Wednesday 23 March 2016

U12s Semi Final against Mellor

It would appear our season has now culminated in this 'winner takes all' game against a strong team from Mellor.  In a very tight quarter 1, both teams were obviously feeling their way, and not wanting to concede too much ground, it finished 1-1, Mellor scoring first before a late Q1 goal brought us level.  If Q1 was going to plan, our plans certainly were lost in Q2 as we had no response to a strong Mellor quarter, with them running in 5 to our 1.  Every little mistake was punished, with well executed team goals.
At half time, being down so many, one wonders how the young guns will react, as it wouldn't be un-heard of for our heads to drop, with little squabbles in the ranks.  However, this occasion was to big for us to not put up a fight and Q3 momentum was certainly with us and a 4-1 quarter to Stockport brought us back to within 1, and with 1 quarter to go we had belief and a team fighting for every little ball.  In Q4, we managed to draw level, before Mellor got back in front on a couple of occasions.  The only 2 penalties of this excellent contest came in Q4, showing the spirit the match was played in.  Mellor, had a goal disallowed for a stick violation, and possession was with Stockport for the last 90 seconds.  First attempt on goal, a defenders helmet got in the way, but we had a man at X and possession was quickly with us.  24 Seconds to go, and we called Time Out, everyone had their instructions, and we had time for one last attempt which we didn't convert, and the game finished with a 2-2 quarter, and Mellor progress to Rochdale winning this encounter by 1, 8-9.
Well done to all the U12s, and in particular to those boys who have probably played their last game at this level, you will all be missed.  Luke, Jack, Joe B, Ashley and Joe M, good luck with the Under 14s.  Todays scorers were Luke (3), Hugo (2) and Cameron (3), 6 assisted today and some good work between the pipes kept us in the game.

Early driving pressure from Luke

Pressure being applied at both ends of the pitch by Jack

Very disciplined performance at the back, but on this occasion Will breaks free from the back

One of Three today for Luke

Will making sure he doesn't get his shot off

Does anyone know where the ball is?

Joe B driving through

Desperate measures to get the ball clear, everyone getting involved

One of three from Cameron


Don't think he saves this one?

If only, this one went in?

Quick, incisive passing from Cameron and Jack

Good feet

Now this one does go in!

Lots of disappointment on show here