Another hard fought win for our U12s against their main rivals, Timperley

Well Deserved victory based on teamwork and effort

The two strongest U12 teams this season met for the fifth time on the Timperley Astro, with 2 wins a piece it could be argued that this was a season decider, certainly in the longer form of the game (although we meet again next week in a triangular with Cheadle, for 30 mins).

The morning’s omens for Mellor weren’t good, with goal machines Miles P and Sammy, who scored six against Timperley last time, along with midfield hoover Theo, declaring themselves unavailable at short notice. John switched Eddie into attack, meaning the middies would have to work even harder than usual.

Prior to the game we held a minute’s applause for Amy and it should be noted that this was immaculately observed by both teams, thanks to Timperley for facilitating and your support was appreciated.

The game started well for Mellor, with plenty of possession and numerous shots on goal. Credit to the Timperley keeper who pulled off five excellent saves within a few minutes. At this stage it certainly looked like Mellor were missing the sharp shooting of Miles P and Sammy. In contrast Timperley were clinical in their finishing, scoring with almost every shot to take a 3-0 lead. All was not lost though, and Charlie, who had been having an absolutely storming first quarter, pulled two back, one a solo effort and the other an assist from James S following a strong run out of defence. So, Mellor down 3 - 2 at Q1 but having the momentum.

Into Q2 with Henry on for Ollie in defence. Timperley got another to go 4 -2 up but with Finn dominating face-offs and Charlie working hard in midfield the opportunities kept on coming for Mellor and we started to put them away. Eddie and Charlie both scored following excellent through balls from Finn, then James K was fed by Charlie and Mellor were in the lead, 5-4 up. From there we were expecting the boys to push on, but credit to Timperley as they came back strongly to score two more and go into half time 6 - 5 up.

The boys always seem to save their best for the second half and grew stronger as the game progressed. The middies were working as hard as they ever had, with Miles Q and Ellis in particular putting huge shifts in and supporting defence and attack. The defence started to cope much better with the larger Timperley players, with James, Robbie and Ollie all now putting their bodies on the line. The attack was now converting our chances with Eddie bagging two in Q3, and Cam getting on the score sheet. No goals conceded meant that they went into the last quarter 8-6 up.

Into Q4, and Timperley immediately got one back following a strong direct run by their excellent no. 56. Was this to be a Timperley rival? No, Finn continued to dominate face-offs and and it was over to another of the Mellor attack, James K, to turn on the style with two quick goals to relieve the pressure. Eddie bagged another to make it a final score of 11 - 7.

The Mellor team were exhausted but happy. A well deserved win based on possession and team work, with the boys putting maximum effort against a very strong Timperley side paid dividends. Mellor’s league record now stands W18 L1 !

Man of the match - the whole team really but stand out performances from Charlie and Finn.

Goals - Charlie (3), Eddie (4), James K (3), Cam