Monday night - Billy No-mates again! Still - the Arnold and Ollerton youngsters put on a good show, and although Arnold lost their third game on the spin, they are very young and are still learning. Arnold have the majority of their last seasons Under 16's playing at U19 level - they will struggle against teams who have been together for a couple of seasons, but as a "work in progress" they should improve as the season goes on.
The Eagles held out for 33 minutes, but then gave AARON NORMAN too much space to shoot on the edge of the box, and the no.7's effort took a slight deflection before flying past Joe Gretton in the Arnold goal.
Left-back KASEY DUNN scored the Ollerton second on 37, ramming the ball home from close range after the Arnold defence failed to deal with a corner in from the right.
Right on half-time, Simba Ganyiwa was tripped in the box and Referee Wayne Gray had little option other than to award Ollerton a spot kick. Ganyiwa dusted himself off and fired the penalty to Gretton's right - but the keeper had guessed correctly and his superb diving save thwarted the no. 11. H-T 0-2
The second half saw Arnold try to get back in the game, but the Ollerton back four were having none of it! 16 year old Daniel Chadwick has just signed forms to play for the Arnold 1st team - and he looked dangerous when he came on - but there was no joy to be had from the solid Ollerton defence.
It was another one of the visiting defenders who grabbed the third Ollerton goal on 78, JAMIE McALLISTER beating his man and hitting a low drive past Gretton from 15 yards out. F-T 0-3
Ollerton's MOM was, without doubt, James Hogg. The midfielder wanted the ball throughout the game and his distribution was superb. A little on the diminutive side, but one to watch, I reckon..
Admission £2 inc programme
Head count 46
