Inter Cheadle U18’s 2-6 New Mills U18’s
The Millers recorded their fifth successive victory, progressing to the next round of the cup in the process, producing a fine display of passing football a week after showing great character and desire to grind out a win on a mud bath at the Rec, showing that this side are capabale of adapting to the conditions and the opposition in order to achieve results. The Millers cup run so far has been an eventful one, Juno United were dispatched in the first round before Bollington Jaguars were defeated just before Christmas, but it was clear that the home side were expecting a comfortable morning from their perspective, that perspective was soon to change as The Millers tore out of the traps and immediately seized control of the game.
The Millers were rocked on the eve of the contest as Joel Boyes, so impressive the previous week was forced to withdraw through illness and Adam Hooper missed out for the same reason. Harvey Smith failed a fitness test before the game and was forced to drop out, Max Gravestock slotting into the left back slot. In positive news AJ Theyer had returned from injury a week earlier and with no reaction to his injury was able to take his place at centre back alongside Alex Duncan. With just four minutes on the clock Harry L-R turned home a Jake Robinson cross from close range for his ninth goal of the season putting The Millers ahead and well in control as Harry Wyatt dictated play in midfield. Chance after chance went begging as the Inter Cheadle goal led a charmed life, before on the half hour mark the home side were awarded a penalty following a clumsy challenge in the area, the kick was dispatched and the scores were level. The Millers head coach Chris Culkin wasted no time in making a tactical switch in response to the equaliser, Frank Woodrow introduced from the bench and it was an inspired change as his side were back ahead within two minutes, and what a goal it was. Jake Brooks collected the ball on the half way line, rounded several defenders before deceiving two more with a cleverly disguised step over, he jinked into the area and fired into the far corner of the net for a breathtaking goal of the highest quality. Right on half-time the buoyant Millers added a third, Nathan Lees cutting in from the left and curling in at the near post, giving the goalkeeper no chance.
George Pottage replaced Gravestock at the interval, in the more unfamiliar left back role, but he did the job admirably. Lees became the provider on 50 minutes, setting up Woodrow who smashed in his eighth of the season, and Harry L-R made it five shortly afterwards with a clever finish from the edge of the area.
On 63 minutes Inter Cheadle took advantage of a defensive mix up to pull a goal back, but any hopes they had were extinguished just seconds later when Alex Capraro smashed in a thirty yard shot of great velocity that left the goalkeeper with no chance.
With no further additions to the score The Millers progressed to the next round with a 6-2 win.
It was a very difficult choice for Man of the Match, Kit Maddox had another brilliant game in his new position at right back, while AJ Theyer added the calmness at the back that has been lacking at times this season. The Harry twins were both superb in midfield and Nathan Lees caused problems throughout. Ultimately though Jake Brooks received the award this week, simply unplayable.
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