Vikings FC reserves got their season up and running on Friday 16th August with a well-deserved hard fought win against a physical Upton AA side. Vikings having to come from behind to record a 2 – 1 victory, goals coming from Alex Pybus and Emerson Hunter.

The games coming thick and fast for the reserves as they head to inform St Helens Town Res on Monday 19th August. The host having a 100% start to their season with two wins from two games. Ste Hill taking charge again for the reserves utilising the squad system by bringing through youngsters Daniel Burns, Thomas Butler and Conagh Williams form the under 18’s. As it turned out, it was a great game of football for the neutral however frustrating for the Vikings management team.

Vikings restricting their opponents to long range efforts whilst creating and missing chances of their own. Vikings started the 2nd half brightly and raced into a well-earned two nil lead with goals from Alex Pybus and Thomas Butler. The Vikings should have put the game to bed before St Helens Town responded with a goal of their own missing an open goal and having a blatant penalty appeal turned down by the referee. With less than five minutes to go the lack of concentration and experience cost the Vikings dearly as they conceded two late goals, the St Helens Town equaliser coming from the last kick of the game. Although disappointed with the result it was a game full of positives particularly from youngsters Thomas Butler and Daniel Burns who have done themselves no harm at all in the manager’s thoughts.

On Saturday 24th August the Vikings Res again on the road travelled to title contenders Hale. For the first 45 minutes this was a very close encounter with both goal keepers showing good form to keep the score goal less at the break. Vikings started the second half immediately on the attack with Kev Dunning put through with just the keeper to beat but his shot sailed passed the post and away for a goal kick. Seconds later the Vikings would roe their missed chances when Hale took the lead and it wasn’t long before they doubled their lead. Again the Vikings defence not clearing their lines. Kev Dunning gave the Vikings hope by pulling a goal back for the visitors but it was not to be their day as the home team extended their lead with minutes to go.

The reserves travel Marshalls on Wednesday 28th August with a chance to get the campaign back on track.

On Sunday 25th August the under 21’s arrived at Heron Eccles Ground to get their league campaign underway only to find the gates all locked up and no sign of the grounds man. It was agreed that the game be rescheduled for another day.

Congratulations go out to Andy Ray who has successfully passed his level 2 training course. All the hard work and support he has received will surly pay off and Andy will become a successful football coach.