Whalley Range Seconds 1-2 Mellor Seconds - WRAY CUP FINAL
Wednesday 10th May 2017
Rob White, in his first season as a Manager with Mellor guided the Second Team to their second Wray Cup Final in three seasons, previous results:
2014-15 - Newton Reserves 1-7 Mellor Reserves
After being knocked out emphatically in the Quarters last season, by the holders and this year's opponents Whalley Range, Mellor were looking for revenge. Mellor, having conceded only 4 goals in the 4 games leading to the final were in form and hoping to match the Cup Final victory of the First team from the previous week. The opponents Whalley had scored an impressive 31 goals in 4 games on their road to the final so it was going to be a close game.
The Venue for the Final was local ground Cheadle Town FC, the sun was shining and the stage was set for the L&C Wray Cup Final.
Starting XI and Substitues:
Marc Green
Jack Parr Jamie Longson Mark Oldham Mike Barlow
Johnny Valentine Jerome Rouse Mike Knowles Danny Leibrick
Luke Jubb
Mike Atherton
Subs: Tez Boon Marcus McNulty Mike White Steve Smith Kev Cooney (GK)
The game:
Mellor got the game underway and started with a packed CM, Jubb playing just in front of Rouse and Knowles with Atherton up top leading the line.
The game started slowly, both teams easing into the game and getting to grips with the playing surface which was firm and a bit bobbly given the recent warm weather and lack of rain. Whalley were awarded an early freekick after 4 minutes, but Green was equal to it and saved well. Up the other end Valentine was stamped on twice by the WR CB, out of view of the officials.
On 12 minutes a handball around 25 yards out led to a Mellor freekick, but we failed to capitalise and find the net. Both teams struggled to create any clear cut chances, Mellor struggling with the surfact which disrupted their passing game. WR persisted with a long ball to the lofty striker but had failed to create any scoring opportunities.
After 20 minutes WR had a good chance, a corner from their right was headed clear only to then be smashed way over the bar. Mellor followed several minutes later with their first corner of the game, it was was taken by Knowles but the keeper met it and punched well clear.
Ten minutes later came the first card of the match, the WR CB who earlier stamped on Valentine again fouled him, this time a wild lunch on the right wing, he didn't make any contact but in avoiding the challenge Valentine lost control and the ref correctly awarded the freekick.
On 34 minutes Whalley got the first goal of the game, the ball was thrown in from the right, after bobbling around Mellor failed to clear, the ball fell to the WR striker who appeared to control with his arm before hitting the ball into the net, controversial but the officials saw no infringement and awarded the goal.
Five minutes before the half Green twice kept WR from scoring a second, firstly palming onto the bar and out for a corner, then saving with his feet following a break away. WR were enjoying a spell of possession and were looking the better side before the half. With a minute left of the first half Longson was carded for a cynical pull back just inside our half, preventing an attack, no complaints from the Mellor contingent.
Half Time: Whalley Range Seconds 1-0 Mellor Seconds
At half time Rob and Al got into the lads, knowing they had to lift their game in order to win.
Whalley got the second half underway and immediately Mellor had a bit more energy and focus. The first real chance of the half fell to Rouse, after a string of passes he was set clear just inside the box but dragged his shot just wide of the keepers left hand post. A good chance for Mellor and a bit of a boost, showing they were capable of creating the chances they needed.
On 53 minutes Mellor were awarded a freekick on the edge of the box for a clear foul. The freekick hit a defender, the rebound was hit back into the box but Atherton was flagged offside, another good chance for Mellor.
On 56 minutes came the most controversial moment of the match. Leibrick, having been played in down the line, headed for the by-line before crossing to the back post, as he crossed he was fouled, the ref immediately blew his whistle but Jubb met the cross and headed home, the goal did not stand and Mellor were awarded a freekick just outside the box at the touch line. A slight pause for advantage would have allowed the goal to have been given, but the ref had made up his mind and was having a good game so far.
Two minutes later and another Mellor player found himself in the ref's notebook, this time Rouse was cautioned for a lunge just past the half way line. Following the freekick Mellor broke, Atherton delivered a dangerous cross which was turned past the back post by a WR defender. Following the resulting corner, which was cleared well by the WR defence, we had a break in play as a WR player was treated for a knock in the box.
On 63 minutes came the breakthrough Mellor needed. Rouse tricked past two players into the box and was upended, Penalty to Mellor. The penalty was taken by leading scorer Atherton, he hit it down the middle and keeper saved, but he was only able to parry back into the path of Atherton who made no mistake with the rebound and leveled it up, 1-1 and game on!
Two minutes later we had another chance, a freekick delivered into the box was cleared but only as far as Parr who volleyed towards goal and had his shot tipped over the bar by the WR keeper.
On 72 minutes Mellor finally took the lead. Atherton taking on his man on the left hand side before delivering a ball to the back post, where Valentine was waiting to head the ball back across goal and put Mellor infront.
Following the restart WR were reduced to 10 men, two wild challenges around the half way line left Jubb in a heap and then Barlow, the ref correctly showing the red card.
With 12 minutes to go Rob White made his first change, Boon replacing Rouse who'd had a great second half. Five minutes later WR had their best chance of the second half, a scramble into the box led to a goal line clearance, great defending from Mellor.
With 6 minutes remaining McNulty entered the field, replacing goal scorer Valentine. Mellor had another chance, Atherton was layed through but lifted his shot over the bar. WR were on top at the end of the game but Mellor were equal to them, defending well with Longson barking the orders from CB and keeping everyone organised.
White came on for injury time, replacing Jubb.
In the final minutes WR had a corner which was well saved by Gree,m the WR keeper had come up for it and got onto the save but dragged it wide in the final chance of the match.
Full Time: Whalley Range Seconds 1-2 Mellor Seconds
The Trophy and Medals presentations:
Marc Green was given the Man of the Match award for a fantastic goal keeping display, keeping Mellor in it, particularly towards the end with a string of brilliant saves.
A huge congratulations to Rob, Al and the entire Second Team squad from this season who contributed throughout the Cup and League campaign, well done lads!
