Under 13's. Tameside & District League. Division 1.
Home v 3D Dynamoes

  Result - Reddish North End 3 3D Dynamoes 3

Match Report: James Emmerson

The U13’s kicked off the new season in the top division with a magnificent performance, sharing the spoils and claiming a thoroughly deserved point against last season’s third place side.

There was so much to be proud of today. Reddish have not played a competitive game since May 2^nd – all of my plans for friendlies went up in smoke (or were submerged in rain) – so to put together such an impressive display was absolutely wonderful. We were without last year’s player of the season (Callum B on holiday), Jake was not at all well, new addition Daniel B was carrying a knock and without a competitive game in several months, and we had two other new signings bedding in.

We also had to adapt quickly to new surroundings. I am afraid that the Council have made a major blunder in their pitch management programme, meaning that numerous pitches are not prepared. Amongst them is North Reddish Park, where the state of the goalmouths is a disgrace – they are dangerous and not fit for football, so after numerous phone calls and visits yesterday, we opted to play at South Reddish Park instead. The pitch there is good, fairly flat and reasonably cut, although it’s not as wide as our usual pitch, which I think worked both for and against us today.

Had we played at our usual pitch, it’s very likely that two of the three goals we conceded wouldn’t have gone in (as the pitch is much wider). But equally, it’s as likely the boys would have found the big spaces just too much and their lack of fitness would really have been shown up. Some of them were out on their feet at the final whistle today! So there is a fair chance we will stay at South Reddish for the next few games and see what the Council sort out.

Anyway I shall talk about the performance, which I must be honest took me by surprise – it blew me away. I have been working the boys hard in training, trying to build up their match stamina with intensive seven-a-side games, but with a lack of full games behind them, I was worried that the boys might get caught out today. Experienced teams like 3D will pass you to death, and once sides get a lead at this level it is a big psychological hurdle to overcome. So I was amazed, delighted…insert your own adjective really, because we came from behind not once but twice, had the lead for a while, and certainly held our own, giving 3D plenty to think about.

We could have had three or four goals in the first half – the 3D keeper made a string of brilliant stops in one attack – but after going behind to a rather fortuitous strike (a cross which sailed into the far corner), Reddish got back level and were 1-1 at the interval. We got ahead in the 2^nd half, Sam again finishing well, but after an even spell, 3D equalised when Reddish waited for an offside decision that never came. Play to the whistle, boys!! 3D then went back in front – it seemed like a foul throw which led to a carbon copy of their first, but we paid the price for a sloppy bit of defending. However, everyone was delighted when Sam finished off another attack by blasting home an equaliser a few minutes from the end.

I think overall a draw was a fair result. Both sides could have scored more in all honesty. But I am thrilled to bits to be writing about such a creditable and hard working performance against one of the Division’s top sides.

We stuck to our plan pretty well, our shape and discipline was generally good, and just about all of the boys can look back on their performance today with justifiable pride. Felix, Louis and Chris were excellent, Josh likewise, Jake gave heart and soul despite struggling with a cold and nasty cough, and Mark also harried, tackled and put himself about. Jamie worked very hard as usual, while Sam’s hat-trick was a just reward for a brilliant display, constantly hassling the defenders and giving them little peace. At the back, Callum W once again showed why he is the best keeper playing the game at this level bar none. Fearless, assured, he is going to have a major role to play this season, and I’m delighted he is in our side. Well done all of you – keep this standard up and we will have some memorable days this season!

We have a midweek fixture away at league newcomers Delamere Rangers on Wednesday before Wythenshawe visit us next Saturday.

Scorers : Sam (3)

Man of the match : Sam