The final game of 2015 and it turned out to be a cracker. The pre-game team talk set the tone, preparing Mellor for the challenge of opposing a physical team with a point to prove. Pace and tempo were going to be key and missing Joe Kynaston, it was going to be a testing day for the defence, with Alex stepping into the centre of defence in Joe’s absence.

The game started badly, with a goal to Stockport in the first minute of play, following good movement around the goal and an all too easy finish for the visitors. This was quickly followed by a second goal gain in less than a minute, followed by a good spell of possession and passing from Stockport. Possession continued to be mainly Stockport in most of the first quarter, although the first Mellor goal from George Shonfeld settled the nerves a little and showed the way through the Stockport defence. Stockport quickly hit back, again following controlled passing and possession around the Mellor goal.

Second quarter goals from Sam (2), Oli Hague and Tom Brady and some excellent ball distribution out of defence by Alex Chambers saw the game settle and turn in Mellor’s favour as the half time score hit 5-4 and Mellor looked more assured in what was still a very tight and physical game.

The pace and intensity of the game saw no let-up in the 3rd quarter, with some solid defending against a very physical Number 38 for Stockport, some hard checks and tenacious work, in particular from Joey Bissell. Good link up play between Sam Griffiths and Tom Brady saw three goals in the 3rd quarter, one to Tom and two for Sam, the latter being a great individual goal. Stockport responded with a single goal and a number of important saves from Ned Donovan.

Jamie Mochan set the tone in the 4th quarter with a quality early goal, assisted by Oliver Hague. Stockport continue the fight to the very end with three goals in the final quarter, with number 38 again causing problems with some powerful running to set up the goals. Mellor’s 11th goal came from Jack Royle and was a great effort.

This was a very testing a physical game and all credit to Stockport who battled this one out to the very end. Great to see the boys really challenged, physically and technically and still come through with a win.

Well done Great game - This was just the fixture we wanted to finish the year. The boys played with intelligence and let the ball do the work. It was always going to be a physical game and we expect nothing less from Stockport but the team stayed calm and disciplined in what was the most entertaining game of the season so far.

The Match Stats show just how well the boys battled their way back into this game

First Half
Possession – Mellor 49% - Stockport 51%
Passes – Mellor 74 – Stockport 84
Pass Completion – Mellor 72% - Stockport 64%

Second Half
Possession – Mellor 61% - Stockport 39%
Passes – Mellor 103 – Stockport 56
Pass Completion – Mellor 78% - Stockport 67%

Some great performances – Sam played a real Captain’s role, Joey was great in defence and Ollie Hague had a strong game in midfield but this week’s Man Of the Match is George Shonfeld. He’s in the frame for it every week and has become a key player in the team. Always unselfish, he assists more than he scores and he really dominated the game today, Great stuff George!

A special thanks to Cirion Plant for the match report and the Hairy Bikers for manning the stoves!