This derby fixture had been billed as the big ‘must win’ match and both teams were in the changing rooms early for their pre-match talks.During the warm up Mellor looked particularly well prepared as Ned led them through their impressive drill which had the look of the Kiwi’s Haka at times.A good sized but nervous crowd shivered on the touchlines as the referee called the teams together for a ‘fair play’ talk.

The face-off was lost but some good early passing by Mellor frustrated Stockport for the first part of the quarter. However some great defending by Stockport soaked up this early pressure and restricted Mellor to only a couple of chances including a good effort by Joey. George was tightly marked for the whole match by the Stockport No.30 but still managed to break through and it took 4 defenders to bring him down just in front of the goal.Against the run of play, Stockport scored first and added a second in a scrappy quarter before Joey got one back ably assisted by Will just before the whistle, Mellor going into the changeover 2-1 down.

The second quarter started with a tense period of early possession by Stockport and they scored twice to double their tally and lead 4-1. The Mellor supporters (including an Australian contingent) were now contemplating what could be their first loss of the season but goals by Josh assisted by Jamie and Joey brought the half time score to a more respectable 4-3 down.

Martin tried to re-assure the massed crowd and his optimism was well founded as Mellor went on the rampage during an incredible 3rd quarter which saw them score 6 goals without reply leaving Stockport stunned with a brace each for Josh, George and Joey (who’s celebration broke the tension as Mellor took the lead for the first time in the match). Stockport’s keeper resplendent in his pink socks did his best to re-ignite his team with some incredible attacking runs throughout the game but he met his match when tackled near the touchline and ended up taking out a chair! He recovered thankfully and continued his fine performance with great saves from Ollie and Josh ending the quarter with Mellor now leading 9-4.

The final quarter continued well for Mellor with some great passing starting from the back with Ned, Robbie, Toby, Alex and Eddie. Further goals from Ollie and Josh meant Mellor had now scored 10 in a row without reply before Stockport got a consolation making the final score 11-5. This was a true team performance and good play by Finn around the back of the goal and important contributions from Miles, Ellis and Jake all helped to secure what was a tough but well deserved victory which extends the U12s winning streak to an impressive 18 matches.

Next up Cheadle at home.

Match Reporter: Angus Wilson