Under 13's. Tameside & District League. Division 1.
Home v Haughton Rangers

  Result - Reddish North End 3 Haughton Rangers 3

Match Report: James Emmerson

Whereas last week I was really disappointed with how poorly the boys performed, I could not be more pleased and delighted with them today. We are all disappointed as well – but only because we could have won today, and so to some extent it still all feels a bit flat. However, after last week’s hard lessons, the way all the team responded and dealt with some very difficult circumstances was admirable, and certainly if we are looking for a game-on-game improvement we got that in spades today!

I had taken the difficult decision to omit Michael today, and we were then hit by two very late withdrawals, Jamie unwell and Josh away. That meant we had 11 players but no subs. A still, overcast morning seemed ideal for football – great, I thought, if we had the heat of last week the boys might really struggle. Lo and behold, no sooner do we line up for kick off, the sun comes out and it gets really warm very quickly!

With Daniel B drafted into an unfamiliar centre back role, and Arnold getting a full game wide right, Reddish had a lot to do. Haughton had won their last two games 8-2 and 6-3 - they beat us 7-0 in our last meeting 2 years ago - so they were full of confidence, but we saw a huge improvement on last week’s diffident display, Reddish winning tackles and competing well. We almost took the lead – Callum B inches away from connecting with Sam’s cross – and looked useful going forward, but a defensive error let in a Haughton player for 1-0. Sickening!

With the heat taking its toll, and behind again, I was looking for a response from the boys and I was not to be let down. They kept their heads up, kept working, and when Sam wriggled free on the left, Callum didn’t miss another opportunity for a tap-in and we were level.

A few minutes later a free kick on the edge of their box was a great opportunity and Sam did the business again, curling a great shot right into the top corner! Great goal for us and 2-1 at half-time.

Shortly into the second half Sam got the benefit of an offside decision, kept going and even without his boot on fired home for 3-1! A great boost for us but we had a long time still to play. Without the option of subs, the players got a bit weary, and Haughton had a lot of the ball although in the main we kept them at arm’s length. Callum W still had work to do in goal though, but the boys seemed okay, the occasional forage forward and some determined tackling keeping us in front. However, sadly for Reddish two more defensive errors gifted Haughton two goals and the boys were understandably dejected.

So mixed emotions at the final whistle. Overall I was very happy to have taken something from the game, and the way the boys had kept working against a lively Haughton side, even when they were out on their feet, was heartening. I know I have talked about defensive errors costing us but the defence in general did really well, snuffing out numerous potential dangers and making important interceptions, Daniel B playing really well throughout.  And, as I’ve said, a huge improvement from last week with far from our strongest side out. Well done guys, a thoroughly deserved point, you ought to be proud of your commitment and work rate today. This is the minimum we need to compete in this division and we’ve shown we can do it.

Next week we have a break from league action, hopefully we will have a friendly to play.

Scorers : Sam (2) Callum B (1)

Man of the match : Daniel B.