On a cold wet morning and playing on a heavy pitch, with a few sandcastles scattered around it, we hoped that the boys would put on a display to entertain the watching supporters. They certainly did that and went toe to toe with an older more experienced squad that have been one of the stand out teams this season.

Mellor started brightly and sprayed the ball around for the first 5 mins or so, keeping good posession but with few clear openings. After a turnover, Poynton then had their turn in attack and managed to open the scoring. The lead didn't last long as a George assist for Josh led to a calm finish to draw us level. The qtr continued in an even fashion but Poynton found a couple of gaps in our defence to get a couple of shots off which both hit the back of the net as they took a 3-1 qtr lead.

We were holding our own at face today and with posession looked comfortable and a George assist to Sam pulled it back to 3-2. When it looked like we may be getting back in it we suddenly had a couple of lapses of concentration and they took full advantage to score 2 quick goals and go in 5-2 up at half time.

Whilst the boys were playing well, the coaches were frustrated with certain aspects of the game and spent the interval urging more intensity and changing a few tactics. The 3rd qtr saw us exchange goals as Poynton then Sam and then Poynton found the net to leave us 3-7 down at the end of the 3rd qtr. Given our recent comebacks - that made us favourites surely?

Our 4th qtr display certainly pushed Poynton all the way as a Tom assist for Sam and then another Sam goal quickly got us back to 5-7. The momentum felt like it did a couple of weeks ago at Brooklands as we repelled their attacks and broke at speed leading to a number of good situations. Tom thought he had scored but the ref said his foot had gone into the crease, we hit the post and had a number of other great chances to shoot but a last ditch check just stopped us getting a shot away.

Ultimately, try as they did the boys couldn't pull it any closer and whilst we'd won the half the game ended with a 5-7 defeat. It was a real cup tie played in difficult conditions and certainly entertained the watching crowd. The mid/defence of both teams gave few chances today and it was our best display of the season in that respect. The attack were well marshalled and try as they might it was difficult to create too many one on one opportunities today but every player for Mellor put in a great effort and showed off their talents.

Goals: Sam (3), George, Josh

Mom: Defensively we battled so hard today and all the players played well. Joey and Alex though had arguably their best games of the season today against a team that normally scores lots of goals and so they deserve the joint MOM today.