Snainton Football club
Like sardines on the tiny pitch but a salmon leap wins the day
Saturday 11 Feb
Beckett league result
Bagby n Balk 1 - 2 Snainton (Webster 1 Milner 1)
Beckett league result
Bagby n Balk 1 - 2 Snainton (Webster 1 Milner 1)
A depleted Snails squad made the longest trip of the season to play Bagby in Middle Earth somewhere near Thirsk. Due to the distance some of the Snails regulars chose to stay by the fire, do some gardening, or man mark their sofa.
Anyway, despite not having 14/15 like we have done most of the season, we still had a decent 11 capable of getting three points.
As well as having to travel miles, the Snails also had to deal with playing on the smallest pitch in Europe. Bagby, despite having three full size men’s pitches to choose from, decided to play on the one pitch no bigger than a tennis court. When asked why they do this, they replied that 90% of their squad are past it and slow, so this allows them to get close to the opposition. Fair play to them, we would have done exactly the same a few years ago!
Due to this, the Snails struggled to put any sort of passing game together and watched whilst the two goalkeepers had shooting practice against each other for the majority of the first half. With the game being broken up frequently due to 1000 free kicks thanks to everyone on top of each other, there weren’t many clear cut chances until our very own Middle Earth Tree Ent, Webby, found himself free in the penalty area but he put a volley over the bar.
With seconds of the first half remaining, Sam Cooper forgot to wind his wooden legs up and unfortunately the Georgie Best lookalike forward from Bagby ran on to score. We were now 1-0 down in more than difficult conditions.
After some inspirational words from Simeone at half time which included, ‘please God, someone show me a bit of quality’, we managed to equalise more or less instantly in the second half when a deep Joe Milner cross found Webster once again free in the box. This time, due to a combination of his face, shoulder and lower region, he bundled the ball over the line to make it 1-1.
We more or less had the better of the remaining second half from this point, Joe Milner's corners were dangerous, and Dan Simpson had some close long range efforts. With minutes remaining we finally found the bit of quality we longed for when Liam Mintoft got some time and space on the ball, whipped a great ball into the back post, where Joe Milner rose like a salmon to head the ball into the top corner of the net, leaving the Bagby keeper with no chance. 2-1 to the Snails.
Special mentions to Liam Mintoft for always trying to create something, Ben Dolan for some class tackles in the first half.
• Man of match - Joe M
Anyway, despite not having 14/15 like we have done most of the season, we still had a decent 11 capable of getting three points.
As well as having to travel miles, the Snails also had to deal with playing on the smallest pitch in Europe. Bagby, despite having three full size men’s pitches to choose from, decided to play on the one pitch no bigger than a tennis court. When asked why they do this, they replied that 90% of their squad are past it and slow, so this allows them to get close to the opposition. Fair play to them, we would have done exactly the same a few years ago!
Due to this, the Snails struggled to put any sort of passing game together and watched whilst the two goalkeepers had shooting practice against each other for the majority of the first half. With the game being broken up frequently due to 1000 free kicks thanks to everyone on top of each other, there weren’t many clear cut chances until our very own Middle Earth Tree Ent, Webby, found himself free in the penalty area but he put a volley over the bar.
With seconds of the first half remaining, Sam Cooper forgot to wind his wooden legs up and unfortunately the Georgie Best lookalike forward from Bagby ran on to score. We were now 1-0 down in more than difficult conditions.
After some inspirational words from Simeone at half time which included, ‘please God, someone show me a bit of quality’, we managed to equalise more or less instantly in the second half when a deep Joe Milner cross found Webster once again free in the box. This time, due to a combination of his face, shoulder and lower region, he bundled the ball over the line to make it 1-1.
We more or less had the better of the remaining second half from this point, Joe Milner's corners were dangerous, and Dan Simpson had some close long range efforts. With minutes remaining we finally found the bit of quality we longed for when Liam Mintoft got some time and space on the ball, whipped a great ball into the back post, where Joe Milner rose like a salmon to head the ball into the top corner of the net, leaving the Bagby keeper with no chance. 2-1 to the Snails.
Special mentions to Liam Mintoft for always trying to create something, Ben Dolan for some class tackles in the first half.
• Man of match - Joe M
Three offside goals and a visit to the sin bin!
Saturday 4 February
Hospital Cup
Ayton 4 - 2 Snainton
Scorers - Sam Cooper 1, Joe M 1
Report by Leigh Watson
Hospital Cup
Ayton 4 - 2 Snainton
Scorers - Sam Cooper 1, Joe M 1
Report by Leigh Watson
It was another frustrating day for the Snails, as usual they started off in typical snail fashion as they found themselves behind within five minutes of play.
Within the 20 minute mark they found themselves 2-0 down after Eric Hall struck again, haunting the Snainton defence for the second time this season. Ten minutes before half time centre back Sam Cooper shone a ray of light onto the visitors, when the rogue defender found himself in the opposition’s penalty box and slotted home, after some good work from Joe Milner and Dan Simpson.
Five minutes before halftime goalkeeper Tom Poor found himself in the sin bin after mouthing off at fellow referee Bill Pashby. So young Alfie Roberts took the gloves till half time.
With the snails 2-1 down, with an absent manager watching Erik Ten Hag's title charging red army, Andy 'Pochettino' Holt took the team talk, but it was to no avail, as the snails found themselves 3-1 behind straight after the break, when Eric Hall slotted home again.
Not long after this he nearly struck again hitting the woodwork with a free kick. Twenty minutes to go and Snainton made some changes and put some pressure on the home side. Joe Milner whipped a ball into the top corner with his left foot. Ayton then looked like they were about to crumble, when Snainton had 3 goals deemed offside. This was costly for the visitors as Ayton created a goal out of nothing which broke the hearts of the Snails as they slumped to defeat.
Within the 20 minute mark they found themselves 2-0 down after Eric Hall struck again, haunting the Snainton defence for the second time this season. Ten minutes before half time centre back Sam Cooper shone a ray of light onto the visitors, when the rogue defender found himself in the opposition’s penalty box and slotted home, after some good work from Joe Milner and Dan Simpson.
Five minutes before halftime goalkeeper Tom Poor found himself in the sin bin after mouthing off at fellow referee Bill Pashby. So young Alfie Roberts took the gloves till half time.
With the snails 2-1 down, with an absent manager watching Erik Ten Hag's title charging red army, Andy 'Pochettino' Holt took the team talk, but it was to no avail, as the snails found themselves 3-1 behind straight after the break, when Eric Hall slotted home again.
Not long after this he nearly struck again hitting the woodwork with a free kick. Twenty minutes to go and Snainton made some changes and put some pressure on the home side. Joe Milner whipped a ball into the top corner with his left foot. Ayton then looked like they were about to crumble, when Snainton had 3 goals deemed offside. This was costly for the visitors as Ayton created a goal out of nothing which broke the hearts of the Snails as they slumped to defeat.
Ten goals! But all the Christmas pudding took its toll in the end
Beckett League
Snainton 5 - 5 Bagby
(Milner, Holt, Fryirs, Simpson, Matson)
After about three weeks off from exercising in any form and consuming endless pigs in blankets by the fire, the Snails finally returned to action yesterday as we hosted Bagby n Balk at home. Bagby n Balk, sounding like a shop from Knockturn Alley in Harry Potter, arrived in large numbers and were confident of getting a result in the January sunshine. For some reason in recent years we seem to struggle at home to Bagby and this was to prove the case again yesterday afternoon.
Surprisingly, considering the break we’ve had off, we actually started well yesterday and went ahead when Dan Simpson fed Joe Milner to finish to put us 1-0 up. Minutes after it was 2-0 to the Snails, after good work from Alfie Roberts and Neil Fryirs, Rob Holt had a strike from the edge of the box that was deflected on its way into the net.
We seemed to be cruising at this stage but were brought down to earth with a bang when almost immediately Bagby got a goal back. After some poor defending and failed tackles in the centre of the park, Bagby broke through and finished well. 2-1.
We barely had time to blink before we chucked our lead into the bin and a cross/shot from a wide area evaded Tom Poor to make it 2-2. There were only about 20 minutes gone at this stage and the defending was not suggesting the score would stay like this for the duration. We played ok for the rest of the half and if it wasn’t for a great save from the Bagby keeper with his outstretched foot after a Fryirs strike we might have gone in at the break in front. Despite the 2 quick goals conceded, we had played some good football going forward and were confident we would win the game in the second half.
How wrong we were 🙈 The Christmas festivities definitely caught up with the lads around the 50 minute mark as Bagby took a 3-2 lead after some hesitant defending from the Snails. It got worse for us when veteran utility man Leigh Watson glanced a Bagby cross into his own net and we were 4-2 down. It could have also got worse for us at this stage but Tom Poor did a string of fine saves to keep our hopes just about alive of getting something from this game.
After a mad ten minutes, we started to apply some pressure again and after a good run from Rob Holt, the ball broke to Fryirs who found the bottom corner from the edge of the box. 4-3 and we were back in it. A moment later and good work from Regan Hewitt and Joe Milner found Dan Simpson at the back post to make it 4-4. We were back on top at this stage and could have retaken the lead when Joe M picked out Fryirs at the back post, but unfortunately it landed on his ‘out of order’ right foot and the chance was gone. With the momentum now with us we hoped to grab a winner but in true Snails fashion we let Bagby retake the lead with a great solo goal to put them 5-4 ahead.
Time was ticking away from us now and a frustrating defeat was on the cards. However, Ryan Matson came off the bench and rescued us a point at the death with a fantastic controlled curling effort from just inside the penalty area that lobbed the Bagby keeper. Unreal finish. 5-5. Ridiculous game with some questionable defending from the snails but at least we grabbed a point.
Onto next week we go……:
•Special thanks to Ref who managed a physical game very well.
Snainton 5 - 5 Bagby
(Milner, Holt, Fryirs, Simpson, Matson)
After about three weeks off from exercising in any form and consuming endless pigs in blankets by the fire, the Snails finally returned to action yesterday as we hosted Bagby n Balk at home. Bagby n Balk, sounding like a shop from Knockturn Alley in Harry Potter, arrived in large numbers and were confident of getting a result in the January sunshine. For some reason in recent years we seem to struggle at home to Bagby and this was to prove the case again yesterday afternoon.
Surprisingly, considering the break we’ve had off, we actually started well yesterday and went ahead when Dan Simpson fed Joe Milner to finish to put us 1-0 up. Minutes after it was 2-0 to the Snails, after good work from Alfie Roberts and Neil Fryirs, Rob Holt had a strike from the edge of the box that was deflected on its way into the net.
We seemed to be cruising at this stage but were brought down to earth with a bang when almost immediately Bagby got a goal back. After some poor defending and failed tackles in the centre of the park, Bagby broke through and finished well. 2-1.
We barely had time to blink before we chucked our lead into the bin and a cross/shot from a wide area evaded Tom Poor to make it 2-2. There were only about 20 minutes gone at this stage and the defending was not suggesting the score would stay like this for the duration. We played ok for the rest of the half and if it wasn’t for a great save from the Bagby keeper with his outstretched foot after a Fryirs strike we might have gone in at the break in front. Despite the 2 quick goals conceded, we had played some good football going forward and were confident we would win the game in the second half.
How wrong we were 🙈 The Christmas festivities definitely caught up with the lads around the 50 minute mark as Bagby took a 3-2 lead after some hesitant defending from the Snails. It got worse for us when veteran utility man Leigh Watson glanced a Bagby cross into his own net and we were 4-2 down. It could have also got worse for us at this stage but Tom Poor did a string of fine saves to keep our hopes just about alive of getting something from this game.
After a mad ten minutes, we started to apply some pressure again and after a good run from Rob Holt, the ball broke to Fryirs who found the bottom corner from the edge of the box. 4-3 and we were back in it. A moment later and good work from Regan Hewitt and Joe Milner found Dan Simpson at the back post to make it 4-4. We were back on top at this stage and could have retaken the lead when Joe M picked out Fryirs at the back post, but unfortunately it landed on his ‘out of order’ right foot and the chance was gone. With the momentum now with us we hoped to grab a winner but in true Snails fashion we let Bagby retake the lead with a great solo goal to put them 5-4 ahead.
Time was ticking away from us now and a frustrating defeat was on the cards. However, Ryan Matson came off the bench and rescued us a point at the death with a fantastic controlled curling effort from just inside the penalty area that lobbed the Bagby keeper. Unreal finish. 5-5. Ridiculous game with some questionable defending from the snails but at least we grabbed a point.
Onto next week we go……:
•Special thanks to Ref who managed a physical game very well.
Toughest teams in Europe battle the snow - and it's Snails on top again!
Union Rovers 1 - 4 Snainton FC
(Milner 2, Simpson 1 Webster 1)
We finished 2022 with a great result on the road to Malton. Due to the fact that Union have access to a 3G pitch, the snow didn't beat us and this was somehow the only amateur game on in the whole of Europe!
Despite most of the squad hoping this game would be off so they could stay by the fire we managed to scrape a reasonable 14 man squad together. Well 13 really, as Fletch pictured above hadn’t been to bed from his Friday night antics and still had Jaeger coming from his eye balls.
It looked like the cold chill was going to beat the lads as we put in one of our worst first half performances of the season. Somehow we managed to get to half time with the score 0-0 but this was mainly down to the cat man in goal – Tom Poor, who produced another three class saves to keep us level at the break.
The team talk was crucial, we knew we could be better and the game was still there for the taking in the second half. Fry changed some personnel at the interval and this seemed to help kickstart some life into the frozen, dead Snails.
About 15 minutes into the second half the ever impressive Liam Mintoft picked out the man on fire Dan Simpson who used his ridiculous pace to run clear through only to be brought down by a Union defender. Penalty awarded and Joe M stepped up to convert. 1-0 to the Snails.
Shortly after this, Joe M had a shot from the edge of the box that the keeper couldn’t hold and Dan S poked home the rebound to make it 2-0 and keep his goal scoring form going.
In a blink of an eye we were in control of the game and Union seemed to fade at this point. Mike Webster off the bench somehow shinned in a third off a corner and then Joe M got his second of the afternoon with a great long range finish into the bottom corner. 4-0 to the snails.
Unfortunately we didn’t manage to give Tom Poor the clean sheet he deserved as Union got a consolation goal with the last kick of the game.
We will be back much fatter and slower than ever in 2023!
•Follow us on Facebook and Instagram (snaintonfc1926)
(Milner 2, Simpson 1 Webster 1)
We finished 2022 with a great result on the road to Malton. Due to the fact that Union have access to a 3G pitch, the snow didn't beat us and this was somehow the only amateur game on in the whole of Europe!
Despite most of the squad hoping this game would be off so they could stay by the fire we managed to scrape a reasonable 14 man squad together. Well 13 really, as Fletch pictured above hadn’t been to bed from his Friday night antics and still had Jaeger coming from his eye balls.
It looked like the cold chill was going to beat the lads as we put in one of our worst first half performances of the season. Somehow we managed to get to half time with the score 0-0 but this was mainly down to the cat man in goal – Tom Poor, who produced another three class saves to keep us level at the break.
The team talk was crucial, we knew we could be better and the game was still there for the taking in the second half. Fry changed some personnel at the interval and this seemed to help kickstart some life into the frozen, dead Snails.
About 15 minutes into the second half the ever impressive Liam Mintoft picked out the man on fire Dan Simpson who used his ridiculous pace to run clear through only to be brought down by a Union defender. Penalty awarded and Joe M stepped up to convert. 1-0 to the Snails.
Shortly after this, Joe M had a shot from the edge of the box that the keeper couldn’t hold and Dan S poked home the rebound to make it 2-0 and keep his goal scoring form going.
In a blink of an eye we were in control of the game and Union seemed to fade at this point. Mike Webster off the bench somehow shinned in a third off a corner and then Joe M got his second of the afternoon with a great long range finish into the bottom corner. 4-0 to the snails.
Unfortunately we didn’t manage to give Tom Poor the clean sheet he deserved as Union got a consolation goal with the last kick of the game.
We will be back much fatter and slower than ever in 2023!
•Follow us on Facebook and Instagram (snaintonfc1926)
Snails just can't stop scoring!
Snainton 5-1 Thornton Le Dale
(D Simpson 3, Milner 1, Mintoft 1)
In the first half the snails once again started in typical slug fashion, earning their name.
Despite the slow start we managed to carve a good chance and take the lead 1-0 through the man on fire Dan Simpson.
After a few easy turnovers and too many long balls the guests took a foothold in the game and scored an easy chance to tie the scores level 1-1.
Matters could have got worse for the home side if not for Michael Webster who defended a number of 2v1 chances and headed everything that came within a five mile radius of his forehead.
The slugs midfield grew into the game and star men McCallion and Mintoft pulled the strings mixing up passing distances and dictating the tempo to stretch the visitors both grabbing assists for Milner and Simpson respectively who made it 2-1 and 3-1 to the snails.
Shortly after, Mintoft picked up a goal with a fantastic strike which took a “slight nick” on the way through, sailing into the top corner and capping a fine first half performance for himself. 4-1.
The slugs took advantage of some dominant attacking football with Dan Simpson scoring a first half hat trick. 5-1
Spectators likened him to a young Thierry Henry gliding across the surface and finishing chances with an ice cold demeanour.
Some good spells in possession second half but not enough cutting edge to find the finishing touch and no more goals were scored.
Fantastic cameos from all the subs who definitely added to the attacking quality when they came on.
(D Simpson 3, Milner 1, Mintoft 1)
In the first half the snails once again started in typical slug fashion, earning their name.
Despite the slow start we managed to carve a good chance and take the lead 1-0 through the man on fire Dan Simpson.
After a few easy turnovers and too many long balls the guests took a foothold in the game and scored an easy chance to tie the scores level 1-1.
Matters could have got worse for the home side if not for Michael Webster who defended a number of 2v1 chances and headed everything that came within a five mile radius of his forehead.
The slugs midfield grew into the game and star men McCallion and Mintoft pulled the strings mixing up passing distances and dictating the tempo to stretch the visitors both grabbing assists for Milner and Simpson respectively who made it 2-1 and 3-1 to the snails.
Shortly after, Mintoft picked up a goal with a fantastic strike which took a “slight nick” on the way through, sailing into the top corner and capping a fine first half performance for himself. 4-1.
The slugs took advantage of some dominant attacking football with Dan Simpson scoring a first half hat trick. 5-1
Spectators likened him to a young Thierry Henry gliding across the surface and finishing chances with an ice cold demeanour.
Some good spells in possession second half but not enough cutting edge to find the finishing touch and no more goals were scored.
Fantastic cameos from all the subs who definitely added to the attacking quality when they came on.
Fifteen goals - and another first in fifteen!
Scarborough cup
Snainton 3-3 Duncombe Park Reserves
(Mcallion, S Cooper, Milner)
Snainton win 5-4 on penalties
Snainton 3-3 Duncombe Park Reserves
(Mcallion, S Cooper, Milner)
Snainton win 5-4 on penalties
It was a lovely late autumnal day at the field of dreams, young Regan was out early before anyone, practising his penalties with the next generation of snails 🐌
It looked increasingly like the eight year old may have to make his first team debut in goal. Goalie Thomas Poor decided to go to the wrong ground and took his parents for a nice Sunday drive out to the outdoor pool in Helmsley. Luckily Thomas turned up just as everyone started the minute's applause 👏🏽 and he raised his hand in thanks thinking it was for his arrival!
In keeping with our name we started in what can only be referred to as snail pace, allowing them to get to first, second and third balls. Fletch was caught out twice early by someone double his age and they got a 2-0 lead just 15 minutes in.
This is where the story of The Tortoise and the Hare came into its own and the snails grew into the game. With some lovely football being played we started to take some control. We were a little wasteful with some chances in the final third, where we could have been a little less selfish and played a pass, to get a clear chance on goal.
After some nice work down the right wing, we were awarded a free kick. With the full attention on the Snainton Slab Head warrior Webster, the cross came in. He missed it. It hit Hearing Aid on the head and tickled the back of the net! 2-1 thanks to Aidan's second goal in two weeks.
With that the snails got their shells up and looked like scoring again but when a penalty wasn’t given, the elderly residents watching were absolutely enraged. Only to add to our frustration the referee allowed their player to use his hands just outside our box and this led to them scoring again just before half time. 3-1 down and it’s not looking good. A very emotional and passionate team talk was given by Roberto, in the gaffer's absence, hoping he could find a comeback from somewhere.
The next goal was massive in this game. And then something rare happened, Sam Cooper popped up with a header to score his first goal in fifteen years! 3-2. We now started dominating the game, with lots of mazy runs from our quickest snails 🐌 leaving lots of their players in our snail juice. This resulted in one of their players sliding in and taking out young Milner. For once the referee was forced to make the right football decision and award a penalty. Joe then stepped up to slot it away nicely. 3-3
With lots more huffing and puffing we created lots of half chances but couldn’t find the winner.
The referee then blew for full time.
Straight to penalties.
With Regan fresh off his last pen miss in the previous cup game, he either stupidly or bravely stood up to take the first and slotted it away with the weight of the Snainton faithful staring him down.
Then they score 1-1.
Then Rob the Reliable kicked his in.
2-1
Then step up Mr 'where are we playing today' Poor to save down low to his left.
2-1
Then the dribbling baby Dan stepped up and smashed his home with confidence.
3-1
Then they score.
3-2
Mr Milner then bagged another from the spot
4-2
They scored
4-3
Finally, up stepped number 2 Joey 'doesn’t feel pressure' Fletch, who slid the ball into the goal to win the shoot out. Turning to the crowd and raising a finger to his lips to silence his critics.
The snails got the win.
It looked increasingly like the eight year old may have to make his first team debut in goal. Goalie Thomas Poor decided to go to the wrong ground and took his parents for a nice Sunday drive out to the outdoor pool in Helmsley. Luckily Thomas turned up just as everyone started the minute's applause 👏🏽 and he raised his hand in thanks thinking it was for his arrival!
In keeping with our name we started in what can only be referred to as snail pace, allowing them to get to first, second and third balls. Fletch was caught out twice early by someone double his age and they got a 2-0 lead just 15 minutes in.
This is where the story of The Tortoise and the Hare came into its own and the snails grew into the game. With some lovely football being played we started to take some control. We were a little wasteful with some chances in the final third, where we could have been a little less selfish and played a pass, to get a clear chance on goal.
After some nice work down the right wing, we were awarded a free kick. With the full attention on the Snainton Slab Head warrior Webster, the cross came in. He missed it. It hit Hearing Aid on the head and tickled the back of the net! 2-1 thanks to Aidan's second goal in two weeks.
With that the snails got their shells up and looked like scoring again but when a penalty wasn’t given, the elderly residents watching were absolutely enraged. Only to add to our frustration the referee allowed their player to use his hands just outside our box and this led to them scoring again just before half time. 3-1 down and it’s not looking good. A very emotional and passionate team talk was given by Roberto, in the gaffer's absence, hoping he could find a comeback from somewhere.
The next goal was massive in this game. And then something rare happened, Sam Cooper popped up with a header to score his first goal in fifteen years! 3-2. We now started dominating the game, with lots of mazy runs from our quickest snails 🐌 leaving lots of their players in our snail juice. This resulted in one of their players sliding in and taking out young Milner. For once the referee was forced to make the right football decision and award a penalty. Joe then stepped up to slot it away nicely. 3-3
With lots more huffing and puffing we created lots of half chances but couldn’t find the winner.
The referee then blew for full time.
Straight to penalties.
With Regan fresh off his last pen miss in the previous cup game, he either stupidly or bravely stood up to take the first and slotted it away with the weight of the Snainton faithful staring him down.
Then they score 1-1.
Then Rob the Reliable kicked his in.
2-1
Then step up Mr 'where are we playing today' Poor to save down low to his left.
2-1
Then the dribbling baby Dan stepped up and smashed his home with confidence.
3-1
Then they score.
3-2
Mr Milner then bagged another from the spot
4-2
They scored
4-3
Finally, up stepped number 2 Joey 'doesn’t feel pressure' Fletch, who slid the ball into the goal to win the shoot out. Turning to the crowd and raising a finger to his lips to silence his critics.
The snails got the win.
Pipped at the last after a tremendous fightback
Saturday 12 November
Gordon Harrison Memorial Trophy
Union Rovers 2 - 2 Snainton FC (D Simpson 2)
Union won 7-6 on penalties
Congratulations to Union who go through to the next round.
After two weeks off with no game we returned to action today playing Union Rovers in the GH trophy.
Union have had a decent start in the league and we knew this would be another tough game.
The fortnight off showed in the earlier stages and Union took control of the game, putting us under pressure and having some good chances. We managed to work our way into the game slowly and started putting a few decent moves together. Having survived a few early scares, we took the lead when a great cross by Joe M from the left was converted at the back post by Dan Simpson to get his first Snainton goal.
Dan, one of two or three new signings this season, has been a real threat in the games he has played in so far and he continued this good form today.
After taking the lead we then sat back and ended up so deep we nearly ended up back in Snainton. We gave the ball away cheaply in our own half and Union took advantage down the right hand side before cutting the ball back to make it 1-1 from the edge of the area.
Unfortunately we capitulated for the next few minutes and Ry Matson set up their forward with a back pass that didn’t reach its target.
Incredibly, Union didn’t add a third before the break. Cross bar twice and two goal line clearances somehow meant it was only 2-1 at half time.
Despite being behind we knew we had still created some good chances ourselves in the first half and knew we could get back in the game if we defended better.
About ten minutes into the second half we were level. The same two players combined again with Joe M doing well on the left hand side before crossing for Dan to get his second goal of the game.
We dominated for the rest of the game and we’re very unlucky not to get the winner. George Hirst, Joe M and Dan S all came close but unfortunately it finished 2-2 and the game went to penalties.
With a penalty miss each after 5 spot kicks the game went to sudden death and Union held their nerve to win.
Joe M and Regan were the sadly the lads who missed. Geo, Sam C, Webby, Rob H, and Liam M all converted.
Gordon Harrison Memorial Trophy
Union Rovers 2 - 2 Snainton FC (D Simpson 2)
Union won 7-6 on penalties
Congratulations to Union who go through to the next round.
After two weeks off with no game we returned to action today playing Union Rovers in the GH trophy.
Union have had a decent start in the league and we knew this would be another tough game.
The fortnight off showed in the earlier stages and Union took control of the game, putting us under pressure and having some good chances. We managed to work our way into the game slowly and started putting a few decent moves together. Having survived a few early scares, we took the lead when a great cross by Joe M from the left was converted at the back post by Dan Simpson to get his first Snainton goal.
Dan, one of two or three new signings this season, has been a real threat in the games he has played in so far and he continued this good form today.
After taking the lead we then sat back and ended up so deep we nearly ended up back in Snainton. We gave the ball away cheaply in our own half and Union took advantage down the right hand side before cutting the ball back to make it 1-1 from the edge of the area.
Unfortunately we capitulated for the next few minutes and Ry Matson set up their forward with a back pass that didn’t reach its target.
Incredibly, Union didn’t add a third before the break. Cross bar twice and two goal line clearances somehow meant it was only 2-1 at half time.
Despite being behind we knew we had still created some good chances ourselves in the first half and knew we could get back in the game if we defended better.
About ten minutes into the second half we were level. The same two players combined again with Joe M doing well on the left hand side before crossing for Dan to get his second goal of the game.
We dominated for the rest of the game and we’re very unlucky not to get the winner. George Hirst, Joe M and Dan S all came close but unfortunately it finished 2-2 and the game went to penalties.
With a penalty miss each after 5 spot kicks the game went to sudden death and Union held their nerve to win.
Joe M and Regan were the sadly the lads who missed. Geo, Sam C, Webby, Rob H, and Liam M all converted.
• Man of the match was Dan Simpson
We meet Union Rovers again next week at
home in the league.
We meet Union Rovers again next week at
home in the league.
Definitely a game of two halves
Saturday 15 October 2022
Ayton FC 5 - 0 Snainton
Saturday 15 October 2022
Ayton FC 5 - 0 Snainton
We made the short visit down the road to play against title challengers Ayton FC. After having close games against them in recent years we thought this game would be just as tight but instead we were absolutely miles off it.
It may have been different if we had brought the game level in the first half which we started well and thought we had scored in, only for the ref to unfortunately rule it out for hand ball.
Shortly after this we went 2-0 down at the worst possible time and consequently completely fell apart which hasn’t happened in a long time.
The second half was the worst performance from the lads in a long time. Heads dropped and Ayton took full advantage to stroll to a 5-0 victory.
After shipping goals for fun in the last twp games we hope to stop the rot with our next match when we visit Filey Reserves in the Scarborough and District Junior Cup.
It may have been different if we had brought the game level in the first half which we started well and thought we had scored in, only for the ref to unfortunately rule it out for hand ball.
Shortly after this we went 2-0 down at the worst possible time and consequently completely fell apart which hasn’t happened in a long time.
The second half was the worst performance from the lads in a long time. Heads dropped and Ayton took full advantage to stroll to a 5-0 victory.
After shipping goals for fun in the last twp games we hope to stop the rot with our next match when we visit Filey Reserves in the Scarborough and District Junior Cup.
Ouch, what a crusher!
North Riding County Cup Result
Saturday 8 October
Scarborough Athletic Reserves 8 – Snainton 0
North Riding County Cup Result
Saturday 8 October
Scarborough Athletic Reserves 8 – Snainton 0
The lads enjoyed an extra fitness session courtesy of Scarborough Athletic reserves.
Technically and physically better than us in all areas, the lads kept going until the end, despite some injuries in the second half.
On another day without some class finishing from boro and some dubious referee decisions going our way we might have been able to keep the score more respectable and stay in the game for longer but it wasn’t to be.
Well beaten by a better team.
Technically and physically better than us in all areas, the lads kept going until the end, despite some injuries in the second half.
On another day without some class finishing from boro and some dubious referee decisions going our way we might have been able to keep the score more respectable and stay in the game for longer but it wasn’t to be.
Well beaten by a better team.
Persistence pays in Snainton goalfest
Gordon Harrison memorial trophy result
Saturday 1 October
Snainton 5 - 1 Duncombe Park Reserves
Saturday 1 October
Snainton 5 - 1 Duncombe Park Reserves
The lads returned to winning ways as we hosted Duncombe park reserves in the Gordon Harrison memorial cup.
We had good numbers available again with lads not even making the bench. The gaffer made some changes to give some lads, who hadn’t played much recently, vital minutes.
We started brightly and got into some dangerous positions before Joe Milner got his first of the afternoon when he chested in a Ryan Matson cross. Ryan, playing cb, somehow found himself in the left wing position.
Against the run of play Duncombe Park equalised when a long free kick into the box was glanced into the bottom corner with the marking absolutely nowhere.
Thankfully we took the lead almost immediately when Joe Milner was caught late in the box. The ref awarded a pen and Joe stepped up to convert well to make it 2-1.
The lads were passing around well with Alfie Roberts and Regan Hewitt at full back starting attacks off repeatedly and it wasn’t long before we got another penalty that Joe won again. Unfortunately this time Joe saw his pen crash off the cross bar and the score remained 2-1.
Joe made up for this miss almost immediately when he volleyed in a nice Aidan Mcallion free kick to complete a first half hat trick to make it 3-1.
There was still time in the first half for the Duncombe park keeper to make three class saves as well as the gaffer being brought down in the box only for the ref to decide he was never giving us three penalties in the first 45 minutes.
With previous years telling us that 3-1 isn’t enough of a lead for us to take our foot off the gas, the gaffer was keen to make it 4-1 asap in the second half. That’s exactly what we did when Joe ran onto a delightful George Hirst through ball to make it 4-1 and get his fourth of the afternoon. We then made a few changes to give the lads on the bench a run and continued to pressure the Duncombe defence.
We made it 5-1 when a Ryan Hunter header found Fry who finished well on his left foot into the bottom corner from 25 yards before he went looking for an oxygen tank.
•Special mention to Nathan Sutherland who played 90 minutes and was a threat throughout after a year absent due to injury.
•Credit to Duncombe park reserves who kept going with a very young squad.
•Man of match according to the reporter on the side with his dog was George Hirst although the gaffer would have said Joe M for his four goals.
Much harder tests to come for us starting next Saturday when we play Scarborough Athletic reserves in the county cup.
Incredibly, George also won the scratchcard for the 2nd week running.
Thanks to The Coachman as always for hosting the teams post match.
We had good numbers available again with lads not even making the bench. The gaffer made some changes to give some lads, who hadn’t played much recently, vital minutes.
We started brightly and got into some dangerous positions before Joe Milner got his first of the afternoon when he chested in a Ryan Matson cross. Ryan, playing cb, somehow found himself in the left wing position.
Against the run of play Duncombe Park equalised when a long free kick into the box was glanced into the bottom corner with the marking absolutely nowhere.
Thankfully we took the lead almost immediately when Joe Milner was caught late in the box. The ref awarded a pen and Joe stepped up to convert well to make it 2-1.
The lads were passing around well with Alfie Roberts and Regan Hewitt at full back starting attacks off repeatedly and it wasn’t long before we got another penalty that Joe won again. Unfortunately this time Joe saw his pen crash off the cross bar and the score remained 2-1.
Joe made up for this miss almost immediately when he volleyed in a nice Aidan Mcallion free kick to complete a first half hat trick to make it 3-1.
There was still time in the first half for the Duncombe park keeper to make three class saves as well as the gaffer being brought down in the box only for the ref to decide he was never giving us three penalties in the first 45 minutes.
With previous years telling us that 3-1 isn’t enough of a lead for us to take our foot off the gas, the gaffer was keen to make it 4-1 asap in the second half. That’s exactly what we did when Joe ran onto a delightful George Hirst through ball to make it 4-1 and get his fourth of the afternoon. We then made a few changes to give the lads on the bench a run and continued to pressure the Duncombe defence.
We made it 5-1 when a Ryan Hunter header found Fry who finished well on his left foot into the bottom corner from 25 yards before he went looking for an oxygen tank.
•Special mention to Nathan Sutherland who played 90 minutes and was a threat throughout after a year absent due to injury.
•Credit to Duncombe park reserves who kept going with a very young squad.
•Man of match according to the reporter on the side with his dog was George Hirst although the gaffer would have said Joe M for his four goals.
Much harder tests to come for us starting next Saturday when we play Scarborough Athletic reserves in the county cup.
Incredibly, George also won the scratchcard for the 2nd week running.
Thanks to The Coachman as always for hosting the teams post match.
Holding on till the last five minutes
Beckett league division 1 result
Saturday 24 September 2022
Snainton 1 - 2 Ayton
Saturday 24 September 2022
Snainton 1 - 2 Ayton
We played our third league game of the season hoping to make it 3 out of 3 so far. We knew this would be our toughest test so far, always having close games with Ayton in previous seasons.
We started unbelievably slowly, Ayton were first to everything, and completely overran us in midfield. We conceded when we over played at the back, Webby got caught in possession and it was an easy finish for the Ayton forward. Tom Poor then kept us in the game with two great saves, the first a finger tip save around the post and then a ridiculous save from a point blank header from two yards out.
Finally after 25 minutes, we woke up and started to come into the game. After starting to match their work rate a huge moment in the game happened.
For the first time in years, the referee had declared at the start of the game he was not doing offsides and it was down to a chosen linesman for each team to do them. This was a surprise for both teams as for years teams have only been allowed to do ins and outs. Anyway, we thought we had equalised when Joe Milner picked out Regan Hewitt, whose scuffed left foot shot went in off the post and the referee awarded the goal only for him to later change his mind after chatting with the Ayton linesman.
A more than disappointing decision. We continued to press in hope for an equaliser.
We then had another great chance to equalise when Ryan Matson went clear through but screwed his shot onto the post.
We finally got an equaliser before half time when Liam Mintoft scored from a decent free kick from the edge of the box after he finally stopped putting his set pieces behind the Ayton goal.
With the scores level at half time we hoped to push on and find a winner in the second half but the game fizzled out for the most part with very few chances for either side.
It looked like the game was heading for a draw until the 85th minute when we conceded our second horrific goal of the afternoon. A scuffed Ayton corner found its way to the near post area and was somehow flicked in despite numerous Snainton bodies being in the way and on the line. Despite pressure in the final few seconds the ball wouldn’t fall for us to get an equaliser.
Draw probably would have been a fair result in the end. Congrats to Ayton who will be right up there at the end of the season.
•Man of the match - Tom Poor for his saves in the first 20 minutes.
With a change to fixtures our next match is a cup game at home
to Duncombe Park Reserves. Kick off 2pm.
At least Geo was happy with his afternoon when he won the scratch card
We started unbelievably slowly, Ayton were first to everything, and completely overran us in midfield. We conceded when we over played at the back, Webby got caught in possession and it was an easy finish for the Ayton forward. Tom Poor then kept us in the game with two great saves, the first a finger tip save around the post and then a ridiculous save from a point blank header from two yards out.
Finally after 25 minutes, we woke up and started to come into the game. After starting to match their work rate a huge moment in the game happened.
For the first time in years, the referee had declared at the start of the game he was not doing offsides and it was down to a chosen linesman for each team to do them. This was a surprise for both teams as for years teams have only been allowed to do ins and outs. Anyway, we thought we had equalised when Joe Milner picked out Regan Hewitt, whose scuffed left foot shot went in off the post and the referee awarded the goal only for him to later change his mind after chatting with the Ayton linesman.
A more than disappointing decision. We continued to press in hope for an equaliser.
We then had another great chance to equalise when Ryan Matson went clear through but screwed his shot onto the post.
We finally got an equaliser before half time when Liam Mintoft scored from a decent free kick from the edge of the box after he finally stopped putting his set pieces behind the Ayton goal.
With the scores level at half time we hoped to push on and find a winner in the second half but the game fizzled out for the most part with very few chances for either side.
It looked like the game was heading for a draw until the 85th minute when we conceded our second horrific goal of the afternoon. A scuffed Ayton corner found its way to the near post area and was somehow flicked in despite numerous Snainton bodies being in the way and on the line. Despite pressure in the final few seconds the ball wouldn’t fall for us to get an equaliser.
Draw probably would have been a fair result in the end. Congrats to Ayton who will be right up there at the end of the season.
•Man of the match - Tom Poor for his saves in the first 20 minutes.
With a change to fixtures our next match is a cup game at home
to Duncombe Park Reserves. Kick off 2pm.
At least Geo was happy with his afternoon when he won the scratch card
Triumph after four goal thriller!
Saturday 17 September
Kirkdale 0-4 Snainton
After the national cancellations last week the lads were keen to get playing again in our second league game of the season.
There was a minute silence prior to kick off and both teams wore black arms as a mark of respect to Queen Elizabeth II.
With much better numbers than in our first game against Ryedale, Snainton had five substitutes for the first time in their history. We started pretty slowly and it took us about 20 minutes to get control of the ball and create some half chances without coming under any real pressure.
About half way through the first half we got the break through when an in swinging free kick from Neil Fryirs was glanced in by Joe Milner to make it 0-1. Kirkdale had a good spell after this and had some good chances but thankfully Tom Poor in goal and some last ditch defending managed to clear the ball away.
Aidan ‘I get injured every match’ Mcallion came off at half time to make way for the Beast, aka Jayden Isaacs who had a great second half at centre back. We knew the second goal would be massive in this game and we managed to get it when we countered on a Kirkdale corner and Joe Milner ran clear to keep his cool and slot under the Kirkdale keeper. 0-2.
The gaffer standing in at left back lasted 63 minutes before he gave way for the healthier Ryan Hunter looking as vibrant as ever after his two weeks away on some Greek islands. Kirkdale came back at us once again and somehow didn’t score when they hit the bar and Rob Holt standing in at centre back cleared off the line.
We made the game safe when man of the match Regan Hewitt weaved in and out of the Kirkdale defence before slotting into the bottom corner.
We then made three substitutions, seeing some lads come back into the side for the first time in a long while. Snainton stalwart Basher (James Wilson) came on, Nathan Sutherland came on after over a year out with injury and veteran Steve Roberts made his first league appearance for the Snails.
There was still time for young Alfie Roberts to steam down the right side once more before seeing his attempted cross fly over the keeper into the top corner for his first ever Snainton goal.
After the national cancellations last week the lads were keen to get playing again in our second league game of the season.
There was a minute silence prior to kick off and both teams wore black arms as a mark of respect to Queen Elizabeth II.
With much better numbers than in our first game against Ryedale, Snainton had five substitutes for the first time in their history. We started pretty slowly and it took us about 20 minutes to get control of the ball and create some half chances without coming under any real pressure.
About half way through the first half we got the break through when an in swinging free kick from Neil Fryirs was glanced in by Joe Milner to make it 0-1. Kirkdale had a good spell after this and had some good chances but thankfully Tom Poor in goal and some last ditch defending managed to clear the ball away.
Aidan ‘I get injured every match’ Mcallion came off at half time to make way for the Beast, aka Jayden Isaacs who had a great second half at centre back. We knew the second goal would be massive in this game and we managed to get it when we countered on a Kirkdale corner and Joe Milner ran clear to keep his cool and slot under the Kirkdale keeper. 0-2.
The gaffer standing in at left back lasted 63 minutes before he gave way for the healthier Ryan Hunter looking as vibrant as ever after his two weeks away on some Greek islands. Kirkdale came back at us once again and somehow didn’t score when they hit the bar and Rob Holt standing in at centre back cleared off the line.
We made the game safe when man of the match Regan Hewitt weaved in and out of the Kirkdale defence before slotting into the bottom corner.
We then made three substitutions, seeing some lads come back into the side for the first time in a long while. Snainton stalwart Basher (James Wilson) came on, Nathan Sutherland came on after over a year out with injury and veteran Steve Roberts made his first league appearance for the Snails.
There was still time for young Alfie Roberts to steam down the right side once more before seeing his attempted cross fly over the keeper into the top corner for his first ever Snainton goal.
•Man of the match Regan Hewitt
•Mentions to Rob Holt, Webby and Joe Milner who all had very good games.
•Mentions to Rob Holt, Webby and Joe Milner who all had very good games.
Next up: Ayton at home next Saturday in the League. 2pm.
Tea/coffee and a biscuit £1. Card payment accepted.
Tea/coffee and a biscuit £1. Card payment accepted.