Under 12's. Home v AFC Oldham

  Result - Reddish North End 2 AFC Oldham 0

Sitting down to write these reports is an absolute pleasure and today’s is no exception, although I could save myself some work and simply change the name of the goalscorers in last week’s report after another superb performance by the boys today. They were every bit as good as in the win over league champions Wythenshawe in last week’s friendly and worked very hard for a deserved victory, which makes second place in the division virtually assured now we’ve seen off our closest challengers.

This was our fourth clash with Oldham this season and to come away having made it four wins is very pleasing. It was a horrible day today, with a very strong blustery wind blowing right down the pitch and making it difficult for both sides, although mercifully it was bright and dry which compensated a bit. But with each side having a gale at their backs for a half, it was obvious that the weather was going to play a big part, and in the end Reddish defended better and took their chances.

We ripped Oldham to shreds in our last game but their football is improving, and now that their angrily vocal manager has left the club they seemed much more at ease and did give us some problems in each half. But our defence was excellent throughout, all three making crucial tackles when Oldham had the wind behind them and Callum solid and flawless in goal. With Daniel, Mark and Callum B also putting in a shift we did well to keep them out, although we needed a bit of good fortune when an Oldham player shot wide when clean through.

However, it’s a mystery how we didn’t score more than just one because we got into some great positions but couldn’t find the finish, until right on half time Michael wriggled clear and shot powerfully. The shot was parried but rolled across to Reece, who read the game well and turned up in the right place at the right time, unmarked and with an open goal. 1-0 at half time.

Everyone was full of praise for the boys as we munched our Freddos in a sheltered spot, and we talked about using the conditions to our advantage. Almost from the restart we were in business as Reece was played on the left and fouled, which gave Sam the opportunity to make it
2-0 from the spot. This he duly did, although only after whacking home the rebound after he hit the post! But they all count, and Reddish went on to make a number of great chances which on another day, and with a bit more composure, would have seen us score several more. Sam hit the bar twice, and he, Michael, Mark and Callum all shot wide when well placed.

Sam takes the penalty - Video

Oldham did start to get a bit of possession in our half and we had to be alert more than once to deal with the danger. However, Jake and Felix were brilliant again and Josh got some great challenges in, while behind them Callum was again very solid and safe, which inspires confidence in the others. He dealt comfortably with a couple of shots and his booming clearances caused havoc at the other end. I must also mention Daniel Larkin who was yet again absolutely terrific, working tirelessly in a deep-lying role today to help us deal with the weather. Reece got the man-of-the-match today for his goal to cap a good, hard working performance on the left, but on another day it could have been any of half a dozen serious candidates.

All the boys must be delighted with win number 12 in the league, seven wins in 8 games this year, and our fourth clean sheet in our last five games (and we only conceded 1 in the other game). Absolutely brilliant, I am so proud and pleased with every one of them, as are all our parents who were again very helpful and supportive, thanks everyone.

Next week Oldham visit us again for a Challenge Cup match – a place in the semis and an ‘A’ division opponent awaits the winner.

Scorers : Reece (1) Sam (1)

Man of the match : Reece