Sat 13 August 2011 - Heswall 1 Upton 0. In this the first league match Upton AA welcomed three new signings to the starting eleven, John Farrell, Todd Reid and Vidal Spaine. The match was competitive throughout the ninety minutes and Upton opened when Simon Andrews shot narrowly over from a corner after only three minutes. However, Heswall had more of the few chances falling to both sides in the remainder of the first half. Breaking quickly Heswall shot just wide on six minutes and ten minutes later a shot was half blocked by an Upton defender to go narrowly wide for a Heswall corner. Two more chances fell to Heswall, a header over the bar and a shot scuffed wide. Eventually Heswall take the lead with Adam Bedford in goal exposed. For the first fifteen minutes into the second half Upton take control, Simon Andrews has a shot well saved, but soon Vidal Spaine limps off to be substituted by Ryan Brown. Despite enjoying the better of the opening minutes, Upton conceded a penalty on sixty minutes with a clear trip in the penalty area. Fortunately the penalty hits the post and is hastily cleared by a relieved defence. In the final ten minutes a Mike Hughes shot is deflected only to rebound straight to a stranded Heswall keeper and five minutes from time a strong claim for an Upton penalty is denied. Two more substitutions late on with Ellis Dunning up front fail to secure an equaliser. Team; Bedford, Hughes, LLoyd, Rowlands, Finch, Farrell, Denham, Reid, Spaine, Freeman, Andrews. Subs; Will Kelly, Brown. Jones, Dunning.
Tues 16 August 2011 - Christleton 0 Upton 1. Upton started brightly and within minutes of the start Nathan Freeman shoots narrowly over, a second opportunity soon follows from a Stuart Denham long throw into the box and a third attempt is hastily cleared by the Christleton defence for a corner. For the rest of the first half play is largely confined to a scrappy mid-field contest with neither side establishing any pattern of play. It is almost half time before another Upton chance is created when a Nathan Freeman shot is tipped over. The second half continues with much effort from both sides, but little possession retained for any length of time, as play is confined to too many wayward passes. An injury forces Steve Rowlands to be substituted by Neil Jones and Andy Lloyd is replaced by Ellis Dunning. Both players prove able replacements throughout the second half. Fifteen minutes into the second half a fierce Christleton shot hits the underside of the bar only to rebound of the line into a grateful Adam Bedford's arms. As the second half progresses Upton slowly gain the upper hand, retain possession and a number of half chances are to follow. Sean Finch shoots over from 25 yards. Todd Reid under close challenge lobs over after a goalmouth scramble. Nathan Freeman makes several runs and crosses down the left and Todd drives from mid-field into the box only to place wide of the far post with only the keeper to beat. Finally, only minutes from the end Todd is rewarded, having raced into the box again, this time to score with a left foot shot which a despairing Christleton defender fails to clear off the line. In injury time a Christleton claim for a penalty is denied during one of their infrequent incursions into the Upton area. Team; Bedford, Hughes, Rowlands, McGowan, Reid, Farrell, Denham, Thomson, Finch, Freeman. Subs; E.Dunning, N.Jones, Brown, Adams, Farr.
Sat 20 August 2011 - Vauxhall Motors 3 Upton 1. Upton had the better of the early stages but Vauxhalls got stronger as the game went on and after 18 minutes Adam Bedford had to pull off a magnificent save to stop the motormen taking the lead.Early in the second half Adam once again made a great save to keep the score sheet at 0-0 but a few minutes later a low volley by Danny Wainwright crept in at the near post to give Vauxhall the lead. After 25 minutes into the second half Todd Read missed a good chance to level the score. Neil Jones then replaced Ryan Brown who had just been booked and minutes later Ellis Dunning replaced Stewart Denham to bring some fresh legs into the midfield. A 25 yard screamer from John Farrell gave the motormen keeper no chance as it flew into the goal to level the game at 1-1.Upton then put on their third sub Jamie Adams who replaced Nathan Freeman. Within minutes Simon Andrews was clearly brought down in the box but to everybody’s surprise including the motormen bench nothing was given, a clear penalty if ever there was one!!! A bad defensive mistake by Upton let in the number 9 Mark Winslade to give Vauxhall the lead and then the number 10 Josh Walsh scored with a vicious long range drive to clinch the game for Vauxhalls. A result that Upton did not deserve.
Sat 27 August 2011 - Upton 0 Marine 1. Struggling with injuries and players being away Upton started shakily and the first fifteen minutes were rather scrappy. Neither team were able to take the advantage and the half fizzled out at 0-0. 5 minutes into the second half a perfectly flighted free kick into the Marine penalty area saw an Andy Lloyd header well saved by their keeper to prevent Upton taking the lead. Ryan Brown replaced Jamie Adams fifteen minutes into the half and the play remained pretty even throughout the rest of the game until 1 minute before the whistle Upton gave away a penalty. Adam Bedford made a tremendous save diving low to his right but an incoming no. 6 John Cross prodded the ball past a despairing keeper. For the second week in a row Upton have given the game to the opposition in the dying seconds. Upton team: Adam Bedford, Stewart Denham, Steve McGowan, Andy Lloyd, Steve Rowlands, Todd Read, Neil Jones, Jamie Adams, Nathan Freeman, Simon Andrews and Ryan Brown.
Wed 31 August 2011 - Ellesmere Port 2 Upton 0. Work and holiday commitments of only a couple of key players made for changes in the Upton starting line up, but a welcome league debut for Leon Farr .The match began at a high tempo imposed by Ellesmere Port but with no clear chances until on 10 minutes a fierce shot from all of 35 yards flew in over the Upton keeper's head into the net. Steve McGowan was ploughing a lonely furrow up front with little immediate support and was ruled offside on several occasions in an attempt to defeat a solid Ellesmere Port defence. A quick Ellesmere Port break with a telling through ball results in a shot, which the Upton keeper pushes wide only for an attacker to latch onto and score for a 2-0 lead. Before half time the clearest Upton chance falls to John Farrell, who cuts in from the right to let off a strong shot which is well parried by the keeper and scrambled away for a corner. The second half begins with clear signs of more aggression from the whole Upton team. Ellesmere Port are forced to retreat and for the rest of the second half their efforts are confined to long ball attempted attacks. However, Upton keeper Ryan Brown is forced to make two good important saves. As the second half continues so Upton continue to dominate territory but a number of free kicks and corners fail to yield any goals. Three substitutions continue to add to the pressure and Nathan Freeman has a shot well saved. Ellesmere Port are perhaps fortunate to shrug off two late penalty appeals but hold on to a 2-0 win. The goal drought for the First Eleven continues, despite no lack of effort. Team; Brown, Hughes, Rowland, Lloyd, E.Dunning, Reid, Farrell, Finch, McGowan, Farr, Freeman. Subs; Kelly, Denham, Baldea.
Sat 3 September 2011 - West Kirby 3 Upton 3. West Kirby had the better of the early exchanges before Simon Andrews went very close to opening the scoring against the run of play. West Kirby then missed an easy chance to go ahead from close range but somehow side footed it over the bar. Ryan Cartwright the new Upton Keeper then made a great save to keep the score at 0-0 after 20 minutes. West Kirby kept the pressure on as Upton weathered the storm. However West Kirby took the lead after 30 minutes, Ryan in goal did well to get a hand to the shot but could not keep it out. Upton then came back strongly and a great strike from Simon Andrews levelled the score. West Kirby would have taken the lead minutes before half time smashing a ball against the post which went out for a goal kick. The half time whistle went and at 1-1 Upton could count themselves slightly lucky. Unfortunately Upton's Captain, Andy Lloyd did not appear for the second half due to a neck injury and was replaced by Will Kelly.4 minutes into the half Simon Andrews lobbed the advancing keeper who somehow miraculously got his fingers to the ball to tip it over, a great save. Steve McGowan put Upton ahead, deservedly so, with a great run through the middle before slotting it past the despairing keeper on 52 minutes. In the 65th minute the West Kirby keeper prevented Upton increasing their lead with a repeat save again from a Simon Andrews lob. Minutes later Upton should have increased their lead with a great chance with the keeper having strayed out of his goal the ball flashed past the post, a let off for West Kirby. Nathan Freeman replaced Steve McGowan, who had a groin strain on 73 minutes. Then followed a goalmouth scramble which Upton failed to clear and West Kirby managed to force the ball over the line, 2 - 2. Soon after Simon Andrews was poleaxed as he went past the last man, the Ref never saw it and the linesman indicated that it was a shoulder charge??? Upton used their third sub Jamie Price replacing Steve Rowlands. There then followed a blatant offside goal and it appeared that Upton’s luck was out but no - in the last minute an Upton player was upended in the penalty area and the referee had no choice but to give the penalty. Simon Andrews stepped up to the mark and blasted the ball low and hard past a diving keeper. Final score 3 - 3. Upton’s best performance so far and whilst in the end they had to settle for a point they could have snatched this game on their second half performance. Team: Ryan Cartwright, Mike Hughes, Andy Lloyd, Ellis Dunning, Steve Rowlands, John Farrell, Steve McGowan, Stewart Denham, Todd Reid, Simon Andrews, Leon Farr, Jamie Price, Will Kelly and Nathan Freeman
Fri 9 September 2011 - Blacon Youth Club 2 Upton 2. The game began at a pace and manner dictated by Blacon. Frequent long clearances and goal kicks with a following wind kept the Upton defence busy at least in the air. In the first meaningful Upton attack on 5 minutes Simon Andrews is tripped in the Blacon penalty area, an offence only the referee failed to see. On 15 minutes Blacon open the score with a header from close range after a cross to the far post. Blacon continue to deny Upton time and space on the ball and are rewarded again on 22 minutes when yet another long ball over the top catches the defence out and an advancing keeper Ryan Cartwright is left stranded, for the forward to round the keeper and score. Slowly after the half hour Upton begin to keep possession and deny Blacon any territory or opportunity to score. Before half time in the best movement of the match so far, Sean Finch sees a fine shot graze the outside of the post. Todd Reid shoots over and Steve McGowan has a shot well blocked just before half time. The second half begins with Upton in control as they were for the last 20 minutes of the first half, but still no goal scored. On 2 minutes an Upton headed goal is denied for a challenge on the keeper , but only a fine save from Ryan Cartwright denies Blacon a third goal. Finally on 15 minutes into the second half Upton's improving play is rewarded when from a corner Andy Lloyd hooks a loose ball in from close range.15 minutes later Simon Andrews is fouled in the penalty area and scores the equaliser emphatically from the resultant spot kick. Having gained a draw as reward for a fine fight back, the Upton side seem to sit back in the final minutes instead of pressing on and Blacon are let off the hook. Team; Cartwright, Rowland, Hughes, Lloyd, E.Dunning, Finch, Reid, Denham, Andrews, McGowan, Farrell. Subs; Freeman, Boldea , Harrickie, Maghici, Bedford. Scorers; Lloyd , Andrews.
Sat 17 September 2011 - Marine 1 Upton 2 - Marine started off the stronger team within the first 5 minutes Adam Bedford made a 1st class save to somehow push the ball over the bar. That save woke Upton up as Steve McGowan had a simple chance to push the ball into a gaping net but pushed it wide. Sean Finch had to be replaced due to an injury after 15 minutes due to a nasty tackle by their number 5, I still couldn’t understand the referee’s decision and I’m still unsure what game the officials where officiating !! As the first half went on Upton became stronger team and started to settle into the game as Simon Andrews turned the screw. Then Stuart Denham stepped up with an amazing first time ball on the half hour for Simon Andrews to latch on to, to lob the stranded keeper. 1-0 Upton at the break. Upton started the second half very much as they finished off and created the first chance of the half as Simon Andrews went close as he skipped passed two defenders but failed to convert. Upton had very much control of the game and should have put the game to bed when Steve McGowan had another chance to finish the game off but he again failed to convert.70 minutes into the game Todd Reid had to be replaced through a dead leg and was replaced by Jon Harrickie who made an immediate impact by scoring on his first touch. What a finish and composure with 20 minutes to go! Upton must have thought the game was won as they seemed to switch off when Marine scored against the run of play to make it 1-2.Upton saw the result through to seal the win and secure a valuable 3 points. Scorers Simon Andrews/John Harrickie
Sat 24 September 2011 - Chester Nomads 2 Upton 2 The honours ended even in this local derby game. Upton went ahead twice but the new kids on the block battled back to earn a draw. Andy Lloyd opened the scoring for Upton with a header from his own half !!! before a defensive mistake allowed Kieran Smith to draw the Nomads level. Upton regained the lead when Ryan Brown took advantage of a goalkeeping error but back came the hosts to level the score once again through Ilya Haycock.
Sat 1 October 2011- Upton 1 Mossley Hill Athletic 3. Mossley started well, a small side who like to play football and they took the lead when Upton's keeper failed to hold on to a cross allowing them an easy chance from close range. They were a fit and lively team who made it difficult for Upton to settle into the game. The second half was more of the same with Upton's best chances coming from set pieces until Mike Hughes pushed on from right back to score Upton's consolation goal as Mossley added 2 more to their tally. Final Score Upton 1 Mossley Hill Athletic 3.
Sat 8 October 2011 - Upton 1 Ashville 5 - scorer Andy Lloyd - match report to follow
Sat 15 October 2011 - Newton 3 Upton 2 - scorers S Andrews and D Wallace - match report to follow
Sat 22 October 2011 - Ellesmere Port 1 Upton 2 - Ellesmere Port win 4 - 3 on penalties. In this the second round of the Cheshire Amateur Cup at Ellesmere Port the game opened with an Upton goal within 4 minutes of the kick off. John Farrell scored with a clever shot. The remainder of the first half was perhaps dominated by a strong blustery wind blowing straight down the pitch and both sides struggled to get the ball down and establish any continuity of play. Goal opportunities were few and a header from Andy Lloyd, playing up front, was just palmed away by the Port keeper. The only real threat from the opponents came down their right and on 40 minutes a long ball down the right was held in play by the wind and a first time cross into the penalty area was well headed into the net by a Port player dashing in. Still playing with the wind at their backs Upton almost took the lead again when on 44 minutes a Simon Andrews lob from 20 yards defeated the keeper only for the ball to strike the crossbar and rebound into play. The second half opened with an opportunity for Simon Andrews to dribble into the penalty area only for the officials to ignore a clear pull of his jersey. The continuing wind seemed to favour neither team and the remainder of the second half was fought determinedly by both sides without creating goal scoring chances. In extra time Upton used two subs. Ryan Brown and Neil Jones, but again chances were few. The Port had a header just wide from a free-kick on 104 minutes and Stuart Denham shot over unchallenged in the second half of extra time .And so to penalties- Upton's first three were taken well but the last two were hit at or near the keeper and saved easily. The Port did not miss one. Team; Bedford, C.Dunning, M.Hughes, E.Dunning, S.Rowland, J.Farrell, S.Denham, T.Reid, J.Harrickie, S.Andrews, A.Lloyd. Subs; R.Brown, N.Jones, S.MacGowan. Goalscorers; J.Farrell
Sat 29 October 2011 - Southport Trinity 1 Upton 3 - scorers S Andrews, S Denham, A Lloyd - match report to follow
Sat 5 November 2011 - Upton 1 Maghull 5 - Scorer S Denham - match report to follow
Sat 12 November 2011 - Upton 2 Marshalls 3 - Scorer Todd Reid 2 The first 20 minutes were confined to a mid field battle without either keeper being tested.However,on35 minutes an attack down the Upton left pierced the defence and a shot across Adam Bedford flew into the corner of the net. Upton almost equalised when a move down the left from Paul Sweeney, making his first start of the season, and a cross into the penalty area left Stuart Denham with a chance only for him to shoot past the far post. The final 5 minutes of the first half were to prove decisive as Marshalls scored two more goals. First a long throw into the Upton Six yard area was allowed to bounce and a grateful Marshall's player hooked the ball into the net. Soon after another defensive lapse gifted a third goal. The first half had been characterised by careless Upton passing and repeated failure to win second balls. The start of the second half saw a complete turn around of attitude by the whole Upton eleven. First Todd Reid scores after a break down the left by Neil Jones. Within 2 minutes of the restart Todd Reid scores a second with a header after a scramble in a crowded six yard box. Upton having scored 2 goals in the first 5 minutes of the second half confine Marshalls to only one attempt on goal in the first 30 minutes of the second half and that a shot straight at Adam Bedford. Upton continue to press for the equaliser, Stuart Denham hits a long free kick for the keeper to drop and the defence to scramble away and Andy Lloyd heads just over the bar from a corner. Marshalls are reduced to hasty long clearances to touch but hang on to a 3-2 lead until the final whistle. The match had been lost in those 5 minutes before half time and the Upton side yet to win at home this season. Team;Bedford, Harrickie, E.Dunning, Lloyd, Jones, Farrell, Denham, Wallace, Sweeney,Andrews,Reid. Subs;Rowland, Kelly, Hughes.
Sat 19 November 2011 - Maghull 1 Upton 1 - Scorer Paul Sweeney - The match began with a minutes silence in remembrance of Danny Sherlock, a long time servant of the Maghull club. Les Jacques, the Maghull chairman, has written to Upton AA remarking on our respectful attitude and the effort made to wear black armbands. The opening minutes were even and the first scoring chance fell to Ryan Brown whose shot was turned round the post. Soon after Darren Wallace shot over from an Upton corner. Mid way through the first half Upton came under some pressure and a Maghull free kick from outside the penalty area only just went over the bar. Simon Andrews needed treatment after a heavy challenge but was able to continue. Shots continued at both ends, and Stuart Denham shot over, whilst Paul Sweeney had a shot blocked for a corner from which Ryan Brown hit wide. At half time Upton had enjoyed the better chances, with Ryan Brown especially prominent on the left side of mid-field. Despite all this effort Maghull took the lead three minutes into the second half, described as a soft goal. Nevertheless Upton continued to provide chances for both Simon Andrews and again Ryan Brown. Finally Upton are rewarded on 79 minutes when a long throw from Stuart Denham is flicked on at the near post to Paul Sweeney who nets at the far post. Two minutes from time Ellis Dunning saves the point when clearing from under the bar with Adam Bedford beaten. Having lost 5-1 at home to Maghull only a fortnight earlier this performance against the League leaders should suggest better to come. Team; Bedford, Harrickie, Brown,Lloyd, E.Dunning, Wallace, Reid, Denham, Andrews, Sweeney, N.Jones. Subs;Kelly, Hughes, C.Dunning.
Sat 26 November 2011 - Upton 0 Cammell Laird Res 0 - The match began with significant changes from the side which drew last Saturday at Maghull. Ryan Brown, having last week played his best match ever, leaves for Australia hopefully not for ever. Simon Andrews is nursing a back injury and Neil Jones is also not available. The first half produces chances at both ends but no goals. Early on Andy Lloyd heads over from a Chris Dunning cross, the Llaird's keeper makes a good save from a Darren Wallace header and Todd Reid shoots just wide after a period of Upton pressure. Llaird’s also come close when heading over from a left wing cross and Ellis Dunning heads off the line with keeper Adam Bedford stranded. Before half time Paul Sweeney hits the side netting when through and Stuart Denham shoots wide from a Steve MacGowan knock down. The second half continues much the same as the first with occasional chances for both sides but no goal. Richard Keen, making an impressive season's debut for the first team, sets Stuart Denham up only for him to shoot wide and later passes to Steve MacGowan inside the box who fires well over. Both keepers make fine saves during the second half, but it is Upton who enjoy slightly more of the chances for a deciding score. Darren Wallace chips the ball beats the keeper but hits the bar and Stuart Denham also lobs the keeper but clears the bar. John Farrell sets Todd Reid up with a clever ball only for him to miss. Likewise Paul Sweeney breaks and sets substitute Ryan Farrell up only to shoot wide. In the final minutes Llaird's have a strong claim for a penalty turned down and both their bench and some of their players lose control, making the referee's job difficult. Some consolation for Upton lies in the fact that this is the first time this season they have not conceded a goal. Team; Bedford, Harrickie, C.Dunning, E.Dunning, Lloyd, Denham, Reid, Wallace, MacGowan, Sweeney, Keen. Subs; J.Farrell, R.Farrell, Spaine.
Sat 2 December 2011 - Peacock 0 Upton 3. Scorers S Andrews 2 (one pen), Spaine. In this the second round of the Chester Senior Cup the Firsts were drawn away against the Peacock, currently undefeated in Division 1 of the Chester and District League. The opening 30 minutes were somewhat scrappy, but Upton were not without goalscoring chances. Both Ellis Dunning and Richard Keen headed over the bar from close range. Simon Andrews put through the heart of the Peacock defence but shoots hastily straight at the keeper. Meanwhile Adam Bedford remains untroubled in the Upton goal. Half chances continue to be squandered as Ellis Dunning volleys well over and Richard Keen shoots straight at the keeper from the edge of the penalty area. Eventually Upton are rewarded after 38 minutes Richard Keen picks up a pass on the half way line beats a man and crosses along the ground to Simon Andrews who just beats an advancing keeper with a well placed shot into the corner of the net. Just before half time Richard Keen spurns the best chance of the half after a Peacock defensive error by shooting over the bar.In the first 10 minutes of the second half the Peacock enjoy their best period of the match, encouraged no doubt by the single goal deficit. Ellis Dunning makes a good defensive header from a Peacock corner who head over from the rebound. The Peacock assault is short lived and 16 minutes into the second half Paul Sweeney dribbles 30 yards down the left and along the bye-line well into the penalty area before being clearly fouled. Simon Andrews scores from the spot. Despite the two goal deficit the Peacock continue to battle and at no time are Upton able to relax, although as the second half continues The Firsts gain more and more possession. Richard Keen hits the post and the ball is scrambled off the line and finally Vidal Spaine, substituting for Paul Sweeney, scores the third goal with a fierce shot from close range in the final seconds. Team; Bedford, Harrickie, E.Dunning, Lloyd, C.Dunning, Wallace, Denham, Reid, Keen, Sweeney, Andrews. Subs; Spaine, MacGowan, Hughes.
Sat 11 December 2011 - Mossley Hill Athletic 4 Upton 1 - Scorer John Farrell. With seven first team squad players unavailable Upton travelled to Mossley Hill with effectively only one substitute. Despite this after 25 minutes of keenly contested play Upton took the lead after a fine through ball the defence was seized on by John Farrell and drilled into the far corner of the net. The remainder of the first half continued on a wet pitch with few clear chances to either side until Adam Bedford was forced to save at the near post. At half time the Upton defence had appeared comfortable against a Mossley Hill side willing to break quickly into attack. Within seconds of the restart and straight from the kick off Mossley Hill equalised after a pass was diverted by a defender straight to an opposing forward who scored. Clearly Mossley Hill were lifted, but it was within the next ten minutes that the match was decided. Three Upton chances were missed in quick succession. First a John Farrell break and shot is well saved, then Richard Keen has a fierce shot blocked and finally Simon Andrews shoots just over the bar. From a corner immediately after a Mossley Hill shot from the edge of the penalty is deflected by a defender into the very corner of the net with Adam Bedford left stranded. Within seconds a Mossley Hill through ball beats a defence convinced of an offside for the opponents to take a 3-1 lead. Despite consulting a linesman the goal is awarded. On 30 minutes a needless free kick is given on the edge of the Upton penalty area. The free kick is blocked by a three man wall only to fall to an opponent who fires into the net. In the last quarter Upton continue to battle despite a 4-1 score, but Chris Dunning is sent off for a foul in the penalty area only for Adam Bedford to make a brilliant one handed save. Team; Bedford, Harrickie, C.Dunning, Macgowan, Lloyd, Reid, J.Farrell, Hughes, Andrews, Sweeney, Keen. Sub;V.Spaine.
Sat 7 January 2012 Upton 4 v Vauxhall Motors Res 0 - On a cold and windy day and not having played a game since mid December Upton started rather slowly against an enthusiastic young side. Both teams missed chances early on and it wasn't until the 28th minute that Upton took the lead with a great free kick from 25 yards taken by Todd Read and hit hard and low to the keeper’s right. 1 - 0 to Upton. 8 minutes later Richard Kean sent over a fantastic cross from the left which was brilliantly flicked on by Simon Andrews giving the keeper no chance whatsoever 2 -0. A Simon Andrews penalty on the stroke of half time made it 3 - 0, unfortunately the Motormen had a man sent off for handball on the line which gave Upton the penalty - harsh but no argument. Upton took their foot off the pedal a bit in the second half and the spirited Vauxhall side never gave up trying. The manager rang the changes and used all 3 subs in this half and following a corner a late header by captain Andy Lloyd was fumbled by their keeper and dribbled over the line 4 - 0.
Sat 14 January 2012 Ashville 6 Upton 0. Two goals down following defensive errors in the first 10 minutes was the worst start possible against Ashville ,the league leaders. The Upton side managed to prevent a better side from scoring again well into the second half. However, Ashville's much superior fitness was to become obvious in the final 25 minutes and the flood gates opened. Team; Bedford, Harrickie, E.Dunning, McGowan, Lloyd, Reid, Kean, Finch, Andrews, Wallace, Sweeney. Subs; Hughes, Brown, Fellows.
Sat 21 January 2012 Upton 1 Southport Trinity 1. A strong following wind in the first half did little in the opening 20 minutes to help Upton gain any advantage. The side fell into the trap of a series of hasty long clearances often over hit giving a solitary Simon Andrews little scope. A single shot from Sean Finch, well saved low to the keeper's right, was the only threat to the Southport defence in the opening quarter of the match. However, soon after Upton began to gain more frequent territorial advantage and a couple of chances were to follow. A Darren Wallace shot was deflected by a defender, but again the keeper saved low to his right. Another lofted clearance this time found Simon Andrews whose shot was parried only for the Southport defence to scramble the ball away. John Harrickie was next to nearly score when after a long run from mid field right into the penalty area a left foot shot was well saved. On 40 minutes a poor clearance from the Southport keeper fell to John Farrell but he failed to capitalise. The first half saw few concerted opposition attacks and at half time it seemed that Upton should have gone in with at least a one goal lead. However, it was only 10 minutes into the second half when a Southport forward beat two defenders only to spurn the best chance of the match so far. In reply Simon Andrews five minutes later also beat two defenders only to shoot narrowly wide. Eventually Upton took the lead, when substitute Ryan Brown clearly outpaced two floundering defenders and scored despite being pulled back. Winter training in Perth had paid off. For twenty minutes Upton held on to the single goal advantage, but five minutes from full time Andy Lloyd conceded a penalty attempting a tackle. Adam Bedford made a brilliant save in the right hand corner only for the penalty taker to tap in from the rebound. Not a single Upton player thought to follow the ball in and two points were lost. Team; Bedford, Harrickie, Lloyd, McGowan, Rowland, Farrell, Finch, Reid, Wallace, Hughes, Andrews. Subs; Brown, Maloney, E.Dunning.
Sat 28 January 2012 Upton 2 Heswall 0. The absence of several of the first team squad was to make for a bench of players recovering from injury. Fortunately Will Kelly, home from the steppes of County Durham, was able to start not having played for weeks. He, like the rest of the side, were to play their best football for many weeks. Mike Hughes at left back showed again he is able to play well anywhere on the pitch. Sean Finch returned to his best after months of injury and the performance of all eleven was equally assured. Simon Andrews was to score both goals – one from the spot. Team; Bedford, Harrickie, Hughes, Lloyd, E.Dunning, Reid, J.Farrell, Finch, Andrews, Kelly, Brown. Subs; Fellows, Kean.