Home v Medlock Rangers

Result - Reddish North End 1 Medlock Rangers 3

Team coach (James) views on the game:

A very disappointing performance from the side today which saw us fall at the first hurdle of the league cup competition. The match was played in difficult conditions, a very strong wind blowing right down the pitch, but the fact is that Medlock handled these conditions better and in all fairness deserved their win. We chose to kick into the wind in the first half and played quite well in patches, Michael going close early on. But our best chances – two beautifully flighted corners from Michael – saw all the blue shirts inexplicably shy away rather than risk attacking the ball and maybe getting a whack – so we spoke at half time about the need for courage.

We had turned round 1-0 down, due partly to some poor Medlock finishing and some excellent work from goalie Callum Williams, but unfortunately in the second half the team never really got going despite the advantage of the wind. Michael went close and the Medlock goalie made some brave stops, and on a breakaway Medlock made it 2-0. It was only when Jamie’s deflected shot looped over the keeper and into the net that Reddish looked more lively and we were back in the game, but Medlock got the benefit of a marginal offside call and made it 3-1. Only a super late double save from Callum kept the score down, and despite some improved tackling and defending Reddish did not do enough to make the most of the conditions.

Medlock seemed to want the win more today and it hurts a bit to say that but all the players have got to be prepared to really knuckle down when the weather is not great and fully commit themselves. Two or three of our players today just did not look interested and we can’t afford to be carrying that many. Despite a number of creditable individual performances today we didn’t play anything like we can, so when Medlock visit us in April for the league match we need to make amends.