Stockport Vikings Chieftains 4-4 New Mills Under 16’s
The Millers Under 16’s secured the Stockport Metro League Premier Division title in the most dramatic of circumstances at Lavington Avenue against a very strong Stockport Vikings side. With Ben Spedding unavailable the defence was reshuffled with Adam Hooper slotting in alongside Kai Harman and Alex Duncan, in front of Noah Smith. Kit Maddox anchored the midfield with Harry Wyatt, with Joel Boyes and Jake Brooks effectively given free reign, Alex Capraro and Harvey Smith the wing backs.
The Millers started poorly and were surprised by the home sides approach and were caught out just two minutes in, a long ball over the top was lobbed over Noah Smith by the centre forward. His day got even better five minutes later when another long ball saw him race clear and he slotted in again to double their lead. This Millers side is made of stern stuff, they did not panic and they bounced back, Frank Woodrow sending an effort goalwards that beat the keeper but hit a divot and deflected wide, and then just moments later Joel Boyes was upended in the box and The Millers were awarded a penalty. Brooks stepped up and struck his effort well, but the Vikings keeper produced a fine stop and parried it away to maintain their two goal advantage. As half time approached The Millers back line took control and forced Vikings into their own half, leaving their forwards with only scraps to chase. The dominance paid off on 32 minutes when Boyes hooked home from close range to reduce the deficit and half time arrived with the score 1-2.
The Millers did not make the same mistake as in the first half, starting the second period quickly, and they were level within 90 seconds, Capraro setting up Woodrow who smashed in from close range. Complacency set in though and within two minutes Vikings were ahead again as a long range effort looped over Noah Smith and it was 2-3. Fred Valter was introduced from the bench and his addition to the front line was to prove crucial as the home side could not escape their own territory, it was Valter who was fouled on the left flank on 64 minutes and Brooks curled the free kick home for his 11th goal of the season to level the scores.
With five minutes to go disaster struck and sloppy play in midfield saw Vikings break and score once more to make it 3-4. It seemed that The Millers championship challenge would go into the final game, Max Gravestock and Jake Brooks had both left the pitch injured and in spite of a few close calls it seemed that the first defeat of the season was on the cards. Deep in injury time The Millers won a corner and the injured Jake Brooks, limped back on to add an aerial threat for the set piece. The corner was cleared but not far, and with Kai Harman a long throw expert the resulting throw in was as good as a corner. Noah Smith joined the attack as the ball was hurled in by Harman, Boyes headed the ball goalwards and the keeper produced a fine save, only for the limping Brooks to smash home the rebound from close range to make it 4-4. The Millers celebrated and the game did not restart before the referee blew the final whistle. After several years without a trophy The Millers flagship eldest team bringing the Premier Division trophy back to God’s home town.
Really difficult to choose Man of the Match, Harvey Smith was incredible, but has to be Jake Brooks for the character he showed, going back on the pitch injured to score the crucial goal.
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