Saturday 17th Nov 2007

Sale United Tornadoes 1 v 1 Broadheath ‘Lions’

Another large crowd was treated to an exciting and flowing game of football as local rivals Broadheath locked horns with an improving Tornadoes side at Crossford this morning.
Ellis was handed the sacred armband for the first period as reward for his efforts this season and also to allow him to get close up and personal with his former colleagues in the visiting team. The ‘Lions’ were soon on the attack and were stinging Charlie’s gloves with every opportunity. The saves made today throughout the game were top drawer and helped build the platform for this close encounter. The opening goal in the 6 th minute was a result of a punt up field into the Sale United right flank, the covering defender thinking he had more time than he had, suddenly felt the pressure of the Pickton Factor who had run half the pitch length to chase a lost cause. This caused the defender to pass the ball back towards the goalie, but the two players were on different wavelengths, even worse on different areas of the pitch, and the ball sailed beyond the keeper and into the unguarded net to put the home side one nil up. The ‘Lions’ responded with a smart shot on goal which Charlie did well to beat out to the side, the ball rolling agonizingly along the goal line before a grateful and alert AB pounced first to welly the ball to safety – the ref had a great view of the ball and turned away the claims of a goal. Matt looked strong playing alongside Ab and his positioning allowed him time and space to play some intelligent balls up field.

The second period saw the introduction of Big Sam paired with Matt at the back. The home side spent a large proportion of the half camped in their own half as the midfield trio seemed to forget their defensive responsibilities and but for some last ditch defending and great saves from the home goalie Broadheath would have been level early on. The equalizer when it came was a carbon copy of last week. A Tornadoes player failed to close down an attacker on the left of the Sale box and when he did make a challenge turned his back, the grateful attacker got by easily and lined up a low shot across Charlie who had it covered, lady luck then had her second giggle of the day as the ball struck the foot of the post and rebounded off Charlie’s shoulder who was now full length on the floor and the ball rolled into the net. Deflections, own goals – number 5 I believe, perhaps Charlie has walked under a ladder, trod on a mirror whilst losing his lucky rabbits foot – it’s the only explanation I can think of for his run of bad luck recently.
The game began to ebb and flow, and a fine shot from Jake that beat the goalie all ends up, saw a desperate goal line clearance from the Lions. Dom got into the game with some marauding runs down both flanks and Josh linked up well with Leon who was holding the centre of midfield well, which prevented the Lions attacks from forming as frequent as earlier on.

It was all out attack for the third period as the Tornadoes went for the jugular. Time after time, Dom, Ellis and Jake provided ammunition for each other or the main outlet Ant, but despite some valiant efforts the keeper thwarted them or the ball went inches wide. Attacking corners were met with powerful headers but again directed just off target. The Lions were by no means out of it and only the speed of AB prevented the forwards from having a one on one with Charlie. A great ball through the defence from Dom saw Ant take on the goalie, and as he came out and Ant struck his shot a brave sliding tackle from the defender just poked the ball to safety. Another great ball into the box saw Ant in a great position but as he stretched to make contact the ball struck the post and away to safety. Another late shot from the left saw the goalie make a great last ditch save and he parried the ball just inches away from Jake who was running in for the rebound.
So the final peep of the whistle signaled a share of the spoils and a useful point for the Tornadoes.

Man of the match, sponsored by BUSIBODIES….the Cat may be back next week but his deputy once again performed heroics with his Kenny Everett goalie gloves… well done again Charlie…Bazooka Joe bubbly gum on its way.

Keep the faith..Tinkerman/ Tinkerbell.

Saturday 10th November 2007

Ald Edge 1 v 1 Sale Utd Tornadoes

To gain a crumb of comfort from the result I suppose it shows the high standard of football played in this division when the two bottom teams can put on such a display of exciting, entertaining football played in a great spirit which the referee commented on post match.
On a pitch that sloped more than the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro and with a stiff wind blowing the players needed to adapt quickly to the pitch conditions and the first few minutes were spent trying to do just that with the ball spending most of its life in the bottom defending corner of the visitors right flank and it was from this area that the home side took an early lead in the fourth minute. A Tornadoes player showing his back to the attacking forward instead of making it difficult for him to reach the box by jockeying him, the resulting shot appeared to be covered by Charlie but as it came to him at a comfortable height one of the defenders got in the way and the merest deflection took the ball away from him and into the back of the net. Four deflected goals in three matches when the little man has had the gloves, cruel or what?
Shocked into action, the Tornadoes didn’t waste any time and began a series of raids on the home side’s goal. In the eight minute the ball was cleared to Dom on the left, who was well inside his own half. Instead of running into space in front of him, he looked up seeing Jake pointing into space behind the retreating defender and an exquisite ball into space saw Jake power beyond the last defender and place the ball beyond the keeper for his sixth goal this season.

The second period saw AB join the fray and some well judged clearances to the front line saw several chances created with Jakes speed twice taking him past the defence but his well struck shots going agonizingly wide.
Ant had been put into the midfield battle on the left and linked up well with Bill in the middle, with Ellis time after time punishing his marker with some fine runs into the box. It just needed someone on the final ball.
The visitors suffered a scare half way through the half as the home side rattled the bar after Sale failed to clear a harmless looking corner. The half ended in stalemate.

The final period saw no quarter given by either side. Josh was pushed into defence to replace Big Sam who had been a dominant presence in the first two periods at the back. Josh didn’t disappoint with AB constantly talking him through his unfamiliar position.
A cynical handball on the edge of the Ald. Box resulted in a free kick with Jakes name written on it. His powerfully struck shot whistled millimeters wide of the post and the effort brought applause from both sets of appreciative supporters. Corey was brought on for a tiring Ant and the game continued apace with chances at either end. In the last minute a speculative shot from the edge of the Tornadoes ball saw the home side 2.1 up…no, no wait a minute, Charlie is diving backwards but the ball is beyond his reach, no wait, he has managed to get his left hand on the ball and surely not, yes he has clawed the ball away…hold the back page, were are still level. Now Corey has the ball at the other end, he’s beaten 1, 2, 3 players with a jinking run and cruelly the ball has just sailed over the bar, queue the final whistle and a share of the spoils.
Man of the match…..good early distribution of the ball, good kicking, safe hands and a tremendous save at the end…Charlie gets the Bazooka Joe chewy (actually a lolly this week as I had left the chewy at home).

Keep the faith,,, Tinkerman/ tinkerbell.

Saturday 27th Oct 2007 (cup)

Sale Utd Tornadoes 2 v 5 Cheadle +Gatley

Before the game Tinkerman had major selection headaches with Ellis not eligible to play and Corey succumbing to an old hand injury. The cards were reshuffled after much deliberation and for the first period the gods seemed to have answered the prayers as the Tornadoes played some fantastic football in a great game of football. Captain Charlie took the gloves after some emergency mid week training to equip him as Corey’s deputy. Matt and Leon were playing at the back and dealt with everything thrown their way with some no nonsense defending, but intelligent forward passes. Once again Dom showed the way with some blazing dribbles down the left and on one of his frequent forays he looked up and slid a perfect ball to Jake who managed to stab the ball over the line to send the home side into a lead for the first time this season. Not content to rest on their laurels the home side continued to take the game to their skillful opponents, who did not sit back but began peppering Charlie with several well struck shots which the little man handled well. One dipping shot was somehow turned around the post for a Cheadle corner. Deep into injury time the Tornadoes defence failed to deal with a ball in the box which should have been wellied into row Z, the visitors picked up the loose ball and a high looping shot was just out of Charlie’s reach for a late, late equalizer.
Changes in personnel were made and the new players soon found their feet in a frantic game, however a foul on the edge of the box saw the visitors unleash a powerful shot goal wards, it should really have been easily cleared on the line by a Tornadoes goal line sentry but the ball inexplicably found its way into the net to put the visitors 2.1 up. This was followed soon after by a low cross into the Tornadoes box and the ball took a wicked deflection off the shins of a covering Tornadoes player and past Charlie – a cruel undeserved blow. The home side continued to play their exciting brand of football, and their own free kick on the edge of the Cheadle area saw AB’s dipping rasper just clear over the bar. Big Sam was finding some space on the right and Charlie’s intelligent kicking often found the big man who used the ball well linking with the midfield players. By now Josh had succumbed to a whack in the stomach and had to be replaced. Ant playing out wide was finding space behind his man and was playing some great balls for Jake to feed off. The game was being orchestrated from the centre of midfield by Billy whose running and determination was testament to all the hard work he puts into training. Alas the home side couldn’t quite find the killer ball although the visiting goalie was not having a quiet morning by any means.
Early on in the third period Lady Luck frowned on the home side as a mix up in the defence – again a failure to clear a ball, saw a weak shot cannon off the shoulder of a defender and loop beyond Charlie’s reach and into the net. This was followed by a dangerous free kick from the visitors which fairly rattled the Tornadoes bar and onto the line and away to safety. Another long range effort was expertly tipped onto the bar by Charlie who was having a great game between the sticks. Lean continued where he had left off with some strong but fair challenges but the injury list grew longer as a 50/50 ball left him with a painful ankle and he had to be taken off. The reshuffle allowed Billy another crack at the opponents and soon after, Dom went on one of his jinking runs, played an intelligent ball into the box, the resulting scramble saw the goalie make a brave save, but as the ball bobbled into the air a grateful Billy stuck his head on it for the Tornadoes FIRST headed goal this season. However, the score line was extended beyond the reach of the Tornadoes as a speculative right wing cross sailed over Charlie’s outstretched hands and into the top corner- how many times has that happened this season to us? To give the lads credit they never stopped attacking, although the visitors goalie at one time had a brain storm and ran with the ball to the half way line, the tornadoes won the ball from him but were unable to put the ball into the unguarded net.
So the poor run of results continues apace, although the score line is no where near a reflection of the effort and skill shown today and with just a little more luck and effort the results should soon come.
Man of the match, sponsored by BUSIBODIES, a close one- Charlie in his new emergency position showed some great handling and intelligent distribution of the ball, coupled with some fine saves. However one player stood out head and shoulders above the rest with his strong tackling and his 100% effort to win the ball when he could, and to cap it all a well anticipated goal. The bazooka Joe chewy goes to Billy.

Keep the Faith...Tinkerman….and his assistant Tinkerbell.

Saturday 13th Oct 2006

Sale Utd Tornadoes 1 v 7 Communities

The Tornadoes sorry start to the season continued apace as their self destruct mechanism went into overdrive. The game started brightly enough with Ellis pushed into midfield and he began to torment the visitors defence with some great runs, however his teamates often failed to keep up and the final ball usually went begging. The Tornadoes defence again failed to deal with a corner from the left and instead of clearing the ball during a scramble they allowed the visitors to fire the ball into the net from close range.

Changes in personnel at the back and in midfield had a disastrous impact on the team as the team failed time after time to compete for the 50/50 balls. The earlier passing game was forgotton and the familiar sight of the home goalkeeper picking the ball out of the net was soon on view as the Tornadoes shipped 3 quick goals without reply.

The third period started brightly enough with AB smacking a high ball from well within his own half to see it bounce over the Communities goalie for a memorable goal. What should have been a spark for a sensational comeback proved to be a false dawn as the bad habits once again set in whereby too many players began shirking their responsibilities in most areas of the pitch and almost unbelievably the visitors helped themselves to another 3 goals.

Man of the match: as a collection of players they were totally disorganised after the first period. The one shining light was the performance of the new signing making his proper debut today. Sponsored by BUSIBODIES, the bazooka Joe chewy went to Ellis.

Keep the faith..Tinkerman / Tinkerbell

Saturday 6th October 2007

Urmston Meds 5 v 0 Sale Utd Tornadoes

If I hadn’t have had my haircut short the day before the game I would have pulled it all out in frustration at the lack of commitment showed by the players during the game today. It was always going to be difficult making the step up a level by the team and they really need to transfer some of the hard work shown in training to the place it really matters – on the pitch. Matters were not helped as Tinkerman opted to start with Josh between the sticks for the first period, instead of Corey, and the first 6 minutes were a blur as a powerful Meds side ripped through the Tornadoes heart scoring three quick goals. To their credit, the visitors managed to steady the ship and although not creating a lot to test the Meds keeper managed to string together a few passes out to the wing where Jinking Jake was ploughing a lone furrow.

An apoplectic Tinkerman met the players at half time with some stern words and the team came out somewhat rejuvenated, with Corey back in the goals and Josh now plying his trade in the middle of the park with some strong tackling. Corey’s handling was as sure as ever and the Tornadoes were somewhat ‘unlucky’ to concede a goal after the ball had clearly gone out for a goal kick only to be retrieved by the marauding Meds forward and he shot from a tight angle as the Tornadoes players stood appealing to the ref – play to the whistle as they say in footy. Dominator Dom was having the run of the park with his clever dribbling but the end product of a pass to a player better positioned was not always forthcoming.

The third period saw the welcome introduction of Ellis bought during the transfer window, and he brought some semblance of order to the defence with his good positional sense and sure footed tackling. Josh had been placed back in the nets for the third period and he unlucky to see a harmless looking shot end up in the back of the net after a misjudgment and lack of cover in front of him. The visitors rarely posed a threat although the midfield did compete well and the score line was kept down. Final score 5.0.

Man of the match Sponsored by PLANET ECLIPSE… a toss up between Josh who despite playing a dual role, tackled like a good ‘un in midfield and played some intelligent balls forward, but the vote goes to Ellis, always difficult to come on as sub, but when you have been waiting a few weeks to appear and get your chance at 4.0 down and play without putting a foot wrong, the Bazooka Joe award is well deserved on your debut.

Keep the Faith…Tinkerman/Tinkerbell

Saturday 29 September

Sale Utd Tornadoes 2 v 6 Unicorn Sambas.

For the 3rd week in a row the Tornadoes were on the end of a score line that failed to do the efforts of the players’ justice. In front of a large crowd the home side got off to a good start against the league champions, matching them in every department. Josh’ bite yer legs’ was holding the middle well playing against some very skillful opposition. Corey the cat’s gloves were warmed up on a couple of occasions but nothing that he couldn’t handle comfortably. The opening goal came as a result of the visitors pushing up their big guns for a corner which was met powerfully and the samba rhythm began. The dance was short lived however, as Jinking Jake chased a loose ball with the samba GK sprinting 25 yards from his line, the cleared ball was struck but cannoned off Jake, although the players both met it at the same time and despite the efforts of a samba defender the ball nestled nicely into the back of the net. Both sides traded attacks and it was the home side that fell to a smart shot shortly before the half ended, to see them 2.1 up at the break.
Tinkerman brought Matty the Mauler on in his favored defensive berth paired with the tireless Pickton Factor. The midfield pack was shuffled with Thunderboots AB and Lionheart Leon playing alongside Josh. Credit where credit is due to Tinkerman as the dividends were soon in the bank, another ball played through to Jake saw him out sprint the Samba defence yet again, and as the opposing GK came out to narrow the options, the star striker calmly chipped the ball over him and into the far top corner of the net. However as happened so many times in this game, the lack of marking on corners proved to be the home sides Achilles heel today as the ball was swung in from the left, an unchallenged giant of the opposition headed the ball goal wards, with the Pickton Factor valiantly trying to keep it out on the line. AB and Leon were switched roles to allow AB pace on the left with Leon’s stronger tackling needed to prevent the Samba left side progressing into our half. Chances came and went for both sides and the Tornadoes went into the break 3.2 down and still in with a chance of grabbing a deserved result.
Early in the 3rd period and the home side could have been level, once again Jake outran the defence and was unlucky to see his shot slide just wide. Dom the Dominator was causing havoc with his dribbling skills but his final ball in the box was usually desperately cleared by some last ditch defending. In order to force the play Cool head Charlie was pushed further forward sometimes leaving Matty alone in his defensive duty, but thus far he had repaid the faith shown in him with some good no nonsense defending. Trickyboots Nugent was having a solid game on the right hand side playing some dangerous balls through for the home forwards and not deserting his important defensive duty where necessary. However the foundations of the team were built on sand today and the Samba tide came in to wash them away in the closing minutes with 3 well taken goals to give the score line a flattering look for those not involved. Final score 6.2 to the Sambas.
An exciting match to watch with the Tornadoes never too far away from their illustrious opponents for most of the match.
Man of the match this week sponsored by BUSIBODIES. Pace, skill and 2 goals, one out of the top drawer. The bazooka Joe trophy goes to JAKE.

Keep the faith…Tinkerman/ Tinkerbell.

Saturday 22 September

Cheadle’s+ Gat. 4 v 1 Sale Utd Tornadoes

In an entertaining and hard fought game the Tornadoes fell victim to 2 late goals to thwart any chance of a draw that lady luck had tantalizingly placed just out of reach. The visitors time after time fail to fire on all 4 cylinders early in the game and today was no exception as the midfield was constantly found wanting in both tackling and challenging for the 50/50 balls. The added pressure was soaked up by the hard working defence with a succession of corners being cleared well. Corey the Cat had a game to remember with more that one high five from a grateful teammate after a string of fine stops. A fantastic goaline clearance by Cool head Charlie from a quickly taken free kick kept the home side at bay. As the end was coming to a close the under pressure defence seemed to have their mind on Jaffa cakes and the home side deservedly took the lead after the Tornadoes failed to deal with the aftermath of a well taken corner, shortly after which Corey was left exposed and the home side glee fully went into the break 2.0 up.

The midfield pack was re-shuffled with Dominator Dom given the central midfield berth and Trickyboots Nugent playing alongside. This tactic worked well with Dom producing some fine solo runs down the right flank backed up well by Bill. Lionheart Leon held firm at the back despite being under the weather and what he did miss was swept up by the hard running Pickton Factor. The Tornadoes dominated the second period and with a bit more luck Thunderboots Barnett would have opened up his seasons account. Big Sam was trying his best to stop the visitors pushing up the right flank with some good tackles but the home side played some fine football down both wings, again the Cat pulled off some great stops and the period remained goalless.

Matty the Mauler was brought back on in the middle and Dom now pushed up front. The tactic paid instant dividends as a run deep from Dom followed by an explosive shot saw the ball spoon into the air over the stranded keeper with Trickyboots Nugent on hand to smash the ball into the unguarded net – his first goal since January this year, many more to follow I think. The visitors kept up the pressure with some fine saves from the Cheadle goalie and some great link up play between Bill and Dom. Tinkerman made several changes during the period to try and grab a deserved equalizer, throwing caution to the wind and pushing Charlie into midfield. Gambles don’t always pay off and the home side took advantage of the Tornadoes pushing forward with several breaks which left the Pickton Factor 3v1 at times but his footballing brain rarely deserts him and by not rushing in allowed his teammates to recover positions and assist. The Cheadle team however was able to soak up the pressure and it was only a matter of time before the gamble backfired and 2 quick goals put the game beyond reach. Final score 4.1.
A thoroughly enjoyable game to watch between two teams intent on playing good football, although the Tornadoes clearly missed the steel of Josh in the middle and the cunning skill of Jake up front today.

Man of the Match..sponsored by PLANET ECLIPSE.. gets better and better between the sticks..Corey the Cat gets the Bazooka Joe this week.

Keep the Faith …Tinkerman.

Saturday 15 Sept 2007

Sale Utd Tornadoes 1 v 4 NJ Wythenshawe

This was always going to be a tough one for the lads and so it proved in more than one. The game started at a frantic pace with the Tornadoes matching their opponents both in skill and aggression. A couple of the NJW players seemed to go down a bit easy until the ref stopped play, and the resulting promising position we had found ourselves in resulted in the ball twice being brought back deep into out own half for a contested drop ball. NJW were often left with too much space wide on the wings and exploited this with some clever runs deep only to be stopped by a combination of the Pickton Factor and his trusty side kick Cool head Charlie. Due to the dogged tackling of Trickyboots Nugent the opposition was restricted to long range shots which Corey the Cat dealt with comfortably. The Tornadoes struggled to feed the appetite of Jinking Jake upfront and the first half finished even at 0.0.

The second half carried on seamlessly from the first and the visitors seemed a little surprised that their physical approach was being matched and more by a determined home side. Big Sam playing in an unfamiliar central midfield role worked hard alongside a determined and hard working Matt the Mauler, with Bite yer legs Josh enjoying seeing more of the ball than last week. Lionheart Leon had replaced Charlie at the back and strode across the back line like a colossus to snuff out the danger from the marauding NJW wide players, on several occasions beating several players in a tight corner with a little step over, shimmy back heel and away up the wing he went. The danger was constantly on the wings and the opening goal came from a cross deep on the right wing, the NJW player put in a great high ball that drifted into the net high up and out of reach of the Cat. Enforced changes with the Pickton Factor suffering from being winded and Josh took a heavy knock in a tackle, but the Tornadoes battled on, with Jake managing a powerful shot from outside the area, only to see the NJW GK tip it around the post.

The third period began with a team carrying a few knocks but still their battling qualities showed through with no little skill from the back 2 players, Leon and Charlie as they coolly brought the ball out under pressure and made good use of it to their team mates. However the boys were caught napping on the right and a quick throw resulted in a ball played into the area and a smart shot evaded Corey the Cat and it was 2.0 to the visitors. A lapse of concentration again found the midfield players too far forward and the NJW forward was on hand to slam home a third, which was quickly followed by a fourth, in between this Cool head Charlie went on a mazy run evading several desperate tackles, and as he pulled the trigger he was cruelly upended by a sliding tackle inside the area. Play on was the result of the appeal. In the dying moments, Dominator Dom taking a leaf out of Charlie’s book ran at the defence cutting in from the left, but he managed to skip over the last desperate attempt to stop him scoring and dispatched a powerful shot past the NJ keeper for a goal the the Tornadoes were well worth for their efforts. The scenes at the final whistle don’t deserve to be mentioned in a report about 2 teams of 9 yr old boys playing football, suffice to say that the home team offered their hands to the victors in all sincerity but many were not rewarded with the magnanimous gestures that most winning teams offer to the vanquished.

Man of the match sponsored by BUSIBODIES….. In at a tough match, the Bazooka Joe chewing gum had to go to a tough hombre, shading the award this week – Lionheart Leon.

Keep the Faith..Tinkerman/Tinkerbell