Under 9's Green

East Lancashire Football Alliance

UNDER 9’s Green

Green League 2011/12

Blackburn Utd Green- 0 –v 2 Bacup 29.1.12

The team started the game far better than we expected having not played since early December. They were in sync and moving forward swiftly. They were competitive and managed to keep Bacup away from threatening our goal. Defenders were disciplined, kept to their positions and dealt with oncoming attacks effectively. Particularly Deano at the back was rock solid, he ensured he stayed behind when the two full backs advanced forward to assist the forward line; he was reliable and like always cleared the lines, making the task of defending alone look easy. Hamza Vaid was also having a good game on the left side and pushed the opposition back with his darting runs. The team had a couple of chances but were unable to convert them into goals, one chance in particular which came off the post.

This match can be described as a game of two halves; the second was a defensive performance for Blackburn United. Bacup showed why they were amongst the pacesetters and kept up their attack for majority of the second half. The team was penned into our half and found it extremely difficult to push forward, this may have had something to do with fitness and the lack of game practice. Unfortunately, Bacup converted a chance coming from a corner, it was a well taken shot but on another day we may have defended that better. Bacup continued to pile on the pressure and doubled the lead putting the game to bed. Bacup were awarded a penalty late on for a back pass and Adam Patel (goalkeeper) made a terrific save. This was one of many saves and several brave blocks he made during the match, and together with a spirited performance from all the lads kept Bacup from building on their lead.

We were congratulated by the opposition fans on our performance, as many of them had witnessed our two previous defeats which were particularly heavy. Although we lost the improvement of the team was plain to see, they all gave it their best, enjoyed their game and made it competitive.

Man of the Match - Adam Patel

Blue Start Colts 1 v 1 Blackburn Utd Green 11/12/11

We had a lunchtime kick off this week, the players had plenty rest ahead of the game. Unfortunately the weather didn't help and made playing conditions very difficult. The game was switched from Blue Star Colts home pitch to Everton pitches, unfortunately the pitches here were also in dire conditions, difficult to play football in a mud bath. We gave it a go though and it turned out to be a close game, both team are close to each other in the league and this showed as there was very little to choose between the two teams.

Initially it took booth sides a little while to get used to the tempo as the playing surface wasn't all grass this week, there were many areas of the pitch covered in mud which affected the flow. The players had to work hard but their flow was affected. The continued to press on and created a few chances, Blue Star Colts took the lead with a team goal. Blackburn United missed a golden opportunity at the other end and Blue Star took advantage of the spaces and counter attacked which ultimately was turned into a goal. They kept their lead well but Blackburn United were determined to claw something back, Mohammed Ali in the middle again was excellent, blocking, tackling and winning balls from the opposition. The hard work paid off when we pulled the goal back and brought the game back on level terms, both teams continued making the efforts to grab the winning goal, we having a few good chances ourselves but unable to convert them into goals.

A very good performance under some very difficult circumstances, well done to both teams for giving it their best, management for making the game happen and of course finally the parents/supporters who turned up as usual to encourage and support.

Man of the Match : M Ali

Gt. Harwood 1 v 0 Blackburn Utd 3/12/11

The conditions were bad, with the rain coming down and the pitch in many parts waterlogged and muddy. However, the game was allowed to go ahead and it turned out to be one of the best performances of the season. A real effort from Blackburn United, every player giving it there all, the goalkeeper made a few brave and terrific saves, defence stood its ground and build a strong resistance to the oppositions attack. Our midfield played their part too by breaking up play, supporting both the defence and the frontline, a combination which saw us come close on several occasions and had it not been for the elements we would have made them count.

The first half was a very close affair with both teams countering each other, both making chances and testing each other. There was little to choose between the teams and Gt Harwood's superiority in the league was not evident. In fact as the game went on Blackburn United grew in confidence and were confident in taking something from the game but alas, mid way through the second half, Blackburn Utd conceded a a very unfortunate goal. Gt Harwood whipped in a cross and the ball landed in the mouth of the goal, getting somewhat stuck in the mud, their player reacted first and toe poked it into the net. The game was very close and the opposition did concede that they had a tough game. With five minutes remaining there was a heavy shower of hailstone, making the game unplayable; the referee in agreement with both Managers blew the final whistle and ended match early.

Well done to the boys for working hard and keeping us in the game until the final whistle.

Man of the Match: M Ali

Blackburn Utd ‘Green’ 1 v 3 Gt Harwood 27/11/1

This was the teams toughest opponent so far this season. however, the team went in with confidence and were hoping to secure another win.

The first half was a close encounter, Gt Harwood showed early why they are leading the league but Blackburn Utd defended as a team and kept them at bay. Both teams had chances to take the lead but didn’t capitalise. Against the run of play , Gt harwood took an unexpected lead towards the end of the first half.

The second half was a similar to the first half with Blacknurn Utd making some good chances but not making them count , unlike Gt Harwood who carved out a couple of good goals. This did not deter the boys and the heads didnt drop as they still put up a battling performance and were rewarded when Ahmad got a goal back and could have doubled that soon after but it was one of those days when the ball would not go in the net.

The game ended 1-3 but the scoreline does not reflect the effort and performance of the team. We have a second chance to make emend next week when we play them away.
Man of the Match: Ahmad Valli

Blue Star Aces 2 v 0 Blackburn United 20/11/11

The team went into this game in good form having won last three games. But we knew we had to play well to contain a Blue Star Aces team who have played well all season and are amongst the pacesetters in the league.

The first half was a tight affair, end to end for majority of it. The boys giving their all to secure another victory. Blue star aces took rather a fortunate lead, when from a corner a deflection from one of our players diverted the ball past our keeper. The boys didn’t lose heart though and continued to press forward with the defence playing exceptionally well. Zac having a fine game and stamping his authority in the centre of defence.

Second half was a similar affair, both teams enjoying the football as well as working hard and giving their best. Unfortunately the opposition doubled their lead from another own goal.

Even with two goals down, the team came close on several occasions to score themselves and were very unlucky not to get something from the game.

It was pleasing to see at the end of match, the manager of blue star aces recognising our efforts and commended our improvement since our first game against them. Indeed we are making excellent progress and the boys are making all involved with the club very proud.

Man of the Match: Zac Sarwar

Rishton 0 v 1 Blackburn Utd Green – 13/11/11

After a weeks break for Eid , it was back to the business of football. The team were hoping to continue their fantastic improvement and 2 match unbeaten run before the break.

Blackburn United started strongly and were on the front foot from the beginning. The defence with Fadil and Deano doing what they have been doing so well for the last few weeks and kept it tight. The midfield also played its part and in particular M Ali who was in the thick of all the action, his courage is exemplary and frustrated the oppositions attacks on numerous occasions. The hero of the day was Blackburn United striker Adam Dhaya as he scored the only goal of a very close game. But the result was achieved due to the effort of the whole team ,including the subs who did their jobs as well as those players they replaced , specially Zak making a critical tackle to maintain our lead.

Blackburn United come up against a resilient Rishton team who worked hard throughout the match. All the United players work hard andgave it their best and it was another game where it was difficult to pick a man of the match. Well done to the Team and lets keep up the good work.

Man of the Match: M Ali

Crown Paints 0 v 1 Blackburn Utd (green) - 30/10/11

We anticipated that this Away game against Crown Paints was going to be a tough game.

And true to form both teams started with a lot of energy.
The first half was a hard fought, very even half. Our defence was compact and kept the opposition out. And when called upon our goalkeeper (Haydr) was excellent and proved to be vital last man in defence, making some courageous and important saves.

Second half, again not much between the teams but we made the important breakthrough when Adam scored the only goal of the match. The assist came from Leon, who played a defence splitting through ball for Adam to score the winner.Two wins back to back and added bonus no goals conceded.
Overall, this was our best team performance of the season to date. Let’s keep up the hard work.
Man of the Match: Ahmad Valli

Blackburn Utd (Green) 5 v 0 Feni & PLeasington Red - 23.10.11

Our eighth game of the season was against Feni & Pleasington Red at Everton football grounds; this was a game the team was hoping to win with the aim of putting the recent defeats behind us. The team started brightly and were on the front foot from the beginning; Hamza Vaid grabbed an early goal and from there on the team went on to dominate the game. Feni & Pleas. did offer resistance and particularly the goalkeeper who made several fine saves. The team soon doubled their lead when birthday boy Leon scored first of his brace and from that point onwards the team grew in confidence and capitalised on it. This was followed up by a second goal from Leon, Adam chipped in with one and an own goal. The team did come under spells of pressure but the defence (Fadil & Zainul) played particularly well and kept the opposition at bay.

Overall, it was an excellent team performance securing a 5-0 win. Congratulations to the Team, the supporters and our sponsors, Walker Prestons.

Man of the Match: Fadil Khan

Bacup 8 v 3 Blackburn Utd (Green) - 16.10.11

It was an early start for our game against Bacup, and quite a long way to travel but thanks to Tom Tom (Sat Nav) we all get there well ahead of Kick Off time.

The team had worked hard in training and after an earlier defeat against today's opposition in the Cup game, were keen to show an improvement. We didn't get off to the best of starts and Bacups energy took us by surprise. Having conceded a couple of early goals, the team soon got going and showed some signs of improvement. Bacup having been together as a team for a few years showed their togetherness and strength as a team, it was a strong performance from them but we also showed a lot of character and some good performances. Our defence worked hard to ensure we gave ourselves a chance of securing a respectable if not positive result.

Finally, a big well done to Bacup, they in the end won convincingly but our team also showed they don't give up easy and will always give it their best. Not the score we deservered as the lads gave 100% and more but they will gain valuable experience and confidence from their performance.

Man of the Match: Fadil Khan

Blackburn Utd (Green) 6 v 2 Blue star Colts - 09.10.11

It was another home game for us this week against Blue Star Colts. This is a team from Darwen and in the league comparable to ourselves; the team was looking forward to the game as always and were keen to get a victory on the board.

The game started fairly evenly but the advantage of being at home soon showed as we took the lead. We were fairly comfortable with a few goals in the bag when Blue Star decided to test us by scoring a couple themselves. The team took on the challenge and put the game to bed, adding another victory on the board. The team played well all round, high energy and the hunger for goals kept driving them forward. Had it not been for a good performance from their goalkeeper we may have bagged a couple more goals.

A big thanks you to both Teams for making this an entertaining game for all the supporters (and there was a fair few of them).

Man of the Match: Adam Dahya

Lammack Junior Blue 5 v 1 Blackburn Utd (Green) - 02.10.11

This was like a loca derby game for our team as many of the boys attend the local school in Lammack or attend schools nearby. It was a late kick off , which I am sure, was appreciated by the parents as it meant there wasn't an early morning dash.

The team went to the game positively and were fairly confident they could get a result today. Unfortunately, Lammack Junior Blue approached the game in the same manner and took the lead early on. We did make the effort to stay in the game but the opposition were in no mood to take the foot off the pedal. On the day we were well beaten but again not for the lack of trying, the effort was as always 100% and if a couple of things had gone our way we may have had a different result. That's not taking anything away from Lammack Junior Blues, who on the day were excellent and took the chances they created.

We shouldn't be disheartened, we may not have got the result we were hoping for but we certainly got some performances and signs of a brighter future.