Mid-Season Review: Up, Up, Up The Paddock

With the Cheshire Division 2 hitting the official half way point in the season, we can now take a moment to reflect on key moments so far and assess Paddock's progress towards their goals.

Ins and Outs

The start of the season saw mixed news from the club with Paddock wing-wizard Kieron "Kizz" Molloy returning to the squad after a stint in Wales with Bala Town. This spirit-raising news was dampened slightly with the news that striker sensation Ryan Katumba was to move to new parent club, Glossop North End, on duel registration. Fans desire to see KM7 and RK9 link up for the season was quashed, but the addition of dynamic and tricky winger Callum Walsh, who impressed in pre-season, helped to iron out any worries of attacking issues. Add in trialist Michael Olatunji who shone at trials and Paddock entered the season in a strong position having maintained the entirety of the first team squad who ended the 22/23 term. This was a fantastic achievement considering there was approximately only four weeks to rest before pre-season needed to begin and a quick start to the season at the end of July. Finally, an important inclusion in The Gaffers plans was adding to the back room staff in Loughborough University student Aaron Hopley as the squads fitness trainer. Helping to prepare the team to out run and out work all teams in the division has been the goal, and Aaron has certainly contributed to the rise in performance seen.

Strength In Depth

The first game of the season brought a reminder of what may lay ahead for Paddock. A dodgy pitch and a plucky opposition in Wigan Town saw Paddock struggle to walk away victors with the three points. Reality check in hand and Paddock marched on a nine-match unbeaten run, which included a historic club record 10-0 win and holding free scoring league leaders Pilkington to a goalless draw. The keys to this run of form were in areas that the club could have only dreamed of just a few months ago.

Firstly, the Paddock defence have been rock solid so far this season. Oattsy will be the first person to admit that he will have been unhappy with several of the goals conceded, but just 11 goals in 14 is a superb tally for a defence that has missed Omar on several occasions and seen Michael have to adjust to his new team mates. A clean sheet in 50% of fixtures is testament to the defensive unit Paddock has become, including our points-winning Goalkeeper Martin Flanagan.

Despite the many positives in defence Martin has been needed on more occasions than he would have liked. From making several important penalty saves to keep Paddock in games, last-ditch one-on-ones, and to give the players in front of him "verbal motivation" when necessary. There will be nobody taking Martins contribution for granted after the last couple of seasons performances by other goalkeepers. He has been outstanding and a stalwart leading to multiple Man of the Match awards and importantly a deciding factor in who takes the points in some games.

Secondly, Ste has shown his managerial growth this season by utilising the versatile squad depth at his disposal. Due to many injuries to key players, suspensions, and availability, he has needed to call on the full depth of the registered players to field a team on numerous occasions. The teams flexibility to play wherever and whenever needed has been a huge asset with players like Ronaldo and Callum fulfilling fullback duties, and even Jainiero having a successful spell as striker. The strength in depth has also been bolstered by the ultra-reliable and dedicated players like Richie being called on to play regularly, and members of the U21 like Vic and Daryl "coming-of-age" to break into the first team. Goals have been coming flying in from across the spectrum of the starting eleven including Joao, Niero, Mikey, Michael, Kieron, and everyone else in between. Assist King Nosa has also been in relentless form all season long notching up an impressive haul of assists from an array of eye-of-the-needle passes. These factors have ensured that the clubs aims of winning everything has stayed on track and a huge contributor to their current league standing.

Up, Down, Up The Paddock

The current league standings however do not illustrate the journey Paddock has been on so far this season. It has been somewhat of a rollercoaster with Paddock needing to endure a chase to catch up their rivals. Cup matches and postponements had affected Paddocks league progress ,which changes the dynamic of a season when constantly having to look up the table at league leaders constantly winning. However, Paddock have shown a maturity and resilience to overcome their hurdles and focus on their own pace towards the top. This included the character shown after their only loss of the season to a rejuvenated Mersey Valley to then go on a five-match win streak, including the scalp of Clay Brow FC who currently sit at the top of the tree.

Fortune Favours The Bold

Manager Ste Howson has mentioned on numerous occasions that his squad has come into the 23/24 season with the goal of winning everything they are competing for.

Cheshire Division 2

Despite the chase that Paddock have had since the beginning of the season they have admirably focussed on their own task, believed in their own ability, and kept themselves in the title race. Despite expecting to be high up in the table, as discussed earlier, it can sometimes be daunting having to chase the pack than it is to take confidence in leading it. With two games in hand on the leaders it is entirely possible that Paddock could find themselves in the promotion spots, but with much of the season to go we can expect some "yo-yo-ing" between the top four teams that include Clay Brow, Pilkington, and Winsford Town. Paddock have four games to play against the aforementioned, but Brian Casey of the Irish Supporters Club made a interesting point in a recent discussion. Despite their position in the league. Mersey Valley are a transformed team who have been playing well under their new manager. They certainly look capable of asking answers of any of the teams in this league, proven in their 2-0 victory to Paddock which was certainly well-earnt on merit. Paddock look to have found their mojo in the last two games with some gorgeous football in those W's, so if teams like Mersey Valley and Lymm Rovers continue to do their business to achieve their own goals then the gap at the top could begin to open up.

Route to the Final

Paddock have earnt themselves a place in the Quarters of the Manchester FA Saturday Amateur Cup after convincing victories against Denton Town Reserves and North Walkden Reserves. The Quarters sees the team take on an old formidable foe in De La Salle First Team, who we have never been able to beat. Overcome this Olympic hurdle and the lads will be take so much confidence into the semi's.

The J A Walton Cup action resumes this weekend, but Paddock was drawn the only bye in the round so will be sitting this one out. There are some action packed teams participating in the cup this season including Daten FC and Golborne Sports, so Paddock will need to be at their finest to progress through the rounds.

*J A Walton Cup Knockout Round 1 results so far

Keys To Success

Paddock have gotten back to their silky ways in recent games which will be a huge confidence boost to the players, coaching team, and supporters as we move well and truly into the festive period. We see players like Callum and Omar returning to match fitness after lengthy injuries, Ryan Katumba featuring as part of his duel registration, and new signings helping to bring quality in depth to the squad. Newly registered Okera and Ellis have rejuvenated the striker and centre-midfield positions when critically needed and have impressed in their first couple of games for the club. The smart addition in the backroom of Optimal Strength Clinic to help with injury prevention, injury recovery, and match recovery will likely reap its silent rewards to keep Paddock fighting on all fronts. With season defining first team regulars like Nosa, Kieron, Mikey, and Martin featuring in probably every match this will be one of those small changes that will have a maximal impact to the season.

One thing is for certain, our team leaves absolutely everything on the pitch match upon match, they never give up, the club are as driven as ever, and more supporters are migrating to the side-lines to become the "12th player". I am more confident this season in the team at least securing promotion than any other before. There are many twists and turns to navigate, but the team have all the tools to succeed.

UP THE PADDOCK!