The 28th August 2013 saw a red letter day in the life of Junction FC in the Huddersfield and District Football League as the first game of the season was met with all the enthusiasm and excitement in the World.

The trip over to Oldham was to end up ultimately in defeat with some less than pleasant verbal antics from the home side which will be dealt with in the appropriate manner by the management team.

That point left aside, the first team sheet for Junction FC read with quality throughout and this was even more evident with an equally strong bench, competition for places will be strong when you consider who was not available or selected for match 1. Congratulations to Joe Burns as the very first Ist Team Captain :-)

The team sheet was as follows:

1. Paul Crossley (G)
2. Will Jennings
3. Sam Pinnick
4. Alistair Cripps (obviously Sunday names for All)
5. Dom Holroyd
6. Joe Burns (C)
7. Nathan Lockwood
8. Alex Gibb
9. Ben Elam
10. Danny Krigers
11. Josh Walters

12. Joe Davies
14. Elliot Polzin
15. Harry Chahal

MANAGER - Nick Walters

Despite all of our best efforts to turn the lads out in their Sunday finest, it all came down to Earth with a bump as prior to KO Paul Crossley was asked to change his shirt due to a colour clash :-( Abooooo to the officials!!

The game started with both sides feeling each other out but quickly it became clear that Moorside did not like the physicality with Alex Gibb making his presence felt in the midfield with some strong tackling and Sam Pinnick his usual self with strength and composure at the back.

Metaphorical punches were exchanged early on with clear chances few are far between. Probably the best chance of the half went to Josh Walters with a direct free kick forcing the opposition keeper to make a comfortable save. The whole midfield looked comfortable on the ball and brought the wide players in effectively. Ben Elam proved to be an excellent target man holding the ball up well when opportunities arose.

Moorside could feel lucky to take the lead when a mix up at the back allowed a ball to be headed home from close range.

As was widely predicted, Josh Walters' name was first in the book after lashing a ball into the net from an off side position with the referee citing numerous examples of descent previous. We all heard the whistle Josh ;-)))))

In the second half, Junction FC bossed the game throughout with plenty of good wide play between Nathan Lockwood and Will Jennings. Changes in personnel saw Harry Chahal, Joe Davies and Elliot Polzin replacing Dom Holroyd, Danny Krigers and Josh Walters.

Further bookings to Harry Chahal and Sam Pinnick were picked up from a referee who set his stall out early doors to ruin the game.

Moorside scored a second goal with a lapse in concentration.

Despite being 2-0 down, Junction FC can be proud to have held their heads high and finished the game the strongest with some excellent wide play and crossing into the danger zone from Joe Davies and some spirited battling from Harry and continued link up play from Nathan with Elliot Polzin.

The game ended all too soon with a 2-0 defeat but with Junction FC having shown a real spirit and determination throughout the whole team. It all bodes well for the rest of the season.

It was a tough decision but MOTM goes to Nathan Lockwood, if for nothing else having to take the dogs abuse from the number 13 who will be reported for his verbals on Harry and for his great link up play in wide positions.

UTJ

Match report and official photographer - David Aisthorpe (Treasurer)