How the points were won...

Saturday 8th March 2008 k.o 14:30


Bold Rangers 1-4 Greenfield F.C (W)
Greenfield travelled to Bold for a top of the table clash that could go a long way to determining the championship race. The away side knew they had a lot to prove after last weeks humbling at the hands of Boilermakers and could not afford another defeat. Thankfully for Houghton he had a strong squad to choose from, with Vickers, Gallagher and Barrigan coming in for Duffy, Smith and the manager himself.

On a small pitch in extremely windy conditions, Greenfield won the toss and would play with the wind in the opening half. Straight from the first whistle it was clear to see that the players had adopted a much improved attitude from last week and began brightly. It was Greenfield who were looking to attack using the pace of Innes and Veidman and it wasn't long before the first goal of the game. Barrigan, playing at left back, controlled the ball in the back four and released skipper Burrows down the left. He took the ball forward and with Mulligan and Veidman in support, played a delightful ball across the six yard box and straight into the path of the two attacking players. Despite Mulligan missing the ball, Veidman was on hand to slam home from close range.

This gave the blue and whites the confidence that they had perhaps been lacking recently as they again went in search of another goal. Bold did not look like they knew what had hit them. With fifteen minutes on the clock Greenfield got their second. Some more attacking play resulted in a corner on the right, giving them the chance to get the big players in the box. Innes' initial delivery was cleared but only as far as himself. His ball back in found Gallagher who did well to hook the ball to the back post. Burrows was left with a free header and his effort back across goal was snapped up by the unmarked Mulligan who made no mistake in finding the back of the net.

The wind was starting to pick up as the weather conditions deteriorated and Greenfield knew they would be playing into the wind second half and therefore needed another. They were playing some good football, with Vickers sitting deep in midfield allowing Burrows to get forward. Veidman in his free role behind Mulligan was seeing plenty of the ball allowing him to feed wide men Ablewhite and Innes. Chances were being created and Burrows went close from outside the box. After a slow start Bold could have got back into the game but for some lacklustre finishing.

The back four coming up with some excellent last ditch defending, with Gallagher and Roberts continuing their excellent partnership at the centre of the defence. They were being supported well by full backs Garland and Barrigan who were getting forward at every opporunity. If Bold had taken their chances they could easily have been back on level terms, keeper Burrows twice denying them with decent stops.

Greenfield did not heed the warning and minutes before half time Bold did take their chance. Barrigan brought the ball out of defence and lost possession with the midfield pushed forward. The home side exploited the opening down the left and the ball was played inside to the waiting number ten who produced a powerful shot just inside the area leaving Burrows no chance. It was no more than the black and yellows deserved and the half time whistle blew with the score at 2-1.

With the wind firmly against them in the second half, Greenfield still had it all to do as the rain started to lash down. But the blue and whites had a determined look about them, spurred on by the taunts from last weeks game. Bold were made to pay for their lack of respect as Greenfiled set about to prove just why they are the title favourites. Every man was doubling their work rate and there was some quality football on display in difficult conditions. Ten minutes into the half and Greenfield grabbed a vital third. The lively Innes on the right was played through on goal, still with a lot of work to do. With the keeper onrushing, Innes' quick feet were no match as he rounded him to slot home and Greenfield were cruising.

The Bold players heads started to drop as they knew they were being outclassed and the number seven was lucky not to receive a second yellow for kicking out on two occassions. With the heavy rain falling and playing into gale force winds, the away side were still dominating proceedings. Mulligan was holding up the ball well on his own, supported by Veidman behind him. Ablewhite producing some great through balls. With Roberts on a yellow card, Houghton brought on Tasker to replace him at centre back.

Greenfield added a fourth with fifteen left on the clock. Ablewhite received the ball on the left outside of the area. He produced an exquisite ball around the defender to find Veidman with a free shot on goal. He fired home to continue his good goal scoring form and the game was wrapped up. There was still time for one last scare as Innes went over on his ankle, he was replaced by Stead, with the injury not looking as bad as first thought. At the other end keeper Burrows made a great point blank save to deny Bold a second.

The match finished 4-1 and an emphatitic victory for Greenfield. They dominated proceedings from start to finish and made up for recent performances with every player showing the kind of fight and belief that they need to ensure they win the league this season. Every player deserved what they got out of the game with Mulligan and Garland in particular playing well but MOM awarded to Ablewhite for a quality display on the left. A constant threat to the Bold side.

Saturday 15th March 2008 k.o 14:30

Greenfield F.C 5-2 Rainford North End Reserves (W)

Saturday 22nd March 2008 k.o 14:30

Greenfield F.C 3-2 Knowsley South Reserves (W)
Greenfield returned to league action against a Knowsley South side knowing that a win would put them in a very strong position for league glory. Manager Houghton made one change bringing in Barrigan for Stead at right back, with Mulligan returning among the substitutes. The away side came with something to prove as they would line up against a number of former players.

It was clear from the opening five minutes that this wasn’t going to be an easy game for the blue and whites, despite playing with the wind as an advantage in the first half. The away side boast the leagues joint top scorer so the Greenfield back four had to be on alert. Despite that, the home side started the brighter as they looked to show their superiority. Within ten minutes the first goal had arrived. A corner was awarded on the left which Butcher floated in. Skipper Burrows did well to lose his man and met the ball at the front post to head home from six yards out. A great start which Greenfield used as a platform to play some decent football.

Twenty five minutes into the game and it was starting to get scrappy which suited the away side more as Greenfield were put out of their stride. Benefiting from a three man midfield they utilised the extra body well as Burrows and Vickers were left chasing shadows. The front two were dragging centre backs Gallagher and Tasker left and right, leaving space in behind them that Garland and Barrigan were left to cover. This was preventing Greenfield from keeping any shape and they were unable to get the ball out wide and use Innes and Ablewhite on the wings.

Greenfield were not really creating many chances, but did come close with a fine 25 yard free kick from Butcher that the keeper did well to tip on to the bar. Not long before half time and the team in black and blue were level. The lively number ten managed to lose his marker and squeezed his shot under keeper Burrows. A deserved equaliser and Greenfield knew they had a game on their hands as the half time whistle blew.

Greenfield started the second half well knowing they had to get a grip of the game. The equaliser had come as somewhat of a wake up call and the home side started to look more of a threat. They managed to regain the lead in a similair fashion to the opening goal, from a Butcher corner on the left. This time his effort was flicked on by Ablewhite at the near post and found Veidman unmarked at the back post to finish from close range.2-1 and Greenfield needed to hold onto the lead to take all three points.

But Knowsley didn’t lie down and continued to play their football as they looked to get back in the game. With much of the play bypassing the midfield it was difficult for the home side to find any rhythm. Gaps were opening up in the middle of the park and the Knowsley front two were giving the Greenfield centre backs a torrid time. With thirty minutes left of the game they again came from behind. A hopeful ball into the box wasn’t dealt with and the number ten managed to lose Tasker and poke home to grab his second and bring the scores level.

Houghton knew he had to do something and he introduced Duffy for Vickers and brought Mulligan on for Butcher. The lanky striker almost had an immediate impact when the ball was played into him in the box, with his back to goal eight yards out, he turned his man well and laid the ball off to Ablewhite. With the goal gaping, his tame shot straight at the keeper was parried over the bar and the scores remained level. Roberts came on for Gallagher and immediately Greenfield looked a more composed outfit at the back. Duffy was pulling the strings in midfield and his passing gave Greenfield something they had been lacking all game.

Greenfield were the team looking most likely to grab the winner as they looked to attack. Burrows was given space in midfield to look up and play a great ball out wide to Innes on the right. He ran at the Knowsley back four and laid the ball off to Veidman who had overlapped him. He took the ball forward and his low, powerful shot across goal found the bottom corner and Greenfield had again taken the lead for the third time in the game.

With ten minutes left on the clock Greenfield had to withstand some pressure but the defence, led by Tasker, soaked it up and the final whistle blew and another three points in the bag for the title hopefuls. Not the greatest perfomance by a long way, but the blue and whites know that it is games like this that decide the title and you cannot win every game without a battle. Today was a battle. A successful battle at that.

Saturday 29th March 2008 k.o 14:30

Greenfield F.C 2-0 Sidac Social Reserves abandoned after 50 minutes
This second round Tom Worrall cup match had to be abandoned five minutes into the second half, due to heavy rainfall making the pitch unplayable. With Greenfield comfortable at two goals to the good thanks to Veidman and Ablewhite. The first came from Ablewhites fantastic crossfield pass, deep in his own half, that released Veidman on the right who produced a well executed lob over the keeper. The second was Ablewhite's superb free kick 25 yards out on the right that flew into the top right hand corner, leaving the keeper no chance. A dissappointing outcome for Greenfield with fixtures coming thick and fast, but the referee had no choice but to call it off with conditions deteriorating.

Tuesday 1st April 2008 k.o 18:15

Greenfield F.C 4-0 Sidac Social F.C (W)
Bishop Road was the venue for Greenfield's first mid week match of 2008 and Sidac were the visitors. Manager Houghton gave Winstanley his first start in goal for the absent Burrows and Barrigan replaced Tasker in the back four. Vickers also came in for Mulligan, with Veidman again playing up front alongside Butcher.

After Saturday's torrential rain the pitch was in relatively good condition considering, but the windy conditions meant the ball would have to be kept on the deck. Playing with the wind in the first half the home side knew they were in for a tough game against a big and physical Sidac outfit. The opening ten minutes were scrappy with both sides struggling to get to grips with the difficult conditions. But Greenfield struck the first blow as they opened the scoring thanks to skipper Burrows. A long throw from Barrigan on the left, allowed Burrows to out jump the centre half six yards out. The ball seemed to come off his shoulder and flew into the right hand corner off the post to make it one nil.

A great start but Greenfield knew they could play better football. The back four was looking solid, well marshalled by Roberts with Bishop alongside him. Veidmans pace up front was always a threat and Ablewhites crossfield balls were creating chances. With Vickers holding the midfield this allowed Duffy and Burrows to get forward and support the attack. The huge number 8 for Sidac was well shackled by Roberts and Garland in particular and they were reduced to few chances.

Greenfield had to keep their discipline, but they did concede a few silly free kicks in their own half that allowed them to get players in the box. But the defence held firm, apart from one occasion when Burrows was forced to clear off the line. The half time whistle blew with the one goal seperating the teams, but Houghton was forced into a change with Wstanley suffering a bad eye injury, meaning Gallagher was introuduced with Bishop taking up the gloves.

The second half kicked off with Sidac looking to get back into the game as they pushed forward. A free kick on the right allowed them a shot at goal and Greenfield breathed a sigh of relief as the ball cannoned back off the upright. Gallagher and Roberts were first to everything and Sidac started to get frustrated. The next goal would be crucial and it was the blue and whites who got it. Roberts' clearance found Butcher on the half way line. His excellent ball over the top allowed the pace of Veidman to beat the offside trap and he produced another one of his trademark lobs over the keeper and it was two nil. A real killer blow for the black and whites as they looked deflated.

With Greenfield two goals to the good the referee was starting to favour the away side as they seemed to get more of the 50-50 decisions. Butcher was looking lively and he could have had a penalty as he was brought down when through on goal but it was waved away. Veidman also looked to have been flattened in the area but again the referee didn't agree. But Greenfield didn't let this deter them as they added a third. Garland on the right played a great through ball, releasing Butcher who's close control took him past the defender and he slotted home from the edge of the area.

It was game over as Stead was introduced for Duffy for the last fifteen minutes. With the match being shortened due to the light to 40 minute halves, Greenfield made sure of the victory in the final seconds. Ablewhite on the left played a great ball over to the right, that found Stead on the edge of the box. His cushioned header found Veidman who produced a stunning finish to continue his rich run of scoring to make it 4-0.

A great team display from Greenfield with mid week games always proving difficult, manager Houghton couldn't have asked for anymore from his team. A welcomed clean sheet and four goals puts Greenfield firmly in the driving seat in the league. Every player played their part but mom awarded to Roberts for a no nonsense display at the back, ensuring a shut out for the opposition.

Saturday 5th April 2008 k.o 14:15

Greenfield F.C 4-2 Sidac Social Reserves (W)
Greenfield's quest for cup glory continued in this re-arranged Tom Worrall cup 3rd round tie. Stead came in at left back for Barrigan, who dropped to the bench alongside the returning Bayliss and Smith. With Duffy missing Gallagher came in at centre back partnering Bishop and Roberts replaced Vickers in a holding midfield role. Manager Hougthon knowing his side looked strong enough to deal with any threat posed by the combination division two side.

The game kicked off in decent conditions apart from a slight breeze. As expected the home side started the stronger playing some decent football at times, but lacking that clinical touch in the final third. They seemed to be their own worst enemies when it came to attacking and didn't create any real clear chances. The back four were looking a bit shaky at times and any threat came from rare counter attacks, which produced the first goal of the game. Garlands pass to Bishop was a little heavy and the striker pounced to go through on goal and stab home into the roof of the net to make it one nil to the underdogs.

The goal came firmly against the run of play but Greenfield could have no complaints as they had failed to test the opposition keeper. Things could have got worse not long after when the striker went through on goal, but for some good last ditch defending from Stead. Despite numerous corners, they again failed to muster a shot on goal. This gave the away side more and more confidence and they began to sense the panic setting in amongst the blue and white players.

The referee was being a little pedantic which was starting to effect the home side more than the away team. A few minutes before half time and a Burrows foul on the edge of the area led to a melee with both sets of players coming together. The Sidac number 10 was booked for his reaction and Ablewhite also picked up a harsh yellow. With the referee seeming to mark out 20 yards instead of the standard 10, Greenfield did not concentrate on the free kick taker as his effort found the back of the net despite keeper Burrows getting his hands to the ball. Two nil and there was a real upset on the cards.

The half time whistle blew and Greenfield knew they were facing a humiliating exit from the cup they won two seasons ago, unless they pulled their socks up. AJ Houghton told his players they needed to create some chances and get some shots in on goal if they wanted to get anything out of the game. With conditions deteriorating, everything seemed to be going against Greenfield, but they didn't let this deter them. From the first whistle of the second half they attacked at will, looking for that elusive goal. Veidman, Butcher and Innes all had chances to score but the luck seemed to be on the Sidac side.

Sidac couldn't get out of their own half and keeper Burrows was a mere spectator in the Greenfield goal. Houghton knew he had to change things as the clock wore on, so he brought off Stead and introduced Bayliss after six months out with injury. Not long after and Butcher came close to pulling a goal back when his hooked effort from distance hit the left hand post with the keeper beaten and rolled agonisingly across the goal line. It didn't look to be Greenfield's day. Smith was brought on to add some aerial presence for the hard working Roberts. Good link up from Garland and Burrows saw the latter's cut back cleared by the Sidac defence as they had all hands to the pump. Houghton played his last card bringing on Barrigan for Gallagher and going to three at the back with Ablewhite pushing up front.

With twenty minutes remaining time was running out and Greenfield knew they had to produce. And produce they did. A ball from the right was flicked on by the head of Ablewhite, finding Bayliss with space and time in the Sidac penalty area. He didn't need a second invitation to shoot and shoot he did, with an excellent effort that clipped in off the bar and found the right hand corner of the goal. Greenfield had their lifeline. With the wind in their sales the home side needed another with Sidac looking dejected. A mazy Butcher run into the area ended with his shot parried out by the keeper, but on hand was Veidman to poke home from close range and level the cup tie at 2-2. Cue wild celebrations at Bishop Road.

The away side now knew they were in danger of losing this game, with Greenfield playing the best they'd played all game. Every player was working hard and fighting for every ball, something they were lacking in the first half. Ten minutes left on the clock and the cup tie was turned completely on its head thanks to a fantastic strike from Innes. A corner on the left was floated over by Butcher and somehow found its way to the back post where the unmarked Innes steadied himself and produced a fine half volley that flew into the left of the net, leaving the keeper no chance. 3-2 and surely Greenfield were not going to let this lead slip.

With only a few minutes remaining Innes grabbed his second of the game after a neat one-two with Veidman allowed him to get a shot off from the edge of the box. This time luck was on his side as the keeper parried the ball into the net at his near post, but no one in blue and white cared as the game was now won at 4-2.

A great comeback from Greenfield in the last twenty minutes showing great character and team spirit in a game that they could easily have lost. Credit must go to Houghton for his substitutions with Bayliss, Smith and Barrigan changing the game when they were introduced. Greenfield know they cannot take any opponents lightly and will learn their lesson from this game as they rode their luck, but they are in the next round and will now hope to progress against Penlake in the next round. MOM awarded to Innes today for a hard working performance on the right and two well taken goals that swung the tie in Greenfield's favour.

Tuesday 8th April 2008 k.o 18:15

Junction F.C 3-3 Greenfield F.C (D)
This re-arranged league game would prove a difficult test for title hopefuls Greenfield, with past experience proving Tuesday night games always give the underdogs a chance. Houghton brought in Duffy on the left to replace the missing Ablewhite with Roberts reverting back to centre half alongside Bishop. Vickers and Barrigan also returned to the starting line up and Smith and Bayliss were again named among the substitutes.

The blue and whites didn't have the best build up to the game with the manager caught in traffic he wasn't there for kick off to tell his players what he wanted from them. Nevertheless, evryone knew they needed three points to take another step closer to the league title. The game kicked off, but the players' heads seemed to be somewhere else as they were second to every ball. Despite doing the early running, Junction's high defensive line was catching the front two of Butcher and Veidman out and the referee's contstant offside decisions were effecting the game.

It was Junction who took the lead twenty minutes into the game when their skilful number nine was given time on the ball 30 yards out. Greenfield failed to close him down and his dipping shot beat keeper Burrows and found the back of the net. The away side were reeling and the frustration at their own poor passing was beginning to get to them. Not long after and they conceeded another. The right winger was given time to turn and he lobbed the ball over Bishop's head before producing a decent strike from the edge of the area that found the bottom left corner. The back four were all at sea, with the gap between midfield and defence being exploited by the number nine dropping off the front two.

Greenfield had to get a grip of things if they wanted to get back into the game. But it got worse when Junction added a third. This time a defensive mix up between Roberts and Bishop allowed the striker a shot on goal that again beat the stranded Burrows. Three nil and Greenfield could feel the game slipping away. They were three goals down and hadn't created any real scoring chances. Butcher and Veidman had the pace and ability to run rings around the back four, but without them receiving the ball to feet they were left stranded up top. Innes was causing problems on the right with his direct running, but with little end product.

With the game shortened to 40 minute halves the whistle blew to signal the end of the half and Greenfield had an uphill battle to get anything out of the game. Houghton rallied his troops and sent them back out with clear instructions to get on the scoresheet. The second half brought some added vigour to the away side and they started to play the way they knew they could. Innes was again the architect of anything good Greenfield conjured up and the Junction side couldn't cope with him. Houghton had to do something and Duffy made way for Bayliss who took his place on the left.

Greenfield were having all the possession and started to create chances with Butcher and Veidman looking dangerous. Smith was introduced for Roberts as Houghton looked to turn their possession into goals. A corner was awarded on the right after another direct Butcher run. His effort was half cleared by the defence but only as far as Burrows who, with his back to goal, hooked the ball back to the far post. With the Junction back line pushing out, Butcher beat the offside trap to gently caress the ball across the keeper and in off the right hand post. Greenfield were back in the game.

This was the injection the blue and whites needed and every ball was fought for, something they had been lacking for the majority of the game. Vickers and Smith were linking up well and making a difference as the midfield started to look more of a unit. Garland was linking up well on the right using Innes as the outlet as he continued to terrorise the left back. It was a foul on him that resulted in a free kick just inside the Junction half. He took it quickly to Burrows who's quick feet beat two players and forced his way into the opposing area, before being cynically brought down as he looked to get in on goal. The referee pointed to the spot and Greenfield had the chance to get a second. Skipper Burrows picked himself to take the spot kick, only for the keeper to make a good save diving to his left. Fortunately, Burrows followed up his effort to slam home the rebound from close range.

The home sides head's started to drop as they knew Greenfield were looking the most likely to get another. They were dominating possession and Barrigan, alongside Bishop, were keeping any threat posed to a minimum. With fifteen minutes remaining, Greenfield grabbed the equaliser and it was the in form Veidman who got it. The ball fell for him 25 yards from goal, with the ball bouncing across him he produced an exquisite left footed half volley that flew past the keeper and into the back of the net. The game was tied at three apiece and Greenfiled knew there was time for a winner.

Junction by now had started to argue amongst themselves and a dust up between two of their players held up proceedings for a few minutes. This resulted in their skipper and best player, being substituted and the blue and whites knew the game was their to be won. They could easily have had a penalty when Innes burst through on goal and was brought down just as he was about to shoot, only for the referee to award a corner. The team in black and white were then reduced to ten men when the big number ten, who had been at it all match, went in late on Garland and then seemed to throw a punch in the ensuing melee. Garland received a yellow and the match continued.

With only minutes remaining Butcher picked up the ball on the right, shrugged off the foul from the centre half and continued into the box. He seemed to be swarmed by four Junction players, each trying to bring him down but Butcher was too strong and looked as though he was about to win the game for Greenfield. Only for the persistent fouling to finally bring him down as he went to shoot. It could easily have been a penalty, but it was not to be and the game finished a draw.

Another poor display from Greenfield that could easily have resulted in them getting nothing out of the game. In recent weeks it has seemed that, as a team, they seem to be giving the opposition a head start and only get going when they are a goal or two down. Another great comeback, but each player will know that they should be blowing teams like this away like they did at the start of the season. If they want to make sure of league and cup glory this season they will have to improve, because they are going to be punished against stronger opponents.

Tuesday 15th April 2008 k.o 18:30

Eccleston Utd 0-5 Greenfield F.C (W)
After Saturday's cup game postponement Greenfield travelled the short journey to Ecclesfield to face Eccleston in the league. Houghton, despite missing key personnel in the shape of Garland, Innes, Bishop and keeper Burrows, welcomed back Mulligan, Ablewhite and Gallagher. Bayliss returned at left back for his first start for six months and Veidman dropped back into midfield.

After recent bad starts, Greenfield knew they had to start better which they duly did. On a glorious night for football the away side started to knock the ball around and making Eccleston do all the chasing. Burrows' tackle in midfield won the ball and he with space and time he was invited to shoot. His effort bounced just in front of the keeper and his spilled save fell to Mulligan following in but his tap in was ruled out for offside. Greenfield were looking like they were hungry for goals and had the home side penned into their own half for most of the opening twenty minutes.

The team in yellow had to resort to long balls that Roberts and Gallagher dealt with superbly, with them first to everything. Bayliss was seeing a lot of the ball on the left and he was linking up well with Ablewhite who was getting a lot of joy on his side. With Mulligan and Butcher up top causing Eccleston problems, with the lanky striker winning everything in the air. It was clear that Greenfield were back to their best, keeping their shape well and knocking the ball about with confidence.

The only thing that was missing was the opening goal, despite having numerous chances to get off the mark. Many of their best chances came from corners, in which Gallagher could have grabbed a couple coming unmarked at the back post. But the goal eventually did arrive after some good work down the left. Bayliss played the ball up to Ablewhite, who's perfect through ball released Butcher ahead of him. His acceleration took him past the defender and into the area and from an acute angle produced a great low finish across the keeper and into the right hand corner. A well deserved goal and Greenfield didn't sit back on their lead as they again went in search of another.

At the other end Eccleston were limited to few chances but did come close from a free kick that keeper Winstanley did well to tip over the bar. From the resulting corner Barrigan's well timed challenge on the the left back brought some optimistic penalty appeals, but the referee rightly waved them away. That was to be the last of the first half action as the whistle blew on a great start for the blue and whites.

The second half kicked off much in the same way as the first, Vickers and Burrows bossing the midfield and utilising the quality of Ablewhite and Veidman out wide. Despite playing against a poor Eccleston outfit, they were still playing some nice football and Butcher and Mulligan were seeing plenty of the ball up front. Not long into the half and a foul five yards from the Eccleston penalty box gave Bayliss the chance to double the lead from a set piece. That he duly did with a great effort, aided by a slight deflection, that beat the keeper and found the right of the goal. This would surely signal the floodgates to open, as Greenfield knew there were goals to be had.

Set pieces continued to cause havoc in the home sides penalty area and again Gallagher could have got on the scoresheet. Another good attacking move saw Butcher played in on the edge of the opposing penalty area, with the defenders being drawn into him he spotted a great Ablewhite run and his perfectly timed through ball found him with only the keeper to beat. Some quick footwork was too good for the onrushing keeper and Ablewhite slotted home the third.

That surely signalled the end of Ecclestons resistance and Greenfield were looking rampant. Houghton introduced Duffy for the battling Vickers who'd worked tirelessly all game and Smith came on for the impressive Mulligan who had caused the back four all kinds of problems. Almost immediately Ablewhite grabbed his second and Greenfield's fourth with a fantastic goal. A quick free kick was taken by Eccleston in their own half, but with the players not expecting it Ablewhite intercepted the ball forty yards from goal. Great vision saw the keeper off his line and he produced a remarkable effort that sailed into the back of the net. A quite spectacular goal.

Houghton introduced Stead at right back for Barrigan who had played another solid game and Greenfield knew the game was over, but with twenty minutes still left on the clock they weren't done scoring. Butcher almost grabbed his second with a great strike from distance that hit the top of the bar and Veidman could have grabbed one for himself. Eccleston weren't much of an attacking threat but the back four were holding firm and Winstanley's handling in net was second to none.

With the home side four goals down the referee tended to sympathise with them and turned away a strong penalty claim when Butcher was brought down after another fantastic run. But the fifth goal did soon arrive when skipper Burrows broke up the play midway in his own half. He wasn't closed down by the tiring Eccleston players and he broke free down the right. Shrugging off the challage he continued his great run towards the corner flag, then dug out a great cross into the danger area. Veidman was on hand to meet the delivery with a nice volley that wrapped up the game at five nil.

That was to be the last goal of the game and the icing on the cake for what was a great display by Greenfield. A much needed moral boost for the team ahead of some tough cup and league fixtures. The difference was everyman was working hard for the team and the gulf in quality between the sides was extremely clear, but this result will mean nothing if they don't build on it for the next match. Despite an impressive performance from skipper Burrows, manager Houghton awarded MOM to Ablewhite for his excellently taken goals and and hard work on the left. An excellent team effort with every individual deserving praise.


Saturday 19th April 2008 k.o 14:15

Greenfield F.C 4-2 Penlake Seniors AET (W)
Greenfield continued their quest for cup glory against a youthful Penalake outfit with their own title aspirations in Division two. With Veidman struggling with a foot injury he could only make the bench, Houghton bringing Innes in down the right. Garland returned to right back in place of Barrigan and keeper Burrows was back between the sticks.

Greenfield knew this would be a difficult test as Penlake would be looking to take a huge scalp and progress into a cup semi final, so the home side would have to be at their best. Unfortunately they fell behind to the opening goal as a defensive mistake allowed the attacking midfielder finish from just inside the box. A blow for the blue and whites, as they knew they wuld now have to score. They were creating chances, but just like in recent weeks, they weren't putting them away. At the other end J Burrows was commanding his area superbly and made two excellent point blank saves.

The first half played out, with Penlake reduced to few attacking chances with their only real success coming from the long ball. Nevertheless they had the vital goal that put them in the driving seat. The second half got underway with Greenfield knowing they would need an early goal to rattle their opponents and it didn't take long for them to get it. A Butcher corner from the left evaded everyone in the box and as Mulligan mis-kicked, Innes was on hand to finish from close range and level the tie at one apiece. The introduction of Duffy for Vickers had paid off.

That was the kickstart the home side needed and it wasn't long before they took the lead, from that man Innes as he grabbed his second of the game with an excellent turn and shot. Greenfield had turned this cup tie on its head and it was now Penlake who needed to get another goal. The home side were doing all the running and creating all the chances, with Penalke lacking any real quality. But just a few minutes after taking the lead, Greenfield conceeded a sloppy goal. A long throw on the left was not dealt with and the Penlake substitute was given too much time to fire home from outside the area and the scores were again level.

There was still plenty of time for the blue and whites to settle the match and Ablewhites's header came back off the bar. Luck wasn't on their side. Veidman came on for Mulligan in attack and immediately caused the opposition back four problems. Butcher was played through in the final minute of normal time, but his shot was saved by the keeper.But Greenfield couldn't find the winner and it was to go to extra time.

Two minutes into the thirty and Innes grabbed his hat-trick courtesy of some great work from Veidman. His fantastic control and skill on the right bamboozled the left back and he produced an inch perfect left footed cross for Innes to head home. Penlake looked beaten. Not long after and Veidman's lay off found Burrows who played the ball into the feet of Innes. His god first touch took the ball away from the defender and he produced another great finish to increase the lead to two goals and that would surely signal the end of the Penlake challange.

No more goals followed and it was Greenfield who will advance to a semi final tie against Junction. Not the greatest performance from the home side today but they dug deep to come from a goal down and keep alive their hopes of glory in the Tom Worrall cup this season. Solid performances from Gallagher and keeper Burrows today but MOM awarded to Innes for a fantastic four goal haul that won the match for his team mates.

Tuesday 22nd April 2008 k.o 18:30


Thatto Heath F.C 2-3 Greenfield F.C (W)
Greenfield went into this game missing some key players and just about manage to get a squad of 12 for an important match against an in form Thatto Heath. Despite going a goal down in the first half, they got back into the match thanks to a goal from skipper Burrows. A long throw from Veidman on the right came into the box and despite two defenders going for the ball, it fell kindly for Burrows to poke home from eight yards out. The scores remained level as the half time whistle blew in a pretty even game.

Despite large amounts of pressure from the home side it was Greenfield who scored next. Bayliss, playing left midfield, linked up well with Vickers and it was the sweet left foot of Bayliss who's deftly taken strike from outside the area beat the keeper as it nestled mid height in the right hand side of the net. A great strike and a goal somewhat against the run of play. Thatto Heath continued to attack but the blue and white defence held firm with Roberts and Tasker in particular winning everything in the air. Bishop and Stead either side were also playing well.

With the home side looking more and more likely to score, it was however Greenfield who grabbed their third. A Bayliss throw into the box was half cleared and the ball came over which Veidman did well to flick on. Lurking six yards out was Duffy who's well placed header found the back of the net and Greenfield could sense victory. A well taken free kick from the Heath left back found the back of the net and ensured a nervy final ten minutes for Greenfield, but they held on for a fantastic victory as the match finished 3-2.

An excellent result for the travelling Greenfield in difficult circumstances, with a total of ten players missing for this vital game. Despite this, the twelve men out there tonight dug in and produced an outstanding defensive display from the keeper right through to the front two. MOM awarded to Bishop for a solid performance at left back.

Saturday 26th April 2008 k.o 14:15

Junction F.C 2-1 Greenfield F.C (L)
Greenfield crashed out of the Tom Worrall cup at the semi final stage in a match that they should easily have won. Again missing some key players, they still had the quality out there to breeze past a poor quality side and Greenfield were left to rue their missed chances. After a goalless first half, Greenfield took the lead thanks to a well taken Ablewhite goal. He collected the ball on the right and produced a great finish across the goalkeeper and into the bottom left hand corner.

Unfortunately, they couldn't hold onto the lead and the home side equaliased not long after. A long throw was not dealt with in the box and the Junction number nine pounced to slam home. Greenfield had further chances to regain the lead but again, poor finishing let them down. They were made to pay five minutes from time when the Junction number nine grabbed his second of the game and ultimately the winning goal.

The final whistle went along with Greenfield's last hope of cup silverware this season. A dissappointing end to a decent cup campaign, which the club had high hopes of winning. But they were simply not good enough on the day and it was not to be.

Tuesday 29th April 2008 k.o 18:30

Rainford North End Reserves 1-3 Greenfield F.C (W)
Greenfield bounced back from their shock cup defeat with a decent display against a determined North End side fighting for their lives at the foot of the table. Some good goalkeeping from the returning Winstanley, standing in for Burrows, preserved a clean sheet in the opening half. But Greenfield should really have been going into the break a few goals to the good with Butcher in particular going close.

The second half kicked off and it wasn't long before the away side took the lead, through leading scorer Butcher. Skipper Burrows broke the play up in midfield and after evading two challenges played the ball into Ablewhite. He produced a perfectly timed, measured through ball to Butcher who made no mistake from twelve yards out. Greenfield continued to dominate possession and the second came from the penalty spot. Great footwork from that man Butcher near the byline, invited a mistimed challenge from the Rainford defender. The referee had no hesitation and Butcher dusted himself off to send the keeper the wrong way and grab his second.

Greenfield's third came with a stroke of good fortune, as an attacking corner wasn't dealt with by the home side. Stead laid the ball off to Butcher on the right byline and his cross come shot took a deflection off the defender and looped over the stranded keeper and into the back of the net. Three nil and most definitely game over. But there was still time for Rainford to pull one back as a floated free kick was into the Greenfield box was met with a well placed header that found the bottom left hand corner. No more than a consolation and the game finished 3-1.

Despite Greenfield's dominance they couldn't convert all their chances against a Rainford side looking to preserve their division one status. Nevertheless it was a good performance showing plenty of character after a dissappointing cup defeat. MOM awarded to Craig Butcher for his hat-trick and a decent display against some no nonsense defending.