After a week of inclement weather an early text to parents confirmed that the game was on, many thanks must go to Martin and Cirion for their early start and assistance in preparing the pitch.
Face off was at 10.00, but the boys were summoned to meet at 9.00 for a kit inspection and an extended pre match drill session to make sure no stone was left unturned in preparation for this vital game of the season against a strong Stockport side. 
With strong home and away support cheering the boys on Stockport won the first face off and tested the Mellor defence which remained firm. Both teams were clearly well up for the game as Mellor attacked and the Stockport defence were well marshalled, however Jack Royle broke the deadlock with a well taken goal with an assist from Josh Myers. George won the face, with Stockport saving well from Jamie. Frederick then saved from Stockport, with both teams trying to impose themselves early on it was a good strong competitive game.  However it was Mellor who scored again with another goal for Jack with an assist from Josh. A scrappy face was won by Mellor who were putting more pressure on the Stockport Goal. With the coaches rotating the midfield the ball fell to George in the Mellor half and seeing the Stockport goalkeeper well off his line launched a Beckhamesque shot which sailed into the goal to make it 3 – 1. With the home support going wild the Mellor defence, being led by Will saw out the rest of the quarter.
The second quarter began with George winning the face. In this quarter Mellor started to put their passing game together with George scoring after a fine assist from Noah. Jamie Mochan then put three assists together with goals for Finn, Josh and then Finn again after a great break out from defence. Stockport then had a period of pressure forcing two fine saves from Frederick. The pressure paid off though and they scored to make it 7 – 2 at the end of quarter two, reminding the Mellor boys that they had to keep their focus.
Quarter three started with George winning the face and the Stockport keeper making good saves from Ellis and Finn. It was great to see the younger boys getting involved. Finn then assisted Josh to make it 8 – 2, before George assisted Jamie to make it 9 – 2. Stockport pulled a goal back but then Jamie assisted George to make it 10 – 3. With Stockport a man down Noah hit the post as Mellor tried to make the extra man count. Miles had a shot saved and after some Stockport pressure Mellor broke after some great defensive work by Robbie with Finn assisting a Miles goal. 11 – 3 at the end of the quarter.
With the sleet coming, despite the score the game remained competitive as we went into quarter 4. The Stockport boys never gave up and gave Mellor the most competitive game at this level this season. The fourth quarter was drawn 3 – 3 with assists for Noah, Jamie and Josh, and goals for Josh and two for Miles, again great to see one of the younger players playing his part towards the end of the game, final score Mellor 14 Stockport 6.
A great team performance with a fantastic man of the match performance from George Shonfeld with 3 goals and tireless running both in attack and defence he never stopped!
A special mention for Jamie Mochan with 5 assists and a goal, with the other goals coming from Miles (3), Josh (3), Finn (2), Jack (2). 
Match reporter - Andy Liles