The 2022/23 season got off to a flying start with lots of goals during #MatchweekOne.
ESPFA Greater Manchester (Mossley AFC) returned to the programme after a one year absence and it was like they had not been away, recording a 7-4 victory against ESPFA West Yorkshire (Brighouse Town)
In a frantic first half that saw seven goals, ESPFA West Yorkshire (Brighouse Town) got off to the perfect start taking the lead after just 30 seconds through second year student Bobby Hamer. The lead changed throughout the first half until ESPFA Greater Manchester (Mossley AFC) student Adam Omakwu struck on the stroke of half time to give his side the narrow lead.
Idris Rahman extended his sides lead in the 54th minute before Logan Sheridan gave the home side hope in the 59th before strikes from Kian Hepburn and an own goal secured the win and ensured the points were going back to Greater Manchester.
Last seasons second half of the season form team ESPFA Cheshire (Witton Albion) carried on from where they left with a resounding victory at ESPFA West Yorkshire (Ossett United).
Zach Williams gave the away side the lead in the 5th minute but the game was level soon after when Keel Del-Grande turned in the box from a corner and his sweet strike smashed the roof of the net.
Zach Billinge’s strike from outside the box extended the lead midway through the first half before Zach Williams grabbed his brace just before half time with a close finish from a corner.
The hat-trick was complete in the 63rd minute before substitute Ioannis Koutouzos quick fire brace secured the win for the visitors despite a James Baylin consolation goal 15 minutes from time.
In the Midlands Division, all three games were close affairs with just one goal being the difference.
There was an ESPFA Derbyshire derby with Belper Town hosting Mickleover FC (Red) and it took an outstanding free kick from Thomas Pegg to separate the two sides.
Newcomers ESPFA Staffordshire (Stafford Town) produced a spirited performance against ESPFA Derbyshire (Mickleover FC Black) but were up against hot shot Chris Bitshuangu who’s two goals either side of a Tiandre Forrester tap in were the difference in a competitive game.
The final matchup saw East (Midlands) meet West when ESPFA West Midlands (Rushall Olympic Black) travelled to ESPFA Nottinghamshire (Carlton Town). In a tight first half affair, both sides went into the break goalless and the second half was looking like heading the same way before two goals in five minutes from Lee Mayne and Harrison Walker took the game away from the home side. A late goal from Madisen Pipe ensure a nervy finish but Rushall Olympic (Black) held on for the first victory of the season.
Post Match Interviews
Team of the Week - #MatchweekOne
Well done to all the students who were nominated by their coaches for this week’s edition of #TeamOfTheWeek and also a special mention to #ESPFACheshire student Zach Williams who was chosen as the #PlayerOfTheWeek for his hat-trick against ESPFA West Yorkshire (Ossett United)
The Highlights Show
You can catch all the North and Midlands Division goals and match highlights in #MatchweekOne edition of The Highlights Show.
Team Lineups (scroll left)
