Moston Brook AFC

The seconds finished off the season with a home game at Nicholls against South Manchester. As has been the case all season, several changes from the midweek game against Newton. Tony Stephenson, Mike Murphy and Chris Barrow returning to the side. Danny Watson, Anthony Horrox and Lee O'Conner also coming into the side. Rick Mills again showed his versatility as he returned up front, one of about 9 positions he has played this season.

The first half proved to be a good one for Moston and at times we played some excellent football. Tony Stephenson going close from distance, hitting the top of the cross bar. Moston weren't quite creating the clear cut chances their good play deserved. It took a penalty award for handball (a definite one, mind) to get Moston on their way. Mike McNeil stepping up and putting the ball down the middle after the keeper dived to his right. This was the catalyst Moston needed and a second followed almost straight away. Rick Mills rising well at the near post to head in powerfully from a corner, with the ball bouncing down off the bar. The referee awarding the goal as the ball was well over the line, although Tony knocked the ball in to make sure. I don't if it was a coincidence but Heffer and Beanhead turned up as these goals were scored. Heffer is claiming that his presence produced the goal. Personally I think players saw Beanhead walking over with an outfield kit and boots and worrying that they might get brought off for him, upped their game. Thankfully Nick Murphy turned up just as he was going to put the kit on and took it off him and put it on himself.  Danny was then forced into a fine one handed save down low to his right. Two-nil came three as the first half came to an end, a right wing cross by Mike McNeil being sweetly volleyed into the bottom corner by Anthony Horrox.

Moston started the second half as they finished the first and quickly added a fourth. Watson releasing Horrox, who's fine slide-rule pass down the right hand channel released Rick Mills and he shot across the keeper into the far corner of the net. As the second half went on, the game became more and more of an end of season affair and Moston took their foot off the gas. Danny Jackson being forced into a couple of other fine saves to keep Moston's clean sheet intact.

A good way to finish the season for the seconds with a comfortable victory, in what has been a massively up and down season. Our record of won 13 and lost 12, sums up our season, and reflects our inconsistency both in terms of performance and selection. Good performances and wins in games against Newton Heath, Rochdalians, Mellor, Chorltonians and Whalley Range have been followed up by defeats in the other games against the same opposition. If we could have got some where near our best team out on a regular basis, I have no doubts we would have challenged in the top three. If the seconds can get a more consistent team selection, next season, then I am sure they can challenge at the top. It cannot be a coincidence that the previous season's success was based around a core of 9 or 10 players who played in over 80% of games, while we only have three or four players who have played that number of games this season. That said first team suspensions and subsequent call-ups for second team players have not helped.