SALTBURN ATHLETIC ( JUNIOR ) FC UPDATE 

UNDER 14's

The boys have been training hard all over the summer break readying themselves for the new season. We have played three friendly matches, the first was away to Grangetown YCC, with a depleted squad we still managed a 4-1 victory, and our performance was very encouraging.

Next on our list was a visit to local rivals New Marske. Despite falling behind by two first half goals we fought back and the match finished 2-2, a fair result on the evening.

Our last pre-season game was away to Guisborough Town, a keenly contested game which we eventually lost 0-2. All of our friendly opponents were playing in a league, two divisions above us last season so we were very happy with our pre-season preparations.

On Sunday 13^th September we kicked off our season with a home match against Bedale JFC. The first half was a very one sided affair, a hat trick from Andy Turton giving us a 3-0 lead at the break. In the second half goals from Andy Turton and Steven Worton made it 5-0 before Bedale fought back with two goals, then Andy netted his fifth of the match, the final score a 6-2 win for Saltburn.

Martin Fowkes, Team Manager                                 

UNDER 15's 

The Under 15s have worked hard on their fitness during the summer months in preparation for the step up to the TJFA Division 3. Two pre-season friendlies were played. The first of which was against 21^st Allstars from Division 3 . Saltburn were without their Goalkeeper, William Walters, prompting the use of a makeshift Keeper in Tom List. An injury to Tom and subsequently to midfielder Alex Whiley meant a further re-shuffle. Despite this the team battled on bravely and it was an end to end affair. New signing Josh Hudson caused big problems in the Allstars defence scoring 4 goals for Saltburn. Although the match ended in a 6 -5 defeat there were some very positive aspects which the team could take away.

The second friendly was against local Division 4 rivals Marske Utd and it was expected to be a close encounter with Saltburn looking to reverse their defeat in the Final of the Saltburn Victorian Footballers & Friends competition in July. Saltburn started strongly with some good attacking football which kept Sam Harvey the Marske Utd Keeper very busy. Strong attacking runs by Steve Hoggard on the right was clearly unsettling the opposition defence and Saltburn were winning the midfield battle. Josh Hudson’s presence was again causing problems in the opposition defence and it wasn’t long before Josh opened the scoring for Saltburn. Marske fought back and Jack Barker’s pace presented the biggest threat. Both teams struck the frame of the goal on more than one occasion but the Saltburn team were the stronger on the day and eventually ran out deserved 4 -1 winners. Josh Hudson again scoring all 4 of the Saltburn goals.

The big test for Saltburn was however the opening fixture of the new season on 13^th September. This was a home game against Darlington TSC with Saltburn fielding a full strength squad. Again Saltburn started strongly mounting attack after attack on the Darlington goal and were soon rewarded with an opening goal from our new goal machine Josh Hudson. Some good service from midfield and the flanks caused continual problems for the opposition defence who were at times struggling with the continual bombardment. Saltburn increased their lead with Josh Hudson scoring his second of the game. James Caird’s strong run led to Saltburn’s third which effectively sealed the victory. A momentary defensive lapse did however lead to a ‘soft’ consolation goal for the Darlington team. The lead was however restored when Josh Hudson completed his hat trick to make the score 4 -1. Sam Clark’s persistence up front was finally rewarded when he netted Saltburn’s fifth. The final score was 5 -1 to Saltburn and it was a good way to start  our assault on Division 3. The opposition manager was gracious in defeat and commented that we had let them off lightly ! 

 UNDER 16's

The Under 16s started their Division 4 season with an away game at Seaton Carew ‘B’ recording a great 5 -2 victory. Captain Dean Tandy scored a hat trick with Jamie Ellison and Tyler Johnson adding to the Saltburn tally.

Other SAFC news

The Club will be undertaking a Bag Pack at Tesco in Redcar on Saturday 19^th September in order to raise funds for the Club. All three teams will be involved .Details of funds raised will follow.