The first quarter saw Mersey breaking quickly from defence after regaining possession three times, finishing accurately on each occasion to go 3-0 up. After a good spell of possession Dylan finished well to pull one back. However this proved to be a false dawn as Mersey motored on to go 6-1 up. After a time-out called by Sim possession and movement improved, although Mersey managed a further shot, which was tipped over the bar by Daniel. A good break by Mellor followed, but Noah’s shot was well saved.

Quarter 2 started in a similar vain to Q1, with Mersey breaking in midfield with pace, courtesy of their no.26 who was bigger (and probably faster) than half of the spectators, progressing to a 9-1. lead. A pattern was emerging of possession being lost too cheaply, and insufficient movement taking place in attack to take advantage of our possession. Our flurry of attacks which followed unfortunately didn’t count for anything, Leo hitting the post, then wide, and Sausage’s shot saved. Again, a quick break from Mersey led to another goal - 10-1 at half-time.

Q3 saw Dylan replace Daniel in goal. An early loss of possession in midfield led to Mersey breaking and punishing us once again. Slack passing, soft marking, and perhaps a case of showing too much respect for their superiority led to Mersey coasting to a 15-1 lead. A good break almost took us through to goal, but Mersey won possession back, and scored from their break to end the quarter 16-1.

Not sure what Sim said at the break, but the boys came out all guns blazing for the final quarter. Ed had two shots which were well saved, followed by a shot from Noah which went just wide. Mersey’s diminutive no.32 then ran the length of the pitch to make it 17-1. Improved possession and movement saw Leo find a way through to shoot past to make it 17-2. A save from Dylan then Daniel ran from defence to get a shot in, which was saved, and the follow-up wide. He atoned for his miss by getting the ball to Noah for him to break and score the final goal of the match 17-3.

We knew it was going to be a tough match, and it certainly was (and a baptism of fire for the debutants!). Some good learning points will be taken into the next match, whenever that may be... The Mersey boys could all handle well, they were well organised & played a good team game. Something these Mellor boys can aspire to in the future and Mersey's coach Steve Morley has his team well drilled.

Match report courtesy of Mark Rayner.