On the 12^th September we played Stalybridge at home in what we knew would be our first big test after two comfortable wins. And we scored in the first minute! Liam had a cracking shot from outside the area. Connor produced a massive throw straight to Liam who hit it on the volley over the keeper. What a goal! What a start!

Then we nearly scored again! A good corner from Ryan was aimed at Liam’s head. It just missed the connection otherwise it would have been two for Liam and both great goals. What a piece of clever thinking though from Ryan. It was a great ball.

Danny was the one who did make it 2-0. Nice passing from James back to Ryan across to Danny gave him the space to shoot into the top corner from the edge of the area.

Mikey finished the scoring after getting on the end of a good ball from Sean.

This was a fantastic team performance. It was good to see passing and movement, good flowing football and players with smiles on their faces and talking to each other indicating where they are and where they want the ball. Completely in control of what they are doing. And playing skillfull football. James, Ryan, Mikey, Danny and Liam played good football going forward and we were comfortable and in control at the back; Connor, Sean, sam and Warren mopped everything up and Ben was superb in net.

He won the man of the match and Connor won the manager’s man of the match. The pair of them were outstanding. Connor, many times made super challenges. Nothing gets past him and if it does he has the speed to chase back and make the tackle. He did this on many occasions today. Also many times he tackled, took the ball off the man, round the player and took off up the wing. Skillfull.

But the team looked in control. We were always in control. We scored good team goals, moving the ball well between each other. We were creative and thoughtful. This was no more evident than in the clever play between James and Ryan. Many times James laid the ball back so another attack could be launched. It’s not just about the scoring! James is also a skillfull provider. Great play boys!