The game started before the whistle as several players jockeyed to pick up their men in a game where some of the best u14 players were on show. If felt more like Strictly Come Dancing on the half way line until Donovan pursed his lips to get us underway in a game that never really broke out into a classic.

A good solo goal from Stockport was levelled out by a great effort from Will before another goal was equalised by a cracker from George. We scraped to quarter time with a tidy finish from Jake but, at 3 – 3, looked ragged and way off our usual standard.

Q2 was much the same - a lack of bite and aggression and too much time served on the bench. 2 Stockport goals for no reply saw us losing 5 – 3 at half time, and deservedly so.

Jamie pulled us back into the game early in the 3rd quickly followed by another. Toby manfully did the job he’d been asked to do, and Noah was having, without doubt, his best game in a Mellor shirt. We finished the 3rd losing 7 – 5 but that’s a fragile lead against a team that never gives up.

Fredrick was having a blinder in goal and Stockport could, and should, have been further ahead. With George injured we found a way back into the game with a 3rd from Jamie followed by 2 cleverly taken goals from Josh. George’s decision to get back on the pitch was crucial and, for the first time all day, we were in the lead – a position that we don't give up.

Another from Stockport and a final goal from Jamie saw us edge this one 9 – 8. On another day this may well have swung against us – if we can play like this and still win then we’ll be fine but it was good for the coaches to try a few ideas before more important games after Christmas.

These are, without doubt, the best 2 teams in this league and it was a game that both clubs have needed for a long while.

According to the boys Instagram accounts this afternoon we were lucky – not sure about that – some teams find an extra gear when they need it.

Well done boys and thanks to Stockport for making it an exciting game to watch if nothing else. Stockport will have gone home thinking that we’re there for the taking and our coaches know just how much we left in the tank today – roll on Round 2!!