Under 12's. Away v Brendon Bees

  Result - Reddish North End 3 Brendon Bees 5

Not the result we wanted before the Christmas break, a disappointing defeat that could have been so very different. Reddish had a firm grip on large parts of this match, and created several really good scoring opportunities outside of the three we put away. However, we didn’t take these chances and were made to pay as the Bees continually found too much space on our right hand side and scored four of their five goals from those attacks – three were almost identical looping cross-shots.

We were 2-1 up at the interval, through Sam and Michael’s well hit long ranger, then 3-2 up in the second half before the Bees cashed in. Even then, at 4-3 down, we had two marvellous chances for an equaliser which both went begging, and in the end we were pushing men forward and the Bees grabbed their decisive fifth.

Pulling out plus points from the game is easy. Sam had another excellent game, two super goals and causing constant problems up front, as well as coming back and helping out with the defence. Mark put in another wholehearted and generally very effective performance, Daniel had some good moments too, and there were numerous parts of good interplay and composure on the ball. Josh and Jake again did their jobs well at the back, Callum W was again brave and solid, Felix had some good touches on his debut, and as I have mentioned we created so many chances we really ought to have won - even despite missing a first half penalty as the Bees keeper made a really good save from Michael’s firmly struck spot kick.

However, Callum B was suffering with a virus and cold and only played for ten minutes – setting up Sam for the opener – before I had to sub him, he just couldn’t manage any more. He is one of our most influential players and we missed his energy and skill today. And, most crucially, defensive mistakes and lapses that we have seen before were in evidence again today and we paid the price. This is something I will be addressing.

It was a shame to see the boys come away with nothing but they were gracious in defeat and in time I hope will reflect on a really good game of football on a pitch that was badly waterlogged in patches. This is how the game goes; we have squeaked home a few times in our numerous victories and we got a taste of the other side of it today, so it’s an opportunity for everyone to learn and improve for next time. But we have got to Christmas with seven wins, three losses and a draw plus two victories in the Cup, which I would have snapped anyone’s hand off for in August. It’s been a brilliant effort overall and there is more to come next year!

Scorers : Sam (2) Michael (1)

Man of the match : Sam