MELLOR UNDER 12s v CHEADLE HULME – 16 NOVEMBER 2013

Having been told by a leading Mellor under 12s coach that as match reporter I did not need to bring anything with me, I made the necessary arrangements and duly arrived with paper, pens and pencils in readiness to record the Saturday 16 November home game against Cheadle Hulme.

Whilst conditions at the Mellor School Ground were far from Club Tropicana, being overcast and chilly, the question on everyone’s mind was whether it would turn out to be a George Michael … or an Andrew Ridgely performance from Mellor. Events proved that there was little to fear, as Mellor whammed to a 9 – 0 lead at half time, concluding 13 – 3 at the final whistle.

With no less than four referees in attendance, creating an effective third force on the pitch, Cheadle won the toss and elected to play toward the club house end with face-off at 10am prompt.

Mellor dominated the first quarter, concluding it 4 – 0 with goals by Hussey (2), Poke and J. Pink together with two saves from Macdonald who was well protected by a strong defensive back line.

The second quarter saw a further five goals from Mellor (Hussey (3), Bickerton and Griffiths), whilst continued strong defending at the back, together with a competitive and scrappy mid-field, left Cheadle struggling to make an impact on the game. Second quarter score 9 – 0.

Mellor were quick out of the blocks after half-time, with a direct goal from the face-off by J. Pink mirrored with a similar direct goal from face-off just before the third quarter whistle. However, in between Cheadle were finally able to establish themselves, scoring twice, which, together with a goal for Mellor from Hussey, concluded the quarter at 12 – 2.

The final quarter saw little to trouble Mellor, with a goal from each side (Jenkins for Mellor) concluding the contest 13 – 3.

Another comfortable win at ‘fortress’ Mellor, with a solid team performance from the entire under 12s squad keeping their impressive unbeaten home and away record for the season to date intact.

Mellor U12s:
Ben Tipping; Ben Robinson; Joe Kynaston; Josh Haining; Joe Hussey (C); Drew Bickerton; Sam Griffiths; Christian Pink; Daniel Pawsey; Tom Brady; Rufus Lancaster; Josh Poke; Will Macdonald (GK); Eddie Jenkins; Josh Pink.

Officials:
Fred Kynaston; Nick Haining; Robin ‘Cheadle Hulme’; ‘The Man in Grey’.

Goals:
Drew Bickerton – 1; Joe Hussey – 6; Sam Griffiths – 1; Josh Poke – 1; Eddie Jenkins – 1; Josh Pink – 3

Assists:
Drew Bickerton – 1; Joe Hussey – 1; Josh Poke – 1; Josh Pink – 6

Saves:
Will Macdonald – 4

Match Reporter:
Martin Hussey