League Fixtures available at; www.mcfl.co.uk and http://full-time.thefa.com/gen/Index.do?division=741625

2010-11 Season

Saturday 25st August 2010

Tarporley Vics 2 – 4 Lostock Gralam

Lostock notched another victory on their travels in an entertaining game with local rivals Tarporley. Lostock had the better of the early exchanges, passing well but lacking a cutting edge to their play. McEvoy looked to have opened the scoring with an excellent header, but was dubiously ruled off side. Lostock then went to sleep and poor marking allowed Moss a free shot which he duly dispatched into the bottom corner. Lostock almost conceded a second straight away when Buckley’s header rebounded off the post, but remainded in touching distance at half time.

Half Time 1 – 0

After a half time rocket, The Grey Lambs came flying out of the blocks and got the equaliser almost immediately, McEvoy turning his man in the area to dispatch a low drive into the bottom corner. McEvoy got his second within minutes as Dom Johnson burst through the left channel before squaring across goal for a tap in. Lostock were rampant at this stage and after having a corner cleared away, Collins returned it with interest with an unstoppable left foot strike that fizzed into the top corner. McEvoy then capped a fine start to his Lostock career by completing his hat trick and 5th of the season, streaking clear from Astbury’s through ball to slot home the one on one. Lostock will be disappointed to have conceded a sloppy goal right at the end of the game from a long throw, but it failed to take the shine off a stunning second half performance.

Team – Burton, McKay, Evans, Astbury, Birdsey, Collins, Latham, Johnson, Wilding, Butters, McEvoy.

Subs – Weedall, Rafferty, Hutchinson, Bailey.

AJ Signs n Designs MOM – Courtney McEvoy

Saturday 21st August 2010

Middlewich 1 – 2 Lostock Gralam

Lostock took the bragging rights in the first derby of the season with a well deserved away victory at rivals Middlewich. The visitors started brightly but couldn’t capitalise on their early advantage, and Middlewich had the best of the middle part of the game without creating many clear opportunities. The game opened up again when Horne’s back post cross evaded everyone and nestled in the top corner to give the Grey Lambs the lead. If this was fortuitous, the second goal was one fashioned from the training ground as Lostock broke quickly from a Middlewich corner, with Butters brilliantly beating 2 men before linking up with McEvoy and Johnson and finishing the move by teeing up Wilding for a clean drive from 18 yards. Lostock had a goal dubiously disallowed when Astbury’s header from a corner was turned in by Butters, but was disallowed for a push. Middlewich almost fashioned an equaliser right on half time, but Birdsey and Burton just managed to scramble clear.

Half Time 2 – 0

The second half never hit the heights of the first, with Lostock happy not to over commit and Middlewich unable to create any openings. The introduction of Smith late in the game changed that, as he rose to head home an excellent header from a free kick, but Lostock saw out the remainder of the half in relative comfort to register their first victory over their local rivals in a long, long time.

Team – Burton, Horne, Astbury, Bailey, Birdsey, Collins, Johnson, Evans, Butters, Wilding, McEvoy.

Subs – Weedall, Gunn, Hutchinson, McKay.

Saturday 14th August 2010

Garswood 1 – 2 Lostock Gralam

Lostock kicked off in division 1 for the first time in a decade with a hard fought victory to kick start their season. The Grey Lambs controlled much of the first half, with Weedalls early strike from distance being tipped onto the bar and new signing McEvoy inches from converting the rebound. Wilding was a constant threat from the left and fizzed a shot narrowly wide after flying past 3 defenders, and also drew an excellent save from the Garswood keeper from a set piece. There was a warning late in the half when Walker got himself in down the left channel, but German produced an excellent stop to keep the score line equal at half time.

Half Time 0 – 0

Lostock stepped up a gear in the second half and got the breakthrough when Rafferty fired home a volley through a crowded penalty following Lathams corner. Garswood responded well and increased the pressure, going close from a number of set pieces before Malachy headed home from a well delivered corner. Lostocks response was impressive, and Weedall and Rafferty both went close before Johnson found McEvoy at the back past to fire home a debut goal. McEvoy almost made it 3 from a similar position late in the game, but the 2 goals were enough to close out the game.

Team – German, Cribb, Rafferty, Astbury, Birdsey, Weedall, Latham, Johnson, Wilding, Gunn, McEvoy.

Subs – Hutchinson, Bailey, Crawford.

AJ Signs ‘n’ Designs MOM – Kyle Wilding

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2009-10 Season

League Fixtures available at; www.mcfl.co.uk and http://full-time.thefa.com/gen/Index.do?division=1834289

Saturday 8th May 2010

Moore Utd 0 – 2 Lostock Gralam

The Grey Lambs finally got their hands on their first piece of silverware for over a decade, receiving the trophy from Cheshire League President Ray Atherton and Vice Chairman Andy Hough (both former Lostock players) before the game.

The atmosphere was light hearted before the game, but with their hosts again harbouring an outside chance of promotion, it was very much a competitive game. Lostock played some excellent football in spells, and Horne worked the goalkeeper well following several raids down the left. It was a cross from the left from Ledward which eventually opening the scoring, Birdsey cutting back from beyond the back post to allow Butters a tap in.

Lostock continued in the same vein in the second half, Birdsey hit the post amid a penalty area scramble before Palmer added a second with a header shortly afterwards. The visitors kept the ball well to close out the game and maintain a superb away record that has seen them drop only 4 points away from home all season, a cornerstone of the championship success.

Wednesday 5th May 2010

Crewe FC 1 – 4 Lostock Gralam

As Lostock went into two games against teams with high hopes for promotion following their confirmation as league champions, the game against Crewe provided an intriguing test of character for tired legs. It was a poor first half performance that saw Crewe take an early lead and dominate much of the opening half of football, very much playing like a team that needed to win. The second half was a completely different matter, as Lostock played a more composed game and found a rhythm that Crewe couldn’t match, carving out 4 goals in mesmerising 25 minutes with strikes from Palmer (2), Wilding and Butters sealing a superb win and ending Crewe’s chances of second spot.

Saturday 1st May 2010

Barnton 3 – 3 Lostock Gralam

Whilst it wasn’t the result or performance that Lostock were hoping for, a point was enough to secure their first league title and silverware for 13 seasons. The Grey Lambs had to do it the hard way, stripped of a number of key players through the volume of recent games, they just couldn’t get going in the early stages. Birdsey had a goal ruled out for offside before they went behind to a close range goal from the hosts. The response was immediate as Bithell crossed to the back post for Warren to slam home an equaliser. Lostock once again went into their shell and allowed Barnton to regain the advantage when Sneyd tapped home a back post cross. This fired up the visitors into action, and this time Butters rose to the challenge to equalise from 12 yards out.

Half Time 2 – 2

The second half started in the worst possible way for Lostock, Astbury conceding a dubious penalty that Sneyd calmly slotted home for his second of the game. This finally brought the Grey Lambs to life as they dominated the remainder of the game. Despite seeing a lot of the ball, chances were at a premium and it wasn’t until there were 15 minutes remaining that Lostock got back on level terms, Wildings free kick coming back off the post for Palmer to roll home from close range. In the ensuing chaos, Barnton were reduced to 10 men and lost their opportunity to pose a threat. Astbury and Palmer both went close to winning the game, but a point turned out to be enough to confirm Lostock as champions.

Team – Burton, Barlow, Astbury, Evans, Ledward, Birdsey, Weedall, Collins, Warren, Butters.

Subs – Wilding, Palmer, Speight.

Saturday 24th April 2010

Lostock 3 – 0 Tarporley Vics

The Grey Lambs showed their character in bouncing back from a poor mid week display to comprehensive beat their nearest rivals for top spot. The hosts made a determined opening and played some good football in spells whilst working hard to prevent their opponents space. Pressing high up the pitch brought an opening for Butters as he latched onto a blocked pass and smashed home from 25 yards over the retreating keeper to avenge some unfair treatment received in the reverse fixture. Lostock couldn’t extend their lead but had little to worry about in defence.

Half Time 1 – 0

Lewis Warren gave Lostock their dream start to the second half, turning his man from a throw in and curling a delightful left foot shot into the top corner to extend their lead. It gave Lostock breathing space to build on and they picked off patient counter attacks as Tarporley threw more and more men forward to try and salvage a result. A number of chances were missed before Wylding twisted into the penalty box before being brought down to earn a penalty, which Warren calmly slotted home to make the game safe and leave Lostock needing just 4 points from 5 games to take the title.

Team – Burton, Barlow, Rafferty, Astbury, Ledward, Bithell, Palmer, Latham, Birdsey, Warren, Butters.

Subs – Wylding, Weedall, Collins.

Tuesday 20th April 2010

Lostock 0 – 1 Monk

Lostock went down in disappointing fashion on Tuesday, barely getting out of second gear in a poor home display. The game was a fairly even contest, and Ashley’s early header against the bar was followed by good chances wasted for both teams. Monk opened the scoring on the stroke of half time in controversial circumstances when they were awarded a dubious free kick wide in Lostocks half. After a protracted debate the visitors took advantage of the lack of concentration to  scramble home the resultant delivery from close range.

Half Time 0 – 1

The second half never took off for Lostock, and ironically it wasn’t until they went down to 10 men that they showed any desire to get back in the game. Unfortunately it was too late to make an impact, and leave’s the Grey Lambs with a poor home record for a side leading the table.

Team – Kempson, Birdsey, Rafferty, Astbury, Ledward, Wylding, Palmer, Latham, Ashley, Warren, Butters.

Subs – Bithell, Weedall, Barlow.

Saturday 17th April 2010

Denton 0 – 1 Lostock Gralam

This was about substance over style, as Lostock saw off one of their key rivals for the league title in a gritty away performance. The Grey Lambs starting well and Palmer gave them an early lead, volleying home from a corner. Neither team was able to establish any momentum due to the hard work of the opposing defences, but the glimpses of quality came from the visitors despite not adding to their lead.

Half Time 0 – 1

The second half followed the same pattern as the first, with few openings for either side. As Denton threw more people forward as the game neared it’s conclusion, the game opened up and either team could have scored. Lostock were indebted to Kempson in goal for an excellent close range save late in the game in what turned out to be Denton’s only real chance, and Lostock again took maximum points from their travels to extend their lead at the top of the table.

Team – Kempson, Ledward, Rafferty, Astbury, Birdsey, Weedall, Palmer, Latham, Ashley, Butters, Wilding.

Subs – Barlow, Horne, Burton, Bithell.

Wednesday 14th April 2010

Congleton Town Res 2 – 3 Lostock Gralam

Lostock went top with a thrilling late victory at Congleton Town Reserves. The visitors made a slow start but grew into the game, with Butters rattling the post and several chances going begging. They paid the price when Congleton took the lead from a corner, winning both first and second balls to head home. Warren evened the scores just before half time, coolly lobbing the keeper following a mistake from the Congelton rearguard.

1 – 1

Lostock raised the tempo in the second half and captain Latham scored a superb goal, beating two men before smashing home from the edge of the area. The visitors looked like they would comfortably build on their lead, but were shocked to be caught in possession at the back to leave a simple tap in to level the scores. Lostock pressed hard but with time running out looked to have dropped points, when Latham got his second with a stunning goal in injury time, breaking onto a Astbury knock down to volley superbly into the top corner and take Lostock top of the league with games in hand on all their rivals.

Team – Bird, Ledward, Rafferty, Bayley, Birdsey, Collins, Latham, Ashley, Butter, Wilding, Warren.

Subs – Horne, Weedall, Palmer, Evans, Astbury.

Tuesday 6th April 2010

Monk FC 1 – 2 Lostock Gralam FC

Lostock showed tremendous spirit to come away with what could be a really significant win later in the season. The Grey Lambs started strongly and dominated the early exchanges with some quality football. Warren in particular was lively up top and Birdsey missed a couple of chances before opening the scoring with a back post cross that drifted over the keeper and into the top corner. Lostock made their job more difficult when Astbury was given a straight red card for a mistimed tackle after 20 minutes to reduce the visitors to 10 men. Despite this, Lostock nearly extended their lead immediately when Butters hit a superb volley that the Monk stopper just clawed away, and then got on the end of a superb move only to see his finish come back off the post.

Half Time 1- 1

The Grey Lambs were made to work really hard in the second half as Monk pressed their extra man advantage with good possession. Despite that, Lostock were committed and resolute in their defending and still looked dangerous on the break. Warren came closest with a header that brought an excellent save from the keeper with the closing players unable to capitalise on the rebound. As Lostock tired, they took a sucker punch as Monk grabbed an equaliser with 10 minutes to run as a cross into the box took the slightest of touches to find a Monk player at the back post for a free header. Lostock’s reaction was superb as they dominated the remainder of the game despite their numerical disadvantage. It looked like it would be in vain as Rafferty rattled a header against the bar from a corner late on, but a free kick from Latham earned one last throw into the box. Rafferty rose at the back to play it across goal and first Ashley and then Wilding both hit the bar with headers trying to turn it home before Ashley threw himself and the ball over the line to spark raucous celebrations.

Team – Burton, Wilding, Bayley, Rafferty, Barlow, Butters, Ashley, Latham, Birdsey, Warren, Astbury.

Subs – Weedall, Collins, Barry, Speight.

Brooktherm MOM – Lewis Warren

Saturday 27th March 2010

Tarporley Vics 1 – 3 Lostock Gralam

Lostock put in an authorative and assured performance to launch a long run in period which they hope will take them to the league summit. The visitors started strongly and put together several good moves before Palmer put them in front, lifting the ball over the advancing keeper when put through on goal. Warren found the post from close range after some great work down the left from Wilding, and Butters also flashed a shot just over the bar. Tarporley got back on level terms through a superbly executed free kick from Buckley, but lost momentum when Rowntree was sent off for a number of mistimed challenges just before half time.

Half Time 1 - 1

Lostock didn’t hit the heights of their first half performance but always looked the more dangerous team, and retook the lead when Warren squirmed free in the box and fired off a shot that the Jones in goal couldn’t handle, allowing Palmer his second of the game with an easy tap in. The game was made safe when Butters raced into a through ball and was taken out by the Tarporley stopper. The resultant penalty was dispatched by Warren to close out the game. The Grey Lambs now look to next week’s game against current leaders Maine Road to extend their run of form.

Team – Burton, Horne, Rafferty, Astbury, Barlow, Butters, Palmer, Latham, Ashley, Wilding, Warren.

Subs – Birdsey, Weedall, Johnson, Ledward.

Saturday 13th March 2010  

Mid Cheshire District FA Cup Semi Final  

Lostock Gralam 1 - 0 Woodley  

Lostock were impressive today as they brushed aside Cheshire League Division One leaders Woodley, inflicting upon them their first defeat of the season. The scoreline actually flattered the visitors who at the break were fortunate to still be in the contest.   The woodley keeper was forced into action as early as the fourth minute making a smart save at the feet of Mike Butters, and the breakthrough came from the resulting corner when he dropped the ball at the feet of Dave Asheley who neatly slotted home to make it 1.0. Lostock continued to dominate, with both Butters and Palmer going close from short range. They were moving the ball sharply and working hard to stop the visitors getting in to any kind of rhythm, although on the half hour Kempson in the Lostock goal was forced to make a fine one handed save from a 25 yard drive, Woodleys only attempt on goal in the first half.  

The second half looked as though it was going to be a completely different story, as the visitors looked much more lively, and as you would expect they had a very strong spell, but Lostock were very resolute in defence, with Astbury and Rafferty looking impressive, and the midfield unit making life dificult for the Woodley midfield to keep the ball. They did however have a couple of half chances which went begging. The last half hour saw Lostock get back on top, as a very physical Woodley side were reduced to ten men, and again chance after chance went begging.   As the tie progressed in to the latter stages Lostock weren't particularly tested, and they sailed through to the final much more comfotably than the scoreline suggests.  

Team - Kempson, Barlow, Bithell, Rafferty, Astbury, Ashley, Johnson, Latham (c), Palmer, Wilding, Butters. Subs - Evans, Horne, Weedall

Man Of The Match: Steve Astbury

Saturday 6th March 2010

Lostock Gralam 2 – 3 Congleton Town Res

Lostock were dealt a real blow in their title ambitions as they lost back to back games for the first team this season. It was an open game throughout with a curious twist that whoever was on top of the game seemed to go on and concede a goal. That was certainly the case as Lostock opened the scoring through Ant Palmer on 30 minutes after spending much of the half on the back foot. The goal seemed to incubate confidence, and Lostock should have added a second before conceding and equaliser from a set piece right on half time.

Half time 1 - 1

Lostock regained their lead early in the half through Wilding and began to dominate affairs, creating a number of chances to put the game out of the visitors reach. A combination of bad luck and poor finishing came back to haunt them as they conceded two goals in quick succession towards the end of the game, and couldn’t find a way back to take what would have been a fair share of the points.

Team – Burton, Horne, Barlow, Ashley, Rafferty, Wilding, Latham, Palmer, Johnson, Edwards, Butters.

Subs – Weedall, Warren, Bithell, Evans, Birdsey.

Cheshire League Challenge Cup

Crewe 3 – 3 Lostock Gralam  *Crewe won 4 – 3 on penalties.

If ever there was a match of two halves, this was certainly it. Atrocious in the first half, Lostock looked down and out going into the break 3 down, having conceded very sloppy goals and not looking in the least bit interested against a Crewe side clearly up for the game.

Half time 3 - 0

The second half was a complete turnaround, as Lostock camped in their opponents half and showed some tenacity to get back in the game. First Ashley crashed a header against the bar from one of a number of set pieces around the Crewe box before Birdsey crossed to the back post for Wilding to volley home. Palmer then got the goal of the game, letting the ball drop over his shoulder before smashing home a superb volley. The Grey Lambs were in the ascendancy, but were indebted to Burton in goal for a superb one handed save from a deflected shot to keep them in touching distance. After further pressure, it was wilding who got his second of the game to take the tie into extra time.

Full time 3 - 3

Extra time was a non starter, as both teams battled hard and not conceding  goal. That inevitably led to the lottery of penalties, and it was the Crewe custodian who emerged the hero, making two excellent saves from the first two spot kicks to give the home side a commanding lead.

Warren, Bithell and Horne scored consecutively with Crewe missing their 4th penalty, taking the contest down to the last kick. It wasn’t to be for Lostock, as the Crewe kicker kept his cool to secure their semi final berth.

Team – Burton, Horne, Rafferty, Ashley, Birdsey, Weedall, Collins, Johnson, Wilding, Astbury, Palmer.

Subs – Warren, Bithell.

Saturday 13th February 2010

Mid Cheshire Challenge Cup

Cuddington 1  - 9 Lostock Gralam

Lostock progressed to their first semi final of the season with a professional job against a battling Cuddington side. The first half didn’t go all the way of the visitors, as the Cuddington custodian made a number of quality saves early on. Butters eventually made the breakthrough, closely followed by goals from Palmer and Johnson.

Half time 0 – 3

The Grey Lambs quickly made the game safe early in the second half, although Cuddington pulled one back from a corner. Eventual scorers were Butters (2), Palmer (2), Johnson (2), Collins (2) and Astbury. Lostock will look to finish their other cup match against Crewe FC next week, after finding the last fixture abandoned due to thick fog in extra time.

Team – Bird, Birdsey, Rafferty, Ashley, Horne, Butter, Johnson, Collins, Palmer, Warren, Wilding.

Subs – Astbury, Barlow, Weedall.

Saturday 7th February 2010

Division 2 Challenge Cup

Crewe 2 – 2 Lostock Gralam – *Match Abandoned in E.T.

Thick fog curtailed Lostock’s exciting cup match at the weekend, adding more games to an increasingly lengthy fixtures list. It wasn’t a great performance from the Grey Lambs against one of the better teams encountered this year. Jack Burton in Lostock’s goal made a number of smart saves as Crewe took every opportunity to test him from distance, but Mike Butters showed them how it was done with an absolute screamer that flew into the top corner from well over 25 yards. The Grey Lambs should have extended their lead before half time, but couldn’t quite finish a number of good moves.

Half Time 0 – 1

The visitors were poor in the second half, and didn’t get moving again until the scores were levelled through an excellent free kick with 20 minutes to go. It proved a good incentive and Lostock were soon back in the lead when Warren was released down the right channel and stood up an excellent cross for Palmer to head home. However, Lostock once again went onto the back foot and conceded a sloppy goal in the dying minutes of the game after the ball had bounced around the area. With thick fog suddenly moving in, the match was abandoned despite due for reaching a conclusion on the day.

Team – Burton, Horne, Rafferty, Ashley, Barlow, Wylding, Latham, Palmer, Johnson, Butters, Warren.

Subs – Birdsey, Astbury, Collins.

Brooktherm MOM – Mike Butters.

 Saturday 23rd January 2010

Lostock Gralam 3 – 0 Daten

Lostock got back to winning ways with a comfortable victory over mid table Daten. The Grey Lambs made an electrifying start, creating a number of chances before Palmer opened the scoring, coolly rounding the keeper to tap home went sent through on goal. Latham then produced a superb solo run to take himself clean through on goal, before being crudely brought down in the box. The offense saw Daten reduced to 10 men before Warren stepped up to slot home from the spot. Lostock strangely lost their momentum thereafter, although Warren was only denied a second when his blistering shot from wide was tipped onto the bar from Datens keeper.

Half time 2 – 0

The second half continued in much the same way as the first had ended, with Daten creating nothing of any note going forward, but with the hosts strangely muted and failing to convert a number of chances. Daten owed a lot to their keeper, who did make an outstanding contribution to keep them in touching distance, but he could do nothing to prevent Warren getting his second of the game when firing home from close range. Whilst it was a welcome return to playing after just 2 games in the best part of 3 months, stiffer tests will come as the season gets going again.

Team -  Burton, Horne, Ashley, Rafferty, Barlow, Wilding, Butters, Latham, Johnson, Warren, Palmer.

 Saturday 12th December 2009

New Mills Reserves 0 – 1 Lostock Gralam

Lostock moved up to second place with an excellent performance that belied the close score line. The Grey Lambs created a number of early chances before Palmer gave them the lead, taking down a superb ball from Butters to slot home. Palmer and Wilding went close a number of times, but the score remained tight going into half time.

Half Time 0 – 1

Lostock continued to play the better football on a very heavy pitch, but couldn’t quite find the breakthrough to extend their lead. Sharples and Wilding both had very good case’s in penalty appeals that were turned away, but the visitors kept their nerve to maintain their 100% away record going into their top of the table clash with Maine Road next week.

Team – Burton, Barlow, Ashley, Astbury, Horne, Warren, Latham, Johnson, Palmer, Butters, Wilding.

Subs – Sharples, Collins, Rafferty, Taylor.

Saturday 7th November 2009

Grappenhall Sports 1 – 3 Lostock Gralam

Lostock closed the gap at the top of the table with a comfortable win to maintain their 100% away record. The game was hard fought from the offset, with both sides working hard to attain the upper hand. Lostock took the lead after 20 minutes when Dave Ashley rose superbly from a free kick to beat both centre half and keeper to nod the ball home. Kyle Wilding took the plaudits for the second, using his pace to streak behind the Grappenhall defence before being taken out in the box as he turned inside the centre half. Lewis Warren stepped up to slide home the penalty and double the lead.

Half time 0 -2

The second half saw Lostock dominate the tempo of the game, but several chances went begging before Grappenhall pulled a goal back. The Grey Lambs never looked in trouble though and Wilding earned another penalty after being crudely upended. Lewis Warren stepped up and slammed home his second spot kick even more comprehensively than the first. Astbury and Sharples both went close to extending the lead further before the final whistle went to give Lostock maximum points.

Team – Burton, Horne, Ashley, Evans, Barlow, Warren, Johnson, Palmer, Butters, Astbury, Wilding.

Subs – Sharples, Birdsey.

3rd October 2009

Lostock 1 – 1 Grappenhall

Lostock were held to  a draw in one of the surprise results of the weekend. The host’s started slowly and never really got into their stride early on, and went behind to a swift counter attack after Palmers shot was blocked after half an hour. The goal gave the visitors confidence as they finished the better side, despite the awful conditions for football.

Half time 0 – 1

The second half was another scrappy affair as Lostock couldn’t find the inspiration to get back in the game. Butters came close when his shot was dragged just past the far post and Wilding looked more of a threat as the game progressed. It wasn’t until the final 10 minutes that Lostock exerted any concerted pressure, with Wilding forcing a good save and Palmer going close with a free kick after a cynical foul just on the edge of the area. The deadline was finally broken from the penalty spot as Johnson was taken out bursting into the box. Wilding scored at the second attempt after his shot from the spot was saved to earn the Grey Lambs a point.

Team – German, Horne, Rafferty, Evans, Barlow, Butters, Palmer, Latham, Johnson, Wilding, Astbury.

Subs – Collins, Birdsey, Taylor.

26th September 2009

Malpas 1 – 6 Lostock Gralam

Lostock recorded their highest league victory of the season with a comfortable result against lowly Malpas. The Grey Lambs started strongly but were shocked to go behind to a superb 25 yard strike after failing to comprehensively clear their lines. This gave the host’s a real confidence boost, particularly as Lostock wasted a string of good chances to equalise. As half time approached, Astbury made his chance count from close range after being teed up by Johnson to equalise and Horne added a penalty after Wilding had been fouled to give a quick fire lead at the break.

Half Time 1 – 2

Lostock didn’t start the half too well and were forced to defend for the opening exchanges, but this gave ample chance to counter attack and Butters, Johnson and Wilding all did so to great effect to score, exposing the Malpas defence with superb pace and quality in the build up. Wilding capped a great all round display with the final goal, cutting in from the right to rifle past the Malpas stopper via the bar from 25 yards.

Team – German, Horne, Rafferty, Evans, Barlow, Butters, Johnson, Palmer, Latham, Wilding, Astbury.

Subs – Taylor, Sharples, Birdsey.

Brooktherm MOM – Kyle Wilding.  

12th September 2009

Lostock Gralam 5 – 0 New Mills Reserves

Lostock turned in a fine all round performance against the 2nd placed Millers to open up a lead at the top of the table. The Grey Lambs created several openings before Astbury opened the scoring, sliding home after great pressure high up the pitch forced a mistake. Lostock doubled the lead shortly afterwards, carving open the New Mills defence to leave Wilding with time to slot home at the back post. A stunning run of pace and trickery from Wilding left 4 players in his wake but when his shot was saved, Warren could only hit the post from close range. Warren was quick to make amends, earning a penalty that he calmly converted following a twisting run of his own.

Half Time 3 – 0

Lostock dictated the second half tempo in hot conditions and never allowed New Mills an opportunity to get back into the game. Johnson extended the lead to four before Khirat came from the bench to add another goal and a polish to the scoreline. Wilding also had a close range effort come back off the post, but couldn’t add to the scoring. With goals coming from all over the pitch and a first clean sheet of the season, Lostock are in good form going into next weeks Cheshire Cup game against Runcorn Town.

Team – German, Horne, Birdsey, Rafferty, Barlow, Wilding, Johnson, Latham, Palmer, Warren, Astbury.

Subs – Khirat, Butters, Taylor.

Brooktherm MOM – Kyle Wilding

5th September 2009

Cheshire League Divisional Cup

Lostock 4 – 1 Grappenhall Sports

Lostock recovered from the loss of their 100% record in mid week to secure a comfortable passage into the quarter finals of the divisional cup. The hosts created a glut of chances before Lewis Warren eventually gave them the lead from the penalty spot with 25 minutes gone, after Matty Davies was crudely fouled in the area. Palmer eventually doubled the lead with a simple finish, but Lostock nearly paid for their poor finishing when Whitehead was forced to make a superb save from a Grappenhall free kick just short of half time.

Half Time 2 – 0

Lostock again dominated the second half but again had a poor chance to scoring ratio, eventually making it three when Warren carved open the Grappnehall defence with a solo run only to see his shot parried straight to Astbury for a tap in. The visitors were given a lifeline when Crawfords mis-cued cross spectacularly found the top corner with 25 minutes to go, but Sharples re-established the 3 goal cushion from open play shortly after having missed Lostock’s second penalty of the afternoon. Grappenhall were eventually reduced to 10 men towards the end of the game as their cynical play turned a touch nasty, but Lostock saw the game through in comfort to progress.

Full time 4 - 1

Team – Kevin Whitehead, Horne, Birdsey, Rafferty, Barlow, Wilding, Palmer, Johnson, Warren, Davies, Astbury. Subs – Henderson, Sharples, Collins.

Brooktherm MOM - Kyle Wilding

19th August 2009

Daten 1 v Lostock 2

Lostock made it two wins from two in a patchy mid week performance against Daten. The Grey Lambs started strongly and won the physical and football battle in the early stages, but couldn’t beat an inspired goalkeeping performance from Kellett, making good saves from Sharples and Wilding early on. It wasn’t until the Daten stopper was injured making a superb diving stop from a Rafferty half volley on 35 minutes that the game changed, with Daten finishing the stronger after the substitution and rattling the visitors bar with a shot from distance.

Half Time 0 – 0

Lostock took heed of the late warning and again dominated from kick off, Astbury giving them the lead with a fine turn and volley from the edge of the area after several other missed chances. Wilding made it 2 within a minute of the opener, winning the race to a through ball before spinning and curling his shot over the retreating keeper to bag his 3rd  goal in 2 games. Lostock were rampant at this stage and Astbury hit the post before earning a penalty shortly afterwards, only to see his spot kick agonisingly come back off the post for a second time. The Grey Lambs lost their concentration and conceded a sloppy goal to set up a nervous final 20 minutes, but they stayed strong to take the points.

Team – Burton, Horne, Ashley, Rafferty, Birdsey, Butters, Latham, Johnson, Sharples, Astbury, Wilding.

Subs – Barry, Davies, C. Taylor, Collins, R.Taylor.

Brooktherm MOM -  Kyle Wilding

Saturday 22nd August 2009

Maine Road Reserves 2 – 5 Lostock Gralam

Lostock kept up their form on the road with a good result against a very promising Maine Road team. The Grey Lambs took the lead inside 10 minutes when Astbury’s header fell to Johnson to convert from close range. It was Johnson again with the second shortly afterwards, slotting home from close range after great work from Warren down the right. Lostock raced to 3 up after 35 minutes, the goal brought about after Warren twisted and turned down the right before delivering a great cross that the Kamal could only turn into his own net with Davies waiting for a tap in at the back post. Despite Lostocks incisive attacking display, Maine Road kept themselves in the game with a well worked goal just before half time.

Half Time 1 – 3

Lostock weathered an early storm from the hosts with Burton having to make a smart save, but Lostocks pace on the break was always a danger and Collins and Butters linked up well to slide in Wilding, who finished emphatically once through against the keeper. Lostock were awarded a penalty on the hour for handball, which Sharples calmly dispatched to make it 5. The Grey Lambs will be disappointed to have conceded a sloppy goal towards the end of the match which they should have seen through without incident. Despite this, Lostock will be pleased to be sitting top of the table after just 3 games with the promise of more to come from this exciting young team.

Full Time 2 - 5

Team – Burton, Horne, Astbury, Birdsey, Barlow, Butters, Collins, Johnson, Warren, Wilding, Davies. Subs – Evans, Sharples, Taylor, Khirat, Bithell.

Brooktherm MOM – Dom Johnson

Saturday 18th July 2009

Meir KA 0 v 2 Lostock Gralam

Lostock began their pre season travels in style with a comfortable victory over the higher status Midlands Combination outfit, Meir KA. Liam Sharples opened the scoring mid way through the first half, converting from close range after Mike Rafferty headed against the post. Lostock continued to create chances in the second half that saw Sharples and Palmer go close, but Dom Johnson ensured victory with a clean strike towards the end of the game.