Following an excellent performance at Stockport the week before, Mellor came into this game in strong form but facing one of the teams expected to challenge for medals this year. Martin cited an uncharacteristic ‘bad feeling’ about the game from the touchline before face and there was a degree of nervous excitement in the Mellor support about the game ahead. With two defenders absent, it would also be a big game for the likes of Alex and Ned, with more junior players joining them in defence.

Despite the touchline nerves, the boys did not seem fazed and got straight into the first quarter with some great individual goals from midfield, on two occasions straight from face and showing some amazing individual skill. Looking dazed, Cheadle called a time-out after just two minutes of play, during which Mellor had scored three goals without reply and Cheadle not having even touched the ball. Some good coaching on their part shifted the emphasis back to Cheadle who slotted home two in reply, with a third own goal. Mellor pushed again to end the quarter 6-3.

The rest of the game was all Mellor, with not a single further goal from Cheadle, owing to a strong performance in every part of the pitch. Highlights included three superb ‘team goals’ where we moved the ball quickly and fluidly through the pitch, with accurate passing and superb movement off the ball to leave Cheadle wrong footed and unable to respond. Good disciple in defence left no gaps for Cheadle, who struggled to find any openings they could exploit. Cheadle are clearly a very strong team but they weren’t allowed to gain any rhythm and were simply out-played on this occasion. Nor could they match Mellor for determination and physicality, which is great to see.

With such a strong team performance there are no special mentions this week and every player should be proud of their performance - they all played to their potential and contributed to the win. Instead this was a game to congratulate the coaches, careful preparation, strong organising and clear touchline communication gave the boys the confidence and self-belief to make this tricky fixture such a comprehensive win.

Credit should go to the boys from Cheadle - they're a great bunch of players with some talented boys in their team. Refusing to take the free clear and continuing to face off when down shows that they're all about improving and we know they'll be tough opponents if we face them later in the season

Game of the season so far? Certainly a great one to watch and superb team performance. Well done all.

George - 5 goals, 4 assists
Jamie - 4 goals, 4 assists
Joey - 6 goals, 1 assists
Josh - 2 goals, 1 assists
Fin - 1 assist
Ned - loads of saves!