Oswald Road Under 16s - November 05 STILL TOP OF THE LEAGUE!

After the great start to the season, apart from a surprise defeat to Longey, the team has continued to win and remains top (W7,D1,L1- goals for 48, goals against 14). The defeat to Longhey (2-5) will stop any complacency- too many lads had late nights and it showed on the pitch. The referee could not be blamed, he was superb I thought- as was Tom O'Reilly's shot for the second goal.
Good wins over Wilmslow (4-2) and newcomers Irlam (4-1) were followed by the comprehensive defeat of Broadheath (11-0).
The whole team are playing together as a unit, from Sam Francis in goal who saved a penalty against Irlam through the defence- particular mention of Aatif Raja who was MOM v Broadheath, the midfield with Miles Luckin outstanding v Wilmslow and Johnny Collins MOM v Longhey and the attack: upfront we have a real threat with Peter Redmond (9 goals), Tom McManus (14 goals) and Karl Brown (4 in 2 games).
The run in to Xmas, with games against Chorlton Sports and Wythenshawe coming up, should hopefully see us still in first place at the half way mark. Already the home fixtures against Longhey and Sale United in the new year look as thought they may be crucial in deciding the title - but with 13 games still to play we should not count our chickens in case the turkies come home to roost! There are a lot of xmas parties coming up and the team will have to decide their priorities- no more missing matches because of failed transport back from parties or oversleeping, and as for being locked up - it was certainly a first as a reason not to turn up (fortunately a case of mistaken identity!).
Next game: at home (Chorlton Park) v Wythenshawe Amateurs on Sunday 20th Nov 10.30 KO

Nick and Pete