REPORT ON BEHALF OF MIKE VELLA – MANAGER OF SKEM ATHLETIC
UNDER 11S GIRLS

Match report for: Skem Athletic vs Golborne under 11s Girls
Venue: Blaguegate playing fields, Liverpool Road, kick off 11.00am,
             Saturday 26th April 2008

PRICELESS WIN FOR SKEM SEALS LEAGUE TITLE

Skem Athletic ended a long hard season with a dramatic win over Golborne to take the 2007/08 West Lancashire Girls League title among jubilant celebrations at the final whistle.
Skem worked hard throughout the game against a well drilled Golborne side, but the script was written for Skem, when Sarah Price’s shot in the second half sealed the points and the League title for Athletic.
After persistent pressure Skem took the lead on 18 minutes in the first half when Captain Grace Vella rifled in a low shot to put Athletic in front, only for Golborne to equalise 10 minutes into the second period. But hero of the moment Sarah stepped up to score a priceless goal 10 minutes later to ensure Skem Athletic girls were crowned title winners.
The corks popped and champagne flowed after a successful season with 90 goals scored and only 17 goals conceded, finally bringing just rewards for hard work and great team displays throughout a 20 game competitive run.
A heart felt WELL DONE GIRLS! From all the parents, managers and coaches at Skem Athletic for all you have achieved this season girls…what’s the next challenge…two league and challenge cup finals on May 10th/11th.
A big thank you goes to all the other teams and staff in the under 11s West Lancashire Girls league who have all contributed to great games throughout the season and for promoting high standards of football for girls in West Lancashire.

FINAL SCORE: SKEM ATHLETIC 2 – GOLBORNE 1

Woman of the match for Skem Athletic under 11s was awarded to GRACE VELLA

‘Congratulations Girls’ from Phil Lawrenson, owner of VIP STRETCH, sponsors of Skem Athletic under 11s girls.

REPORT ON BEHALF OF MIKE VELLA – MANAGER OF SKEM ATHLETIC
UNDER 11S GIRLS

Match report for: Dynamo Rangers vs Skem Athletic under 11s
Venue: Blaguegate playing fields, Liverpool Road, kick off 6.30pm,
             Thursday 10th April 2008

 SKEM BAG ALL THREE

A perfectly weighted corner from Captain Grace Vella got Skem off to a great start against local opponents Dynamo Rangers.
Skem created further goal scoring chances, but couldn’t find the net again in the first half, going into the break 1-0 ahead.
The second half kicked off brightly with both teams looking to take the initiative early on, but Skem grew the stronger as the game progressed and went further ahead when Grace Vella who worked tirelessly throughout wiped in an excellent corner to move Skem further ahead. Two minutes later Olivia Weedall received a pass, turned and coolly slotted home the winner to earn Skem all three points and top off a good team display.

FINAL SCORE: DYNAMO RANGERS 0 – SKEM ATHLETIC 3

Woman of the match for Skem Athletic under 11s was awarded to LAURA BUTLER

A big thank you goes to Phil Lawrenson, owner of VIP STRETCH, sponsors of Skem Athletic under 11s girls.

REPORT ON BEHALF OF MIKE VELLA – MANAGER OF SKEM ATHLETIC
UNDER 11S GIRLS

CHALLENGE CUP SEMI FINAL MATCH

Match report for: The Fillies vs Skem Athletic under 11s
Venue: Netherton Activity Centre, Fleetwoods Lane, Netherton, Sunday  6th April 2008, kick off 12.30pm

 FINAL COUNTDOWN FOR SKEM ATHLETIC

Skem gave a spirited performance to overcome a strong Fillies side to book their place in the Challenge Cup Final.
Athletic got off to a great start when Laura Butler’s shot was on target to put Skem in front after three minutes. With the first goal safely in the bag, Athletic stepped up the pressure on their opponents, stretching the Fillies back row at every opportunity. Great darting runs down the wings by the industrious striking duo of Olivia Weedall and Laura Butler, coupled with sublime passing and movement by Skem’s unrelenting midfield and forward players caused all sorts of problems for the Fillies defence.
Against the run of play, the Fillies broke away and equalised to take both sides into the break evenly matched at 1-1.
With it all still to play for, each side came out in the second period fired up and ready for battle in this hotly contested affair. Skem’s Captain Grace Vella and Megan Woodward battled bravely in midfield, while solid defending by Emma Valentine and Sarah Price, plus a confident performance from Katie Woodward in goal kept the Fillies strikers firmly in check.
Now enjoying the majority of possession, Skem began passing the ball round with precision and pace, constantly pressing their opponents until from a corner, Grace Vella rifled in an unstoppable cross which came off a defender and in, putting Skem in front and firmly in the driving seat.
The win was sealed when Grace Vella stepped up again to launch a thunderous long range shot over the keeper and in to score her second and Skem’s third goal, making the score 3-1 to Athletic.
Skem played with true grit and determination to put on a truly spirited performance which earned them a convincing Challenge Cup Final place.

FINAL SCORE: THE FILLIES 1 – SKEM ATHLETIC 3

Woman of the match for Skem Athletic under 11s was LAURA BUTLER.

A big thank you goes to Phil Lawrenson, owner of VIP STRETCH, sponsors of Skem Athletic under 11s girls.

REPORT ON BEHALF OF MIKE VELLA – MANAGER OF SKEM ATHLETIC
UNDER 11S GIRLS

LEAGUE CUP SEMI FINAL MATCH

Match report for: The Fillies vs Skem Athletic under 11s
Venue: Netherton Activity Centre, Fleetwoods Lane, Netherton, Sunday 30th March 2008, kick off 1.30pm

 CUP FINAL FEVER HITS SKEM

This eagerly awaited League Cup Semi Final saw The Fillies score early on to put Skem on the back foot, but Athletic soon regained their composure and replied with a well taken goal from Laura Butler, who blasted home a low shot from outside the Fillies box to get Skem back into the game.
Spurred on by the equaliser, Athletic hammered home their advantage just before the half time whistle, when a great through ball found Olivia Weedall unmarked in front of goal, who coolly fired home Skem’s second. Great credit goes to both players and spectators of the Fillies team who supported their team throughout in a well spirited and entertaining match.
The two sides battled hard in the second period, both playing some excellent football, but Skem kept up the relentless pressure on the Fillies goal and soon added a third when Laura poked in the final goal to secure Skem’s place in the League Cup Final.

FINAL SCORE: THE FILLIES 1 – SKEM ATHLETIC 3

Woman of the match for Skem Athletic under 11s was MEGAN WOODWARD.

A big thank you goes to Phil Lawrenson, owner of VIP STRETCH, sponsors of Skem Athletic under 11s girls.

MATCH REPORT ON BEHALF OF MIKE VELLA – MANAGER OF SKEM ATHLETIC
UNDER 11S GIRLS

Match report for: Birkdale Utd vs Skem Athletic under 11s girls
Venue: Carr Lane, Southport, kick off 11am, Saturday 22nd March 2008

 THE PRICE IS RIGHT ON TARGET

In blustery conditions Skem Athletic took on the might of Birkdale in a thrilling Easter Extravaganza!
The game started lively with both teams pressing hard early on, making the match a finely balanced affair until Skem took the initiative on eighteen minutes, opening the scoring with a great near post effort from Skem’s Olivia Weedall who drew first blood for Athletic, ending the first half 1-0 ahead.
The second half exploded into action, with both sides attacking each and every ball in a fascinating display of football, strength and movement. Birkdale grew the stronger early on in the second period, but Skem soon gained precious possession with magnificent Megan Woodward along side Captain Grace Vella pulling the strings in midfield, while upfront the lively Laura Butler and hard working Olivia Weedall in attack for Skem made endless runs at the Birkdale defence.
Skem’s relentless pressure took its toll on eleven minutes, when Grace Vella seeing the keeper off her line, chipped an exquisite 30 yard lob over the goalie for Skem’s second goal.
Athletic now turned up the heat on Birkdale and pressed home their advantage two minutes later when a through ball from Olivia found Sarah Price unmarked who expertly hit the target from close range putting Skem 3-0 ahead.
Any breakaway attacks from Birkdale were calmly dealt with by the dynamic duo of Emma Valentine and Sam Chadwick in defence for Skem, plus the reassuring Chloe McMaster in goal saved Skem’s blushes.
Grace Vella weighed in with a fourth goal for Skem, who were now in cruise mode until an awarded free kick was wonderfully hit from distance by Birkdale’s number 4 who’s shot rifled into the top corner of the net to get Birkdale on the score sheet.
The fresh legs of Tamsyn Halford and Becky Mercer kept the Birkdale defence on red alert, plus the tireless Megan Woodward came close for Skem, hitting the bar with a thunderous shot late on. Katie Woodward in nets for Skem, kept guard against any late Birkdale attacks.
Both sides battled to the end, but Skem with the wind in their sails ran out the victors, ending this hotly contested match 4-1.

FINAL SCORE: BIRKDALE UTD 1 – SKEM ATHLETIC 4

Woman of the match for Skem Athletic under 11s was MEGAN WOODWARD.

A big thank you goes to Phil Lawrenson, owner of VIP STRETCH, sponsors of Skem Athletic under 11s girls.

MATCH REPORT ON BEHALF OF MIKE VELLA – MANAGER OF SKEM ATHLETIC
UNDER 11S GIRLS

Match report for: Skem Athletic vs Burscough under 11s girls
Venue: Blaguegate, Liverpool Road, Skelmersdale, kick off 11am, Saturday 15th March 2008

 DERBY DELIGHT FOR SKEM

An outstanding win for Skem Athletic against local derby opponents Burscough keeps the home side in top spot.
Skem put in a fabulous first half performance to score first in this hotly contested match.
Laura Butler looking ever sharp for Skem scored two goals to put the home side firmly in the driving seat early on, her second goal being her best when she steamed passed defenders before unleashing a tremendous shot across the keeper and in.
Skem kept up the relentless pressure on Burscough, creating chances all over the park and soon added to their tally when Grace Vella stepped up to hit a sweet left foot curling shot which nestled in the corner of the net.
Grace added her second minutes later from a well worked free kick outside the Burscough box, coolly slotting home a low right foot shot to put Skem 4-0 ahead.
As the first period grew to a close, Burscough rallied and catching Skem on the break scored a well taken goal just before half time.
Burscough came out stronger in the second half but Skem kept their nerve and soon began to control the midfield with mighty Megan Woodward putting in a magical display along Captain Grace Vella who coolly conducted proceedings throughout.
Skem’s fifth goal came from the hard working Olivia Weedall, who pounced on a short goal kick to expertly rifle home to put Skem firmly in control of the game.
Solid, no nonsense defending from the ever dependable trio of Emma Valentine, Sam Chadwick and Sarah Price, plus the safe hands of keeper Katie Woodward in nets kept any Burscough attack at bay, while at the other end, striker Laura Butler was causing all sorts of problems for the Burscough defence, inevitably getting her hat trick and Skem’s sixth, exquisitely clipping over the oncoming keeper from close range.
Substitutes Tamsyn Halford and Becky Mercer came close late on for Skem, but the score line remained a resounding 6-1 win to Skem Athletic.

FINAL SCORE: SKEM ATHLETIC 6 – BURSCOUGH 1

Woman of the match for Skem Athletic under 11s was goal keeper CHLOE MCMASTER

A big thank you goes to Phil Lawrenson, owner of VIP STRETCH, sponsors of Skem Athletic under 11s girls.

Skem Athletic
Vs
Crosby Stuart
(Under 11s)

MATCH REPORT ON BEHALF OF MIKE VELLA – MANAGER OF SKEM ATHLETIC
UNDER 11S GIRLS

Match report for: Crosby Stuart vs Skem Athletic under 11s girls
Venue: Bootle Stadium, Maguire Ave, Bootle, kick off 11.30am, Saturday 8th March 2008

AWESOME ATHLETIC

The term ‘awesome’ tends to be overused nowadays, but not in this case, Skem were simply magical against an equally impressive Crosby Stuart side.
Crosby came out all guns blazing, but Skem took up the challenge and began to pressure their opponents early on with accurate passing and great movement enviably taking the lead on seven minutes when Megan Woodward rifled in a low hard shot pass the Crosby keeper to get Skem off and running.
Athletic kept up the relentless pressure on Crosby Stuart and were soon rewarded again, when a throw in from Grace Vella found Laura Butler, who in turn laid off a superb ball through the defence for Olivia Weedall to crack home for Skem’s second goal and the advantage going into the break.
The second half had just got underway when Grace Vella calmly brought the ball down in her own half and unleashed a 40 yard missile which bounced just in front and over the keeper, nestling beautifully in the net, much to the delight and amazement of the watching spectators.
At 3-0, Skem now took control of proceedings, bossing the midfield with excellent play from the ever brave Megan Woodward and Captain Grace Vella, plus lively attacks from Skem’s forwards of Laura Butler and Olivia Weedall who continued to press their opponents at every opportunity.
As the game went on Crosby Stuart rallied, managing to score a goal back, but Skem kept possession and their heads to keep a well organised Crosby side at bay.
Chloe McMaster in nets for Skem made some vital saves, whilst solid defending from Sam Chadwick, Emma Valentine and Sarah Price protected Skem’s two goal lead.
Player of the match Olivia Weedall ran her heart out for Athletic, plus good support from Becky Mercer upfront kept Crosby on their toes.
Overall, Skem’s team play was ‘awesome’ throughout a tough match, which saw both sides put in some tremendous performances, but the day was Skem Athletics’ who ended the game 3-1 winners.

FINAL SCORE: CROSBY STUART 1 – SKEM ATHLETIC 3

Woman of the match for Skem Athletic under 11s was OLIVIA WEEDALL

A big thank you goes to Phil Lawrenson, owner of VIP STRETCH, sponsors of Skem Athletic under 11s girls.

MATCH REPORT ON BEHALF OF MIKE VELLA – MANAGER OF SKEM ATHLETIC
UNDER 11S GIRLS

Match report for: Town Green vs Skem Athletic under 11s girls
Venue: Winifred Lane, Aughton, kick off 1pm, 2nd March 2008

 LATE GOAL SEALS WIN FOR SKEM

An inspired second half performance won the game for Skem.
After a lacklustre display in the first period, the real Skem Athletic ran out in the second half determined to get back to business as quickly as possible.
Putting the first half behind them, Skem started the second with great enthusiasm and pace, moving and passing the ball accurately, whilst gaining valuable ground towards the Town Green goal.
An excellent display from player of the match Sarah Price helped Athletic sweep forward with confidence, pushing ever closer to the enviable first goal.
True to form Skem found the net first from a rasping shot and great goal from Grace Vella, just rewards for Athletic, who were now getting into their stride.
Skem switched off for a second, allowing Town Green to equalise, but continued to push on until a great ball from Grace found Olivia Weedall who sprinted into the box and coolly chipped the ball over the oncoming keeper for Skem’s second goal.
Now playing with renewed confidence, Skem pressed home their advantage when minutes later Olivia Weedall scored a great individual goal, blasting an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net, making the score 3-1 to Skem.
Excellent goal keeping from Chloe McMaster in the first and Katie Woodward in the second half, plus impressive defensive play from Tamsyn Halford, Emma Valentine and Sarah Price kept a well drilled Town Green side at bay.
Skem continued to press the Town Green defence, with Megan Woodward and Becky Mercer going close late on.
Both sides put in some great performances in this hard fought affair, but Skem managed to take the victory through sheer determination and great individual play, ending the match 3-1 winners.

FINAL SCORE: TOWN GREEN 1 – SKEM ATHLETIC 3

Woman of the match for Skem Athletic under 11s was SARAH PRICE

A big thank you goes to Phil Lawrenson, owner of VIP STRETCH, sponsors of Skem Athletic under 11s girls.

MATCH REPORT ON BEHALF OF MIKE VELLA – MANAGER OF SKEM ATHLETIC
UNDER 11S GIRLS

Match report for: Skem Athletic vs Euxton under 11s girls
Venue: Blaguegate, Skelmersdale, kick off 11am, Saturday 23rd February 08

 SKEM 7 UP

Skem took the victory with a comfortable win over Euxton in a great game which produced five different scorers.
Athletic got off to a great start, moving the ball about with ease and precision, putting Euxton under pressure right from the whistle.
Early possession paid off when Grace Vella’s great run and fierce shot on 5 minutes opened the scoring for Skem.
Athletic were in fine form, making superb runs into the Euxton half until the enviable second goal came from Laura Butler, who gathered the ball, ran at the defence and blasted home to put 2-0 ahead.
Skem’s third followed soon after when Olivia Weedall got on the end of a through ball to coolly tap home pass the oncoming Euxton keeper.
Laura Butler blasted home a fourth on 12 minutes with Megan Woodward rifling home Skem’s fifth minutes later.
Firmly in the driving seat, Skem hammered home their advantage, relentlessly attacking Euxton’s goal. While in defence Sarah Price, Emma Valentine and Tamsyn Halford played superbly to keep Euxton at bay.
The second period exploded into action when Grace Vella got her second and Skem’s sixth within a minute of the restart, taking the ball from half way, expertly dribbling through midfield before lashing in a shot from distance.
Excellent cover from Katie Woodward now in defence saw Skem take chance after chance until central defender Emma Valentine stepped up to blast in a looping shot from distance to complete the scoring for Skem Athletic.
Athletic came close again late on hitting both post and bar, but were unable to add to theirp tally, but ran out worthy winners in an entertaining match.
The game finished 7-0 to Skem Athletic.

FINAL SCORE: SKEM ATHLETIC 7 – EUXTON 0

Woman of the match for Skem Athletic under 11s was LAURA BUTLER

A big thank you goes to Phil Lawrenson, owner of VIP STRETCH, sponsors of Skem Athletic under 11s girls.

MATCH REPORT ON BEHALF OF MIM EATON – MANAGER OF SKEM ATHLETIC
UNDER 12S GIRLS

Match report for: Skem Athletic vs Town Green under 12s girls
Venue: Blaguegate, Skelmersdale, kick off 9.30am, Saturday 23rd Feb 2008

 AIMEE ON TARGET

Skem started well, turning early possession into a goal when Aimee Bethall made a great run down the left, came inside and rifled home a scorcher into the roof of the net.
As the match progressed Town Green got back into the game, scoring twice to make the score
2-1 to Town Green.
Skem Athletic girls never gave up, chasing every ball and were unlucky not to add to their tally in fast flowing affair. Although Skem’s girls gave a great effort their opponents added a third ending the game 3-1 to Town Green.

FINAL SCORE: SKEM ATHLETIC 1 – TOWN GREEN 3

Woman of the match for Skem Athletic under 12s was AIMEE BETHALL

MATCH REPORT ON BEHALF OF MIKE VELLA – MANAGER OF SKEM ATHLETIC
UNDER 11S GIRLS

Match report for: Skem Athletic vs Northfield under 11s girls
Venue: Blaguegate, Skelmersdale, kick off 11am, Saturday 16th February 08

 THRILLER ENDS A NIL NILER

This hotly contested match ended honours even in a thrilling table topping clash.
These two well matched sides battled hard right from the whistle, both looking to grab an early goal, but Skem gained the early possession and looked to pressure Northfield at every opportunity.
Athletic almost went ahead when a Grace Vella free kick looped over the Northfield defensive wall, hit the underside of the bar and ricocheted along the goal line, denying Skem the opening goal.
Neat passing and excellent movement from Skem continually tested Northfield, who looked to break away and gain the upper hand on Athletic, only to be thwarted by superb defensive play from Emma Valentine and Sam Chadwick who were ever solid in defence plus a good display from Chloe McMaster in nets for Skem.
Both sides threw everything at each other and were now playing some great entertaining football, much to the delight of the watching spectators who were given plenty to cheer about.
Skem looked to break the deadlock in the second period, putting the Northfield goal under relentless pressure and almost went ahead again when an Olivia Weedall close range effort whistled in front of the keeper.
Megan Woodward and Grace Vella ever busy in midfield battled well against Northfield’s finest, supplying great balls for Skem’s lively strike force of Laura Butler and Olivia Weedall who did everything but score.
It was clear whoever scored first in this pulsating contest would go on to win, but it wasn’t to be for Skem who came close to scoring on several occasions.
This thoroughly entertaining match ended honours even at 0-0, with both sides taking a well earned point.

FINAL SCORE: SKEM ATHLETIC 0 – NORTHFIELD 0

Woman of the match for Skem Athletic under 11s was EMMA VALENTINE.

A big thank you goes to Phil Lawrenson, owner of VIP STRETCH, sponsors of Skem Athletic under 11s girls.

Skem Athletic
Vs
Northfield
(Under 11s)

Quarter Final Challenge Cup

MATCH REPORT ON BEHALF OF MIKE VELLA – MANAGER OF SKEM ATHLETIC
UNDER 11S GIRLS

Match report for: Challenge Cup Quarter Final, Skem Athletic vs Northfield under 11s girls
Venue: Blaguegate, Skelmersdale, kick off 11am, Saturday 2nd February 08

 MEGAN MAGIC SEALS WIN

A Challenge Cup Semi Final place was assured for Skem in a hard fought clash of the titans which  brought the best out in both teams.
Skem Athletic versus Northfield is always billed as a full blooded affair, but with a Semi Final place up for grabs, this game had all the makings of a classic encounter.
The game exploded into action right from the whistle with both teams fighting for possession, the play was electric, with both sides passing the ball around with pace and precision.
Skem broke the deadlock on six minutes when a well worked goal from Megan Woodward got Athletic first on the score sheet.
With it all still to play for, both teams were playing real end to end stuff, each side chased every ball and made tackles Premiership players would be proud of.
With only minutes to go to the end of the first half, Skem gained the upper hand and from a
throw in well inside Northfield’s half, Megan Woodward stepped up to shoot, only to see her first attempt rebound back to her off a defender, Megan then thundered her second shot into the corner of the net to claim her second goal of the game and end the first half 2-0 to Skem Athletic.
Northfield’s half time team talk must have done the trick, as they went on to bag themselves two goals in seven minutes, making this tasty tie very interesting at 2-2.
With dogged determination Skem stepped up another gear and began to dominate the midfield, with Megan Woodward and Grace Vella supplying Skem’s forwards of Laura Butler and Olivia Weedall with all the fire power needed to put Northfield on the back foot.
At 2-2 these evenly matched opponents never relented, throwing all they had at each other.
The game could of swung either way, but for solid defending from Skem’s Emma Valentine and Sam Chadwick and awesome wing play and movement from Megan, Skem edged nearer to Northfield’s goal, until a minute from time, a great through ball from Megan found Olivia Weedall unmarked in the box with only the keeper to beat Olivia coolly slotted home Skem’s third to the enormous delight of the watching home crowd.
Both sides gave their all in this epic battle, which ended victorious for Skem, winning the game
3-2 and a well deserved Challenge Cup Semi Final place to boot.

FINAL SCORE: SKEM ATHLETIC 3 – NORTHFIELD 2

Woman of the match for Skem Athletic under 11s was MEGAN WOODWARD.

A big thank you goes to Phil Lawrenson, owner of VIP STRETCH, sponsors of Skem Athletic under 11s girls.