29/09/2007 - 30/09/2007

Under 10s 'A'

Match report by David Wilde.
With High Lane's run of 10 games unbeaten and no goals conceded this season it was Hyde's turn to make the trip to the fortress Disley Amalgamated. We had warned the lads this was going to be the toughest test so far, and we were ready for it. Straight from the start both teams were playing fantastic football with nice flowing passing, this was a very open game. With Harper not conceding a goal this season, it was a bit of a shock to go 1-0 down. What was pleasing to see was how the boys reacted, they upped their efforts and went up the other end allowing Hindy to bang home the equaliser 1-1. The lads were really up for this and Jeffs, Southern, Skiba and Shaw all got stuck in and had good control of the midfield. Bayley made his debut from the 'B' team after Steve had been singing his praises and linked up nicely with Munro at the back, with the impressive Harper (unlucky not to be Man of the Match) keeping Hyde out.
Half time 1-1, we got the lads in, told them we needed to match Hyde for strength and that's exactly what we did. Back out we went with Hyde putting us under a lot of pressure, after a string of fine saves Harper was beaten and we were 2-1 down. But once again it lifted the lads and from that moment on Hyde were under constant pressure, Man of the Match Max Hind played his best game of the season, and what a season he's having. He was everywhere today running the defence into the ground, and when he bent in a free-kick near the end of the game we all thought it was the equaliser only for the Hyde keeper to tip onto the post. Corner after corner the pressure was telling and after a link up between Southern and Hind, the ball fell to Logan Jeffs who hit an unbelievable strike from just outside the area which flew off his foot into the top corner giving the Hyde keeper no chance. We had a few chances after to steel the win, but I think both teams would agree 2-2 was a fair score.
The friendly ended 1-1 with Shaw heading in Jeffs free-kick. Well done boys with 11 games undefeated bring on Marple.

Under 10s 'B'

Match report by Steven Taylor.
We were coming off a win so we were confident and to be honest the way the team are shaping up we weren't scared of Hyde. They have a reputation as a good footballing side and they played well from the start. Zac was missing and from the 'A' team Dan M and Dan T and with Harry playing so well he made his first start this season in the 'A' team. This meant we had to make some changes to the whole team. Dan Whit in nets, Dom took Harry's place and captained the side Liam went left back and George right back. Max and Dean went in to midfield we welcomed Gus who made his debut in the 'B' team up front. This was always going to be a tough match and with the changes we had to make I was hoping for a draw. We had a battle from the start Hyde passed it around and this kept us on our toes. Dom George and Liam played together at the back, Dom was every were tackling every one and clearing up at the back, he has come so well in the last few games, he held it together at the back. Dan Whit made some great saves and we were unlucky to concede the way we were playing. Max and Dean did their best and had a hard battle in midfield we only managed to put Gus through once or twice and once Hyde saw what he can do with his right foot they were all over him the moment he touched the ball, he nearly scored from the kick off twice.
We made some changes at half-time Gus came off, Jack C went in the centre of defence and we put George up front. Jack did his job at the back and wasn't scared to challenge a few more games under his belt will do him the world of good. Their first goal came after some strong defending and hard tackling from us and we were over stretched and they just managed to tuck it past Dan Whit. This time our heads did not go down as it has in the past. We pushed hard up front Dean and George came close but their defence were good and closed us down every time George's foot work was nice to watch he has great skill on the ball and he was passing well he is a very versatile player and you could put him any where and he would give it a hundred percent. It finished 2-0. I thought we were unlucky the way we played every one supported each other. The team are looking good and playing as team you can see the commitment from all the players. Man of the Match Dom.
We changed it around for the friendly again, it was hard fought and we went down 3-0, but I was really pleased with the whole teams performance and attitudes, they look like different players from last season.

Under 11s

Match report by Kevin Lofthouse.
Once again on this 11-a-side learning curve this years under 11s did not disappoint, although within 50 seconds of kick-off and parents still getting comfortable in their Saturday morning touchline slots, Poynton took the lead after some hesitation, in both defence and midfield. But with the team in the current 4-4-2 formation with both Marcus McGill and Mike Lofthouse retaining their staring place after last weeks super performances, there was no panic and with good reason 5 minutes in and George sent Milo clear to round the keeper and slot home, this just seconds after the Poynton keeper made an impressive save diving to his right. Now High Lane started to play with Jamie Alex and Myles running the midfield and George creating several opportunities there was a quite optimism. After 20 minutes High Lane were in front when a goal bound shot from mike was headed home by Milo, 2-1.
In the second-half and four substitutions the team carried on in the same vain. Joe Mawhood being asked to play in another different position had instructions to get down the wing, well this he did with fantastic work, then crossing a superb ball for Milo, with the ball caught under his feet, had the chance gone? no! he quickly re-adjusted to complete his hat-trick 3-1, then coming off to great applause, as Nicos got his chance. Poynton then rallied, and as the High Lane attack broke down, Dan Bollard was left with three attackers to deal with, as some of his team mates stood and watched from the halfway line, not good and Poynton scored 3-2. Now was the time for the team to work hard, with Milo and Myles back on it was the superb efforts of Nicos winning the ball on the right side of midfield when normally he would have given up, then finding the Man of the Match George to score the goal to give the team a well deserved victory. We must not get carried away as we welcome Hyde United next week, but as predicted every week a new face shines! Solid performances again this week from both fullbacks Sean and Dan J. Most pleasing was Joe Mawhood and Nicos.

Under 12s

Match report by David Hanson.
So that's where all the goals were! Wow, highest ever tally and first 11-a-side clean sheet! Everything clicked. The midfield passed to each other, then to the attack. Sometimes in that order. The defence were so on top they demoralised the opponents forwards. Tom Colbert made one superb flying save to repel their only shot and put his feet up for the rest. Short on WAMs this week too - that'll teach them!
We were only two up at half-time having completely dominated again but this time there were to be no slip ups. Crisp, well timed passes followed and the finishing was clinical. Josh Smith-Webb collected Man of the Match for a classic hat-trick combo of left foot, right foot and headed goals in a quality performance. Jake Miller plundered two goals and Jake Smith came on in the second-half to have his best game in a High Lane shirt as he bossed central midfield, even grabbing a volleyed goal towards the end. Matty Lyons got stuck in too, giving width to the midfield and putting in an impressive final 15 minutes at right back as Coach Ben shuffled his pack. Matty's corners were a real thorn in Blues' side and we perhaps should have scored more. Ben Wood got it down and played it simply and Matt Rogers showed again why he's such a good centre back. Josh Smith-Webb dropped to centre back to allow Mattie Hanson 10 minutes on the wing as he had effectively snuffed out their entire attack. Mattie could have had a hat-trick himself as he destroyed their defence with pace and aggression. He scored clinically after his first burst through and moments later he was at it again, this time dropping the full back on his backside before squaring for Alex 'sniffer' Dyson to net his second goal. "That's my boy!" exclaimed Dicky, "chip off the old block.." I can only take it he means by stapling yourself to the far post and waiting for the ball to arrive for a tap in? A word for their keeper who kept the score down to single figures, he was by no means a weak link. The ref had a stormer too no, really! That man never stopped talking, explaining the rules, his decisions, the reasons for his decisions, the reasons for the rules in the first place. At one point he stopped to admonish Lee Tomlinson, "you see, under clause 58 of paragraph 66, subsection 19, it clearly states that, under a recent FIFA ruling, you were transgressing the statute that clearly defines the need for." Sadly it was to no avail as by then Lee was fast asleep. Hurrah for refs who know the rules is what I say! Hurrah for High Lane! Bring on our next opponents! Who are they Dicky? Dicky?? Where's he gone? Marbella!!?? What's that clucking noise and where did those feathers come from? Dicky, are you there?

Veterans

Match report by Kevin Lofthouse.
After last weeks wake up call away at Chelford, High Lane approached this game with the right attitude, on their superb pitch for the first time this season and bringing Grappenhall into the altitude, they wasted little time in showing their intention, winning a lot of ball in midfield, where Man of the Match Brian Gee retuned after injury, and with McCullough playing an unfamiliar role left side of midfield, (probably his best game for the club). Up front Hawker back to his best hassling the defence and causing problems. High Lane went ahead, Williams tap in 1-0. Grappenhall upped the tempo and eventually a miss kick, by the attacking player left the High Lane defence flat footed and predator Trigger latched on to the loose ball 1-1. Within minutes High Lane pressured their opponents back line and Graydon's shot found Williams, tap in 2-1. With 5 minutes to go the best goal of the day, Hawker laid the ball to Gee who ran the left channel then put a precise cross over to find Hawker who had continued his run, 3-1.
In the second-half, High Lane (as last week) were slow out off the blocks and Grappenhall started well but fortunately for us did not test the keeper, until after 10mins when the usually calming influence in defence Platt, dithered on the ball and once again Man of the Match Trig picked his pocket to finish well, past a despairing Gowland 3-2. Could they get an equalizer? As the players started to tire Hawker was sent away again and with the keeper to beat his shot was saved, but was pounced upon two metres from goal for Williams to tap in 4-2 (so many taps he will have to change his name to Mr Bojangles). Once again an enjoyable match played in the right spirit and excellently refereed by Glyn Chorlton. Afterwards both teams enjoyed the hospitality and grub in the club house. Question is can High Lane continue to improve and have some influence on the honours this season? Are they the revitalized Man City of Cheshire vets football? Guess we will find out next time out with the visit of Knutsford and High Legh.