Under 12's. Home v AFC Oldham (League Cup Round 1)

  Result - Reddish North End 6 AFC Oldham 4

The first cup match of the season, this was an excellent second half from Reddish which saw them pull back a 3-1 interval deficit. Despite then falling 4-2 behind, the boys kept their heads well and showed fantastic determination to keep going at the Oldham defence, and in the end the pressure paid with four goals in the last ten minutes. 

Despite an ominous forecast and drizzle while I was putting the nets up it thankfully stayed dry and quite calm for the match, and with the pitch in great condition Reddish kicked off full of confidence. An early breakaway saw us go a goal behind, but Jamie soon got us back level. Reddish then had their poorest period of play, as the boys didn’t stick to the plan and lost far too much possession. Although we had a few half chances things did not feel right and Oldham grew in confidence. Their second goal, while not undeserved, was extremely dubious – the referee inexplicably failing to call an offside as three Oldham players were way ahead of our back line – and a defensive bloomer by Reddish then gifted them a third goal. Oldham also rattled our bar with a free kick and missed a couple of other decent chances. 

I must make mention of a quite magnificent double save from Callum, who somehow got up from one stop and immediately dived full length to tip away the follow-up shot. The Oldham striker who was denied made a point of congratulating him, which was very sporting, and indicates just what a brilliant piece of goalkeeping it was. 

So 3-1 at half time but no need for panic or any histrionics from me. I calmly told the boys to play our game, shore up the midfield and keep passing the ball, we knew we had enough to win the match despite the score. Sure enough, Sam stuck one away soon after the restart but then some sloppy midfield and defensive work ended up with us scoring an own goal to make it 2-4. This could have been game over but the boys showed how determined they were to keep their winning run going, as we turned up the pressure on Oldham, passed and moved, and after several near-misses it was no surprise when Jamie finished really well, before another attack saw Arran clip in the loose ball for 4-4. 

Oldham squandered one really good opportunity as extra-time loomed, but Reddish had more in the tank as a typical Sam finish – a volley high into the net over a stranded keeper – saw joy unconfined amongst our boys, several of them diving on top of him! Michael was then denied a stone-cold penalty before he got his reward, finishing superbly despite being on the ground after contesting a loose ball with their keeper. I would have dived on top of Michael if he had been near enough! 

What a great comeback by the boys! Daniel and Mark excelled in an improving midfield in the second half, the defence also got better after a shaky period, Callum B again covered every blade of grass, Reece had another good game, and the forwards were a constant threat - this is the third match in a row where we’ve scored six, and again it could have been many more. It was also interesting to watch the boys have to come from behind twice and deal with some indifferent refereeing, a good attitude test and one that will hopefully help them in games to come. But a terrific win, well done everyone. 

Back to the league next week as we face a tough home match against an in-form Medlock Rangers.

Scorers : Jamie (2) Sam (2) Arran (1) Michael (1)