22nd June - Following the West Lancashire Football Leagues Annual General Meeting last week the first team have once again been saved from relegation. The league have decided that the 1st Division must have at least 14 teams in it and this has meant that only one team was relegated with Milnthorpe Corinthians and Crooklands Casuals being promoted from Division Two. Near neighbours Fleetwood Hesketh and Wyre Villa join them from the Premier Division. The season kicks off on Saturday 9th August and the new ‘Medals’ competition will begin about 3 weeks earlier with details to follow. Meanwhile the players will begin preparation for the new season with training sessions beginning this coming week at Shore Road on Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm. All existing and any prospective members are invited to attend these sessions which will continue every Tuesday and Thursday thereafter. |
13th
May - The reserves finished their
season losing 4-1 at home to Todmorden
to finish in 6th spot. Final league tables
and results are available by clicking
on league above.
THE
FERMOR HESKETH MEDAL COMPETITION
The Club has decided that for the first
time in 87 years the traditional end of
season ‘Medals’ competition
will not be held. This is mainly due to
the football season running on well into
the middle of May and FA regulations do
not allow football to be played in June.
However the club is going to re-launch
the competition as a pre-season tournament
played over 2/3 weeks from the middle
of July and announcements will be made
towards the end of June.
Meanwhile
the Saturday morning Soccer School in conjunction
with Preston North End is well under way
and turnout has been high thanks to the
recent fine weather. |
4th
May - The first team ended another
disappointing season finishing next off
bottom for the second year running and they
will once again have to wait until the leagues
AGM in June to see if they will be relegated
to the 2nd Division for next season. Travelling
to Keighley in Yorkshire to play Crosshills
to replay a match which was abandoned a
few weeks earlier the first team found themselves
3-0 down at the interval despite having
two goals disallowed for offside and hitting
the woodwork. The home side went further
ahead straight after the interval but the
first team hit back with headed goals from
Will Morris and Josh Norgate and when Shaun
Royle hit a third an unlikely comeback was
on the cards, however Crosshills held on
to claim the points. The reserves should
have completed their season but their opponents
Todmorden Borough were unable to raise a
side and must now travel to Station Road
one evening later this week to complete
the fixture. For further details click on
‘LEAGUE’ above. |
HESKETH BANK AFC JOIN FORCES WITH
CHAMPIONSHIP CLUB PRESTON NORTH END
Hesketh
Bank AFC are pleased to announce that they
are joining forces with Championship club
Preston North End to hold a series of Saturday
morning coaching sessions for Juniors on
the Centenary Sports ground at Station Road
Hesketh Bank.
The
sessions will begin on Saturday 3rd May
2008 and continue to the beginning of the
school holidays around the 2nd week in July
2008, commencing at 9.30am – 10.30am
for 5 to 9 year old boys and girls and 10.45am
-11.45am for 10 to 15 year olds at a charge
of £3 per child.
Preston
North End will provide fully qualified professional
coaching staff to oversee these sessions.
Numbers
may have to be restricted so If you wish
to register your child in advance please
call Shirley Iddon on 01772 816328. |
27th
April - The first team finished
their last home match of the season with
a 2-2 draw against BAe Barrow Sports Club.
They were given a great start when John
Ascroft opened the scoring in the 1st minute
and when he added a second after 20 minutes
it looked as though the 3 points were in
the bag. However the visitors obviously
responded to their manager’s half
time team talk although the turning point
was probably when John Ascroft was put through
but his effort was blocked by the keeper
with what looked like his hand even though
he was a couple of yards outside the box.
Almost immediately Barrow broke free to
score and with 15 minutes left they gleefully
scored the equaliser past stand in keeper
Morgan Dodgson who had to don the gloves
following young Marc Sergeant’s injury
in the warm-up. The reserves went down 2-1
at Haslingden St Marys and they are at Station
Road on Monday evening with a 6.45pm kick
off against Stoneclough. Next Saturday the
first team finish their season with a trip
to Keighley against Crosshills and the reserves
entertain Todmorden at Station Road with
both games kicking off at 3pm. For further
details click on LEAGUE above. |
20th
April - The
first team’s slim chance of avoiding
finishing the season in one of the two relegation
spots was delivered a severe blow as they
were beaten by fellow strugglers Crosshills
from Keighley by two goals to nil. After
surviving the first half playing against
a bitterly cold easterly wind they began
the second half optimistically but in truth
it was the visitors who mastered the conditions
and after they opened the scoring on the
hour they never looked like conceding as
the first team didn’t really create
a worthwhile chance. The result was over
when Crosshills broke free again to score
a second after 75 minutes and if they win
their next match at home to bottom club
Whinney Hill this Tuesday then the first
team will finish in a relegation spot. The
reserves came away with a fine 3-1 win away
at Bolton County and they play again on
Monday evening with a trip to Burley Belvedere
which kicks off at 6.45pm before another
away trip next Saturday at Haslingden St
Mary’s with a 3pm kick off. Meanwhile
the first team will entertain BAe Barrow
at Station Road next Saturday also with
a 3pm kick off. |
16th
April - The first teams mini revival
came to an end last night as they were beaten
2-0 by Tempest United. In a close first
half both teams cancelled each other out,
however a couple of good chances were missed
and as always happens when a team is at
the wrong end of the table a mistake with
15 minutes left saw Tempest take the lead
and with the first team now chasing an equaliser
they added a second in the final minute.
This Saturday they have a real ‘six
pointer at home to Crosshills from Keighley
and the reserves return to action with a
trip to Bolton County with both games kicking
off at 3pm. For further details click on
LEAGUE above. |
13th
April - Heavy overnight rain put
paid to the reserves home match against
Stoneclogh. The first team will hopefully
return to action on Tuesday evening when
they entertain Tempest United at Station
Road which kicks off at 6.30pm. Then on
Saturday they face Crosshills at home whilst
the reserves travel to Bolton County with
both games kicking off at 3pm. For further
details click on LEAGUE above. |
6th
April - Two first half strikes
from Eion Bond gave the first team their
second win on the trot as they beat Furness
Rovers 2-0 at Station Road. The first came
after 15 minutes when he dribbled his way
into the box before hitting low past the
keeper. The second 10 minutes later when
he ran clear to slot the ball home. Excellent
defensive teamwork for the rest of the game
meant that keeper Henry Highton did not
have a serious save to make. With three
more points in the bag and third from bottom
Crosshills to play twice the first team
now have a chance of avoiding relegation
whereas a couple of weeks ago all seemed
doomed. They will have to wait a while though
as they don’t play again for a couple
of weeks. Meanwhile the reserves lost 1-0
at Coppull United and this coming Saturday
they entertain Stoneclough at Station Road
which kicks off at 3pm. For further details
click on LEAGUE above. |
| 3rd
April - Last night the under 18’s
lost by a single goal scored 15 minutes from
the end in the final of the Lancashire Evening
Post Syndicate Trust Youth Trophy against
Lytham St Annes. Manager, Dave Sherwood can
be proud of his team and the way they played
the game in a closely contested match between
two well organised sides who both played some
excellent football and provided first class
entertainment for the large crowd at Bamber
Bridge FC. |
|
30th March -
Even though Station Road was playable at
10am the first teams match at home to BAe
Barrow was postponed with heavy rain forecast
and this proved to be the correct decision
to save the visitors a wasted journey from
Cumbria. The reserves were 1-0 in front
at the interval in their match at Burnley
Belvedere but the game had to be abandoned
with the pitch waterlogged. This Saturday
the first team entertain Furness Rovers
and the reserves travel to Coppull United
with both games kicking off at 3pm. For
further details please click on LEAGUE above.
The
under 18’s who play in the
Lancashire Evening Post Sunday Youth League
will play in The Syndicate Trust Youth Trophy
Final v Lytham St Annes YMCA FC which takes
place at Bamber Bridge FC, Irongate Ground
on Wednesday 02 April 2008, kick off 7.00pm. |
25th
March - After 10 straight defeats
the first team tasted victory for the first
time since October last year as they defeated
Millom by the odd goal in three at Station
Road on Easter Monday. On a bitterly cold
day the first team began well and were rewarded
by a goal from Daniel Birkby following good
work from Eion Bond. They then found themselves
two up within half an hour from an almost
identical move with Daniel Birkby once again
scoring. In the second half the visitors
came out strongly and with 20 minutes to
go reduced the arrears but the first team
held on and the valuable three points moves
them off the foot of the table. On Saturday
they entertain BAe Barrow at Station Road
and the reserves travel to Burnley Belvedere
with both games kicking off at 3pm. For
further details please click on LEAGUE above. |
23rd
March - The first teams home fixture
was postponed a couple of hours before the
kick off on compassionate grounds by the
league after they had received a request
from their scheduled opponents Tempest United.
Meanwhile the reserves moved into 4th place
after they defeated Milnthorpe Corinthians
by the odd goal in three. The first team
entertain Millom on Easter Monday and then
next weekend they are at Station Road again
with BAe Barrow the visitors whilst the
reserves travel to second placed Burnley
Belvedere. All matches kick off at 3pm.
For further details click on LEAGUE above. |
16th
March - The first team suffered
another heavy defeat as they lost 6-1 at
home to second placed Trimpell from Morecambe.
They found themselves 2-0 down after just
5 minutes but fought back well with Eion
Bond pulling one back on the half hour.
However any thoughts of a comeback were
thwarted when just after the interval Trimpell
struck again following a defensive mistake
to go 3-1 up. Yet another poor error at
the back on the hour put the result beyond
doubt and two late goals added to their
misery as the visitors eventually ran out
easy winners. The reserves match was postponed
and they will return to action next week
as they travel to Milnthorpe next Saturday.
Meanwhile the first team will entertain
Tempest United on Saturday and then Millom
on Easter Monday with all games kicking
off at 3pm. For further details click on
LEAGUE above. |
9th
March - The first team will have
to travel back to Yorkshire as their match
at Crosshills was abandoned early into the
second half due to a waterlogged pitch.
The match began on an already saturated
surface with steady rain falling and it
was a dream start for the first team as
Jordan Smethurst shot them into the lead
from 20 yards after 2 minutes. Eion Bond
was denied a second via the linesman’s
flag on 10 minutes as the home side struggled
to get in the game. However they were gifted
an equaliser when Andy Cope’s back
pass was easily intercepted and then another
defensive mistake shortly after put the
home side in the lead. A deflected shot
from Shaun Royle on the half hour brought
the first team level before Crosshills again
went in front after 35 minutes. The rain
was now falling heavier and the pitch was
turning into a paddy field as the players
left for the half time interval. The referee
began the second half but after 10 minutes
he decided that the pitch was now not fit
to continue play and called a halt to the
proceedings. Meanwhile the reserves defeated
Crosshills reserves 4-0 at Station Road.
This coming weekend the first team entertain
Trimpell whilst the reserves travel to Bolton
County, both kicking off at 3pm. For further
details click on LEAGUE above. |
2nd
March - With the first team having
no fixture the spotlight should have fallen
on the reserves but their match at a waterlogged
Station Road was postponed due to the heavy
rain on Friday. This coming weekend the
first team travel to Keighley in Yorkshire
to play their last away game of the season
against Crosshills. The reserves entertain
their reserves who will travel in the opposite
direction to Station Road and both matches
kick off at 3pm. For further details click
on LEAGUE above. |
24th
February - The first team bowed
out of the Presidents Cup against Vickerstown
at Station Road but not without a fight.
The first 15 minutes was all the home side
but in the visitors first attack they struck
to take the lead and then 5 minutes later
when the referee awarded them a controversial
penalty which was duly dispatched it looked
as though it would be a case of how many
the visitors would win by. However shortly
before half time Eion Bond reduced the arrears.
In the second half David LeMarinel hit the
inside of the post from 20 yards as they
pressed for an equaliser but in the space
of 5 minutes on the hour Vickerstown took
advantage of defensive errors to increase
their lead to 4-1. The result seemed inevitable
but substitute John Ascroft clinically finished
on 80 minutes and then 2 minutes later a
great strike by Daniel Birkby gave them
hope as the visitors were now hanging on
but time ran out and Vickerstown move into
the next round. Next week the first team
have no match but the reserves return to
action after their blank weekend when they
entertain Todmorden Borough at Station Road
which kicks off at 3pm. For further details
click on LEAGUE above. |
17th
February - The first teams run
of defeats continued as they travelled to
Cumbria for their first ever visit to play
Vickerstown. Despite a much improved display
from last week, a goal in each half was
enough to give the home side the three points
and move them to second in the table and
leave the first team rooted at the bottom.
The reserves gave a lack lustre display
at home to Bolton County and lost 1-0. This
coming Saturday the first team must face
Vickerstown again as they entertain them
at Station Road in the Presidents Cup which
kicks off at 2.30pm. The reserves have no
fixture. For further details click on LEAGUE
above. |
10th
February - The first teams dismal
run continued as they were well beaten by
near neighbours Croston at Station Road.
Playing at home for the first time in 3
months they started badly conceding possession
from the kick off and from the resulting
corner Croston went into the lead. On fifteen
minutes the visitors scored again and added
a third after 35 minutes to go in at the
interval 3-0 to the good. Any thoughts of
a comeback were quickly thwarted as Croston
added a fourth early in the second half.
The match then petered out and the 4-0 defeat
was their 7th in a row and leaves them rooted
to the foot of the table. Next week they
travel to Cumbria to play a difficult match
against Vickerstown who defeated them 6-0
at Station Road earlier in the season. Meanwhile
the reserves return to action following
their week off as they entertain Bolton
County at Station Road. Both matches kick
off at 3pm. For further details click on
league above. |
3rd
February - The first team returned
to action as they travelled to Morecambe
to play second in the table Trimpell. On
a bitterly cold day with the biting wind
in their favour skipper Daniel Birkby had
the first chance of the match but he cleared
the bar from close range. The home side
hit back and opened the scoring after 25
minutes when a cross from the right was
flicked passed Henry Highton at the near
post. This spurred on Trimpell and keeper
Highton kept his side in the game with a
couple of brilliant saves to keep the score
to 1-0 at the interval. Despite playing
against the elements the first team had
most of the possession in the second half
but could not break down Trimpell who decided
to defend their single goal lead the longer
the game continued to earn the three points,
a result that keeps the first team at the
foot of the table. The reserves also lost
1-0 as they bowed out of the reserve cup
at home to Barnoldswick. This coming Saturday
the first team entertain near neighbours
Croston which kicks off at 3pm whilst the
reserves have no fixture. For further details
click on ‘LEAGUE’ above.
|
27th
January -
With Station Road still not recovered enough
to allow their Cup tie against Vickerstown
to go ahead due to the monsoon type conditions
earlier in the week the spotlight fell on
the reserves who travelled to Keighley to
play Crosshills. However their promotion
hopes were delivered a blow as their lowly
opponents won by 2-1 snatching the three
points with an injury time winner. This
coming Saturday they entertain Barnoldswick
United at Station Road in the quarter final
of the reserve cup which kicks off at 2.30pm.
The first team travel to Morecambe to play
Trimpell which kicks off at 3pm. For further
details click on ‘LEAGUE’ above. |
20th
January - As
one of only three matches to survive the
weather in the West Lancashire league the
first team travelled to Cumbria to play
against BAe Barrow Sports Club in a vital
bottom of the table clash. Despite the recent
wet weather the pitch was in good condition
and in a very even first half the it was
the home side who went into the interval
a goal in front scored in the 40th minute
due to a defensive mix up. The second half
saw the first team hit back and it was no
surprise when they equalised through Kaffo
who hooked the ball in following a corner.
The game then appeared to be heading for
a draw but the referee had other ideas when
he awarded the home side a controversial
penalty 2 minutes into injury time which
was gratefully converted to give Barrow
the three points. Next weekend the first
team are at home in the Presidents Cup to
Vickerstown which kicks off at 1.30pm whilst
the reserves travel to Keighley to play
Crosshills which kicks off at 2pm. For further
details click on LEAGUE above. |
13th
January - With the first team fixture
at Station Road being called off due to
a waterlogged pitch the spotlight fell on
the reserves who travelled to Accrington
to play Whinney Hill. For the first 20 minutes
the game was even and there was no indication
of how easily the reserves would end up
winning the game. However once Oliver Sumner
opened the scoring they quickly moved into
halftime with a 3-0 lead with further goals
from David Hogg and Josh Norgate. In the
second half they continued to dominate and
Qwolabi added the fourth before a lapse
in concentration at the back gave the home
side a soft goal. Sumner then added his
second and Daniel Birkby slotted home the
final goal for a 6-1 victory which keeps
them in touch of a promotion spot in the
table. This Saturday the first team travel
to Cumbria to play BAe Barrow whilst the
reserves entertain Stoneclough at Station
Road with both games kicking off at 2pm.
For further details click on ‘LEAGUE’
above. |
6th
January - As the first team had
no fixture the spotlight fell on the reserves
as they returned to action with a 2nd round
reserve cup tie at Station Road against
runaway league leaders Garstang. Having
been closely defeated twice by Garstang
in the league the reserves were clearly
looking for revenge and although the final
score was a close 2-1 win it could have
easily been by a bigger margin. Daniel Birkby
scored the opening goal mid way through
the first half and Eion Bond increased the
lead 10 minutes into the second half. Mark
Harrison then missed a penalty before the
visitors hit back 20 minutes from the end
but the reserves hung on to the lead without
too many scares to move into the quarter
finals. Next week the first team return
to action with the visit of Crosshills from
Keighley to Station Road whilst the reserves
travel to Whinney Hill. Both these league
matches kick off at 2pm. For further details
click on ‘LEAGUE’ above. |
16th
December - With the first teams
match at Trimpell in Morecambe postponed
the spotlight fell on the reserves in their
clash at home to 3rd placed Haslingden St
Marys. A solid display saw them run out
3-0 winners, a result which moves them just
one point behind Haslingden thanks to first
half goals from Daniel Birkby and Llyod
Balzas. Birkby secured the points in the
second half with his second goal. The first
team don’t return to action until
Saturday 12th January when Crosshills are
the visitors to Station Road with a 2pm
kick off. However the reserves are at home
the week before as they entertain runaway
league leaders Garstang in the 2nd round
of the Reserve Cup which kicks off at 1.30pm.
For further details click on ‘LEAGUE’
above. |
|
9th December
- Due to the very wet weather both
the first and reserve team matches were
postponed, in fact only two matches in the
whole of the league programme survived.
Should the weather relent, next week the
first team travel to Morecambe to play Trimpell
and the reserves entertain Haslingden St
Marys at Station Road with both matches
kicking off at 2pm. For further details
click on ‘LEAGUE’ above.
Before
the weekend the AGM will be held on Tuesday
starting at 7.30pm in the Cricket Pavilion. |
2nd
December - The 1st team’s
dismal away form continued as they lost
5-3 at league leaders Stoneclough. On a
sodden surface the eventual score line never
looked likely in the first 43 minutes with
both teams evening themselves out. However
a long ball by the keeper caught out the
defence and with Henry Highton in goal deciding
to stay on his line the home team centre
forward opened the scoring and within a
minute they made the half time score 2-0.
This quickly became 3-0 straight after the
interval but Jordan Smethurst reduced the
arrears five minutes later. On the hour
Stoneclough again scored twice in a minute
to lead 5-1 but the 1st team seemed to find
a new lease of life as the leaders appeared
to take their foot off the pedal. Daniel
Birkby hit the bar, substitute Andrew Burns
had one cleared off the line and also hit
a post. Eventually they were rewarded when
Jordan Smethurst scored his second in the
80th minute and Daniel Birkby rounded off
the scoring with a fine strike from 25 yards
2 minutes from time. The reserves home cup
tie against Garstang was postponed due to
a waterlogged Station Road. Next week the
first team entertain BAe Barrow in a typical
‘six pointer’ whilst the reserves
travel to second placed Burnley Belvedere.
Both games kick off at 2pm. For further
details click on ‘LEAGUE’ above.
PLEASE
NOTE -
Due to clashes with other functions
on the 10th December, please note that the
AGM will now be held on Tuesday 11th December
commencing at 7.30pm in the cricket pavilion. |
25th
Novembar - The first teams fixture
at home to Millom was called off at 10am
as rain was falling on an already sodden
Station Road to stop the visitors travelling
the long distance from Cumbria for a match
that may have had to be postponed. The reserves
were without a fixture but this coming Saturday
they entertain league leaders Garstang in
the 2nd round of the Reserve Cup at Station
Road which kicks off at 1.30pm. The first
team also face their league leaders as they
travel to play Stoneclough which kicks off
at 2pm. For further details click on ‘LEAGUE’
above. |
18th
November - Both the first team
and reserves had no fixtures this Saturday
and the reserves also have no match next
week. However the first team return to action
when they entertain Millom at station Road
which kicks off at 2pm. For further details
please click on LEAGUE above.
The
AGM is now rescheduled as below:
Annual
General Meeting
The
Executive Committee of Hesketh Bank Association
Football Club hereby announce as per the
constitution of the Club, the holding of
the Annual General Meeting at the Hesketh
Bank Cricket Cub Pavilion, Station Road,
Hesketh Bank on the evening of Monday, 10th
December 2007 and commencing at 8.00 p.m.
AGENDA
1.
Minutes of previous AGM
2.
Matters arising
3.
Chairman’s Report
4.
Secretary’s Report
5.
Treasurer’s Report
6.
Election of Officers ·
President, Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary,
Treasurer, Executive Members
7.
Rule Changes
Any
proposals for Election of Officers and Rule
Changes must be lodged in writing with the
Secretary no later than 2 weeks prior to
the meeting.
As
per Rule 9 (d), parents of Junior Members
have the right of one vote per playing member.
|
11th
November - The first team’s
dismal run of results continued as they
went down 3-2 at home to Lostock St. Gerards,
although the performance was a vast improvement
on the previous two defeats. On a breezy
day they faced the elements in a goalless
first half and the only scare was when the
visitors hit the crossbar. 15 minutes into
the second half John Ascroft opened the
scoring and 5 minutes later when Ben Goodson’s
effort beat the keeper and John Ascroft
bundled the ball over the line to make it
2-0 it appeared as if the game was won.
However the visitors had other ideas and
within the space of 10 minutes scored 3
times to take the points. Meanwhile the
reserves hit a club record breaking away
victory as they put 12 past Lytham without
reply. Both teams have no fixtures next
week and the reserves also have no game
the week after but the first team entertain
Millom at Station Road with a 2pm kick off.
For further details click on LEAGUE above. |
4th
November - Vickerstown from Barrow
certainly enjoyed their first ever trip
to Hesketh Bank as they thrashed the home
side scoring six without reply. This result
pushed the first team further down the table
and back into what is now appearing like
another season trying to avoid relegation.
Meanwhile the reserves returned from Wyre
Villa with all the points as they moved
up into 4th spot following their 3-1 win.
Next weekend the first team have another
difficult home game as they entertain Lostock
St Gerards at Station Road whilst the reserves
travel to Lytham Town. Both matches kick
off at 2pm. For further details click on
‘LEAGUE’ above. |
28th
October - The first team returned
to action with a trip to Norcross &
Warbreck who duly completed the double over
the first team with a 4-1 win having previously
beaten them 2-1 at Station Road earlier
in the season. Despite playing some good
passing football it was Norcross’s
more direct style of play that sent them
in 2-0 up at the interval. Any hopes of
a fight back were quickly dispelled from
the kick off when possession was lost and
the home side went three up. With 25 minutes
remaining matters got worse when Adam Birkby
got a nasty facial injury and had to leave
the field. Having used the substitutes the
first team were down to 10 men and Norcross
immediately took advantage to add a fourth.
Tony Sergeant returning to first team action
over 15 months since breaking his leg scored
a consolation from close range from a corner
but it was too little to late to avoid another
away day defeat. Meanwhile the reserves
moved into the next round of the reserve
cup with an excellent 3-1 win at Blackpool
Wren Rovers. Next weekend the first team
entertain Cumbrian side Vickerstown whilst
the reserves travel to Stoneclough. Both
games kick off at 2pm. For further details
click on ‘LEAGUE’ above. |
21st
October - With the first team fixture
at Crosshills being cancelled due to their
opponents being involved in the Keighley
County Cup the spotlight fell on the reserves
at home to runaway leaders Garstang. On
a lovely sunny autumn day a decent sized
crowd were entertained with the reserves
dominating the first half and deservedly
leading 1-0 at the interval thanks to a
goal from Josh Norgate. However the visitors
produced the goods in the second half showing
why they are the leaders battling back to
score twice without reply and take the points.
Next weekend there is no senior fixture
at Station Road as the first team return
to action away at Norcross & Warbreck
whilst the reserves will be looking to get
back to winning ways as they travel to Blackpool
Wren Rovers in the first round of the reserve
cup. This match kicks off at 2.30pm whilst
the first team fixture kicks off at 3pm.
For further details click on ‘LEAGUE’
above. |
14th
October - The first team gained
a valuable three points against fellow strugglers
Whinney Hill from Accrington with a 2-0
win at Station Road. The crowd was as thin
as the visitors bench who had sacked their
manager during the week and they turned
up with just 11 players. To their credit
they defended very well to such an extent
that the first half passed by with virtually
no chances created by either team. However
the second half began with the first team
beginning to press forward with more purpose.
Eventually they were rewarded with 20 minutes
remaining when Jordan Smethurst celebrated
his 18th birthday by smashing home with
a left foot strike which gave the keeper
no chance. John Ascroft killed the game
off in the final 10 minutes to earn his
side the three points. The reserves suffered
a second defeat in row losing 4-1 at Stoneclough.
This coming Saturday the first team travel
to Yorkshire to play Crosshills whilst the
reserves entertain league leaders Garstang
at Station Road. Both games kick off at
3pm. For further details click on ‘LEAGUE’
above. |
8th
October -
Annual
General Meeting
The
Executive Committee of Hesketh Bank Association
Football Club hereby announce as per the
constitution of the Club, the holding of
the Annual General Meeting at the Hesketh
Bank Cricket Cub Pavilion, Station Road,
Hesketh Bank on the evening of Tuesday,
13th November 2007 and commencing at 8.00
p.m.
AGENDA
1.
Minutes of previous AGM
2. Matters arising
3. Chairman’s Report
4. Secretary’s Report
5. Treasurer’s Report
6. Election of Officers
• President, Chairman, Vice Chairman,
Secretary, Treasurer, Executive Members
7. Rule Changes
Any
proposals for Election of Officers and Rule
Changes must be lodged in writing with the
Secretary no later than 2 weeks prior to
the meeting.
As
per Rule 9 (d), parents of Junior Members
have the right of one vote per playing member.
|
7th
October - The first team suffered
another heavy defeat on their travels this
time losing 5-2 in Cumbria at Furness Rovers.
Once again poor defending early in the game
saw them 2-0 down and eventually 3-0 down
at the interval although at 2-0 Oliver Greaves
missed an opportunity to reduce the arrears
but he missed a penalty. However Adam Thompson
did score early in the second half only
for the home side to quickly regain their
three goal advantage. Young Shaun Royle
scored his first senior goal but once again
the home side finished the scoring and the
end result puts 1st team back into the relegation
zone. Meanwhile the reserves were surprisingly
beaten 2-0 away at Todmorden Borough. This
coming Saturday the 1st team have a real
‘six pointer’ as they entertain
bottom club Whinney Hill at Station Road
whilst the reserves will be looking to quickly
get back to winning ways as they travel
to Stoneclough with both games kicking off
at 3pm. For further details click on ‘LEAGUE’
above. |
30th
September - With the first team
having no game, it was the turn of the Reserves
to take the spotlight by moving up to 2nd
place in the League following a 4 -1 victory
over West Lancs League newcomers Lytham
Town. Hesketh Bank had several chances to
take the lead but were denied twice by the
woodwork before Lytham went ahead against
the run of play. Their lead was short lived
however with David Hogg equalising soon
after. Hesketh duly took the lead before
half time when Oliver Sumner slotted home.
The second half was a matter of how many
we could score but in the end it was only
two. Yousuf Kaffo scored his first goal
for the club to make it 3-1 and Oliver Sumer
made it 4 when he grabbed his second of
the match
This weekend sees both teams on long journeys
with the First Team at Furness Rovers in
Barrow and the Reserves at Todmorden Borough
in Yorkshire. |
24th
September - Following last Saturday's
fine victory at Croston, the first team
came crashing down to earth this week being
humiliated 6-2 at Lostock St. Gerard's.
Following a goal inside a minute, defensive
errors continued and 20 minutes later Lostock
were ahead 4-0. A mini revival then took
place and goals from Lee Malliband and a
penalty converted by John Ascroft saw the
home team take a 4-2 lead into half time.
The second half Hesketh played much better
overall but the defensive frailties were
again apparent as Lostock added another
two in the second half.
The Reserves moved up into 3rd place in
Reserve Division 2 with a comprehensive
5-0 victory over Mill Hill St Peters despite
playing all but 10 minutes of the match
with 10 men. Eion Bond notched a hat trick
with the other scorers being Oliver Sumner
and Turgay Arli. |
15th
September - The
first team made the short trip to near neighbours
Croston and on arrival were immediately
impressed by the home side’s new pitch
which was in excellent condition. The match
began with both sides playing good passing
football and the first team had the better
of the early exchanges. This was eventually
rewarded when Richard Burns headed home
from close range after 20 minutes. Several
opportunities were created but Croston equalised
15 minutes later with a bizarre goal when
keeper Henry Highton’s clearance hit
the back of a defender and fell invitingly
for the home side’s centre forward
to go in at the interval all square. Croston
were in control for the best part of the
second half and missed a couple of clear
opportunities before they eventually took
a deserved lead with 20 minutes remaining.
Not to be out done the first team dragged
themselves back into the match and with
5 minutes remaining following a flurry of
corners skipper Morgan Dogson powerfully
headed home the equaliser. In the second
minute of extra time a cross from the right
caused confusion in the home defence and
the ball fell kindly for Jamie Shaw who
gratefully accepted the chance to score
the winner. The reserves drew 0-0 at home
to league leaders Burnley Belvedere and
they felt they should have claimed all three
points especially with veteran Andy Cope
missing a penalty on his 40th birthday.
Next weekend the first team travel the short
distance to Lostock St Gerrads whilst the
reserves entertain Mill Hill St Peters at
Station Road with both games kicking off
at 3pm. For further details click on LEAGUE
above. |
15th
September - Hesketh Bank Association
Football Club are pleased to announce that
their planning application submitted to
West Lancashire District Council was successful
for the erection of single storey clubhouse
comprising changing rooms, physiotherapy,
fitness rooms and clubroom. Provision of
two all-weather sports pitches together
with 4m high boundary fencing and 10m high
lighting masts and a new car park and alterations
to existing vehicular/pedestrian access.
The club are keen to stress that this facility
is not just for football but is open for
the general community of Hesketh Bank and
surrounding areas and welcomes input from
any interested parties.
The
club are now in the process of consulting
the architects about building in two stages.
The first stage will be erecting the all
weather pitches and changing facilities
and detailed plans will be submitted in
due course. In the meantime an application
will be made to the Football Foundation
for significant funding for the project
and other interested bodies. The Parish
Council have already pledged £50,000
to the project subject to the main funding
from the Football Foundation being successful. |
9th
September - The first team entertained
top Manchester Premier League side Prestwich
Heys in the first round of the Lancashire
Amateur Shield at Station Road and although
they eventually lost 3-2 they gave a good
account of themselves. On a lovely sunny
day with the visitors bringing several supporters
the first team began the better of the two
sides and took an early lead thanks to a
fine move being finished well by Richard
Burns as their opponents struggled to get
themselves into the match. Adam Thompson
added a second after 25 minutes following
a challenge on the keeper by Richard Burns.
The visitors had a chance to get back into
the game ten minutes later when the referee
awarded them a penalty but the spot kick
was smashed against the crossbar. However
the referee awarded a second penalty five
minutes later this time adjudging keeper
Henry Highton had brought down their forward
and this time they made no mistake to go
in at the interval 2-1 down. Almost straight
from the kick off they equalised with ease
as the defence was split with an excellent
through ball. Prestwich Heys then took control
of the match but did not create any clear
cut chances and with 5 minutes to go the
referee gave the home side a penalty for
hand ball but John Ascroft hit the kick
high and wide. With extra time looming the
visitors pounced when keeper Henry Highton
couldn’t hang on to a high ball under
a strong challenge and the loose ball was
smashed home. The tie looked settled but
Richard Burns and substitute Zac Gibbs both
had chances to equalise in the dying minutes.
Meanwhile the reserves suffered their first
defeat of the season losing 2-0 at Garstang.
Next week the first team return to league
action with the short trip to Croston whilst
the reserves will be looking to get back
to winning ways with the visit of league
leaders Burnley Belvedere to Station Road.
Both games kick off at 3pm. For further
details click on LEAGUE above. |
2nd
September 2007 - The first team
gained their first win of the season with
a 4-2 victory at Whinney Hill and as a
result they moved out of the relegation
zone. On a typical windy day at Whinney
Hill the first team had the best of the
elements in the first half and made full
use of them. It was no surprise when after
10 minutes John Ascroft opened the scoring
sliding the ball under the advancing keeper.
Adam Thompson added a second 15 minutes
later with a glancing header from a free
kick on the right. He added his second
goal when his direct free kick was deflected
by the wall past the keeper shortly before
the interval which gave his side a commanding
3-0 lead at half time. Now facing a strong
wind it was thought more would have been
seen from the hosts but for the first
ten minutes it looked more likely that
the visitors would increase their lead.
John Ascroft duly obliged with his second
goal of the afternoon smashing the ball
past the keeper having been put through
by Jamie Shaw. Then they took their foot
off the pedal and this allowed Whinney
Hill to get back in the game with two
quick goals. The first a fine individual
effort with a finish which gave keeper
Henry Highton no chance and the second
shortly after from the penalty spot. With
more than 20 minutes left the hosts pushed
on to try and reduce the arrears but the
visitors responded well and should have
gone further ahead but substitute Josh
Norgate missed from close range. Henry
Highton was called upon to make one fine
save but the points were in the bag when
the referee blew for time.
The
reserves returned to action after their
blank weekend and dispatched Coppull United
at Station Road hitting them for six without
reply.
Next
week the first team are involved in the
Lancashire Shield and have been handed
a tough home match against top Manchester
League side and one of the favourites
Prestwich Heys. This match kicks off at
2.30pm whilst the reserves travel for
a top of table clash at Garstang which
kicks off at 3pm. For further details
click on ‘LEAGUE’ above.
|
26th
August - The first team finally
got their first point of the season from
their 4th game which was enough to take
them off the foot of the table. Entertaining
current leaders Stoneclough at Station Road
was never going to be easy although the
visitors did not have a very good first
half and on reflection this was were they
could have been well beaten. Nevertheless
Oliver Sumner eventually bundled the ball
over the line following a fine save by the
keeper from Adam Thompson’s close
range effort after 20 minutes to give them
a well deserved lead. Good work from Ben
Goodson carved open a great chance to double
the score shortly after but his shot went
just over the bar. Stern words from the
Stoneclough manager did the trick for the
visitors who had the better of the second
period and were worth an equaliser although
keeper Henry Highton will have been disappointed
as he was caught in no mans land and was
coolly lobbed by the Stoneclough centre
forward. Thy now travel to Whinney Hill
next week and victory will move them out
of the relegation zone. The reserves return
to action after their blank weekend with
a home fixture against Coppull United. Both
matches kick off at 3pm. For further details
click on ‘LEAGUE’ above. |
19th
August - The first team are still
looking for their first point of the season
after losing 6-3 at Tempest United. The
match was delayed for 15 minutes whilst
a replacement referee was found and eventually
the match got underway on a lush surface
with rain steadily falling. The home side
settled first and opened the scoring after
10 minutes. The defence was weakened when
Sam Bamber had to leave the field following
a bad challenge which went unpunished by
the referee. Tempest added a second 15 minutes
later but on the stroke of half time Jordan
Smethurst reduced the arrears following
good work from Daniel Birkby. After 10 minutes
into the second half Tempest increased their
advantage to go 3-1 up but a spirited reply
saw the home keeper saving well from Jamie
Shaw and a couple of further efforts being
cleared off the line. Eventually a Daniel
Birkby header at the far post pulled one
back only for the home side to score again
shortly after. Not to be out done left back
James Clegg made the score 4-3 with a 20
yarder which was deflected past the keeper.
Tempest scored two late goals to give them
a flattering scoreline and the final result
leaves the first team stranded at the bottom
of the table. Meanwhile the reserves who
had drawn 1-1 at home to Whinney Hill the
previous Monday found themselves 2-0 down
at home to a strong Milnthorpe Corinthians
but stormed back to record a fine 3-2 victory
which moves them into 3rd spot in the table.
They are without a fixture over the Bank
Holiday weekend but the first team will
be looking to open their account as they
entertain Stoneclough at Station Road on
Saturday which kicks off at 3pm. For further
details click on ‘LEAGUE’ above. |
12th
August - For the second week running
a debatable penalty cost the 1st team as
they lost 2-1 at home to Nocross & Warbreck.
In contrast to last week’s opening
fixture at Millom the summer had finely
arrived and on a good surface it should
have suited the 1st teams passing game.
However in truth it was the visitors who
began well and were rewarded after just
10 minutes with a fine shot from outside
the area which gave Henry Highton no chance
as it hit the back of the net. Richard Burns
should have equalised almost immediately
after when he found himself clear with just
the keeper to beat but his lofted shot over
the keeper went wide. Worse was to follow
when Jordan Smethurst’s last ditch
tackle was adjudged to have been a foul
and the referee awarded a penalty from his
view and booked the player. This was duly
despatched to put the visitors two up after
25 minutes. Ten minutes from the interval
Jamie Shaw won the ball on the halfway line
and a then dribbled his way past several
opponents before coolly slotting the ball
past the keeper to reduce the arrears with
a fantastic individual goal. The second
half was a dull affair with the visitors
happy to hold on to their lead but were
rarely threatened and they duly won the
points. In contrast the reserves have made
a solid start to their season returning
from Blackburn with another 3 points and
a clean sheet in their 1-0 victory at Mill
Hill St.Peters. They are at home on Monday
night against Whinney Hill which kicks off
at 6.30pm. On Saturday the first team will
be looking to open their account as they
travel to play Tempest United whilst the
reserves entertain Milnthorpe Corinthians
at Station Road. Both matches kick off at
3pm. For further details click on ‘LEAGUE’
above. |
6th
August - The first team began the
new season with the long trip to Cumbria
to play Millom. On an immaculate pitch in
drizzely rain a Daniel Birkby strike gave
them a 1-0 advantage at the interval. However
a five minute spell early in the second
half saw the home side score three quick
goals without reply. Despite this setback
the team did not give up and rallied with
Daniel Birkby scoring twice to complete
his hatrick and draw the sides level. Young
Jordan Smethurst then hit a post but with
time running out the referee gave a controversial
penalty to Millom who glady converted to
give them the points. Meanwhile the reserves
made a solid start to their season at Station
Road with a 2-0 win over Wyre Villa with
both goals from David Hogg. This coming
Saturday the first team are at home to Norcross
& Warbreck whilst the reserves travel
to Mill Hill St Peters in Blackburn. Both
games kick off at 3pm. For further details
click on ‘LEAGUE’ above. |
15th
July - The first team have arranged
a couple of more friendlies before they
start their West Lancashire League campaign
with a trip to Millom on Saturday 4th August.
All
matches are at Station Road as follows:
Tuesday
24th July v Royal Garrison – kick
off 7pm
Thursday
26th July v. Fleetwood Hesketh – kick
off 7pm
Saturday
28th July v Holker Old Boys –kick
off 3pm
Tuesday
31st v Halsall – kick off 7pm |
8th
July - Pre-season training is now
well underway as the seniors prepare for
the new season. With Kirkham & Wesham
joining the North West Counties League the
knock on effect is that the 1st team escape
relegation and begin their season with a
trip to Cumbria to play Millom on Saturday
4th August. Meanwhile the reserves entertain
Wyre Villa at Station Road kicking off at
3pm. Before that however there will be a
series of friendly matches with confirmation
at present of the 1st team playing Premier
League side and near neighbours Fleetwood
Hesketh on Thursday 26th July with a 7pm
kick off and Holker Old Boys from the North
West Counties League travelling down from
Cumbria to play us on Saturday 28th July
with a 3pm kick off. Further friendlies
for the 1st and reserve teams will be announced
when confirmed. For further details about
the opening fixtures in August in the West
Lancashire League click on ‘LEAGUE’
above. |
|
3rd
Team Manager
required
for the team who play in the Preston and
District Football league on Saturday afternoons.
Contact : Paul Sergeant 01772 814009 or
Mobile 07713 158393
~
Players
at Under 8 and Under 7 age groups
Boys
and Girls (Current School Years 1 and 2)
are invited to attend training sessions
to be held every Monday evening starting
on 9th July, 6-7pm at Station Road with
a view of forming teams at under 7’s
and under 8’s for season 2007-08.
Contact : Paul Sergeant 01772 814009 or
Mobile 07713 158393 |
Saturday
Soccer Club with Everton FC
The
Soccer Club will run every Saturday morning
at Station Road, Hesketh Bank through to
14th July and is open for boys and girls
from ages 5 to 15 years.
Catering
for all abilities from beginner to Superstar
you will be coached by leading UEFA &
FA coaches from Everton FC Community Coaching
Dept.
Session
times:
9am
– 10.15am ages 5 to 9 years old
10.45am
– 12 noon ages 10 to 15 years old
Cost
£3 per child – register at the
ground on the day prior to the sessions
For
further details contact either
Dave Sherwood 07850 771110
or
Gary Haddock 01772 816328. |
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