When we found out that Rochdale had beaten Brooklands a few weeks ago, we guessed they wouldn’t be a push-over – and we were right.

A physically big side with a well organised defence, a good goalie and a fast and strong midi (No.7) who made his presence felt wherever he was on the park.

The first quarter saw MC with a lot of possession. They played with real intelligence and composure and were able to convert the time with the ball into two goals. Joe looked really sharp at the start and put in some good assists. Jonathan had netted with a good shot and Cameron scored the second with a nice left-hander - however, the credit was immediately taken by his dad who, apparently, has been nagging him to practice on this side (fair enough I reckon).

When Rochdale got the ball, they attacked strongly but the MC defence and Matt in goal managed to keep them out.

One of the MC dads commented that this quarter was probably one of the best performances of any junior Mellor team he’d ever seen ….. Great play, no wasted passes, no off-sides and no goals for the opposition.

But it was never going to last and all good things must come to an end ……

Rochdale came out strongly in the second quarter and scored twice in successive attacks – although, to be fair, one was helped into the net by Louis’s size 12 boot. As the quarter went on, MC managed to get back into the game and Brandon and Miles scored two good goals to get us back in front. However, Rochdale were still playing with confidence and they scored just before the quarter’s end to reduce the MC lead to just one goal. 4-3 at half time. A small lead and you felt MC had the beating of Rochdale …. But you wouldn’t put too much money on it!

Matt, who had played really well in goal, now handed over to Elliot.

Miles was having a real battle on his hands at the face-offs but, at the start of the third quarter, he managed to win the ball, charge forward and pass to Brandon, who scored with a sweet low shot.

The game went from end-to-end until Rochdale finally broke the deadlock with a score. For whatever reason, the MC attack seemed less organised than usual and passes were increasingly going astray. Borat called a time-out ….”presumably to give them some passing practice” …. explained one of the MC dads !

Anyway, it did the trick and Matt scored before the quarter’s end (6-4).

The last quarter was a tense affair as we knew this Rochdale team had it within them to score 2-3 quick goals. Elliot was playing a blinder in goal, although one finally flew in over his head. Ten minutes to go and only one goal separated the two teams.
Louis put in a long run after stopping a Rochdale attack, but the good clear-out and run wasn’t matched by the shot which missed. Cameron has since booked him on a shooting course.

The MC defence was as solid as ever and even when down to nine men, Tom, Louis and Isaac plus support from Will, put in some great bodies and checks to keep Rochdale at bay. At the other end, Josh put in some darting runs but was denied goals by the posts and cross-bars.

Against the advice of screaming parents to keep possession ( as the clock was ticking down) Matt tried some long shots …. and it was only good shooting (and a goal) that saved him from their wrath. In the closing minutes, MC continued to attack (and shoot) and it was only afterwards we realised that they thought they were trailing in the game –hence the kamikaze-style of play at the end.

Game over, a few more grey hairs and a deserved win. Goals from five players, Matt (2), Cameron, Miles, Brandon (2) and Jonathan. Photos courtesy of Tom's dad (Nick).

Played 4 won 3 ….. not a bad start to the season.