Signol Seconds 2-2 Mellor Thirds
Match report provided by Third Team Manager Adam Axford:
The first game of 2017 saw us face our last opponents Signol Seconds. Having beaten them 2-1 in the reverse game at Newall Green we knew what we would be up against in a young, energetic side.
We started the game slowly and were caught out in the second minute. The ball was slipped beyond the defence (to an offside player) who cut back and fired a shot on goal, Benn in net was only able to parry the powerful shot which fell to an unmarked man at the back post to tap home for 1-0. We were unlucky to be behind however we should have dealt with the attack more efficiently.
The next 10 minutes or so was quite scrappy, both teams giving away silly fouls all over the pitch and the ref trying his best to keep a lid of things and calm everyone down.
After 15 minutes we finally got a break through, Jack Barraclough playing in Ian Arnfield who beat the offside trap and lobbed the keeper as he rushed out of his area to make it 1-1, no less than Mellor deserved.
The first half continued with both teams looking threatening but failing to create any clear cut chances.
Mellor then took the lead with a minute to go before half time. A corner lofted the back post was headed down by Lewis Hanlon and thundered home by Ian Arnfield for his second of the game and 16th of the season.
Eight minutes into the second half Signol had levelled. The second half mainly belonged to Signol who created several chances but were unable to beat Benn who made some terrific saves.
Mellor created a couple more chances and could have won it with a free kick in the last minute however Ian Arnfield failed to complete his hattrick and blazed over the bar.
Next up is the Quarter Final of the Whitehead Cup against Chorltonians who sit top of Division A but we are yet to face this season.
Up the Thirds!
