Under 12's. Away v North Manchester Boys

  Result - Reddish North End 6 North Manchester Boys 2

As I sit here trying to summarise what I have just witnessed I am in a state of shock. We have just played our first away match against one of the toughest and most respected sides in the division – indeed, throughout the Tameside League – and we have come away with an outstanding, comprehensive victory. 

I’m never short of a word or two but finding praise high enough for this magnificent performance is almost impossible. The boys were fantastic from start to finish, putting in a brilliant work rate on an increasingly warm morning. They worked and worked, they stuck to the plan, and when we got the ball forward we were a constant threat. It is so gratifying to have seen them play this well and I am thrilled to bits for every single one of them. 

Last season N.M’cr beat us 5-1 here before also winning 2-1 at our place. They also beat us in a friendly 3-1, although the match was marred by the terrible injury suffered by N.M’crs Mark Donegan. It was good to see him playing again today after a long recovery from his broken leg and we all wish him well and hope he makes good progress.  

So although we went into the match full of confidence after two good wins, I was mindful of North Manchester’s reputation and their thumping 3-0 win last weekend. We needed to keep the game tight and not give away cheap possession early, and this we did, with the midfield and defence doing their jobs well. After a fairly even period Reddish started to press with some good passing, and we were rewarded when Sam stabbed in a loose ball after a scramble. A good start then got even better when a speculative shot from Michael slipped through the goalie’s hands for 2-0.  

Daniel went agonisingly close to making it 3 but with more Reddish pressure the third wasn’t long in coming, Sam again on the mark, and when a panicked N.M’cr defender miscued a clearance into the net we came off unbelievably 4-0 up at half time. I tell the boys that the aim is always for us to be in the game at half-time, but astonishingly we had the match by the throat, so it was an easy team talk, and I am pleased to say that in the main the boys carried it out to perfection. 

Michael settled early nerves with a fine finish for 5-0, and although the game then changed, with N.M’cr seeing too much of the ball, Reddish defended stoutly. However, one mistake cost us a goal and although even at 5-1 teams can get a bit wobbly, the boys kept calm, and by the time N.M’cr got a streaky second from a corner there wasn’t much time left. Sam then put the issue beyond doubt with a great finish after being played in by Jamie and Michael for his second hat-trick. 

Although the goal scorers get the limelight make no mistake this was a team effort. Callum was rock solid in the goals, Josh and Jake played superbly at the back, with Alex and Reece also playing their part. Daniel had a great game in midfield and Callum B absolutely ran himself into the ground. All the other boys got tackles in, cleared up loose balls and kept working and concentrating. Wonderful! 

After three games last season we had lost all three, scoring one goal and conceding 21 times. Indeed, we only managed three wins all season, so as I sit back and reflect on three straight wins, 9 points, 14 goals scored and only five conceded, I am bursting with pride in all the players. Our finest ever performance and an amazing victory, thoroughly deserved. Waiter! 

Scorers : Sam (3) Michael (2) Own Goal (1)