Games review 29.4.06

Even if the First Team beats Heaton Mersey in the crunch top of the table away clash on Wednesday the fate of this year's premiership title is no longer in Mellor's hands after a 3-3 draw away at South Manchester. The points appeared to be safe with Mellor leading 3-1 and only seven minutes remaining. But two late strikes left Mellor regretting a string of missed chances during a whirlwind opening to the second half when they looked to have blown South Manchester away. The early exchanges were edgy but Terry Boon steadied Mellor's nerves after 17 minutes ghosting through a gap onto Barry Dalby's clever pass to lift the ball over the home side's keeper. Three minutes later the precious lead was thrown away when Mellor's keeper Gavin Thornley miscued a dead ball kick to a South Manchester player then inexplicably tried to volley away the incoming shot, succeeding only in slicing it into his own goal. The home side gained the initiative but Mellor defended well. The second half started with a blitz on the home goal. In the first minute Barry Dalby hit the bar, then the keeper made two good saves. The deadlock was broken when Steve Ewing's shot was parried only for Barry Dalby to rifle in the rebound. Ewing wriggled free and chipped the keeper only for a defender to sky the ball over the bar from virtually on the goalline. Then Paul Newman's forward pass was glanced in by Ewing's subtle header. It was all Mellor and the visitors created four clear cut chances but shot straight at the keeper. Then Mark Oldham popped up in the box for a low drive which the keeper saved at full stretch. Matty Wyatt replaced Newman, Martin Jackson came on for Ewing and finally with eight minutes left Alex Young replaced Craig Frisby. Soon after Wyatt lost possession on the left and a raking 40 yard crossfield ball was volleyed home left footed by a South attacker 20 yards out. With the time ticking away South were awarded a dubious corner and Mellor's inadequate clearance fell invitingly for another volley which found the net. There was still time for one last Mellor attack which saw Mike Palmer in the clear 10 yards out but his fierce shot was again straight at the keeper, who gratefully held on.

Next week's game

Wednesday May 3 Firsts v Heaton Mersey (a)

Saturday May 6 Firsts v Denton Town (a)

May 6 Seconds v Hooley Bridge (a)

May 6 Thirds v Old Stocs (a)

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