26/01/2008 - 27/01/2008

Under 11s

Match report by Kevin Lofthouse.
After a long wait, this 3rd round cup-tie finally took place against Inter Cheadle, currently lying second in Division 2, and only losing narrowly once this season.
High Lane new that this was going to be a real test, in the early stages of the game, High Lane had the majority of the play, but as has happened in previous tough games this well organised and skilful Inter team scored with their first attack within 10 minutes, 1-0, fortunately the High Lane team didn't let their heads drop, and continued to get forward, until a lack of composure at the back and a failure to clear the ball resulted in Inter doubling their tally, 2-0. Not to worry High Lane are always likely to reply, with Milo being sent clear an opportunity to pull one back, the Inter centre half made a tremendous challenge and snuffed out the danger. With 5 minutes left in the first-half, and after a string of High Lane corners, the ball fell to George for the first strike on goal which was met by an Inter defender who headed into his own goal, 2-1 half-time.
After a half-time call for a little more commitment and strength in challenges High Lane found themselves 3-1 down once again due to a lack of concentration, a great little ball played through, to the Inter forward who found himself onside and free to cross, for an easy tap in. Within 5 minutes it was 4-1 with Inter getting players forward at every opportunity, failure from the defence to clear the ball again and then it was 5-1. Finally High Lane started to play a little, I guess because defeat was obvious with 10 minutes to go, with a penalty being awarded for a foul, sadly it was put just wide of the post.
Today High Lane were up against an outstanding team, who played the game in the best manner, skilful, committed, thoughtful and focused, most of those things High Lane show week in week out and with a little more effort they can be as good as Inter. Man of the Match Joe Chorlton made some outstanding and brave stops with Sean also outstanding today. Most pleasing today (similar to all High Lane Under 11s) was the attitude and sportsmanship of Inter Cheadle their manager, parents and players were excellent, good luck in the cup, it will take a good team to beat you!

Under 12s

Match report by David Hanson.
First, a little tweak to the City anthem - Balloon moon, You saw me kick at thin air, Without a thought in my head, At a ball that's not there! Just thought I'd get my Dicky dig in early and clear the decks for what was a fabulous game of football where the players actually applied their feet to that leathery thing with a valve (No Michael, the ball's the one with stitches!).
We made a nonsense of our usual slow start reputation by blowing Marple away in what was probably the finest first-half we've ever played - they couldn't get near us as the ball was switched from defence to attack and into the net in swift, incisive passages of play. Jack Cooke and Ben Wood were terrific at full back, both calm in possession and determined to play the ball accurately rather than simply whack it up front. David Potter shone again sitting in front of the defence and tackling for all he was worth. He provided the platform for Alex Dyson to display his full range of intelligent passing skills. Matty Lyons was welcomed back on the right wing and he and Jake Miller ran themselves into the ground harrying the Marple back line. But we did the damage through the middle where Jamie Mayer was a perfect foil for Man of the Match Josh Smith-Webb. In one exhilarating move the ball slipped smoothly from the back via Alex for Jamie to apply a first-time flick that sent Josh through on goal to score coolly inside the near post - what a great finisher he is. Josh's super brace was supplemented by a cracking half volley from Alex himself that flashed across the keeper to open the scoring. Jamie could have had a hat-trick were it not for their keeper who made at least two inspired saves to deny Jamie the goals his unselfish display deserved. We could have gone in at half time at least six up, such was our superiority.
It was inevitable that the second-half saw this magical level of football flag. Crucially the effort didn't though and despite one scuffed shot and a corner that the wind blew in we didn't panic at three - two. When our backs are to the wall Mattie Hanson simply ups his game and he was imperious in snuffing out their two big, pacy forwards. Alongside Mattie, Shaun Farrell was marvellous too and showed an enormous appetite for the battle. Mention too for Tom Colbert who had no chance with either goal but whose handling was top drawer as he gathered cleanly again and again. Subs Jake Smith, Jack Downing, Andy Hart and Joel Miller all came on and matched the others' work rate superbly, ensuring we kept our lead intact.
As a little post-script I should say that the young ref had a great game in the face of some outright intimidation and our team did well not to respond or let the level of aggression effect their play or their attitude, which was superb throughout. A quick glance at Dicky checking his passport was up to date can only mean one thing - Spurley away next week...yay!