With both teams fielding a number of younger players, mixed with experienced U14’s, this looked like it was going to be a close encounter and so it proved. Mellor started the game brightly and were soon into their passing stride and a Sam feed to George led to the first goal of the season. Cheadle were having plenty of possession but a combination of some strong defensive checks from Alex, Joe and Joey, and Ned who started the season in fine form, kept Cheadle at bay. At the other end we seemed to be more clinical and soon goals from Sam and Jamie, via a fine assist from Will, put us 3-0 up. A late Cheadle goal and the qtr ended 3-1.

We started the 2nd qtr even stronger, the attack and midfield were linking well with Tom, Josh and Oliver spraying the ball around to open up the defence. This lead to a couple of well taken solo goals from Eddie and George before a Jamie 2nd of the day led to us taking a 6-1 lead. Whilst it was the score line, the balance of the game felt a lot different as Cheadle clearly had players who could cause us problems. They then scored two quick fire goals from long range shots to bring it to 6-3 at half time.

Whilst we extended our lead to 7-3, the 3rd qtr belonged to Cheadle who put us under pressure with lots of possession won from face off and ground ball. At 8-7 at the end of the 3rd it looked like the momentum had gone their way. A talking to from the coaches saw us start more brightly in the 4th qtr and goals from Jamie and Eddie put us 10-7 up. There was still time for both teams to score 1 more each as the game finished in an 11-8 victory.

This was an entertaining game with lots of quality and determination on show from two well matched teams. All the boys should be proud of their display today against a side that are likely to win more games than they lose this season. Tougher opponents are likely to lie ahead when we meet the older squads in the league and then managing to win our fair share of face off’s and improve our ground ball percentage will be key to competing with them, since with possession we are capable of scoring goals against all the teams at this level. I’m not sure if there was an official man of the match today but numerous players stood out all over the pitch with aggressive checking, energy and fine finishing and keeping. Keep it up!

Goals – George (5), Jamie (3), Eddie (2), Sam (1). Assists from all the attack and midfield.

Match Reporter - Austin Brady