Mellor travelled to Ladybridge to face Cheadle Hulme knowing that the Boys in Black had put in a decent performance against a strong Stockport squad earlier in the season. It was also Phil Barlow’s first match as referee, being mentored by a fleet-off-foot Fred Kynaston.

Loaning Jack Royle and Miles Plant at the outset to even the squad sizes created a well-balanced match, with Jack showing particular commitment to testing the Mellor defense. Although Jake dominated the first face-offs, Mellor’s increasingly able midfield and defence quickly returned possession to the Boys in White. Strong attacking moves led by Eddie Liles, Finn Howie, and Noah Barlow tested and stretched the oppositions defence.

However, Mellor should have placed themselves in an unassailable position after the first quarter but first time touches when passing in attack gave Cheadle Hulme time to regroup their defence. This, and some questionable commitment to the ground ball meant the game felt tight throughout.

Predictably the half time pep talk led by John Howie encouraged the boys to focus on their core skills and when play resumed the long suffering parents were treated to a better performance as Mellor led from the front. Very strong defensive efforts by Robbie Wilson and Toby Halls ensured that Frederick could increasingly apply himself to organising the remainder of the defence. Whilst Jake Fell continued to dominate the face off, Mellor’s wing men were quick to stifle the advantage by preventing Cheadle Hulme’s mid-field from picking up and running with the free ball. As the game proceeded, and Miles Plant returned to join his team mates, his combination with Finn proved a hard pairing for Cheadle Hulme to counter. Cheadle Hulme were spared to a degree when Eddie Liles was injured and had to take time out to recover.

Mellor’s increasing dominance also enabled newer players to the squad including Jack Latham, Sammy Chalmers, and James Peel to get vital match experience. Whilst the final outcome was never really in doubt, Mellor 8 to Cheadle Hulme 4, it proved an excellent team effort. It also indicated future training needs (Ground ball-again!) but the 6-man zone defence was slowing beginning to deliver.

Whilst all the boys played well a special mention should be given to both goalies, who, by showing some excellent positional play, provided some text-book keeping. The match concluded to the delight of the Mellor boys when Cheadle Hulme distributed post-match doughnuts.

However, the final words must go to Noah Barlow who also takes Man of the Match for his energy and commitment on Saturday as well as his four goals. Noah’s last words on getting into his Dad’s car went something like this “ Dad, you made a few questionable decisions that I would like to discuss with you!” Welcome to referring Phil!”

Goals

Fin – 3
Noah – 4
James Smith – 1

Assists
Sammy 1
Fin -1
Ellis – 1
Robbie – 1
Eddie –