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.