FOUR-MIDABLE VALLEY: Mersey Hit Nomads for Four to Mark Hudson’s Century

Mersey Valley produced their best performance of the season to claim a first league victory of the campaign in emphatic fashion, beating Cheadle Heath Nomads Reserves 4–0 at Banky Lane.

James Matthews

A James Matthews double, a Sam Deering strike and a late Aaron Johnson header secured all three points and a first clean sheet of the season on an afternoon which also marked manager Jon Hudson’s 100th game in charge.

The final scoreline reflected an excellent Valley performance, although the visitors actually made the brighter start.

Nomads began with plenty of energy and looked to put the home side under pressure during the opening ten minutes, but Pete Greenwood and Jordan Downing were particularly solid at the heart of the Valley defence as the hosts settled into the contest.

From there, Valley began to take control. Matthews twice threatened before eventually finding the breakthrough on 25 minutes. Deering provided the assist and the striker showed excellent instinct inside the area, stretching to turn the ball beyond the goalkeeper and give Valley a deserved 1–0 lead.

Nomads responded and enjoyed a better spell following the opener, but Bailey was assured in the Valley goal against his former club. Greenwood and Charlie Hill both entered the referee’s notebook before the break, with Hill fortunate to avoid a second yellow following a late challenge.

Valley still had opportunities to extend the advantage, with Matthews going close again, but Hudson’s side went into half-time with the narrowest of leads.

Whatever was said at the interval had an immediate effect.

Within a minute of the restart, Valley doubled their advantage. Mike Woolley provided the assist, and Matthews struck again to make it 2–0, giving the home side the perfect start to the second half. From that moment, Valley took a firm grip on proceedings.

Sam Deering

The third arrived on 59 minutes. This time Matthews turned provider, setting up Deering, who capped another influential display by finding the net and putting Valley firmly in command.

With the home side controlling the game, Hudson was able to use his bench and introduce fresh legs without disrupting the rhythm of the performance.

And there was still time for one final flourish. In the 89th minute, Deering delivered and substitute Aaron Johnson produced a brilliant header to make it 4–0 and put the finishing touch on an outstanding afternoon for the Amber Army.

The numbers backed up what was happening on the pitch. Valley finished with 23 shots to Nomads’ six, nine efforts on target to two and 29 touches in the opposition penalty area compared with seven. The hosts also won the corner count 7–2 and restricted Nomads to no recorded big chances.

There were strong performances throughout the side, but Ted Palmer-Atkins was named Star Man after an excellent display at left-back, keeping the dangerous Stevenson quiet and contributing to Valley’s first clean sheet of the campaign.

The victory also provided the perfect way for Hudson to mark his 100th match as Mersey Valley manager.

After a difficult opening three league games, there had been plenty of determination within the group to turn performances into points.

On this occasion, Valley delivered both. Four goals. A clean sheet. Three points. And, most importantly, a performance to build on.

TEAM LINE UP

13 – Harry Bailey
2 – Charlie Hill
5 – Pete Greenwood (c)
25 – Jordan Downing
21 – Ted Palmer-Atkins
18 – Alfie Howarth
17 –  Joel Riley
7 – Sam Deering
11 – Mike Woolley
8 – George Howarth
9 – James Matthews

Subs

6 – Ewan Roach
26 – Luke Boaler
14 – Louis Quin
16 – Alex Holroyd
20 – Aaron Johnson

Referee: Kwok Wai Yeung

Ted Palmer-Atkins