Sometimes the first game of the season can only give a few clues about how the team will perform. However, with a squad of just 10 all Mellor’s options were on display today and they gave a strong hint about what we can expect from this U14 team over the next few months.
Mellor were playing a well organised and physically bigger team in Sheffield. They also had to contend with the wide Sheffield pitch. All the questions asked of this Mellor team were answered with a really positive, skilful and fighting performance.
The game got off to a good start with some crisp long passing and Rufus Lancaster found himself in space near the goal to pop in the first goal. It was a tight first quarter with both teams trying to retain possession. Sheffield pulled one back but Ben Tipping managed to restore the lead after a well executed quick series of passes upfield.
In the second quarter Drew bossed the midfield, cutting out loose passes and feeding the Mellor forwards neatly. Will was very solid behind a good defence and soon Mellor increased their lead through Sam Griffiths, a poacher’s goal from Drew and a low drive from the ever busy Tom Brady. At 1-5 it was starting to look like a walkover but Sheffield pulled themselves together and managed to profit from a rare lack of concentration in the Mellor defence to make it 2-5 at halftime.
Sheffield started the third quarter with a very quick goal and Will made a great save to keep the score at 3-5. Then Drew whipped it in for Eddie Jenkins and Mellor were back to their slick style of the first half. Sam popped another in with typically cool finish and the Mellor defence increasingly managed to force Sheffield to shoot from distance. Only tiring legs let Mellor down as they conceded another goal to make it 4 – 7
The final quarter started quietly but Mellor’s greater skills were in evidence when Sam nipped in for his third goal. Sheffield fought back with a quick reply and a tired looking Mellor were starting to seem vulnerable. Sheffield scored a fifth goal but then an interception from their keeper allowed Sam a free shot at the goal to make it 5 – 9. Sheffield scored another at the death but by then they knew they had been beaten by the better team on the day. Mellor were organised throughout and this little squad will definitely bond and get better and better. It could be a fun season!
Man of the match – Drew Bickerton