This is Freshfield.

AFC Freshfield narrowly missed out on a semi-final place at the club’s debut tournament in which they picked up their first ever points.  

The Swallows were drawn in the “Group of Death” at the Taylor Patterson Charity five-a-side football tournament, held at Fylde Rugby Club, and faced strong opposition from DWF Solicitors, Hedley & Co, David Roberts and Partners (DR&P) and Taylor Patterson.

Following a disappointing 2-0 defeat in the first match against Hedley & Co, Freshfield dug out two excellent draws, firstly a nil-nil against the tournament hosts and then a 1-1 draw against DWF, thanks to a stunning equaliser from Simon Turner.  

It left Freshfield needing a victory in the final group game against tournament favourites DR&P and, despite being tied at 0-0 with just four minutes remaining, Freshfield conceded three late goals as they pushed forward for the win that would have taken them into the knockout stages. DR&P eventually went on to win the trophy, beating Hedley & Co in the final, proving the strength of Group Two.

Tournament squad back row L-R: Andy Dixon, Russ Leonard, Kieran Howlett, Simon Turner, Mike Gregory. Front row L-R: Mike Stanley, Andrew Taylor.

AFC Freshfield has qualified for the finals of the Taylor Patterson All Stars Soccer Tournament. The charity event is being held on June 16 at Fylde Rugby Club and will comprise ten 5-a-side teams competing in a Champions League style group stage and subsequent knockout format.  

AFC Freshfield player manager Andrew Taylor said: “We’ve not won a game yet but that will not dent our confidence. We are a new team and have brought in some fresh faces of late but we are starting to gel as unit and confident we can raise a few eyebrows.” Freshfield’s tournament preparations start with a friendly against the AFC Freshfield ladies team. Andrew added: “We need a confidence boost!” 

Logo courtesy of Freshfield design.

Freshfield freelance designer, Andy Dixon, made an outstanding debut in an AFC Freshfield side that gave another determined yet losing display in hot conditions against Yorkshire Bank Preston.

In temperatures reminiscent of ‘Mexico 86’ the end-to-end action saw the scoreline reach 3-3 in a matter of seconds. Yorkshire Bank added another two late in the second half to go in 5-3 leaders at half time, but The Swallows, galvanized by new signing Dixon, hit straight back after the break with two goals in quick succession to leave the game tied at 5-5.

As the game entered its third act, the boys from the bank stretched their lead again to 9-5, but Freshfield refused to roll over and pulled three goals back to set up a nail-biting finish. The Swallows, however, could not find the equaliser their play deserved and as they pushed bodies forward, Yorkshire Bank caught them on the break running out 15-12 winners.

Freshfield’s goals were scored by Andy Taylor (4), Simon Turner (4), Kieran Howlett (2), Michael Stanley and Andy Dixon. 

AFC Freshfield ended their goal drought in style after scoring six goals in their latest outing – but still ended on the losing side after a determined second half display by opponents Yorkshire Bank. 

Freshfield bossed the first half of the lively encounter at Tulketh Community Sports College and were 5-4 ahead at the break after some barnstorming play.  

But their first game since last October saw ‘The Swallows’ run out of steam in the last 10 minutes and an opportunistic Yorkshire Bank side took full advantage going on to win the game 10-6 despite an impressive debut by Russ Leonard. Freshfield’s goals were scored by Andrew Taylor (3), Kieran Howlett, Michael Stanley and Simon Turner.

The second installment of AFC Freshfield’s epic best-of-five encounter with financial services client Taylor Patterson, saw a vast improvement from the Freshfielders. The game, played out under the floodlights of a wind and rain-swept Preston College sports arena, was even more closely contested than the first game. Freshfield were unlucky to concede an own-goal to go down 1-0. A deflected shot put Taylor Patterson two in front, but another spirited display saw Freshfield steal a late consolation goal courtesy of a 40-yard screamer from Mike Gregory.

After botched attempts to colour co-ordinate team members’ T-shirts in their debut AFC Freshfield have acquired new kit. Many sponsorship offers were on the table, however, in the end, team chairman and midfield engine Simon Turner headed for the clearance basket at Cheshire Oaks shopping village. We are pleased to announce we will proudly be sporting green and black Nike stripes in the next game, while adopting the nickname ‘The Swallows’. Thanks to Helen Stradling for modeling our new kit. For the record, Helen does not like football.

AFC Freshfield made their long-awaited debut this evening in a thrilling tie with financial services client Taylor Patterson. After a closely fought first half in which both teams created chances, Taylor Patterson edged into the lead on the stroke of half time and added another early in the second half. AFC Freshfield hit back with a well-worked goal to set up a tense finale, but Taylor Patterson made their extra match practice count, twice hitting AFC Freshfield on the counter attack as they pushed for a deserved equaliser late in the game.

Look out Preston North End – Freshfield has formed its own football team! In a bid to rediscover the fitness and innocence of our youth, several Freshfielders will pool our footballing talents to form AFC Freshfield. We’re dusting off the shin-pads and are challenging all comers as we look to build a seven-a-side football dynasty to rival any Middle Eastern-backed Premier League club… well maybe not, but if you fancy a game get in touch. E-mail: hello@freshfield.com