In this the penultimate game of 2015, the pressure was on to ensure that there was a chance of remaining unbeaten going into the final game of the year against Stockport next week. The weather was set to play its part – heavy rain overnight meant that conditions underfoot were tricking and, as Coach Shonfeld colourfully said during his pre-match motivational speech, the ability to play the ball from the ground was going to be critical.
Early pressure from Cheadle was seen off with a good breakout by Jamie Mochan as the defence held its shape. The tense opening exchanges in which Cheadle’s fast numbers 11 and 17 caused problems by attacking from deep, were broken by the excellent securing of a ground ball from Tom Brady which was passed to George Shonfeld. George’s initial shot was picked up by Jack Royle and decisively put in the back of the net. The second goal came shortly after which was Tom’s first of four, and was assisted by Eddie Jenkins. The nervous start was firmly put behind them as another two goals followed; the first of which was created by good movement from George which was then passed to Tom for his second score. Following the restart, Cheadle lost the ball and a solo effort from Tom saw him to his hat-trick by the end of the first quarter.
Cheadle started positively in the second quarter by retaining possession and moving the ball around. However, because of the excellent defence by Mellor and particularly Alex Chalmers, there was only one serious attempt on goal which was handled confidently by Ned Donavan in goal. The only goal of the quarter came from a break from George which he put away for himself. The first half finished with Mellor firmly in control with a score of 5-0.
The second half started again with some early pressure from Cheadle who were playing well, but good work from the defensive team of Joe Kynaston, Joey Bissel, and Toby Halls left them frustrated. There was also some strong running from Jake Fell and Archie Nettley. The sixth goal came from a patient build up with George passing to Sam Griffiths close in to slot it home. The seventh goal came from a break in the midfield by Tom which was the passed to George to finish. Following this Cheadle’s two scores came in quick succession as they briefly threatened to come back into the game. Both goals were scored on the break through excellent solo efforts which pierced the defence. The brief threat from Cheadle was ended with two goals – the second of which was brilliantly worked with an assist from George which was excellently put away by Eddie Jenkins.
The final quarter started quietly with action at both ends but with neither side able to break through. However, the final five minutes were more lively, but the only goal came from an excellent piece of strong running from Jamie Mochan with some nice interplay between Eddie Jenkins and Tom Brady who scored his fourth.
A strong performance from Mellor that sets up the finale of 2015 against Stockport next week nicely. The game finished Mellor 10, Cheadle 2.
Goals – Tom Brady 4, George Schonfeld 2, Sam Griffiths 2, Eddie Jenkins, Jack Royle.
Thanks to Matt Hall for this week’s match report and Nick Donovan for this week’s game stats
Quarters 1 & 2
Possession – Mellor 66% - Cheadle 34%
Shots – Mellor 11 – Cheadle 2
Passes – Mellor 73 – Cheadle 22
Quarters 3 & 4
Possession – Mellor 56% - Cheadle 44%
Shots Mellor 11 – Cheadle 13
Passes – Mellor 56 – Cheadle 36