It was the final league game of the season at Wright Robinson today with Withington Rangers our opponents and the boys produced another excellent display to run out deserved 2-0 winners. We had drawn our 3 other league games with the Rangers (two of them after leading 2-0) so the result gives us a great boost as we move on to Monday’s cup final date with Waterloo at Hyde United.
The Heyside team were quickly in their stride again and took the lead after 6 minutes when Matty smashed the ball into the top corner after the ball broke to him on the edge of the box.
As usual our “Mean Machine” defensive unit of Lennon, Joel and keeper George limited a good Withington team to very few scoring opportunities. George was forced into 1 really good save but at the other end the Rangers keeper was kept busy throughout the game as shots and crosses rained in on his goal.
It was going to take something special to beat him a second time and that’s exactly what Aaron produced 4 minutes into the second half as he surged forward towards goal before unleashing a rocket of a shot that flew past the keeper into the top corner. It was a fantastic goal on a day when over the 2 games we could have run a “goal of the season” competition – great stuff when you remember the ages of the players.
Jake again came agonisingly close to grabbing his first goal of the season with another long range effort and there was again some superb link up play between Ryan, Jack, Louis, Aaron and Matty.
Withington as ever fought until the end and, as we tired slightly in the hot conditions, they briefly threatened to get a toe hold back in the game. It wasn’t to be though on this occasion as Joel and Lennon took command at the back and ensured there was no way back for the Rangers.
The result equals our unbeaten run of 7 games at the start of the season and we have ended the league programme superbly with 5 wins and 2 draws from those 7 games. Between our 2 teams we have only lost 5 out of 40 games and moved 2 points further clear of runners up Withington to end the season 11 points clear.
Well done both teams a fantastic achievement in our first “competitive” season. The league and cup “double” is very much on the cards but we know that Waterloo can be very dangerous opponents. As well as that I am well clear in the race to be “Gob of the Year” but with Matty’s mum and Joel’s mum providing stern opposition that again will be decided on Monday!!!
Thanks to the A team for their acknowledgment of this with their goal celebration but next time make sure I’m not holding a water bottle before you come “shushing” me!!!
MOM: Another outstanding display from every one of the team. Yet again it was very difficult to pick anyone out but with his goal and some great passes Matty was a deserved Man of the Match – a special mention however for 2 superb displays from Aaron and Lennon. At training on Tuesday Lennon could hardly run but today gave one of his best displays of the season and Aaron again showed what a great player he is, terrific work rate and super skills.
