Mellor Seconds 3-2 Waterloo Firsts
Match report provided by Second Team Manager Rob White:
A huge game in the story of the season and the nerves and eagerness ahead of the game from some of players was evident. It’s was just another 3pts at stake, but playing Waterloo who are currently top of the league and probably the best team we have played all season, bar possibly Macc in the cup, it was clearly more than just 3pts, it was a marker, a signal to the rest of the division, that Mellor reserves were up for a fight to the title. We also knew were in for a game. The players were prepared well, and we had plenty of time to warm up. The first half didn’t disappoint, it was clearly the best two teams in Div 2 going at it, full pelt. In fairness, waterloo had plenty of the ball, but we dug in, played the experienced game. The organisation and effort from all the players was fantastic. After jubb scored, we did come under pressure for a period, but we never looked that in doubt or panicked around the goal. We defended as a unit really well. Waterloo scored the equaliser, when captain marvel played the offside, it didn’t come off and we got punished. We reacted brilliantly after the goal though and defended solidly and we started to pressure the opposition and taking the game to them. We were aggressive and they simply didn’t like it. (Smithy, that mouthy winger still has Nike in the back of his head, he also shit himself when Greeny fancied a bit of action after being fairly bored in the game). However, we were soon reminded of why you need a top class goal keeper in these big games, when Greeny made a fantastic save to keep us on level pegging and in the game. Greeny was quality throughout, showing his concentration and made some key saves and involvement, collecting MOM award, although not being overly busy. It actually gave the whole team a boost and we were fantastic in the last 30mins of the game. We really showed our experience. That paid off, when Jack Parr who was absolutely brilliant again, scored a stunner. A half volley, where he struck through the ball with some slice, to bag in the top bin. Unfortunately waterloo scored again, when we felt the ball had crossed the line at the far post, prior to the cut back and resulting finish. This was also against the run of play and out of nothing. We didn’t let our heads go down and again went up a level to finish the last 15mins on fire. Again our effort and willingness to go for the win, resulted in a ball being played out to valentine on the right (who was in a daze after a bit of a late night), then when he went to cross the ball, it popped up, shinned/sliced it, lobbing the keeper with spin from 20 yards, with 3mins left in the game. (valentine thought it was the equaliser, and couldn’t understand why everyone went mental in the celebration, especially as Bassey ran across the pitch from the sideline for a crowd dive). These moments are why you get involved with football. We then saw the game out for a much deserved and important win. It was a brilliant game of football, but most importantly was the win, and a major blow to one of our rivals hopes of winning the league. This is a moment where we now consider ourselves well in the hunt for the title with 9x league games remaining. The character of the team will be called upon, if Mellor reserves are to have any success this season with 7 from the remaining 9 games, at away grounds, but from that performance we shouldn’t be frightened of anybody, anywhere, in this division.
