Boxing Day Match

Mellor FC Over 25s and Under 25s served up a Yule Tide cracker at Wood Lane, with the Oldies winning 5-3 after trailing 3-0 at the break.

The Over 25s thought they were in for a stuffing after Sam Parker, Matt Mills and Dave Whelan all found the net without reply.

But they pulled the chestnuts out of the fire to win with strikes from Danny Hayes, Carl Brindley, Steve Baguley and Ryan Yates (2).

Someone facing a firing squad might - as a final wish - have chosen these sides to provide the marksmen.

But in the end the crowd of seven was fully entertained.

Over 25s

Under 25s

Dunc Bray provided the turkey on five minutes with a miss from four yards. It was a reverse Cinderella. He missed the ball.

Dunc Bray misses the ball

Mellor Under 25s began to dominate. Sam Parker latched onto a through ball as his marker Chris Boydell crashed to the ground like a Norwegian pine en route to Trafalgar Square. But the striker fired wide.

On 10 minutes Over 25s centre back Craig Fairfield was as generous as a tipsy Santa, passing the ball square to Parker who this time made no mistake, leaving keeper Phil Welsh as static as a snowman.

On 15 minutes Carl Brindley tried to capitalise on a mistake in the Under 25s back line but shot wide.

Five minutes later Parker volleyed straight at Welsh after good work by Jonny Cooke and James Robinshaw.

On 25 minutes Welsh made the first of a string of excellent saves, turning the ball for a corner.

From the corner Mike White eventually crossed dangerously but Jimmy Archer couldn't climb high enough.

On 32 minutes a one-two between Ryan Yates and Kev Murray sent Murray clear but his shot was so high it might have sent ET home quicker.

Two minutes later Mark Oldham galloped down the left and crossed but Craig Fairfield's header lacked sufficient power.

Craig Fairfield gets no power in his header

On 37 minutes Jonny Cooke fired over from 18 yards when well placed. Three minutes later Archer also spurned a good chance inside the six yard box.

Mike Palmer lets fly

On 42 minutes Cooke danced through two tackles and shot. Welsh parried his drive but the ball ran to Mills for a tap in.

A minute later Mike Palmer blazed over from 12 yards after good work from Chris Porter.

Welsh was called into action again on 44 minutes to make another fine save but a minute later Chris Porter's handball was rightly punished by a spot kick and Whelan smashed the ball down the middle for 3-0.

Whelan's pen

A piece of tactical genius by Over 25s captain Ryan Yates immediately after the break turned the match around. Ryan sneaked two extra players onto the field. Capello please note.

But the Under 25s almost went further ahead on 48 minutes, Tom Fletcher firing over from five yards after Jonny Cooke created the chance.

Matt Lloyd then produced the first of a series of top saves, denying Kev Murray from point blank range only for the man from Inkbox to blot his copybook by firing the rebound over.

On 57 minutes the Oldies got one back, Ryan Yates firing in a shot which cannoned off Danny Hayes and into the net.

Matt Mills tried to out fox Chris Boydell

Four minutes later Steve Baguley set up Carl Brindley who made it 2-3.

The Under 25s then spotted that the reason it looked as if the Oldies had 13 men on the pitch was that they did.

Parker's team then brought on two subs and it was 13-a-side.

To no avail. On 67 minutes Barlow crossed and Baguley bagged. 3-3.

Lloyd denied Yates again with a brilliant save on 72 minutes and Craig Fairfield put the loose ball wide when it looked easier to score.

Dunc Bray missed another chance on 80 minutes from Yates' pass. Then on 84 minutes Palmer was upended in the box and Yates slotted the penalty for 4-3.

Si Moores squandered a chance to equalise but on 87 minutes Barlow put Yates clear and he sealed a marvellous comeback to make it 5-3.

The applause at the end sounded like Captain Hook inside an air tight box.

Happy New Year everyone.

Merry Christmas

Josh Wilson

George Dearsley

Adam Axford got: A furry ice scraper mitt and a little Ducky LED keyring that quacks!

Pat Boyle: didn't he do well?

Footy boots for Tom Fletcher

Firsts trounce Oldham

Only one game because of bad weather. But the Firsts hammered AFC Oldham 4-0 on Curzon Ashton's plastic pitch to cement second spot in the Premiership.

Craig Frisby's header from corner set Mellor on the way. Matt Jamieson then fired into the bottom corner for the second.

Man of the Match Craig Frisby then notched a second header for number three before Danny Leibrick made it 4-0.

Manager Si Dalby said: "It was a good defensive display, based on hard work and getting men behind ball. We took our chances well. They were a good side but we were better organised and more effective. A good all round team performance."

Pictures courtesy of Alan Simmons.

Jamo fires in the second

Frizzer (out of picture) heads number three

Danny Leibrick is blocked off

Craig Frisby challenges for a header

Jonny Cooke gives Oldham's defence an anxious moment

Thirds Six Points Clear

Bad weather saw the postponement of all but the Third Team's away clash with local rivals Govan on the well drained University Grounds.

The Thirds claimed all three points with a comfortable 3-0 win, all the goals coming in the first period.

But for Govan's keeper Mellor's win might have been more emphatic.

The win puts Adam Axford's and Gary Brown's side six points clear in Division C.

Mellor started at a gallop and Govan were under pressure from the kick off.

Sam Parker's shot is saved

After two minutes Sam Parker broke clear but his shot was brilliantly turned away for a corner.

Five minutes later Dave Whelan fed Parker who went on a powerful run on the right before finding James Robinshaw who drove low through a ruck of defenders into the corner of the net from 20 yards.

Robinshaw scores number one

On 10 minutes Robinshaw scored his second, firing in a direct free kick, dummied by Parker on the way into the far left hand corner of the net.

Robinshaw's free kick makes it 2-0

Mellor almost went 3-0 up a minute later, Dave Whelan denied by a great save from nine yards out.

Govan scarcely carried a threat. When they got forward their attacks were snuffed out with Baguley and Boyle dominant at the back and Man of the Match Cosgrove breaking up the play in midfield.

Debutant Mellor keeper Luke Smith had little to do but when called upon he was reassuringly efficient.

Whelan was denied again by a terrific save on 20 minutes and 10 minutes later Robinshaw curled a great shot just a foot wide from 20 yards.

On 36 minutes Parker effectively sealed the win, breaking clear of three defenders and driving low into the same corner Robinshaw had found earlier.

Biff! Parker makes it 3-0

Mellor started the second half in similar style. Defender Pat Boyle almost added to the scoreline after 46 minutes, side footing a sharp chance wide after a Parker corner.

Pat Boyle fires wide

Three minutes later Dave Whelan had another shot saved. Mellor's attacks were resembling the assaults on Rorke's Drift in the film Zulu.

Parker had a shot deflected for a corner. Then on 55 minutes Daniel Davies' lung busting run down the right ended in a last ditch tackle that conceded another flag kick.

On 56 minutes Ian Arnfield replaced Parker who suffered a knock to his hip.

On 60 minutes Simon Moores replaced Robinshaw.

Whelan missed a good chance on 65 minutes.

Four minutes later Gary Brown came on for Archer.

This final substitution released defender Baguley who began to create extra problems in the Govan back line.

On 80 minutes Whelan created a marvellous chance for Davies, seven yards out, but the full back scooped his effort over the bar.

On 88 minutes came one of the best moves of the match, Cosgrove bursting forward to gather the ball and play it first time 35 yards to the left wing where Baguley advanced and forced another wonderful save from Govan's keeper.

Luke Smith

Simon Moores

Firsts Held, Seconds and Thirds win

Mellor Firsts were held 3-3 at home by Hazel Grove.

It was a disappointing result after Mellor defeated their local rivals 7-0 away.

Mellor had Matt Jamieson dismissed in the second half.

Craig Frisby, Matt Jamieson and Matt Cotton were Mellor's scorers.

Steve Smith was Man of the Match.

Mellor Seconds won 5-3 away at Rochdalians.

Mark Oldham (2), Ryan Yates, Luke Jubb and Carl Brindley were on target.

Tim Parker was Man of the Match.

The Thirds top the Division C table after a 5-3 win at home to title challenges Bury Amateur FC Reserves.

Sam Parker (2), Sam Healey, Pat Boyle and Rick Axford scored.

Sam Parker and Steve Baguley were jointly Man of the Match.

The Fourths went down 0-4 to Ashtonians away but it was an unfair reflection on the play.

Mellor lost keeper Phil Brown after 35 minutes to injury and missed a string of chances.

Clive Szmit was Man of the Match.

MELLOR JUNIORS

Mellor Juniors beat Cheadle & Gatley 4-0 on Sunday November 27th with goals from Will Parry (2), Kieran Malpas and Fred Keyets.

Mellor Juniors

Will Parry scores number one

Will Parry scores number two

The keeper denies Parry a hat trick

Kieran Malpas fires in number three

MAGNIFICENT SEVEN

Mellor Firsts chalked up a seventh consecutive Premiership win beating Chorltonians away 3-1.

The win exacted revenge for a 1-2 reverse in the home fixture in August when a Chorlts player kicked in a dressing room door.

This time Dave Whelan, Chris Coram and Matt Jamieson kicked down Chorlts defence to score. The home side's only reply was a Ben Beer own goal which levelled the score at 1-1. Jack Parr was Mellor's Man of the Match. The win puts Mellor second in the Division, six points behind Spurley Hey but with two games in hand. Next up Hazel Grove at home.

Jack Parr

Mellor Seconds found themselves 0-4 down after 25 minutes away at Castleton Firsts but rallied to end the match losing 6-5.

Andy Kuehl, Matt McNulty(2), Ryan Yates and Luke Jubb were the scorers. James Humphries was Mellor's star man, closely followed by Matt McNulty.

James Humphries

Mellor Thirds top Division C on goal difference after a 4-1 away win at Barton Town Firsts. Man of the Match Sam Healey scored a hat trick and Ian Arnfield added the other. 

Sam Healey

Mellor Fourths travelled to the plastic pitch at the Tameside Stadium to take on AFC Oldham Reserves. 

Phil Brown in goal was in good form and denied the home side a first minute goal. On four minutes Maciek Sobiegraj had a good run but his shot was high.

Phil Brown was called into action again on 20 minutes tipping over a fierce drive. Eight minutes later he made another save to deny Oldham.

The home side were dominating and Mellor struggled to create chances.

On 32 minutes Oldham hit a post.

But the longer Mellor dug in the more frustrated the home side became and on 38 minutes a mix up in the Oldham defence led to a defender putting through his own goal.

The makeshift centre back pairing of Man of the Match Mike White and Paul Telfer began to steady the ship. They won most things in the air and covered each other well. Rick Monton and Sam Jamieson in general bottled up the flanks.

Matt Mills replaced Shane Cliffe at left midfield on 55 minutes. Five minutes later Nathan Fitzpatrick fired two yards wide from long distance.

The game was opening up now and Mellor were earning more possession in the final third, if still not creating good chances.

On 70 minutes James Robinshaw replaced Andy Given.

On 75 minutes a poor header in midfield led to Oldham shipping the ball forward early and an attacker got a yard of space to fire past Phil Brown for 1-1.

Oldham might have gone ahead but for another good save from Brown, turning away a long range shot.

The turning point of the match came on 79 minutes when Maciek Sobiegraj got away and toed the ball past the on-rushing keeper who brought him down.

The Pole coolly slotted the pressure penalty into the top right hand corner for 2-1.

Thomas Reeve then replaced Nathan Fitzpatrick.

A minute later Sobiegraj scored again, shooting high into the left hand corner from the right.

Jordan Cassidy then replaced Sean Standen

As the rain fell, Oldham were chasing the game and their defence was stretched.

Maciek Sobiegraj

Sobiegraj got away again and his shot was saved but spun away for Robinshaw to head goalwards from five yards. A defender on the line tried to palm the ball away but only succeeded in deflecting it into his own goal for 4-1. But the goal was Robinshaw's.

The win puts Mellor up to sixth in Division D.

WHERE'S WHALLEY?

Mellor Firsts knocked unbeaten Whalley Range out of the Rhodes Cup in a drama filled 3-2 home win.

Range had three players red carded by the end and were eventually sunk by an 80th minute goal from Danny Leibrick.

Matt Jamieson put Mellor 1-0 up with a penalty after he had been felled by a "last man" tackle which triggered the first sending off.

Cody Wharton saves watched by Craig Frisby and Rob White (far right)

Range then sprang into life and took a 2-1 lead.

But a second Jamieson goal and two further dismissals turned the game in Mellor's favour. Paul Swann was Mellor's Man of the Match.

Danny Leibrick attacks

Rob White clears his lines

Mellor Seconds claimed only their second league win of the season but they did it in style in Brabyns, thumping Gatley Firsts 5-1.

Mellor were under the cosh with 20 minutes left, despite leading 2-1 with goals from Mark Oldham and Tom Bright.

They survived a string of goalmouth scrambles and six yard box pressure. 

But breakaway strikes from Oldham, Andy Given and Paul Newman (a brilliant chip) sent the visitors 

away with glum faces.

Luke Jubb was Mellor's Man of the Match, closely followed by Craig Fairfield.

 

Mellor defending with Carl Bradbury and Matt McNulty

The Thirds won 3-0 at Whalley Range in the preliminary round of the Whitehead Cup which they won last season.

It sets up a home tie with Milton Thirds in January.

Rick Axford, Marcus McNulty and Sam Parker did the damage. Pat Boyle was Mellor's star man.

Mellor Fourths hosted Chorltonians Sixth team in the Halliwell Shield at Brabyns and came away with a gritty 1-0 win, their first clean sheet of the season.

The prize is a home tie against Old Strets Fourths in January.

Mellor almost took the lead in the first minute, Maciek Sobiegraj hitting a post and then seeing his follow up shot blocked.

But on five minutes he found the net, latching onto a through ball and running on to beat the keeper inside the right hand post.

Chorlts big centre back was causing Mellor problems from set plays and almost equalised from a corner.

On nine minutes Nathan Fitzpatrick, who had an excellent game in right midfield, crossed for Paul Telfer who shot just wide.

A Chorlts defensive mistake on 11 minutes gave Fitzpatrick a shooting chance but he could not bend his shot enough and missed the top left hand corner.

Another Fitzpatrick effort cannoned back off a defender for Matt Jamieson to try his luck from 20 yards but the shot was saved.

On 20 minutes another Telfer effort with the outside of his right foot brought an exceptional one handed save from the visiting keeper.

Chorlts survived three or four uncomfortable moments with last ditch tackles and interceptions.

But they clawed their way back into the match and began to dominate.

They missed a good chance on 31 minutes and four minutes later Phil Brown had to pull off a block in a one-on-one situation with Rick Monton clearing the loose ball.

Mellor's defence began to come under more pressure but they coped well, with man of the Match Paul Wild outstanding.

At half time Sean Standen replaced Michael White.

Fitzpatrick shot wide from 25 yards on 48 minutes.

Mellor had a couple of half chances but shots were either blocked or flew too high.

On 60 minutes Maciek Sobiegraj was sent clear but as he rounded the keeper on the edge of the box he was sent crashing to the floor.

Referee Richard Makin decided on a yellow not a red card and the resulting free kick was saved.

James Robinshaw was introduced up front on 63 minutes.

In a further reshuffle Telfer went to right back on 70 minutes for Rick Monton whose place was taken by Thomas Reeve operating on the right flank, with Fitzpatrick pushing more central.

The fresh legs seemed to afford Mellor more possession and the influence on the game swung back in the home side's favour.

On 75 minutes an overhead kick by Reeve fell to Sean Standen, six yards out with his back to goal. He spun and connected well but the shot flew high.

Phil Brown made another good save on 76 minutes and two minutes later Standen had another shot blocked as the played yo-yoed from end to end.

Sam Jamieson had an effort brilliantly saved on 88 minutes and as the clock ticked down Mellor survived a corner and two long throw-ins to see the game out for a confidence boosting victory.

In his match sheet notes Referee Richard Makin said of Mellor FC : "Very well behaved team and a credit to the club".

Well done to all the managers, assistants and players for a terrific weekend of results.

The winners of the latest 100 Club draw were:

Russell Cox (number 52) who wins £40 and Care Needs (29) who win £80.

Three points from 12

THE RACE NIGHT PLANNED FOR THIS SATURDAY IS CANCELLED

Mellor Firsts climbed to fourth in the Premiership after a 3-2 home win against Hooley Bridge. Mellor dominated the first half in which the visitors had a man sent off and led 3-0 at the break.

Hooley Bridge also had to change their keeper in the second period but rallied well to bring the game back to 3-2 and only a last minute save by Cody Wharton prevented the loss of two points. Dave Whelan scored twice for Mellor and Matt Jamieson scored the other.

Cody Wharton

The Seconds, bottom of Division 2, travelled to Hollingworth Old Boys who now top the table. But the home side were in for a surprise as Mellor had the better of the early exchanges.

In the first minute Tom Bright slipped in Ian Arnfield whose shot was saved with difficulty.

Two minutes later Matt McNulty went on a 50 yard run up the middle of the pitch and curled an excellent shot from 22 yards which missed the top corner by two feet.

On four minutes Marcus McNulty sent a free kick just over the bar.

Hollingworth then forced two corners which Scott Cassidy dealt with at the near post.

But on 22 minutes Hollingworth went ahead when a long diagonal ball found a forward who volleyed home off the crossbar.

The goal seemed to affect Mellor's confidence. Some good defensive play was undone by poor passing from the back.

Mellor then conceded a free kick in a dangerous spot but the wall did its job.

On 30 minutes Ian Arnfield could not rise high enough to direct a telling cross towards goal.

Five minutes later a mistake at the back put a Hollingworth forward in but Tom Fletcher pulled off a great save.

The game seemed to turn on its head in a bizarre two minutes after the break. On 46 minutes the Hollingworth goalkeeper sliced a clearance into his own goal.

And a minute later a crass back pass sent Tom Bright away and he coolly slotted  home to give Mellor an unlikely 2-1 lead

Tom Bright wheels away after scoring

But another poor clearance on 54 minutes set up a Hollingworth equaliser.

Josh Wilson then replaced Ian Arnfield and on 57 minutes Hollingworth missed a great chance to take the lead with a close range header which flashed wide.

Josh Wilson

Rob Jordan then replaced Marcus McNulty on 60 minutes.

On 65 minutes another poor ball out of defence was intercepted. Hollingworth switched the play to the ring winger and the ensuing cross was headed in at the far post.

Tim Parker clears

On 75 minutes Rob Jordan made a good run down the left and his dangerous cross was cleared after causing some consternation.

James Humphries then replaced Andy Kuehl. The switch pushed more Mellor men forward and for a while the home side looked edgy.

On 79 minutes Tom Fletcher made another great save but seven minutes later Hollingworth put the game to bed with a whipped free kick from 23 yards which went over the wall and found the far corner.

Matt McNulty might have pulled one back three minutes into injury time but missed the target when well placed eight yards out.

Tom Fletcher and Tom Bright were named as joint Man of the Match.

The Thirds lost 4-2 away against Bury Amateur AFC Reserves. Man of the Man Sam Parker scored twice.

The Fourths lost 1-0 at home to Milton Thirds. Sam Jamieson was Man of the Match.

Mellor's Stockport Cup dream is over

Mellor Firsts lost 2-4 at home to Cheadle Hulme Villa in the Stockport Senior Cup semi final.

Matt Jamieson fired the first real test of the game after nine miniutes. The Villa keeper fumbled his long range effort but Carl Brindley could not follow up quickly enough.

Villa then began to dominate. On 13 minutes a Villa forward shot inches wide. A minute later a Villa forward was clean through but his lob cleared the bar.

Cody Wharton in Mellor's goal made an excellent save on 16 minutes at the expense of a corner.

But on 17 minutes, against the run of play, Mellor scored, Dave Whelan feeding Jonny Cooke who slotted in Matt Jamieson to shoot low into the corner from 24 yards.

Jamieson was put through again on 32 minutes but slightly overran the ball. He was crowded out.

On 35 minutes Villa swopped their keeper, who was injured kicking the ball away.

Villa made it 1-1 on 42 minutes after a clever one-two which cut open Mellor's defence.

At half time Mellor substituted Jonny Cooke. Steve Smith took over in midfield, Carl Brindley was moved to the right and Dave Moss went up front to support Jamieson.

Villa went 2-1 ahead within a minutes of the re-start. Mellor then survived a downward header on 50 minutes.

But on 55 minutes came the biggest drama of the game, when Villa's substititute keeper appeared to drop the ball behind him and over the line.

The ball was cleared and the referee waived away Mellor's appeals for a goal.

On 65 minutes Villa made it 3-1 after a poor defensive header set up a shooting chance. Cody Wharton made a good full length save but a Villa forward followed up to score.

Wharton then made another excellent save on 67 minutes.

But two minutes later Villa went 4-1 up.

Jack Parr and Luke Jubb replaced Carl Brindley and Dave Moss.

On 75 minutes Jack Parr was upended in the area and Matt Jamieson blasted home the penalty for 2-4.

Mellor pressed and Craig Frisby, in the six yard area, only just missed an 81st minute free kick from Jamieson.

On 86 minutes Jamiseon slashed wide from 16 yards and Villa saw out the match to progess to the semis.

Meanwhile in the Premiership basement side Hazel Grove did local rivals Mellor a favour by beating AFC Oldham 2-0 at Torkingtton Park, recording only their second win in 12.

Mellor could leapfrog AFC Oldham if we win our game in hand.

Mellor Seconds lost 0-2 at home to Ardwick.

Alex Wood missed a penalty at 0-1.

Lewis Jeffs was Man of the Match and Andy Kuehl also put in an exceptional performance.

The Thirds won 4-2 at home against Chorlts who stay in second spot in Division C, just ahead of Mellor in third.

Terry Wilson, Si Moores, Sam Parker (pen) and Rick Axford scored.

The Fourths lost 1-4 away to  Moston Brook. Mike White scored. Adam Somerville was Man of the Match.

PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE A TICKET FOR THE RACE NIGHT ON NOVEMBER 19th AT THE MARPLE TAVERN.

Race Night - November 19th

Fourth Team manager Jamie Philp is getting so excited about the forthcoming Race Night on November 19th at the Marple Tavern...it has really gone to his head.

Bring all your friends and NEIGH-bours! First Race 7.15pm

Firsts blow away Bedians

Mellor Firsts beat second in the Premiership table Bedians 5-1 at Wood Lane. The win means Mellor leapfrog Bedians into fourth spot in the division.

Matt Jamieson scored three and Dave Whelan weighed in with two. The half time score was 2-1. Full back Dan Byrne was Man of the Match.

The Seconds lost 2-1 away at Moorside Rangers. Man of the Match Andy Kuehl scored.

Mellor Thirds lost 0-2 away at Irlam Steel.

Mellor Fourths hosted Tintwistle Seconds at Wood Lane.

Mellor Fourths 2011-12

Mellor started slowly. Tintwistle had the first shot at goal on three minutes, firing straight at Phil Brown.

On 15 minutes Adam Somerville shot from 24 yards into the midrift of the visitors' keeper.

On 25 minutes Tintwistle took the lead, a left wing cross was deflected to create an opening and the forward's shot was also deflected, wrong footing keeper Brown.

Maciek Sobiegraj shot a foot wide on 26 minutes.

Maciek fires wide

  

Four minutes later Maciek nutmegged a defender and drilled in the equaliser, shooting across the keeper from a narrow angle into the far corner.

On 31 minutes Phil Brown made a terrific save with his feet at the expense of a corner.

On 36 minutes Maciek slotted home after a long downfield kick by Brown, which the Tintwistle defence failed to deal with.

Maciek makes it 2-1

Mellor were robbed just before half time when the ball went out for a throw in but the referee gave a corner which resulted in an uncontested header for 2-2.

Tintwistle dominated the early exchanges after the break. Phil Brown made a excellent save. Then Mellor then survived two corners.

On 70 minutes Tintwistle made it 2-3, when a forward slalomed through four weak tackles.

Phil Newton replaced Sam Jamieson, who had a tidy game at left back.

On 71 minutes Thomas Tognarelli made it 3-3.

On 80 minutes Thomas Reeve replaced Sean Standen.

A minute later Maciek completed his hat trick for 4-3. It seemed an upset might be on the cards.

But on 82 minutes a mistake in Mellor's defence allowed Tinwtistle to equalise for 4-4 and with five minutes left the visitors claimed all three points with a fifth goal.

Maciek was Man of the Match but Jack Needham also had an excellent game at the heart of Mellor's defence.

Sean Standen threatens the visitors' goal

Mellor on the defensive

Jack Needham heads wide

Mellor New Faces

Sam Jamieson

Thomas Tognarelli

Tom Reeve

Adrian Tognarelli

Mike White

REMEMBER MELLOR RACE NIGHT MARPLE TAVERN SATURDAY NOVEMBER 19th.

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