Match Preview: Stretford Paddock FC v Hoole Rangers (Cup)

Stretford Paddock FC are making their eagerly anticipated return to football against Hoole Rangers in the cup after an extensive period of time without a match due to weather conditions akin to Asian monsoon seasons. Nearly six weeks has passed and the club are keen to start 2024 without another postponed fixture having been proactive in securing a 3G pitch at Manchester College, Openshawe. As Brian Casey of the Irish Supporters Club states "it has been nearly six weeks of emptiness and nothingness", so it is going to be great to start the new calendar year on the touchline once again.

Moving into the second round of the Northern Cup, Paddock will be taking on a Hoole Rangers side who have also experienced multiple postponements amidst the wet festive period. With only three games since the 11th of November 2023 they will likely experience issues with match fitness similar to Paddock.

Hoole play in the Chester and Wirral Queensbury Premier Division where they sit 3rd after nine games. Having picked up just 14 points from the possible 27 to sit third may say more about the quality of the division than it does Hoole. They have had no problem finding the net a grand total of 33 times in those nine matches with goals seemingly pouring in from all over the pitch. However, club Captain Josh Leach is closing in on his season record 14 goals (22/23) having already smashed in 9 goals this season across all competitions. This included a hat-trick in their most recent fixture against Blacon Youth at the beginning of December.

With what positives Rangers can take from their exploits in the final third, there is bound to be some concern about their ability to plug the leak at that back. A defence that has conceded 27 goals without playing the runaway league leaders proves that there will be opportunities for free-scoring opposition such as Paddock. This being said, Hoole did manage a 1-2 win against Macclesfield Town Ressies full of quality players, so there is no chance that Oattsy&Co will go into this game without full focus.

Stretford Paddock move into this second round after an upturn in performances that reflect their results. The De Le Salle cup result aside, Paddock have been playing some poetic football of late which has included showing their "roll your sleeves up" side to their game during their impressive victory against league leaders Clay Brow.

Avid supporters will however remember Paddock's turn of the year performances last season when they did look slow, unfit, and disjointed after Christmas. This was admittedly exacerbated by losing first team regulars at a key point of the season, but maintaining focus during the festive season at whatever level of football you play is a necessity if you aspire to win trophies. Those of us who follow the players on social media will have confidence in them returning to footballing duties in much better condition this season though. Stories and posts on Instagram show many of the first team staying focussed in the gym or great outdoors as well as enjoying their pigs in blankets, turkey, chocolate, and mulled wine wherever they are in the world. The attempt to stay match fit continued for some players like Callum Walsh and Joe Coleman featuring for the Under 21's when their games have been given the green light. This should give Paddock supporters and the team confidence in returning to new year action in at least reasonable condition to lead title and cup charges.

As mentioned earlier, Paddock should be finding opportunities to score against this leaky Rangers

defence having rippled the net on 55 occasions across all competitions. The challenge for Hoole will be to find a way to break down a consistently impressive red and white defence who have only conceded 17 goals in all competitions that have included matches against high quality free-scoring opposition such as De La Salle, Clay Brow, and Pilkington. I favour Paddock to play organised and patient football in this fixture to control possession and take their chances. With goals coming from all over the pitch it is clear that goals can come from anywhere, especially if Nosa finds himself with the opportunity to thread the ball like a Littler dart through the heart of the Hoole defence.

One thing is for certain; we are all ecstatic at the prospect of Paddock-ball being back for the new year. Clare handing out programmes, Dave preparing the scene, Joe arms-crossed on the side line, Lewis shaking his head trying to prepare the camera, Howson barking for more urgency during the warm, and supporters donning the new Paddock FC shirt they unwrapped at Christmas. Things you love to see on a Saturday afternoon....

Up The Paddock!