Under 13's. Friendly Game.
Home v Medlock Rangers Whites

  Result - Reddish North End 6 Medlock Rangers 1

Match Report: James Emmerson

The Tameside League have made the biggest blunders imaginable in organising the two U13 divisions this season which has meant numerous blank weekends for all clubs. So with another spare Saturday looming, we agreed a second game with Medlock Whites having already had one friendly earlier in the season. And, as in that first game, Reddish ran out comfortable winners in a good natured contest, and there was much to be pleased about on a chilly yet thankfully dry morning.

The South Reddish Park pitch has stood up superbly this season, absorbing water very well, so Medlock were very keen for another chance to come down to Reddish for the match. Before kick off, the boys put in one of the worst warm-ups I’ve seen in a long time – lethargic and casual. While I was pleased they were so relaxed, I definitely did not want complacency to kick in, so the boys got a stern talking-to prior to the game and I made clear what I expected, emphasising teamwork as being the key to winning the match.

Already without Jamie (who has now left us), and with Sam being away, Reddish were stretched to the limit when Ashley complained of a chest pain and didn’t feel well enough to start. Jake was moved up to left midfield and Felix brought in at left back, and I wondered how the boys would cope with major players missing and so many changes. The answer was not long in coming, as Reddish quickly applied pressure on the Medlock goal, and after a corner from James was not dealt with, Jake was on hand to smash the loose ball high into the net for his first goal in almost two seasons.

Parents and players alike were delighted for him, as the celebrations showed, and I was really thrilled for him. Jake was originally an attacker for the club but volunteered to move to left back early last season to help get our defence sorted out, so for this rare visit into the opponents penalty box to result in a goal was brilliant for him. He was in there again shortly after, more great passing leaving Jake to slide the ball across for Arnold to tap in for 2-0.

If Jake was pleased to score, Arnold went absolutely radio rental! He sprinted away, arms outstretched, before doing a somersault and landing flat on his back! It gave everyone – even the Medlock parents – a giggle and it was impossible not to share Arnold’s joy. However, his landmark first goal was soon followed by another first – the first ever booking for a Reddish player! One foul too many tested ref Laura’s patience too much, and out came the card. Thankfully it won’t get reported and Arnold will thus avoid a fine!

But he wasn’t the first in the book – the Medlock goalie earned that distinction, for taking out Jake way outside the box after he burst clear and pushed the ball round the onrushing keeper. Jake was fortunately not hurt and in a league match the ref would probably have shown a straight red card. But it wasn’t necessary today, and as it was Medlock had their goalie to thank for keeping the score down. He was helpless to stop another Reddish goal before the interval, though, as Callum capped a great half with a swivel and finish for 3-0.

The second half was one way traffic for a long period. Callum laid in James for another super finish, before Callum himself grabbed two more for his ninth goal in three matches. On fire or what! But Cal thoroughly deserves it, a tireless worker and a very talented young player. Arnold pulled off one outrageous turn and was within a whisker of a second goal, and numerous other attacks were repelled by the overworked Medlock defence. In the end complacency gave them some openings – one brilliant stop by Callum Williams stood out for me – and with the last kick of the match Medlock grabbed a consolation goal to round off their best spell of the game.

We finished with a penalty shoot-out for some fun, and it was another very pleasing morning for a great set of boys. Well done everyone, a terrific effort all round.

Scorers: Callum B (3) Jake (1) Arnold (1) James (1)