Under 12's. Home v Medlock Rangers Whites

  Result - Reddish North End 3 Medlock Rangers Whites 0

I am extremely disappointed with this result – but only because I was not at today’s game and missed the team making a little bit of history! A prior commitment meant I had to be elsewhere and as such I missed seeing the team keep a clean sheet for the very first time in our brief existence!

Yes, that’s right, during all of last season’s toils, and despite a magnificent start to the U12 campaign, we’ve never gone a game without conceding, but today was to be the day so all the boys can be absolutely delighted with the achievement, especially Callum W, who deserves this. And I missed it! Oh well, let’s hope I get to see a repeat some more times before next May. 

And in any case, as I tell the boys, conceding goals isn’t a problem as long as you can put more in at the other end, and today Sam again did the business for us with his fourth hat-trick in five matches, which is brilliant. He’s benefited from having a fantastically hard-working strike partner in Jamie and other team mates who by all accounts had great games today. Even without Michael – missing his first ever game for the club – and Jake, the team were 3-0 up at half time and from what I have heard completely dominant. Jamie was very unlucky to be called offside when through on goal – apparently the ref immediately apologised for the decision – and both Reece and Callum hit the post. 

In the second half the game was more even, so I am told. Medlock created a few bits and pieces and it took a great diving header on the line from captain Josh to keep the clean sheet intact, but Reddish evidently had plenty left in reserve and thoroughly deserved the win. All the boys played their part which is great news; the parents are, as one, enthusing about the commitment and the performance of all 12 players today! 

It has been a quite astonishing start. Pre-season was way beyond expectations and although we had grounds for confidence as the season started, no-one could have imagined we would kick off with four straight league wins, averaging four goals a game, and a cup victory as well. I am thrilled to bits for all the boys, this has been very special and well done to everyone. 

Next week is the biggie, as league leaders Clayton visit us. They have had a fantastic start, four wins out of four, 37 goals scored, none conceded! So it will be an interesting match and I hope the boys just go out onto the pitch, enjoy themselves and do themselves justice against a clearly exceptional side. Actually, it wouldn’t be bad time to keep another clean sheet…..

Scorers : Sam (3)