“We lost every game but it was still fun” - Annabel N’s infamous quote after an end of season club tournament at Oxton circa 2012.

Fast forward 5 years.

Emily K burst from midfield to slam home the final goal in a 13- 7 victory to seal the championship for Mellor U15 girls in the inaugural season of the regional Club league competition. Long awaited celebrations could begin.

The final league game of the season was a tense Mellor v Timperley affair - a rerun of the U13 title decider last week, when the U13s just lost out. Both sides came to the match with 100% records.

The game got under way with the pitch swathed in weak Winter sunshine with a decent turnout of supporters from both sides and the U15 girls wearing shiny new shirts. Desperate not to make a slow start, Mellor scored first through Miranda and Aimee followed that up with a crease roll to make it 2-0.Timperley responded and, despite good saves from Ellie, made it 2-1 after a lot of possession. Mellor looked rattled and coach Jenny called a time out.

Timperley however continued to press and were soon 3-2 up. Mellor were reduced to playing on the break, Harley scoring with an unorthodox left handed lob shot. Tension was building as the scoring alternated and the challenges started to get feisty. Miranda scored from a free position and the half ended 5-4 to Timperley.

Emily K scored first after the break, but Timperley retook the lead straight away.

As in the previous match, part way through the second half, Mellor U15 girls suddenly found another gear. Aimee scored from a pass by Harley and then completed her hat-trick with a clinical rebound finish after a Katie H shot. Annabel scored from a free position and Mellor were 8-6 up. A critical stage of the game had been reached. Timperley had considerable possession but the Mellor defence was now repelling invaders lead by Lucy and Martha and backed up by some fantastic saves by Ellie.

A break by Miranda was finished by Emily K and the 3 goal difference felt decisive. Another goal by Emily K and 2 from a tireless Matty preceded Emily K’s final marauding run.

A great effort by a great team of girls.