We travelled North to Preston for the return game, the home game having been won by Preston in early January. We arrived just in time and it showed with a sluggish start. Preston were soon on the attack and were soon camped in the Neston half, with Neston defending well but unable to get the ball out. Chris Warbrick made a number of good saves but eventually the pressure told and Preston scored. More attacking by Preston, but the defence of Chris James, Max Dutton, Peter Harrison and Alex Greenhalf managed to keep Preston at bay. After about 20 minutes the Neston midfield started to get the ball with Sam Dewey, Tom Honeybourne, Syd Roberts, Charlie Palin and Frank Stoddard working well. Scott Barry and James Fennah up front being able to spend some time in the oppositions half, both had tackled back and defended with the rest of the team when the pressure was on. It was substitute Jon Lord who seemed to spark the team into action with a good run down the right leading to a free hit and short corner. A smart move at a short led to Sam Dewey equalising. Scott Barry then got past the last man and hit the post about three feet up. The game was level at half time.
By now it was raining quite heavily and Neston started the second half on the attack, some good play on the left by Charlie Palin led to Scott Barry getting in a cross shot that was defelected into the goal by a Preston player (Scott's goal). Frank Stoddard then had a good chance but could not get it past the keeper. Jon Lord ran at the Preston defence whenever he got the chance and a number of short corners were won. Two of these were hit against the post by Sam Dewey! Two further shots hit the post ( were the goals smaller in Preston? - the posts were hit 5 times!) and it seemed that we had missed our chance when a rare Preston attack led to an equaliser. Neston went on the attack and James Fennah put Scott through but the keeper came out and fouled at the top of the D. The subsequent hit was eventually turned into the goal by Scott. With time running out for Preston, Neston scored a fourth on the counter attack, Scott Barry completing his hat trick.

A great victory, showing once again the spirit of the team and the improvement made by everyone. A big thankyou to all the parents (and grandparents) who made the long trip, there were more Neston parents watching in pretty dreadful conditions than the home team. A trip back to the Preston clubhouse warmed everyone up before the trip home.

Man of the match, Jon Lord for many positive runs at the Preston defence and excellent tackling back.
Remember the presentation evening next Friday (23rd) at the club, 6.30 start.

Next weeks game will be at home to South Cheshire at Calday, we may take the opportunity to mix the Beavers and Badgers (both teams are at home) as they had quite an old team (now 6 months older) when we played them last September. I will confirm the arrangements on Friday, but please keep 12.00-3.00 free on Saturday.

With a number of regulars away with school, the following have confirmed availability for the trip to Preston, meet at 2.00pm at the cricket club.

Chris Warbrick - Goalkeeper
Chris James
Alex Greenhalf
Pete Harrison
Gregg Chester
Charlie Palin
Sam Dewey
Tom Honeybourne
Syd Roberts
Jon Lord
Frank Stoddard
Scott Barry
James Fennah
Max Dutton
Greg Hughes

Remember the awards evening on the 23rd March.

Neston produced probably their best team performance of the season in beating Winnington Park. The Neston side included four players making their full 11 a side debuts for the team, Charlie Palin, Charles McCulloch, Frank Stoddard and Jon Lord and all had excellent games. Neston started the game and were soon on the attack forcing a couple of short corners before Ben Crane got the ball past the visitor’s keeper. Winnington then put the Neston goal under some pressure but Charles McCulloch made some brave saves and kept the ball out. Peter Harrison had a steady game at right back and won some important balls. Overall Neston forced much of the play in the first half and some good passing moves involving Frank Stoddard, Greg Hughes and Sam Dewey created chances for Alex Greenhalf and Scott Barry that could not be turned into goals. Syd Roberts worked well on the right getting in some good crosses. Changes were made at half time with Jon Lord making his debut and making an immediate impact taking the ball past a number of Winnington players. Ben Crane added two more goals, the third coming from a powerful run by Sam Dewey from the right. The defence of Max Dutton, Chris James, James Chester and Charlie Palin kept the Winnington attackers in control. Scott Barry added a fourth before a good short corner move allowed Winnington to get a goal past Alex Davies in goal. The final score of 4-1 reflected an excellent team performance against a useful opposition.
With such a strong team performance the player of the match is shared by all who took part, an excellent game!
Thanks to all the parents who provided support.
Our next fixture is away against Preston, the game is due to start at 3.30, so we will meet at 2.00 at Neston Cricket Club, I will be in touch on Wednesday.
Remember the presentation evening on 23rd March, 6.30 at the club. Awards to include, Most Improved Player, Beaver of the Year, Top Scorer and the Constable Cup. Please make every effort to attend.

It would appear that Winnington Park cannot make a 12.00 start at Neston so the game is likely to be switched to Calday with a 15.00 start, when I get confirmation I will ring round, possibly on Friday,
Thanks
Peter

We are at home to Winnington Park on Saturday, game to be played at Neston Rec, meet 11.45 for a 12.00 start. With the end of season nearing we are trying to give a game to some of the boys who have been coming to training and will form part of the team next season.

Alex Davies - to confirm
Scott Barry
Sam Dewey
Syd Roberts
Ben Crane
Max Dutton
Greg Hughes
Chris James - to confirm
Alex Greenhalf
Charlie Palin
James Chester
Greg Chester
Charles McCulloch
John Lord
Frank Stoddard - to confirm
Richard Capes - to confirm

After a lunch time spent watching the football, we made the journey to Wilmslow to play Alderley Edge, a return of the fixture we lost 3-2 in the Autumn. Neston got off to a good start and were soon on the attack, Scott Barry finding some space in the D shooting wide. More pressure on the Alderley goal eventually got a break through. Sam Dewey found Scott in the D and his cross shot was turned into the goal by Ben Crane at the far post. A second soon followed when Ben again was on hand to get the ball into the goal from a right wing cross. Some poor marking allowed Alderley to score just before half time. The Neston defence of Max Dutton, James Chester, Chris James and Pete Harrison came under a lot of pressure at the start of the second half and were unable to prevent Alderley twice getting the ball past Alex Davies in goal. Now down 3-2 Neston got on the attack mainly down the right where Sam Dewey was busy. Another free hit from Sam found Gregg Chester free at the top of the D, his first time pass into the D found Ben Crane unmarked and he scored, making it a hat trick. Neston attacked again and a poorly cleared cross found Gregg Chester unmarked to beat the Alderley keeper to put Neston in the lead again. Alderley then looked for the equaliser and a strong run down the right led to an equaliser. Alex Greenhalf, Tom Honeybourne and Harry Sanguinetti all had good games in midfield. Bost sides had short corners in the final few minutes but neither could score and a final score of 4-4 was probably a fair result.
Men of the match Ben Crane for his first hat trick and Gregg Chester for an excellent game in midfield and defence, scoring his first goal.
Thankyou to all the parents who helped with transport, especially those following me and sitting in the jam on the M56 for nearly one hour!
After three weeks travelling the North West of England we return home next week for a game against Winnington Park, start 12.00 at Calday, I will be in touch.

Our next game is a visit to Alderley Edge, who we narrowly lost to earlier in the season 3-2 and beat last week in the U13 tournament, so we should have a good competitive game.
We will meet at Neston Cricket Club at 3.00pm for a 4.30 start at Wilmslow High School.
Players who have confirmed availability so far;
Alex Davies
Chris James
Alex Greenhalf
Peter Harrison
James Chester
Greg Chester
Richard Capes
Greg Hughes
Sam Dewey
Tom Honeybourne
Scott Barry
Ben Crane
Max Dutton

Reminder that we have the end of season awards evening at the club on Friday 23rd March, please make every effort to attend.

Neston made the long journey to Southport for a 4.30 start and were rewarded with probably the best game of the season so far. Two evenly matched teams provided a game of end to end hockey, both sides providing plenty of work for the opposing keeper.
Neston started the game well and were soon on the attack, George Roberts getting through a lot of work in central midfield, supported by Alex Greenhalf. Unfortunately an attack by Southport led to a goal. Neston responded well and Scott Barry found space in the D to deflect the ball past the Southport keeper who had just saved well from a much harder shot from Scott. Neston won a number of short corners but could not get another goal. Another Southport attack saw them retake the lead only for Neston to equalise before half time through Scott Barry once again. Further attacks saw opportunities for James Fennah and Alex Greenhalf.
The second half got underway and it was not long before Southport took the lead again. Neston responded with attacks down both flanks with Syd Roberts and Greg Hughes getting the ball into the D. One such cross led to Scott Barry completing his hat trick and levelling the scores once again. Neston attacked again and won a short corner, George Roberts got in a good shot that was defelected in of a Southport stick. Southport responded with a number of attacks putting the Neston defence of James Chester, Max Dutton, Chris James and Pete Harrison under a lot of pressure. Alex Davies in goal made a number of great saves the best of which a diving effort in the final minutes. Southport hit the post twice in the final stages and Neston did extremely well to hang on to a deserved 4-3 victory.
Man of the match Scott Barry for a great hat trick.
A big thankyou to all the parents who helped with transport, the result made the long trip worth while.
Next week we are away at Alderley Edge, time to be confirmed.

Our next match is away to Southport, start has been confirmed as 4.30 so we will be meeting at Neston criccket club at 3.00pm for the trip, bucket and spades optional!
Players confirmed to date;
Alex Davies - car
Max Dutton
James Chester
Greg Chester
Chris James
Scott Barry
Syd Roberts - car
Greg Hughes - car
Alex Greenhalf
Peter Harrison
Tom Fisher
Ben Crane - to confirm
James Fennah
Tom Honeybourne - to confirm

We probably need at least one more car.

Also a reminder that the following will be involved in the Chester U13 Tournament on Sunday;
Greg Chester
Alex Greenhalf
Peter Harrison
Syd Roberts
Ben Crane
Richard Capes
James Fennah
Max Dutton

See you on Saturday
Peter

Neston Beavers made the cross Cheshire treck to Nantwich to play Deeside - confusing a number of parents who expected the game to be played somewhere near the Dee - the Ramblers part of their title perhaps giving us a clue!
With a large number of regulars away on half term holidays a tough game was guarenteed against a side who had beaten us earlier in the season. A number of players were having to play in new positions - which was good experience. Neston came under some pressure in midfield where Richard Capes and Scott Barry seemed to be out numbered. After about 10 mins Deeside scored with a deflection from a forward positioned in front of Alex Davies in goal. Simillar moves accounted for at least 4 of Deesides goals - something the defence will have to look at. In between Deesides attacks a number of good moves from Neston nearly created a goal, a good shot from Scott and move down the right leading to a cross from Will Morrison which led to a short corner. Although the score was 4-0 at half time Neston had worked hard.
The second half was much the same as the first with Neston defending well, Pete Harrison, Chris James, Greg Chester and James Chester all working very hard. James Chester cleared at least three ball on the line, one with his foot which led to a penalty which Alex saved. Alex made a number of good saves which helped to keep the score somewhat respectable. Three more goals followed in the second half, but only two short corners were conceded which is probably the lowest number this season. On the break Alex Greenhalf and Tom Fisher worked hard at half back and Ollie Eastwood, Greg Hughes and Will Morrison tried to get a break infron of Deesides goal. The nearest Neston came was a strong run by Scott Barry leading to a shot against the post and a couple of short corners that were hit narrowly wide.
The final score of 7-0 was probably a fair reflection bur Neston deserved to score at least one.
Man of the match - Scott Barry for a energetic performance in midfield.
Next game is away to Southport - time to be confirmed.
Thanks to the Dad's who helped with transport!

Meet Neston Cricket Club at 12.30

Alex Davies - Goalkeeper
James Chester
Greg Chester
Chris James
Alex Greenhalf
Peter Harrison
Richard Capes
Tom Honeybourne
Harry Sanguinetti
Scott Barry
Greg Hughes
Tom Fisher - to confirm
James Fennah - to confirm

Following the disappointment of Saturday's cancellation to Bowdon, not due to the weather but a tractor parked on the pitch, made all the stranger by the fact that Bowdon asked for the game to be played at their ground (tractor park). Jose Morinho last season accused Spurs of parking the team bus infront of their goal, this is perhaps a first for a hockey pitch!
Anyway next weeks fixture is away to Deeside (we played them first game of the season and lost 5-0, having loaned them a number of players as they only had 9). We will meet at Neston at 12.30 for a treck into the Cheshire countryside, I will try and ring everyone up on Monday, as I will be away for most of the week. If you are able to play please drop me a line, Greg Hughes is normally good at this!

Alex Davies - confirmed
James Chester - confirmed
Syd Roberts - confirmed
Richard Capes - message TBC
Max Dutton - confirmed
Sam Dewey - confirmed
Ben Crane - confirmed
Tom Honeybourne - confirmed
James Fennah - Not available
Alex Greenhalf - confirmed
Peter Harrison - confirmed
Greg Hughes - confirmed
Chris James - confirmed
Harry Sanguinetti - confirmed

Please remember to bring your £3 and if possible parents to help with transport, to date we have 3 cars confirmed.

Neston travelled to Chester for a late afternoon game under lights for a return fixture, the first game having been lost 4-0 in the first weeks of the season.
Neston started well and moved the ball into the Chester half, but against the run of play a poorly cleared cross from Chester led to a shot being defelected past Alex Davies to give Chester an early lead. Sam Dewey and Tom Honeybourne continued to drive Neston forward and some good play on the right between Greg Hughes and Ben Crane led to some good crosses coming in. Neston started to mount pressure on the Chester goal and a few short corners were won. Eventually Ben Crane got the ball past the Chester keeper to bring the scores level. Good play on left by Scott Barry and James Fennah kept the pressure on Chester and soon Ben Crane got his second to give Neston a deserved half time lead.
Chester put Neston under considerable pressure at the start of the second half and the defence of Alex Davies, James Chester, Max Dutton, Chris James, Peter Harrison and Alex Greenhalf were kept very busy. With the lighting very poor at the Neston end (due to a floodlight being out) the Chester umpire was doing very well to spot every Neston indiscretion and the short corner count was soon in double figures. With Alex Davies blocking well with his legs and Tom Honeybourne clearing from the line when one got past, Neston weathered the storm and gradually got back into the game. Richard Capes, Harry Sanguinetti and Ollie Eastwood running well up front. An interesting free hit from Tom on the edge of the D led to a head high hit flying into the Chester goal, luckily no one got their head to it. With the game nearly up Chester again mounted more pressure and a good run into the D led to an equaliser that on the run of play Chester deserved.
The game finished level with everyone commenting what a good competitive game had been played, providing more evidence of the improvement that everyone is making both individually and as a team. A big thankyou to Chris Warbrick who stayed on from the 6th team match and umpired - well done! Also thanks to all the parents who provided support.
Man of the match Ben Crane for being in the right place at the right time, twice!
There is no fixture arranged at the moment for next week.

Alex Davies - Goal
Max Dutton
James Chester
Chris James
Greg Chester
Syd Roberts
James Fennah
Ben Crane
Richard Capes (to confirm)
Sam Dewey
Tom Honeybourne
Harry Sanguinetti
Scott Barry
Ollie Eastwood

Neston visited Northern for a return fixture, the game in December ending in a 2-2 draw. Neston won the toss and chose to play with the wind in the first half and quickly won a short corner. A good shot by Sam Dewey was turned into the goal by Richard Capes. Neston continued to attack throughout the first half trying to add to their goal. A task made more difficult when the goal moved, pushed by the wind some 6 feet to the left! The game was stopped and the wandering goal held in place. A Neston attack followed and a shot by Harry Sanguinetti missed the goal but would have found its position a few minutes earlier. When Northern battled up to the Neston D, the defence of James Chester, Max Dutton, Chris James and Greg Chester held firm. Neston attacked mainly down the right with Syd Roberts working well to get the ball in the D. Half time was reached with Neston leading 1-0, but the second half to be played against the wind.
Neston worked well to get the ball into the Northern D and good shots by Ben Crane and Scott Barry narrowly missed the goal. The defence continued to play well with Alex Greenhalf and Peter Harrison making some good tackles. Greg Hughes played very well at left half winning the ball on a number of accasions and finding Scott running down the left. Another good attack led to James Fennah having a good shot high to the keepers left the Northern keeper saved well.
The game finished with Northern pushing for an equaliser and Alex Davies in goal making some good clearing kicks.
The final score of 1-0 was reward for a good performance from Neston in very difficult conditions.
Thanks to Tim Wetherall for umpiring and the parents for helping with transport. Northern entertained Neston to a tea of sausages and chips which was well received by those who returned to their clubhouse.
Man of the match Chris James for a fine performance in the middle and left of defence.
Nest match is away at Chester, times and details to come.

Neston entertained Preston at Stanney. With a full squad available for the first time this season the game started with Neston camped in the Preston half. Good play in midfield led to a number of scrambles in front of the Preston goal, but none of the forwards could get the ball home. Sam Dewey was working hard in midfield and linked up well with Tom Honeybourne and Richard Capes. Preston gradually got into the game and forced a couple of short corners that were well defended by Alex Davies, Max Dutton, Chris James, Greg Chester and Greg Hughes. At halftime the score was 0-0. Preston attacked the Neston goal after halftime but again the defence held firm with Alex Greenhalf and Peter Harrison playing well. A number of Neston short corners could not find a way past the Preston keeper who saved a number of shots. With about 15 minutes to go Preston got a goal which spurred Neston on to the attack, Sam Dewey made some good runs linking with James Fennah and Scott Barry on the left and Ben Crane, Syd Roberts and Harry Sanguinetti on the right. A number of good shooting chances were created but no one could get a shot past the Preston keeper. In the final minute Preston caught Neston on the break and one of the two girls in the Preston side showed Neston how to do it and deflected a cross past Alex Davies in goal.
The final score of 2-0 perhaps slightly flattered Preston but served as a reminder for Neston that better composure is needed in front of goal if we are to win games.
Preston returned to Neston for supper and were joined by 5 of the Neston team for sausage and chips. Preston are looking forward to entertaining Neston for the return fixture in March.
Overall a diappointing result given the improvement over the last few games, man of the match Sam Dewey.

20th JANUARY 2007


Alex Davies - Goalkeeper (going direct)
Greg Chester
James Chester
Syd Roberts
Ben Crane
Tom Honeybourne
Sam Dewey
Max Dutton
James Fennah
Chris James
Tom Fisher
Richard Capes
Scott Barry
Greg Hughes
Alex Greenhalf
Harry Sanguinetti
Pete Harrison

Happy New Year to all our readers!
Neston travelled to local rivals Oxton for their first match under flood lights this season. Having lost the home game 2-0 in early December it was another opportunity to monitor progress. From early on it was clear that both sides were evenly matched and most of the early play was in midfield where Sam Dewey and Tom Honeybourne battled well to get the ball into the Oxton half. Most of Neston's play was down the right hand side with Syd Roberts and Ben Crane getting into good positions to cross. James Fennah also had some good runs down the left. The Neston defence was well organised with Max Dutton and Chris James looking very solid in the middle. James Chester playing at right back had a very good game and regularly supported Syd and Ben in the Oxton half. The first half finished with Neston creating the best chance where a right wing cross was shot narrowly wide by Ben Crane.
The second half started with Neston on the attack and a shot by Scott Barry from a narrow angle beat the goalkeeper only to be cleared from the line giving Neston the first short corner of the game. A good shot from Sam Dewey was well saved by the keeper. Further attacks led to three more short corners. When Oxton attacked the Neston defence held firm with Alex Davies, sporting new kit!, making a number of saves (it was commented that the kit came with a no goals guarentee and would have been sent back if he let one in!) Greg Hughes on the left had a solid game and linked up well with James Fennah. Further Neston attacks could not find a way through the Oxton defence with Harry Sanguinetti and Scott getting into some good positions. The game finished scoreless which was probably a fair result.
The most promising aspect being the defence, only giving away 2 short corners and keeping their shape throughout the whole game - you will never loose a game if you don't let any goals in!
An excellent result demonstrating further improvement.
Man of the match James Chester for his best game of the season marking his winger out of the game.
Next match is at home against Preston, 12.00 start at Stanney.

Neston travelled to Urmston on the outskirts of Manchester for the return fixture, Urmston having won 4-0 at Neston. With eight of the Neston team having played in the first game it was a good opportunity to measure the progress that has been made in the last couple of months.
Neston started the game well and were pushing the ball around in midfield with Chris Hall and Tom Honeybourne linking up well with Syd Roberts and Ben Crane on the right. A through ball saw James Knight get into the circle and narrowly miss. Another cross from the right saw a sharp shot from Ben Crane saved. Urmston broke away and a through ball was missed by the defence and the Urmston forward beat Alex Davies. Neston looked for an equaliser and James Fennah and Ben Crane nearly found the goal. Urmston again broke away and won a short corner, the shot was defelcted home of a Neston stick. 2-0 at half time slightly flattered the home side.
The second half started with Neston on the attack and a sharp shot from James Knight was saved high to the goalkeepers right. A couple of short corners followed with shots missing the goal. An attack up the middle found Ben Crane who found James Knight on his right, James moved into the D and beat the keeper with a low shot. More Neston attacks followed and a Syd Roberts cross was nearly pushed home by Ben Crane. Ben then got away in the middle forcing the keeper to come out and dive at his feet to get the ball away. In the last ten minutes good defending from Max Dutton, Greg Chester, Tom Fisher and James Chester kept Urmston out, when they got shots on goal Alex Davies saved well. The game finished 2-1 to Urmston, with the large number of parents watching all commenting on what a good competitive game had been played, with a high level of skill shown by players on both sides.
A really good perfomance from the whole team, showing how much everyone has come on, improving their game over the last few weeks, we can look forward to more competitive matches in the New Year.
Men of the match Max Dutton for an excellent job organising the defence and Chris Hall for a hard working game in midfield.
Our next match is away to Oxton, starting at 3.45 on 6th January.
Happy Christmas
Peter

We visit Urmston on Saturday to play the retrurn fixture against their Bevers. In the game earlier in the season we lost 4-0 at the Rec in a game where we were very unlucky not to score our first goal of the season, so now we know where the goal is we should be able to show them how much we have improved over the last couple of months.

Alex Davies (goalkeeper)
James Chester
Peter Harrison
Greg Chester
Alex Greenhalf
Tom Fisher
Max Dutton
James Fennah
James Knight
Syd Roberts
Chris Hall
Ben Crane
Tom Honeybourne

Neston entertained their counterparts from Nortern at Stanney. On the coldest afternoon of the year so far Neston started well and with debutant Tom Honeybourne getting lots of ball in midfield looked for an early goal. A near miss from Scott Barry nearly put Neston in the lead but it was the visitors on a rare attack scored first. Neston went looking for an equaliser and substitute James Fennah (recently arrived from a school match in Liverpool) scored his first of the season. Sam Dewey continued to push from midfield and Greg Chester started to move forward from defence but the score was still 1-1 at half time. The second half started with Neston again on the attack, but Northern looked dangerous on the break and Sophie Bezant in goal was called upon to make a number of saves. A poorly defended short corner led to Northern scoring again. Neston immediately went looking for an equaliser and Syd Roberts pushed the ball home to level the scores. Both sides had their chances to win the game and Sophie made a crucial save in the last minute to keep Northern out and the final score 2-2.
Man (lady) of the match Sophie Bezant for a number of excellent saves in the second half.

Neston team - Sophie Bezant, Alex Greenhalf, Peter Harrison, Chris James, Greg Chester, Greg Hughes, Tom Fisher, Syd Roberts, Tom Honeybourne, Sam Dewey, James Fennah, Ben Crane, Scott Barry, Harry Sanguinetti

Final match before Christmas is against Urmston away, we will be meeting at 11.00 at Neston ready for a 12.30 start in Manchester. I will be contacting you on Wednesday.

Alex Davies (Goalkeeper)
Sam Dewey
James Fennah
Greg Chester
Scott Barry
Syd Roberts
Greg Hughes
Peter Harrison
Chris James
Tom Fisher
Ben Crane
Alex Greenhalf
Tom Honeybourne

Neston lost to their local rivals in a close game at the rec. In bright sunny conditions Neston started quite brightly with Sam Dewey and Max Dutton pushing the side forward from the centre of midfield. Although Neston had quite a lot of the ball they couldn't create any chances. Oxton started to get into the game and won a number of short corners and it was from one of these that they took the lead. Neston defended the initial shot well but couldn't get the ball out of the D and eventually Oxton gave keeper Alex Davies no chance with a firm shot. Neston went looking for an equaliser and unfortunately forgot to mark the lone Oxton foreward who broke away and slipped the ball home to make it 2-0. Neston then created their best chance of the half when James Fennah found some space in front of goal, but his shot was saved. The second half started with Neston on the attack some good moves got the ball into the D but Scott Barry, Ben Crane and James Knight couldn't test the Oxton keeper. The defence of James Chester, Greg Chester, Peter Harrison, Greg Hughes and Chris James did a good job of keeping Oxton out and when they did get a shot on goal Alex Davies made a number of good saves. Syd Roberts worked well on the right. The game ended 2-0, so for the third week running we kept a clean sheet in the second half, better concentration in the first half may have led to a different result! Overall a solid performance which unfortunately did not lead to enough good goal scoring chances being created.
Men of the match - Alex Davies for an excellent perfomance in goal and Chris James for a solid debut in defence.

Neston travelled to play Winnington Park and managed to secure their first victory of the season. Neston got off to a great start scoring following a short corner routine by James Knight and Arthur Bush, the ball eventually being pushed home by Richard Capes. A second goal soon followed for Richard, the home umpire playing advantage after one of his players headed the ball. Arthur Bush was then squashed by one of the larger beavers on the circuit and had to be peeled from the pitch. A third goal scored by Sam Dewey after a good run, was followed by Scott Barry hitting in a fourth. As half time approached Winnington started to get into the game and scored a good goal on the break. A short corner was then slammed into the goal with the last hit of the half, leaving the score 4-2 at half time.
Neston started the second half on the attack, but it was the home side who came closest to scoring with another short corner. The best move of the game then led to Neston's fifth, Greg Chester winning the ball in defence and passing to Richard Capes, who passed to Sam Dewey, Syd Roberts was then found on the right wing and his cross into the D, was turned first time into the goal by Ben Crane. Goalkeeper Sophie Bezant then made an excellent save. As Winnington tired further goals were added by Scott Barry and James Knight. The defence of Sophie Bezant, Greg Chester, Alex Greenhalf, Greg Hughes and Tom Fisher, kept their shape throughout the game and didn't conceed any goals in the second half. James Fennah worked well on the left, getting in some good crosses.

The final score of 7-2 was a good reflection of the game and everyone was pleased to have tasted victory for the first time this season. A big thankyou to the parents who travelled.
Man of the match, Arthur Bush for tireless running and tackling in midfield throughout the game.