19 Sep 2008: Lisbon St Antonys 5-2 Bolton Wanderers (HT 3-0) - Friendly

Another good game. While the spectators froze, the players kept warm by beating Bolton again. Match report to come.

16 Apr 2008: Lisbon St Antonys 6-5 Lisbon St Anthonys (Boys U14) (HT ?-?) - Friendly

Apparently a very good game with the boys gutted at losing. Match report to come.

05 Apr 2008: Mossley Hill 4-2 Lisbon St Antonys (HT 1-2)

Very tight game. Lisbon were the better team overall in my opinion but didn't put away their chances. Mossley Hill are very well organised and extremely fit - they only had three proper chances in the 2nd half and put them all away. We were also not helped by the strange slope - passes one way went much faster than the other way - and they were used to that! Proper match report to come.

Kamal

29 Mar 2008: Lisbon St Antonys 10-1 Poynton (HT 5-0)

27 Mar 2008: Lisbon St Antonys – Player Stats

Players	Target Goals	Goals	Assists	Games played	Minutes on pitch
Fred	35	23	19	15	1200
Hanifa	35	29	21	15	1160
Ria	25	19	9	15	1200
Finney	8	2	12	15	1170
Jess	40	35	21	15	1120
Whitby	12	9	15	14	1060
Bethany	2	0	1	15	630
Laura	2	0	2	12	810
Frankie	4	0	4	14	760
Lucy	25	13	12	15	990
Aphra	2	0	4	13	930
Hanaan	2	0	1	14	670
Robyn	6	2	3	13	1010
Holly	1	5	3	4	270

09 Mar 2008: Lisbon St Antonys 7-1 Manchester City (HT 3-1)

Today was our 4^th friendly against one of the big name clubs in Manchester City. As usual for the first 10 minutes Lisbon were asleep and struggled to even pass the ball at times. Manchester City capitalized on this and with 11 minutes played scored their only goal of the game 0-1. This was a wake-up call for Lisbon and after 21 minutes Fred set up Jess for her 1^st goal of the game 1-1. Unfortunately after that we had to substitute Lucy who is still suffering with a sore knee. We also had to substitute Aphra, who for some reason had a problem heading the ball today. Hanaan and Holly took their places and 7 minutes later Holly (fresh off the bench) set up Hanifa to score 2-1. With only 3 minutes left of the 1^st half to play, Holly got her 2^nd assist and this time it was for her strike partner Jess to slot home 3-1.

Half time 3-1

Our half time team talk was easy today, the Lisbon defence was excellent with Finney playing centre half, and Laura and Hanaan playing as right and left backs, and they gave nothing away to Manchester City. This allowed the Lisbon midfielders and strikers the freedom to attack. We also put Fred and Hanifa in opposite positions at half time.

With only 2 minutes of the 2^nd half played Fred played a great ball to Whitby who scored another great goal for her Lisbon team 4-1. The game remained at the same score for another 20 minutes, and then we decided to give Sophie the final 20 minutes in goal and play Ria upfront along side Jess, with Holly moving to the left wing. This also gave us the chance to rest Frankie for the last 20 minutes. After only playing 6 minutes as an outfield striker, Ria set up Holly to give Lisbon a 4 goal cushion 5-1. With only another 3 minutes played after Lisbon’s fifth goal Ria decided to get on the score sheet and scored directly from the corner 6-1. On 73 minutes Lisbon scored their final goal, and this time it was Fred’s turn to get on the score sheet, scoring a great half volley from just outside the area 7-1.

Full time 7-1

Today’s game was extremely enjoyable to watch, especially the first half. Lisbon dominated the game throughout the 80 minutes, with Manchester City only providing sporadic counter attack moves, they were unlucky not to get a 2^nd goal when they hit the post in the last 2 minutes of the game, but by that point Lisbon had already finished the game off.

7 goals
6 different goal scorers

Hanifa: girl of match
Finney: my girl of match (excellent)

Congratulations on another great team performance
15 Games/15 Wins

01 Mar 08 - Preston NE U15/16 5-6 Lisbon St Antonys (HT 1-3) - Friendly

Today we played Preston north end in our 3^rd friendly game of the season, I told the girls before the game that this wasn’t going to be an easy match, and for once the team were really pushed to the limit.

The venue, weather, pitch and referee were all excellent today and it made for a great game to watch.

Preston were first to score today after five minutes 1-0, but Lisbon took only two minutes to equalise when Hanifa scored from a Finney assist 1-1. The next goal came on 30 minutes when Holly scored from another assist from Finney, the final goal of the half was scored by Jess and this time Whitby provided the assist.

Half time: 1-3

Straight from the kick off Preston pulled a goal back 2-3, and 10 minutes later Preston scored again to equalise 3-3. Holly put Lisbon back in front after 60 minutes with an assist from Lucy 3-4, but once again Preston equalised four minutes later 4-4. With 68 minutes on the clock Preston went back in front 5-4, and with only five minutes on the clock Jess set up Hanifa to score her 2^nd of the game 5-5. With now only three minutes left Robyn lifted the ball over the Preston midfield (great pass) and Whitby scored a great winning goal for the Lisbon team 5-6.

Today’s game was excellent for the neutral supporter to watch, Lisbon could have won by 6 goals or lost by 6 goals, Ria was excellent in the first half, but left exposed by her defence in the 2^nd half. Today’s game was defiantly a case of missed chances and dodgy defensives from both teams. Laura was badly missed by the Lisbon team in the 2^nd half today, and we look forward to having her back ASAP.

Dave

Hanifa - girl of the match
Hanifa - my girl of match

Congratulations on your 14^th straight win of the season.
Once again you showed that great desire to win.

Very close game. Brilliant last goal from Whit! Dodgy defending on corners from Lisbon. Report to come.

24 Feb 2008: Wigan Athletic 2-6 Lisbon St Antonys (HT 1-3) - Friendly

Today we played in our 2^nd big name friendly – against Wigan Athletic. Unfortunately because we arrived late for the game we could only play for 70 minutes instead of the usual 80. I was very confident of the win today especially after our great result against Bolton Wanderers, the pitch was all right (not as good as Wythenshawe park though) and unfortunately we didn’t have a proper referee. Thankfully the Wigan manager, Ian, decided he would referee the game, and in hindsight, he did a very good job.

Lisbon were extremely lucky to go one goal up when a Wigan defender headed into their own goal from a great Whitby cross 0-1. Hanifa doubled the lead after 15 minutes from an assist from Holly 0-2. Wigan then pulled a goal back after their striker sent a dipping shot over Ria’s outstretched hands 1-2. Lisbon got their two goal cushion back 3 minutes later when Jess pounced on a deflected shot and calmly scored 1-3.

Half time 1-3

Our half time team talk consisted of me reminding the team that this game was far from over. I also had to remind the team about their positions, and to compete more for the ball in the air, as Wigan seemed to win all the headers today.

Jess got straight to work in the 2^nd half and scored within a minute, thanks to an assist from Hanifa, 1-4. Wigan scored their final goal 5 minutes later to pull one back 2-4. The game was a great contest for the next 15 minutes, with neither team finding the back of the net. Holly’s first goal came on 55 minutes with an assist from Jess 2-5. The final goal of the game was scored with 8 minutes left to play; it was Holly’s second of the game with another assist from Jess 2-6

Final score 2-6

Today’s game wasn’t great to watch, partly because I didn’t feel well, and partly because Lisbon didn’t play that well. Wigan however were big and strong in the challenges today (not dirty though) and didn’t allow Lisbon much time on the ball.

We can expect this sort of game every week next season, are you up for the challenge?
OF COURSE YOU ARE.

Girl of the match Jess
My girl of the match Jess

Congratulations on another good win
PS it’s good to have Whitby back in the squad

23 Feb 2008: Lisbon St Antonys 11-4 Altrincham FC (HT 5-1)

Unfortunately due to ill health I wasn’t able to attend today’s game, so with Claire and Pat in charge the game went ahead. As usual Lisbon totally out scored today’s opponents, but unfortunately today we also conceded 4 goals for the first time this season.

Ria was 1^st to score today with only 30 seconds on the clock 1-0, and goal number 2 came only 3 minutes later when Hanifa set up Jess to score her 1^st of the game 2-0. Jess scored her second of the game 7 minutes later with Ria providing the assist 3-0. Altrincham scored next on 24 minutes after Bethany gave away a controversial penalty 3-1. Goal number 4 was scored by Hanifa and this time Jess provided the assist 4-1. Jess completed her hat-trick on 35 minutes with Fred providing the assist 5-1.

Half time: 5-1

Jess started the 2^nd half the same as the first, scoring Lisbon’s 6^th goal on 42 minutes, and Whitby who was only on the pitch for two minutes got her 1^st assist 6-1. Next goal scorer Jess turned goal provider as she assisted Fred for her only goal of the game 7-1. Goal number 8 was once again scored by Jess with Fred getting her 2^nd assist of the game 8-1. Altrincham then had a great 10 minutes scoring 3 quick goals in succession 8-4. Goal number 9 came from a great Lucy corner which Hanifa headed home expertly 9-4. Goal number 10 was a great individual effort from Whitby, another top quality 25 yard free kick, 10-4. The final goal of the game was scored by Jess once again; her 6^th goal of the game to cap another outstanding performance, Frankie got the final assist.

Dave

Girl of match: Jess
My girl of match: Jess

Final score 11-4

Congratulations on another convincing result against Altrincham, keep up the good work.

09 Feb 2008: Poynton 0-10 Lisbon St Antonys (HT 0-5) – Friendly Cup

Today we played Poynton in our 4^th game of the friendly cup. Today was also our 1^st game back after the awful events that followed the Stalybridge game two weeks ago. It was extremely important that Lisbon not only played well today, but also remembered that football is only a game. A game that requires total respect from all players, parents and coaches, and as usual all Lisbon representatives behaved impeccably.

Lisbon had two big players missing today, Aphra (holiday) and Whitby (hamstring), meaning we had no substitutes for the first time this season. Lisbon had their usual quiet 10 minutes to start with, before Robyn scored her 2^nd goal in two games with another 30 yard rocket 0-1. It took another 8 minutes for Lisbon to double the lead, this time Jess set up Fred to score 0-2. Straight from the kick off Lisbon applied pressure on the Poynton team and quickly won the ball back, Hanifa passed the ball to Lucy who laid the ball on for Jess to score her 1^st goal of the game 0-3. On 25 minutes Jess scored her 2^nd goal of the game and this time it was Fred who provided the assist 0-4, and 6 minutes later Jess completed her hat-trick with Finney getting her 1^st assist of the game 0-5.

Half time 0-5

Our half time team talk was easy this week, more of the same please. Unusually, I didn’t have anything to moan about this week, with all the team playing well. I was especially pleased with Hanaan, Laura and Bethany at the back, our defence was very solid and I didn’t have to remind the girls about their positions for a change. Laura was star of our defensive line today and, just like in the Bolton Wanderers game, she was excellent.

It only took 2 minutes for Lisbon to score their 1^st goal in the 2^nd half, this time Hanifa played the ball to Lucy who chipped the ball over the advancing keeper (not the 1^st time she’s done that) it was an excellent goal 0-6. With 48 minutes on the clock, Fred set up Hanifa who let the ball run across her body to score with her left foot 0-7. Hanifa scored her 2^nd goal on 52 minutes, this time with her right foot, and this goal was assisted by Jess, her 2^nd of the game 0-8. Only 2 minutes later Hanifa finished off her perfect hat-trick, this time heading home from a Finney corner 0-9.

The final goal of the game came from Fred with, once again, Jess providing the assist 0-10. The last 20 minutes was played out with Poynton missing 2 one on one situations with the Lisbon keeper, and both Finney and Ria missing six easy chances between them to increase the Lisbon score line.

The team played extremely well today considering the amount of chances we made in the 2^nd half. Fred, Finney and Lucy played in three different positions today, and Jess playing in two different roles. It was also extremely nice to get our 1^st clean sheet of the season, and to watch our 1^st perfect hat-trick this season (well done Hanifa). It was very nice to Whitby come along and cheer on the team even though she wasn’t allowed to play because of her hamstring injury. The most enjoyable aspect of today’s game was the friendly atmosphere after the game between the Poynton and Lisbon players and supporters, well done to both teams

Hanifa girl of match
My girl of the match Jess
Hanifa captain

Final score Poynton 0 Lisbon St Anthony’s 10.

26 Jan 2008: Stalybridge vs Lisbon St Antonys - open letter

To Peter Dyer,

This is my opinion/description of the events that occurred on the 26^th Jan 08 (Stalybridge vs Lisbon St Anthony’s) at Blocksages playing field Dunkenfield.

The first half consisted of Stalybridge scoring 2 goals, with Lisbon parents and coaches applauding the excellent 1^st goal scored by Stalybridge. The game was evenly contested by both teams at this point and there was no trouble or incidents to speak of, and I thought the ref was having a good game.

Lisbon went a 3^rd goal down early in the 2^nd half and once again I thought the ref was having a good game and there were no incidents to speak of. When Lisbon scored their 1^st goal, a few late challenges came from their number 17 (about 6 foot tall, under 16s, and drafted in to play in this competition) all on Hanifa Douglas. After Lisbon scored their 2^nd goal, the late challenges continued (Stalybridge 17) and this girl then squared up to Hanifa and goaded her on to fight, after that situation faded out the late challenges continued and Lisbon were awarded a number of free kicks and a penalty which Lisbon converted. Straight from the spot kick their number 17 once again confronted Hanifa and tried to start yet another fight, by pushing her backwards and goading her on, after an exchange of words between the players the game continued.

From that point onwards their number 17 did nothing but commit late challenges on Hanifa Douglas, in my opinion the number 17 should have been sent off after the 2^nd confrontation with Hanifa – this was the most blatant and unsporting football behaviour I have ever seen. At this point I moved Hanifa into another position (something I’ve never done before) and their number 17 tried to start yet another fight with yet another Lisbon player, Aphra Evans (centre half). She was once again pushing Aphra back and goading her into a fight. Once Lisbon scored their final 3 goals the game was almost unwatchable, as the Stalybridge keeper deliberately stamped on Finney’s foot forcing her out of the game (not the 1^st time this has happened, remember the game against Stockport 06/07 season) – once again this should have been another red card, in my opinion.

Then another Lisbon player, Hanaan, was completely taken out from behind, after the ball had been played – another dangerous tackle, Lisbon were awarded yet another free kick, but by this point the referee had lost control of the game. I even asked the referee to blow the whistle for every tackle from both teams to try and slow the game down, and I asked him to finish the game early as it was extremely uncomfortable to watch and the tackles were dangerous.

Before the full time whistle was blown, I told my players to leave the pitch straight away once the game had finished – don’t shake hands, just get off the pitch. When the full time whistle was blown I personally ran onto the pitch and grabbed Hanifa’s hand and walked her over to our side of the pitch and stood with my parents (fearing for her safety).

A number of the Stalybridge players (not all) decided to walk over to our side of the pitch and continued to cause trouble, shouting abuse at Hanifa. I then personally asked the Stalybridge players to leave us alone and return to their side of the pitch. At this point I was stood with all my parents and players and the referee, when the Stalybridge number 17 pushed passed my parents and made a lunge for Hanifa. After that quick scuffle was broken up, I noticed another scuffle between the Stalybridge and Lisbon St Anthony’s girls to my left, and after that was broken up I noticed yet another scuffle on my right. It was literally a football nightmare, even Andy Ellams who was on our side of the pitch saw the disgraceful behaviour of some of the Stalybridge girls (again not all).

I am not saying that the Lisbon team were angels, as I know some of the Lisbon girls were fighting back in self defence, but not once in the whole time we were at Blocksages did we follow or taunt or instigate any violent behaviour.

After breaking up a number of scuffles between the teams, with the help of my parents and Andy Ellams, I once again personally grabbed Hanifa’s hand and walked her and Ria Conroy to my car. We were once again followed by a number of Stalybridge players and the keeper’s parents, who continued to shout abuse and taunt Hanifa Douglas in particular. After locking both Hanifa and Ria in my car (fearing for their safety) my car was then surrounded by a number of Stalybridge players banging on the windows and trying to get in.

At this point after repeatedly asking the girls to leave us alone, my only option was to ring the police. The police arrived after 10 minutes and took my details (I have not heard from them yet). Eventually we were allowed to leave to my team’s relief. In my opinion the Stalybridge keeper, number 17, number 9, and the girl in the tracksuit top (on video) were all guilty of violent behaviour towards my team, especially Hanifa

Since the event I’ve heard that Laura Annand's mum was physically threatened by the Stalybridge keeper’s mum, (did this not also happen to the referee at the Stockport game 06/07 season?). Aphra Evans’ grand-dad sustained a bloody nose trying to protect the Lisbon team, and a number of my players have bruising.

Today was the single worst experience I’ve ever seen in my five years in the SMGFL, even though my parents and Andy Ellams tried to help restrain a number of Stalybridge players, it is now quite obvious that some of the Stalybridge girls are in fact now uncontrollable and have no respect for anybody.

Even after the game they continued to follow us across four football and rugby pitches to a car park they don’t even use, as they park locally on the estate.

Once again this was the worst behaviour I’ve ever witnessed at any football match. I have all the names and telephone numbers of all the parents that attended Saturday’s game, which I can supply at your request. There were 12 adults including coaches at the game and I’m more than sure each and every one of them would be happy to speak to a member of the league.

We are due to play Stalybridge in the league and league cup final this season and I’m personally asking the league to abandon both these games, as I can not put my team or parents under the threat of more violence. (Lisbon will gladly respect any decision the league decides upon)

There is also the issue of racial abuse towards Hanifa and Aphra Evans, with the words n****r being used a number of times. I personally heard this but cannot identify the girl responsible because I was trying to break up a scuffle at the time.

Then there is the fact that the Stalybridge keeper has apparently lodged a complaint with the police against Hanifa Douglas, saying a parent held her down while she was kicked (I have had no contact from the police). I have spoken to all the parents, and our side of a very complicated story, is one of our parents grabbed the keeper as she was trying to attack Hanifa Douglas, and both parties fell on the floor as Hanifa was kicking out in self defence. Of course the keeper and her parents (both on video) failed to mention they followed us and tried to attack us at every opportunity.

We do have some video footage which is included in this email, showing the disgraceful behaviour of some of the Stalybridge girls.

I would like to say that my parents and Claire (coach) and myself, did everything possible to prevent this situation, and we stand by my team 100%.

Under no circumstances do I or Lisbon St Anthony’s condone violence of any form, but I will not be punishing any of my team for defending themselves against certain feral young players from the Stalybridge team.

I would once again like to remind the league that I personally removed Hanifa from the pitch, and repeatedly asked the Stalybridge team to leave us alone.

In my opinion the Stalybridge number 17 and the keeper was the catalyst for the appalling behaviour on Saturday, it seems in hindsight that once Hanifa managed to get the upper hand in what was a very even game, violence was there only solution.

I have read the report from the referee (also the Stalybridge chairman) and I must say I’m extremely disappointed with his report. The referee was standing by my side when the Stalybridge girls pushed past my parents and tried to attack Hanifa, something he failed to mention. He was stood in the car park at the end of the game, and I asked the police to take his details, something he failed to mention. And he watched the Stalybridge girls follow and taunt and attack the Lisbon team, again something he failed to mention.

When I did get the chance to speak to the referee he said I behaved impeccably, through out the game and during the commotion, something he failed he mention. I was really hoping the referee might be a bit more detailed in his approach to this report and support Lisbon a bit more, I’m really disappointed

I would like to say that one of my parents did tell me that Andy Ellams tried to help calm the situation down, and I thank him for that, and he did personally tell me that he would be suspending some of the Stalybridge girls for their behaviour on Saturday, once again I thank him for that.

And finally I would like to thank the Stalybridge girls that didn’t get involved with the trouble that followed the game, especially number 11 as she was the only player to shake my hand

I sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this might cause the league.

- David Sinclair (head coach)

26 Jan 2008: Stalybridge 3-6 Lisbon St Antonys (HT 2-0)

Today’s game against Stalybridge was always going to be a close contest especially with Stalybridge bringing in a very big under 16’s girl to play in this competition.

The game was a stalemate for the first 8 minutes; Lisbon kept applying pressure, but couldn’t capitalise and finish in front of goal. Then Stalybridge hit Lisbon on the counter attack, with their number 11 running past Hanaan and crossing with her left foot on the by-line, and their striker jumping up and heading home. It was a goal of the highest quality, and the best I have seen this season (sorry Lisbon strikers). Lisbon kept applying pressure but once again couldn’t finish in front of goal, even though we dominated both the game and possession. Then four minutes from half time Stalybridge once again hit Lisbon on the counter attack and scored 2 - 0.

Half time: 2 – 0

Our half time team talk, was keep your head up, we only need one goal to change the game. There was the usual moan of course, this time it was aimed at Bethany and Hanaan, who I believed could have prevented both the goals, with a bit more concentration (sorry girls).

The second half started with Stalybridge scoring within one minute of the kick off, another top quality goal from the Stalybridge side 3 - 0.

Lisbon kept to the game plan and eventually after missing countless shots on goal, Jess finally took her chance from an assist from Lucy, 3 - 1. Straight from the kick off Lisbon missed shot after shot which was unsettling Stalybridge and they then responded by committing countless late challenges on the Lisbon team. One of these challenges cost Stalybridge a penalty which Fred converted expertly leaving the Stalybridge keeper rooted in one spot (great goal). This goal then changed the game in Lisbon’s favour, the Stalybridge players started arguing amongst themselves and 20 minutes into the second half Hanifa equalised the score 3 -3. The game continued the same way from then on and Lisbon took the lead when Jess’s shot was blocked by a defender and Hanifa scored on the rebound 3 - 4.

I then decided to switch Hanifa with Fred and this was Stalybridge’s undoing – throughout the game their number 17 man marked Hanifa and this gave Fred more room to play. Next Jess played a quick one-two with Hanifa and scored Lisbon’s 5^th goal of the game. Finally with only one minute left on the clock, Fred side-stepped the Stalybridge defender and scored from 25 yards 3 - 6.

Final score: 3 – 6.

Today’s game once again reminded me of just how good the Lisbon team are, the never give up attitude you all posess, and the way you always play for each other. Winning is a skill, and this attitude is your skill. I’m extremely proud of my girls today and especially the way you celebrated as a TEAM, and stuck together through the good and the bad points.

Hanifa G.O.M
My G.O.M Hanifa.

Best goal (penalty) this changed the game.
Congratulations on the result, you deserved it.

-Dave.