Dune FM Reserves 1 - 5 Ventura FC

Sunday 20th November 2011,
Stanley High School, Southport

Scorers: Conkling (1), Hand (2), Frank (2)

Its now seven wins in a row for Ventura as they moved level on points (to fourth) with early pace setters West Lancs Utd. Even more pleasing for Ventura will be the fact that their run was extended by a performance that ranks as highly as any seen so far this season, with some clinical finishing to put five goals past their opponents & through using a new 4-3-3 formation.

It was Dunes FM however who took the lead after making an impressive start to the game, their passing confident & with pace. Trecharichi was looking to the ref for a foul, which wasn't given, & Dunes broke away to thunder a strike in at the near post. Their lead didn't last long however as Ventura forced a series of corners before Conkling scored one of his better goals with a curling shot that found the top corner. That equalising goal then visibly dented the confidence of Dunes as their play became more ragged & Ventura found their rhythm, Mike Hand then converting to make it 2-1 after some neat play.

The second half then became one-way traffic. Although working hard in midfield, Dunes were struggling to play the ball out of defence with Ventura players frequently catching them in possession. Trecharichi was disappointed to make way at half-time as he was replaced by Jason with Leigh switching to centre-midfield & Conkling reverting again to left full-back. Allison Frank was having an solid second half & caused Dunes countless problems on the left-flank, adding the first of his two goals to put Ventura 3-1 & out of sight. Mike Hand then added his second through a quick crisp finish that caught the Dunes keeper by surprise before Atherton & Lea were introduced with Ventura switching back to 4-4-2.

Frank added his second of the game after rounding the keeper before Jason had a contender for miss of the season as he somehow failed to convert from all of three yards out. It was a head in hands moment after he'd linked up well with Frank in the build up.

So now Ventura go into a two week mini break having won seven games in a row. Their next opponents will be the Fisherman's Rest FC who feature a former Ventura player in Andrew Uttley, younger brother of current AWOL Ventura player Paul. It promises to be an exciting clash as Ventura aim to make it a fantastic eight wins in row.

Also, well done to David Conkling for his MOTM performance against St Teresa's.

4-3-3 tactics used against Dunes FM Reserves

Ventura FC Team Photo 2011/2012 revealed!!!

(Back Row): Carl Nolan, David Conkling, Robbie Trecharichi, Matty Heron, Joey Suarez, Paul Leigh, Allison Frank, Damien Miller, Jamie Dalton, Jason.

(Front Row): Mike Burgess, Peter Brocklebank, Matty Slocombe, Mike Hand, Ian Palfrey.

Ventura FC 2 - 0 St Teresa's

Sunday 13th November 2011,
Bedford Park, Southport

Scorers: Trecharichi (1), Dalton (1)

Their sixth win in a row saw Ventura FC move ahead of Banks to fourth in the table, albeit with a stuttering performance against bottom club St Teresa's, who have yet to register any points so far this season. Despite fielding a stronger side than in the previous fixture, St Teresa's were content for large periods of the game to defend deep & in numbers, making it difficult at times for Ventura to break them down. Without question though the Man of the Match award must go to the Teresa's keeper who kept his side in the game with a series of crucial saves throughout, denying Dalton, Hand & Trecharichi when goals seemed a certainty.

After a comfortable but slightly laboured start by Ventura they then forced a series of corners, one of which Mike Hand headed towards goal only for the keeper to tip the ball onto the post & out for yet another corner. Indeed the first goal for Ventura came from a corner as Trecharichi found himself some space around the six yard box to finish with a rare headed goal. A couple of chances then fell the way of Dalton, who unusually for him was unable to apply the finishing touch. Half-time arrived then with Slocombe being virtually a spectator throughout, his only duties being to retrieve the ball after some wayward shooting from Teresa's.

The second half resumed with a similarly laboured pattern of play from Ventura, their usual urgency & passing game never really coming to the fore. From the kick off Conkling did a trademark solo run which on this occasion led to another corner. Jason also entered as a half-time substitute for Leigh & Teresa's for their part defended well but again offered very little in attack. Their keeper however was being kept busy & made two superbs saves against both Dalton & Trecharichi when one v one. Trecharichi was finding himself frequently in advanced positions & on another day could possibly have bagged a hat-trick, despite being deployed at full-back.

To add to Ventura's frustrations the referee was poor & all too often was willing to stop play by awarding free kicks for frivilous challenges or non-existent fouls. To make matters worse he then booked Hand for abusive language despite the fact that it was a comment of praise directed toward a team-mate & then failed to take action against a Teresa's player who committed the same offence in an axchange with Dalton. He also then failed to take action when Allison Frank was subjected to a shove from a Teresa's player after he had taken excpetion to a tackle.

To ease their worries Dalton finally got his now customary goal for Ventura to make it 2-0 & from there Ventura eased the game out with both Lea & Nolan entering the fray. It is now six wins in six games for Ventura FC & their rise up the table has been impressive to say the least. Their target now is to continue the winning streak & make it seven from seven next sunday against an unknown quantity in Dunes FC.

(Congratulations meanwhile to Jamie Dalton on his 2nd MOTM award in a row after his two goals in the win against Cafe D'Art)

Ventura tactics v St Teresa's

BREAKING NEWS: Damo's football boots found!

Following controversy after Ventura FC's game against Cafe D'Art we can confirm that the Orang-Utan's football boots have been found safe & well! Damo's place may be under threat however by the pacey looking gentleman who found his boots.

Robbie Trecharichi with Damo's boots found safe & well

Cafe D'Tart 1 - 2 Ventura FC

Sunday 6th November 2011,
Clarence House, Formby

Scorers: Dalton (1 + pen)

After somewhat of a turn around in fortunes, Ventura travelled to Formby seeking their fifth straight win & achieved their target following a bruising encounter against Cafe D'Art, last season's bottom placed team. Despite their depressingly small total of only two points in their previous season, it was clearly apparent that Cafe D'Art had reinforced their squad substantially since then & last week's win against West Lancs helped keep Ventura focused & not too willing to get carried away with their good run.

It took all of a few minutes before the Ventura players knew this was going to be a physical game after Dalton was sent tumbling with a late tackle by the D'Art left-back. No foul was given however & the D'Art players then carried on in the same vein, their approach costing them however as Paul Leigh was brought down in the box & the ref awarding the penalty. In Ventura days gone by Trecharichi would have assumed penalty taking duties but new boy Jamie Dalton, having scored four goals on his debut the previous week, took the responsibility & promptly smashed the ball home low to the left, Ventura 1, Cafe D'Tart 0.

It was another lightning start by Ventura but this time unusually they found it difficult, on a poor pitch, to assert their authority on the game. Their cause wasn't helped by some poorly timed challenges from the D'Art players, who at times seemed more pre-occupied with arguing with the ref, than playing their football. Matty Slocombe was then called into action following a free kick & made a good reflex save to tip the ball over. Mike Hand (back from injury) then produced the most outrageous of goal-line clearances, flicking the ball away with the outside of his boot, the ball unbelievably going out for a throw-in. Not quite a scorpion kick but equally as effective. Half-time then came & gave Ventura a chance to re-group & re-organise.

The start of the second half however saw Ventura sluggish to get going again & as a result were put under a spell of pressure from Cafe D'Art, Matty Slocombe again pulling off a reflex save to keep his side in the lead. It was short-lived however as Slocombe then followed up his best moment of the match with one he will want to forget. As a cross came in the ball took a slight deflection & Matty unfortunately chose to punch rather than collect, the ball flicking up & into the Ventura net. It was harsh on the keeper & Ventura, but their luck returned moments later when the crossbar came to their rescue. A seemingly harmless shot looked destined to be sailing over until it dipped & bounced back off the bar, the defence then able to clear the ball away to safety.

The game then began to shift in Ventura's favour as they rose to the challenge of the physical game before them. Challenge being the word as Lang was denied a penalty claim before Dalton, drifting in from the right, was brought down on the edge of the box. Claims for a penalty were dismissed by the ref however as he took his time before awarding a free kick. After a game of continuous late challenging & exchanges the Cafe D'Art number four was finally booked, Conkling running forty yards to make his feelings known. Ironically the same player then caught Conkling with yet another late challenge, the ref however generously allowing him to stay on the pitch.

As D'Art tired, Jason (whose surname I still can't pronounce) then came on for Leigh & found Dalton on the right wing. From a difficult angle & with little option but to go alone, Dalton found the bottom corner with a sensational strike, so powerful that it tore the net open just inside the post. It was a deserved winner as the Ventura players would concede that they have performed better at times this season & come away with nothing.

One player who might not have celebrated so much was the Orang-Utan, who instead chose to sulk at not being included. So the run continues, five wins in a row & Ventura looking to make it six against next week's opponents, St Teresa's.

Damo not happy at not being included

Ventura tactics against Cafe D'Art

Ventura FC 5 - 2 Formby Dons Res

Sunday 30th October 2011,
Bedford Park, Southport

Scorers: Jason (1), Dalton (4)

NEW THIS WEEK: Guest Writer: Peter Brocklebank (aka Harold Shipman, aka Peter Sutcliffe)

Guest Writer

Alright? As Dave is away in Manchester I'm writing this week's Ventura FC review so its bound to be a spot on analysis on the game.

Right, we started well & Pete Brock (me) made some really good tackles. This new lad Jamie turned up & scored 4 goals. Personally I think I would have scored more if I'd been up front but he did alright. The first goal, well it was early on & I was busy assaulting the Formby Dons centre-forward so didn't see it go in. I'm told it was a good goal though & it was Jamie's first touch of a ball for Ventura. The second, third & fourth goals were all scored following good play by Brock (again) & that gave us a 4-0 lead at half-time. We added a fifth in the second half before deciding to make a few changes. Joey Suarez came on at left-back & made an instant impact, making the game more exciting & unpredictable. Chris Atherton also came on as striker.

The game then got a bit tasty after Scholesy was fouled, didnt get a free-kick, so chased the lad down & hacked him for good measure. It was like a Brock tackle if I do say so myself. Anyway, he got booked & so did another Formby player who I thought Carl was gonna kill. I'd have done a proper job on him.

We then conceded two goals, not Brock's fault either of them, as you'd expect. Won 5-2, man of match Pete Brock in my opnion. And I didn't even have to use my hammer.

Ventura tactics against Formby Dons Res

Formby Dons Res 1 - 2 Ventura FC

Sunday, 23 October 2011
Portland Street, Southport

Scorers: Atherton (1), Jason (1)

Ventura extended their winning run to three games with a solid display against Formby Dons Reserves & once again will feel that they should have scored more goals in a fixture that is due to be repeated in a week's time.

Again making a blistering start in similar fashion to last week, Ventura scored early on through Jason (not even going to try & spell his surname) as the Formby keeper failed to hold his shot & it crept in to give the reds a deserved lead. They then had the chance to double their lead after Frank came close to converting a cross from the left, the ball bouncing too high for the striker to make any meaningful contact. Ventura were rewarded for their pressure however after a Paul Leigh crossfield pass put Jason through on the right wing to cross low for Atherton to apply the finish (albiet at the second attempt).

Ventura then went looking for the crucial third goal that would have really seetled the game as a contest but despite a series of chances they then conceded from a great strike that the Formby left-back will probably never score again. A long throw-in to the box was cleared but fell invitingly for the Formby full-back to smash a dipping shot over Slocombe & into the Ventura net. 2-1. Paul Leigh will feel perhaps he should've then restored his side's two goal cushion as his volley from eight yards out flashed wide.

The second half was possibly more impressive for Ventura, not for the standard of football played but for the resilience & character shown to maintain their lead & ultimately go on to win the game, a feature that has been lacking at certain times so far this season. Along with their defensive display, Ventura did come close to adding a third again as Allison Frank saw his effort saved brilliantly by the Formby keeper & Palfrey nearly added a goal only for his effort to skid off his shin. The Orang-Utan came on for Atherton mid way through the second half & was initially deployed in a five man midfield until injury forced him to be used as a target man up front again.

Ventura have now moved up to fourth in the league with 12pts thanks to their latest win & will now be looking to make it four wins from four games in the return fixture against Formby Dons at Bedford Park next week. Congratulations meanwhile to the Orang-Utan Miller for his MOTM against St Teresa's (the sausage!).

Ventura tactics v Formby Dons Res

Breaking News: Gadaffi Isn't Dead!

Photo of Mr P Uttley revealed to be a fake

Official Club Statement:

Despite the press furore surrounding the apparent death of Colonel Gadaffi this week, Ventura Football Club can confirm that their left-back/goalkeeper is indeed alive & kicking a football. We would like to point out that he has no further plans for tyranny or any more attacks on civilians. In a statement he revealed that he simply 'wants to concentrate on his football & contribute to a successful campaign with Ventura FC.'

St Teresa's 1 - 8 Ventura FC

Sun 16/10/2011
Portland Street, Southport

Scorers: Paul Leigh (1), David Conkling (1), Orang-Utan (2), Allison Frank (2), Carl Nolan (1), Robbie Trecharichi (1)

Ventura's upturn in form following a difficult opening to their campaign continued with a comfortable win against St Teresa's that really could have been a cricket score by the final whistle. Dominating from the first whistle Ventura were 1-0 up inside 3 minutes after Leigh found the net with a great curling finish from the edge of the box, the St Teresa's keeper rooted to the spot. They then doubled their lead after a Miller corner was met at the front post by Conkling who flicked the ball in for his second goal of the campaign.

Waves of Ventura attacks saw efforts flash past the far post from both new signing Jason & Allison Frank, the only real threat from St Teresa's coming from long balls from their goalkeeper. Frank then got on the scoresheet with a neat finish before Trecharichi (playing at left back) somehow found himself able to tap in from close range following a neat move.

In the second half Ventura did take their foot off the pedal slightly but still managed to get to 8 goals with a Miller double, both from outside the box & a Nolan header from a corner. Added to this was the fact Ventura also managed to hit each post & the crossbar (via Paul Leigh) of the Teresa's goal. The home team did however manage to salvage some pride when a generous free kick was drifted in only for Slocombe to fancy adding his name to the scoresheet by punching the ball into his own net. Nine goals scored by the Ventura players in total.

6 points from their previous 2 fixtures has started a climb up the table for Ventura, who now need to make it 3 wins in a row against an old enemy Formby Dons Reserves next sunday. The new chant for this week? "8-1 to the Ventura, 8-1 to the Ventura!"

Note: Following the game Orang-Utan Miller was accused of using racial slurs. The French St Teresa's player involved commented; "he used a certain word 10 times. the ref knows it, he knows it. there are cameras everywhere." Ventura FC would like to point out that he was in fact talking to a dog that had ran onto the pitch. Thankyou.

Ventura FC 2 - 0 Scarisbrick Hotel

Sunday 9/10/2011
Bedford Park, Southport

Scorers: Allison Frank (1), Paul Leigh (1)

Report to Follow

Ventura FC 1 - 5 Herald Reserves

Sunday 2/10/2011
Bedford Park, Southport

Scorers:

Report to follow

Ventura FC 0 - 4 Holbank Reserves

(Liverpool Intermediate Sunday Cup)

Sunday 25/09/2011
Bedford Park, Southport

Scorers: n/a

Ventura slipped out of the Liverpool Intermediate Cup with a disappointing display against Holbank Reserves, who unusally are regarded to be the superior of the two Holbank teams. Despite their impressive performance against West Lancs in their previous game, Ventura never really got going & failed to establish themselves against their division 2 opponents.

To make matters worse, the defeat came at a heavy price with Ventura losing three players to injury. Conkling limped off with an achilles injury soon to be followed by Mahmood (knee) & Mike Hand (hamstring). Hand especially looks set to be out for some time & will miss some crucial games coming up for Ventura.

West Lancs Utd 2 - 1 Ventura FC

Sunday 18/09/2011
Sandbrook Rd, Southport

Scorers: Mahmood (1)

Ventura's trend of conceding crucial late goals continued to haunt them in this fixture against top of the table West Lancs Utd. Once again Ventura came out flying & gave the current third division leaders a shock as they dominated the possession & created a host of chances that ultimately they squandered. It is possible that West Lancs looked at the current league table & saw this as an easy fixture. They were given a reality check ten minutes in however as Ventura deservedly took the lead, Ali Frank being released down the right flank & after his shot struck the near post the rebound fell invitingly for Mahmood who smashed home.

Playing 4-5-1 with O'Malley being moved to centre-midfield, Ventura then bossed the game & were only held back by some dubious offside decisions before Hand put Conkling through on goal. Expecting another offside call he then found himself one on one but his finish was straight at the keeper & West Lancs survived. Ventura were hoping it would not prove critical and their cause was helped by the impressive goalkeeping debut of Matty Slocombe who dealt comfortbaly with anything thrown his way. Frank then put an inviting ball across the six yard box but Conkling was unable to make a contact as he was trying to stay behind the player and onside.

Miller makes his debut for Ventura

The start of the second half saw little change in the play & soon enough both the West Lancs players & management started to argue their differences as frustration set in, the referee even having to book two of their players for dissent. They did however, on around seventy minutes, claim an equaliser as Ventura failed to clear their lines. A deep cross was then put in & two West Lancs players were able to work an opening between them to level. It was harsh on Ventura but they replied well & created some more chances, Frank lashing home only for the referee to rule it out for offside. Following a free-kick on their left-side, Ventura then conceded a second goal as the ball fell to a West Lancs winger whose shot was parried by Slocombe & their striker hit the rebound home.

Again it was harsh but again Ventura responded in the right way & pushed for the equaliser, their best opportunity being when Lang sprang the offside trap to go one on one again, only for a moment of hesitation to ruin the attack as he opted to pass rather than shoot, the keeper having committed himself. The fact that the score remained 2-1 was then largely down the West Lancs keeper as he palmed away two Trecharichi strikes & Frank hit a post. The introduction of the 'Orang-Utan' Damo Ginginho for his debut nearly paid dividends too as his long range strike seemd destined for the bottom corner only for the keeper to pull off a stunning save. Despite the late surge of pressure & forcing a series of corners, Ventura just couldn't quite grab their deserved equaliser & ultimately the result will not help what they perceive to be a false league position. Certainly their performances so far have justified better.

Also, congratulations to both Dan O'Malley & Allison Frank on their MOTM performances against Banks & Chatsworth respectively.

Banks 4 - 2 Ventura FC

Sunday 11/09/2011
Moss Lane, Banks

Scorers: Slocombe (1), Hand (1)

Following their first points & win of the season against Chatsworth on Thursday, Ventura slipped to defeat against Banks in a closely fought game where they will feel they should have come away with a least a share of the spoils.

Once again Ventura made a blistering start to the game & were ahead within the first ten minutes. A goal kick was intercepted by Conkling with the rebound falling to Matty Slocombe who slotted home. Injury troubles then hindered Ventura one again as Paul Leigh, in his comeback game since his groin injury, limped off to be replaced by Mahmood, who then instantly provided a cross that Slocombe was oh so close to converting. Ventura's lead was then quickly tested too as Banks forced a series of corners before heading home from a deep cross into the Ventura box. Banks then added a second from a free kick awarded for a dubious foul given against Brocklebank, the ball being driven in low & deceiving both defenders & goalkeeper. To add insult to injury, Ventura then conceded again from another set piece, again awarded for a foul on the edge of the box.

In a turn around from some of their fixtures so far, Ventura then came out in the second half & produced some of their best football to stage a comeback. With their passing & movement becoming more crisp they pulled a goal back to make it 3-2 with Allison Frank down the right wing. His pull back was then met by Mike Hand who slotted into the bottom right 'hand' corner. With Ventura pressing they then came close when Conkling's left foot strike seemed destined for the top corner before the Banks keeper pulled out his best & somewhat unexpected save of the match. At this point Banks started to struggle & gave away a free kick which was met by substitute Joey Lea who headed home. His run of bad luck in front of goal continued however after the referee inexplicably ruled the goal out for offside. To make matters worse, Banks then broke down the right hand side & their winger sealed the game with a wonder strike that Uttley had little chance of reaching. With the scoreline at 4-2, the game then began to fizzle out & Ventura were unable to provide a late rally.

A tough fixture against West Lancs awaits for Ventura next, who have taken maximum points from their first three games. Can Ventura flip the form table & really kick start their season to challenge at the top of the league?

Ventura FC 3 - 2 Chatsworth (3rd division)

Thursday 08/09/2011,
Bedford Park, Southport

Scorers: Nuttall (1), Frank (1), Herron (1)

After Sunday's defeat against ASM Athletic, Ventura got their first points of the season with what turned out to be an edgy win following a superb start that saw them score three goals in the first twenty minutes. In a flying start Ventura controlled the game & probably should have been more than three goals in front. Their first goal came from a corner with Matty Herron heading home when arriving unmarked in the area. Nuttall then doubled Ventura's lead when he managed to convert after initially slipping in the penalty area with the keeper stranded. Allison Frank, on his 3rd division debut, scored after a neat piece of skill following a corner. In one move he was able to control the ball, roll it back, flick it up & then volley it into the net, much to the Chatsworth defence's frustration.

Half-time however served only to interrupt Ventura's flow & dominance of the game as once again their second half performance left alot to be desired. Without several key players including Palfrey in midfield, both first (Uttley) & second (Collum) choice keepers out, Alty injured against ASM, Paul Leigh sidelined, Ventura had been forced into a very different line up with player-manager Nolan deputising in goal. After having little or nothing to do in the first half he was then called upon frequently in the second period as Ventura somewhat lost their way.

The first Chatsworth goal came after Ventura failed to clear a high ball into the box, the rebound falling to a Chatsworth player who fired through a crowd & into the net. As if the first hadn't been bad enough to concede, the second goal was a gift as a Chatsworth corner fell to the back post where somehow, after a series of rebounds, the ball crept inside the post to give the visitors a real life-line & belief of pulling off a shock comeback. Ventura did then have a couple of chances to extended their lead with both Conkling's long range strike deflecting for a corner & when Nuttall's finish let him down when one on one. In the end however Ventura managed to keep their composure & see the game out to claim their first points of the season.

Well done again to Matty Herron for another MOTM winning performance against ASM Athletic.

Competition Time - Spot the Ball

Here's a chance for you to win a totally inappropriate & useless prize by entering our spot the ball competition. In the photo is the rare occasion when Conkling wins a header, to celebrate simply pick the grid square where you think the ball actually is, e.g. if you type 3,6 then that would read as 3 across, 6 vertical. Use the 'post comment' feature below to submit your name & your chosen grid square. Good luck!

Ventura FC 2 - 5 ASM Athletic (3rd division)

Sunday 04/09/2011
Bedford Park, Southport

Scorers: Conkling (1), Hand (1)

In a tough opening fixture & with several players sidelined, Ventura slumped to their first defeat of the season & will be disappointed after having led the game for sixty minutes. The game started brightly for Ventura & they had the better of the opening exchanges with Mike Porter hitting the bar after a good run down the left wing. Defensively solid with Matty Herron again on form, it was looking promising for Ventura until left-back Tony Alty was forced off with an ankle injury. This then forced the side into a re-shuffle which saw Conkling moved to left-back & Lang deployed in midfield. Ventura then took the lead through an unlikely source when Conkling drifted in from left-back & picked up the ball from Palfrey around 20 yards out before hitting a shot into the top right corner. Following the goal Uttley then made a good save at the other end to ensure that Ventura went into the half-time break still on top.

It was no more than Ventura deserved but after the break it was truly a story of two halves. ASM came out in the second half a different team & managed to grab an equaliser after a spell of pressure around the Ventura penalty box. The next ten minutes were not good for Ventura though as they then struggled to get back into the game & leaked another three quick successive goals. The introduction of Mike Hand, injured in the previous pre-season friendly, then helped Ventura find their feet again as he rose to head in Trecharichi's cross. A Mike Porter chance then gave Ventura real hope only for him to drag his shot wide. The final goal for ASM then came when their striker Danny Ball fed his team-mate & he was able to find the net with Ventura furiously appealing to the referee for offside.

Despite the defeat, overall there were some encouraging signs for Ventura, especially after completing pre-season unbeaten. They will no doubt be looking to bounce back on Thursday & really kick the season off by getting three points. Certainly this was as tough a fixture as they will face this season & the physio room is already busy at Bedford Park.

Also, well done to Matty Herron on his MOTM performance against the Scarisbrick.

Transfer deadline day

Ventura FC can confirm that they will not be making any further signings before the transfer deadline (unless Luis Suarez becomes available). We feel that the current squad of players will be sufficiently strong enough to challenge for honours this season.

In the meantime, we believe our summer acquisition from Stoke City (below) will prove a success.

Danny Higginbotham

Pete Brocklebank

Ventura FC 0 - 0 Scarisbrick Hotel (pre-season friendly)

Sunday 28/08/2011
Bedford Park, Southport

Scorers: n/a

Despite finishing their pre-season campaign unbeaten, Ventura FC ended disappointed with what was a hard-fought game in difficult conditions. Given the standard of football played in their previous two fixtures, the expectation for this game was high. Unfortunately the Great British summer didn't help matters & made the conditions difficult for good passing football.

Even with the blustery conditions Ventura FC did create more than their opponents & will probably feel hard done to for not winning the game, the closest they came being a great effort from substitute Joey Lea that cannoned back off the bar late on.

The referee for Sunday's game

The early proceedings were fairly quiet from both sides with Ventura being restricted to long range shots early on. Manager Carl Nolan was then forced off after only 4 minutes with a hamstring injury which will most likely keep him out of Ventura's opening league games. The game did however give two players their debut in a Ventura shirt, Matty Herron being given a run at centre-back & Portuguese newcomer Allison Frank being deployed on the left wing. As if competition for places wasn't tough enough already, the new signings were arguably amongst the best players on the pitch, giving more selection headaches for the manager.

The most satisfaction Ventura will have taken from the game is the clean sheet (the first of pre-season) & the fact that rarely was the defence troubled to any extent. The only real opportunity that fell the way of the Scarisbrick team was a cross that held up in the air making it difficult to clear. The oncoming Scarisbrick player handled the ball however & any danger was averted with the free kick given. Certainly Ventura keeper Graham Collum will have been pleased at having so little to do in the fixture & will enjoy having kept the clean sheet.

Overall however, despite the disappointment of not winning the game, Ventura go into the new season unbeaten & will look forward to their opening game of the 3rd division 2011/2012 season, home to ASM Athletic. If they can revisit the form of their two opening friendlies then a win & three points could be just perfect way to get their season off to a solid start.

Meanwhile, congratulations to Paul Leigh on winning the MOTM poll for the Legionnaries game with 6 votes. Suspicion has been raised however after a certain Joey Lea conceded to manipulating his votes. If he'd bagged the winner against the Scarisbrick I doubt he would have had to for this week.

Ventura struggle to find the breakthrough against the Scarisbrick Hotel

Tactics:

Ventura FC 4 - 2 Legionnaires (pre-season friendly)

Sunday 21/8/2011
Bedford Park, Southport

Scorers: Paul Leigh (1), Mike Hand (3)

Ventura FC continued their solid start to pre-season with a convincing 4-2 over 2nd divison Legionnaires at their new home ground, Bedford Park.

Despite an impressive opening Ventura were unable to convert their early chances until a Paul Leigh corner caught out the Legionnaire's defence & went straight in without any contact made. Ventura's dominance on the game then led to them extending their lead through Mike Hand, who was able to capitalise after the Legionnaires goalkeeper could only parry Palfrey's shot into his path. Some good finishes gave Hand his hat-trick in the second half to put Ventura 4-0 up & in control.

It was then however that some over-confidence & careless play crept in & they were unable to keep a clean sheet. 2 quick goals for Legionnaires gave them some hope although the second was highly contested by the Ventura defence after the ball had clearly gone out for a throw in during the build up.

It was no concern to the overall result however as Ventura ran out comfortable winners. If anything their advantage could have been greater & the result will give them a boost as they continue their pre-season programme.

Tactics:

Ventura FC 2 - 2 Lexton Rovers (pre-season friendly)

Sunday 14/08/2011
Ferryside Lane, Southport

Scorers:  Mike Porter (1), Matty Slocombe (1)

                          Mike Porter in possession for Ventura FC against Lexton Rovers.

Ventura FC started their pre-season campaign with a deserved 2-2 draw against Southport premier league opposition, Lexton Rovers. Resuming their old rivalry, this fixture has seen several closely fought games in the past & this game proved no exception. Ventura also welcomed back their old centre-back Gareth Roberts who claims this was a one off appearance in a Ventura shirt.

Despite taking an early lead Ventura finished the first half 2-1 down through a headed own goal & a Lexton set piece from the wing. They fought back however in the second half to grab an equaliser & a deserved draw.

Tactics: