On the 28^th February we played Mossley in the cup and had a resounding 4-1 win. We played at Curzon Ashton on a massive pitch – and I wish we played there every week. What fine football we played. The pitch suited us. It was astro – so no mud. And it was wide which allowed us to play our brand of football, slick passing on a hard surface and using the wings and our speed men to fine effect.

We started off well and had many chances as we attacked and attacked and attacked – but somehow found ourselves 1-0 down after a goal against the run of play. It had been all us.

But that was not to last. Enter manager’s man of the match Sam off the bench! He put a super ball through to Ashley for the man of the moment (see last week’s Oldham Chronicle) to score our first goal. Hot Hot Ashley was at it again! He took the ball from Sam and ran wide with it to slice into the net from the edge of the area.

At this point we were looking comfortable. Liam and Mikey were tracking back well to help the defence. They produced some good tackles to halt any forays. Mossley do possess some fast players and at times it needed the speed of Mikey and Liam to cut them off. Liam was on form today, composed in midfield and at the back when he was moved. Stephen, Sean and Jordan also were playing well. The defence always looked comfortable and Ben and Danny were equally comfortable in net. They were equal to anything thrown at them. Jordan and Liam had a good understanding and worked well as a team. Both were in control. Liam marshalling where he wanted his troops and Jordan continued to impress. He is having an impressive season. Warren and Paul also did well in the defensive mix.

Hot Hot Ashley was hot again to score the second goal and it was hardly surprising that he was voted man of the match. He could have had a hatful today. Slick passing by Ryan set him up this time. This goal was almost a carbon copy of the first but from the other side of the box. The keeper got a touch but it dribbled over the line.

Darius added to his weekend’s total (isn’t it good to have him on both days!). Midfield general, Sam, passed through to Mikey who put in a superb cross pinpointed on the top of Darius’ head for a fine goal.

Ben then finished the tally. Mikey made a stunning run down the wing and again put in a pinpoint cross, this time along the floor. Ashley very intelligently stepped back as he knew he was offside. Ben came storming through from god knows where to slam the ball into the net. A fantastic goal! The role of Ashley cannot be underestimated here as the defenders were so worried about him by this point that they were watching what he would do so didn’t even consider Ben a threat – that is part of the beauty of this goal. Well executed.

Sam and Ashley played very well. Sam changed the game. We were losing when he went on. Within 20 seconds and with his first touch he made the goal. He also assisted with the third goal. His passing was accurate and thoughtful. Ashley took his goals well. He caused the defence problems all match and caused decisive problems resulting in three of the goals.

Darius, Mikey, Danny and Ryan also stood out. They caused problems down the wings all match. The wide pitch was used well. Darius and Mikey were superb. Their blistering pace left defenders for dead.  Both also put some fabulous crosses in. Both were on fire. Ryan placed some super controlled balls from the wing.  James also showed up well and showed good composure. He put in some good passing, particularly with Darius and Ashley. There was some very good interpassing between these three.  

It was a very complete team performance. Flawless and exciting to watch. This was made up of good technical ability and good, thoughtful play.

Thanks must also go to Ben and Danny for agreeing to step into the goalkeeper position and cover. Team spirit and commitment personified. Thanks lads.