Timperley welcomed Mellor for the first time since the teams met for the delayed U14 final-so it was obvious Timperley was going to do everything to avoid a repeat of the outcome from that clash. A damp day did little to quell the vociferous travelling Mellor supporters who needed little invitation to voice support for the boys-with touching displays of brotherly love between the Mochan boys.

The game started slowly, with Mellor opening the account with a nice one-two between Ollie Plant and George Shonfeld. However, Timperley quickly gave notice they were in the game by levelling and the first quarter ended 2-1 in Mellor’s favour after Drew Wilkinson fed his mirror image, Jamie Mochan, just before the whistle. Ned Donovan having kept things close with 2 great saves.

The second quarter was even closer-both teams scoring twice to make the score 4-3. This time George Shonfeld’s move from midfield to attack yielding dividends as he fed both the scorers, James Peel and Jack Latham, the latter making a welcome return to the squad.

At half time the heavens opened as the ground was lashed with rain-but something clearly had had a positive influence when the boys resumed the field. Whatever Coach Shonfeld said to them should have been carved in stone for posterity’s sake as Q3 was Mellor’s statement of intent- slotting in 5 to Timperley’s 2 with Drew Wilkinson (one being an outstanding solo effort) , Jack Royle and Joey Bissel now adding their names to the score sheet. Sam Simms’ speed and vastly improved handling also being a delight to watch.

Going into Q4 the confidence in the boys was obvious and despite torrential rain on and off, this time it was George Shonfeld’s turn to pop 2 into the net after feeds from Jamie Mochan and Jake Fell to the reply of one from Timperley leaving the final score Mellor 11 Timperley 6.

The game was conducted in a very sporting spirit and credit must be given to Timperley’s keeper who was outstanding and so kept the game close, although one of their coaches did make the amusing observation that his performance was influenced because “he gets a lot of practice!”

Going forward the boys will be pleased with this performance. Areas that were much improved were ground ball, with all players stepping up to the plate led by an imperious Will Hodgson, and clearing. All the long poles were superb but a well deserved MOTM was Noah Barlow. He harassed his attack man to the point that he was neutralised and followed up with numerous interceptions leading to fast breaks- showing a turn of speed reflecting his training over the summer. Well done Noah!

The only area that could be improved upon was finishing-with the choice and position of shot sometimes flattering Timperley’s keeper.

Stats:

Assists:

Ollie P x 1
Drew W x 2
George S x 4
Jamie M x 2
Jake Fell x 1

Goals:

George S x 3
Jamie M x 3
James P x 1
Jack Latham x 1
Drew x 2
Jack Royle x 1