With a 9am face off on Astroturf we were on unfamiliar ground this morning – Friday night's team meeting did wonders to steady the nerves and all 14 of the boys knew their jobs, and did them well.
A quick start saw us take a 1-0 lead within 20 seconds as Jamie went straight to goal. But this win didn’t come from attack – it came from our defence with all of our long poles choosing today to have their best individual and collective games of the season. Noah was immense again, Will tore up and down the pitch but always making the right decisions and James held Stockport to limited chances early on.
We’re running out of words for Fredrick! His shot stopping today was the best he’s done – he’s as cool as a cucumber in the goals and, on the final whistle, quite rightly deserved the attention of his team-mates!
We were never behind today and took a 3-goal lead into the 2nd quarter – by the 4th quarter we were 4 goals clear following a return to how Mellor play the game – quick passes, sharp movement and clinical goals which were taken by more than 6 different players today.
In midfield, Sam & Jack were both excellent at face off and Toby did a sterling job of trying to contain Stockport’s best outfield players.
The 4th quarter was incredibly tense. Stockport were relentless in chasing us down and pulled 3 goals in succession. With 24 seconds left Stockport’s last chance was spurned as George intercepted a pass to take us over the line – just! On another day it could have been different – that’s how tight the margins are between these 2 teams.
There’s a lot of rivalry between the boys and we’ve been able to edge the big games in recent years. It wont last forever though and the conduct of all of the boys, in victory and defeat, was an example today. Hard lines Stockport and well done to our boys – its Timperley in the final so, like 2 years ago, lets try and get some more silverware to the club.
Whatever the outcome we're so proud of the spirit within this team and long may it continue!