shot all game.

Fulltime and another impressive, footballing performance from the boys in blue. But they will be annoyed not to have added more goals in what became more of a training exercise against a side lacking any real creativity. But another clean sheet means they maintain the leagues best defensive record, not least due to another solid display from Roberts at the back.

Despite some brilliant individual performances from 2 goal heroes Mulligan and Butcher, accompanied by skipper P Burrows who also came close to the award MOM was in the end given to Dan Smith. He worked his socks off, broke up play and is proving a great asset to the side, especially when things get tough.