Home v Medlock Rangers

Result - Reddish North End 2 Medlock Rangers 2

Team coach (James) views on the game:

A really entertaining game of football to round off our season was a pleasing – but nerve-wracking at times – way to finish! This was actually Medlock’s fourth trip of the campaign to North Reddish Park, having had two postponements (one in the cup & the other in the league) and it was with no little relief that I arrived at a bright and sunny park and a firm pitch. 

We started the game really well and early on Jake, having stayed in the right position while all the Medlock defence drifted towards the ball, found himself with the ball at his feet, kept focussed, and shot past the keeper from close range. We had some other spells of pressure but Medlock also troubled us, and it took a couple of good challenges from defenders, and the brave and confident goalkeeping we are used to from Callum, to keep us ahead. However, Medlock got the benefit of an offside call and eventually forced a breakaway equaliser.
However, back we came and after getting a free kick on the edge of the 18 yard area, Michael did what he does best and curled the ball in the far top corner to regain the lead for us, a fantastic strike. Michael is comfortably our top scorer but he has also created so many goals for us as well, and how on earth we did not score from three successive corners which he later flighted beautifully into the heart of the six yard box none of us watching knew.

We started the second half well and continued to have good spells of pressure but no end product – their keeper made a couple of saves but he wasn’t stretched in doing so. Medlock looked to hit us on the break and in one such movement Josh conceded a free kick right on the edge of the area. From the ensuing scramble we just did not deal with the loose ball and the ref felt he saw a trip which gave Medlock a penalty. I must say that their player despatched it well.
Chances then fell at both ends – more corners from Michael caused chaos, and Jamie forced a magnificent reflex save from the Medlock goalie. At the other end Alex and Connor both cleared off our line for which they deserve great credit. I thought Medlock were going to snatch it with that opportunity but somehow their player stumbled with the goal gaping and the boys managed to hack the ball clear.

So at the end a draw was fair, and there was a good atmosphere as all players and parents/managers from both sides shook hands and congratulated both sides. The point meant we finished above Medlock and avoided last place in the league, which is a very very good achievement. The bottom five sides were only separated by a couple of points and hopefully next season the team will win their own ‘league within the league’ as it were, which they are capable of doing. 

We have two weeks break now before we resume some light training combined with trials as we look to add to the side.