On paper, this was a daunting test and as the sick bug put pay to 6 of the team we fielded a small squad for a tricky last game of the year against Stockport.
But we got off to a strong start with Drew sending us into a 1 – 0 lead following relentless pressure by Mellor. Drew was denied following a fine pass from Sam before returning the favour for a quick 2 – nil lead. Stockport, fielding a young team that will no doubt test us next year, struggled to gain possession and both Ben Tipping and Tom Brady came close before a great solo goal from Tom and another from Sam and Ben to give us a quarter time lead of 5-0.
Stockport started stronger in Q2 but, as we started to pass the ball both Tom and Drew added to their tallies taking us into a 7 – 0 lead. Eddie Jenkins, following a week off sick, found great space as Mellor came forward in waves before Sam and another from Ben saw us take a 9 – 0 lead at half time.
The third quarter was much the same with Ben, Eddie, Sam and Drew all hitting the Stockport goal. Will, who hadn’t touched the ball until then, made his first and only save of the day before a long range effort from Joey say us take a 14 – 0 lead into the final quarter.
With such a lead, Rick changed the team as Drew, Sam and George slotted into defence allowing Alex, Joey, Joe and Josh to run out in midfield. Ben added another, then Tom and a nice finish from Josh brought the score to 17 – 0 leaving time for the hard working Ollie Hague to net his first before a final goal from Ben saw us finish the game as 19 Nil winners.
A good team performance with a depleted squad – well done boys – Merry Christmas!