Despite playing well in recent matches, results have not gone the way the team would have liked. An impressive first half against Pownall and Kings Mac went to waste as the second half performances fell apart and the opposition took full advantage of this to take vital wins. Consequently, the players went into the game needing a win and more importantly wanting the win against Greenbank Prep, Cheadle Hulme.

Again Bridgewater started well and Daniel almost scored in the first minute. Alfie went close with a powerful drive from distance, as did Harrison cutting in from the right and firing narrowly past the post. However, it was not long before Daniel took advantage of a defensive error to open the scoring  after 5 minutes. An excellent run and finish moments later saw Daniel add his second and after 15 minutes he completed his hat trick to put Bridgewater in control at 3-0. Or so we thought!

On the stroke of half time, the Greenbank striker stole in between Alfie and Archie to make it 3-1, in what was to be a game changing moment. The hosts came out strongly at the start of the second half and a speculative shot from distance landed in the corner of Matthew’s net. Greenbank were on top at this point, and forcing Bridgewater further and further back. Another shot from outside the area brought the scores level and a tactical switch was needed. Archie dropped back into defence alongside Harper, allowing Alfie to push on into midfield. Bridgewater to their credit dug in and went looking for the win. A long clearance from Oliver A was controlled by Matteo who laid the hall off for Daniel to round the keeper for his fourth of the match to put Bridgewater back in the lead at 4-3.

Both teams pressed for more goals, with Oliver B, Matthew C and Harper all bringing saves from the busy Greenbank keeper. The game was settled in the final minutes when Alfie picked the ball up in midfield, danced around two defenders before firing into the back of the net.

The 5-3 final score line was a fair reflection of the game as for large parts of the match Bridgewater were the better team. The physicality of the opposition and how the players dealt with that and the way the team responded to being pegged back, was really good to see. The next game is a return match on the astro against Pownall Hall Prep and the team will need to be at its very best for the full game if they are to get a result.
Well done to all of the squad and have a great half term!