Another breathtaking second-half performance yesterday saw Mersey Valley inflict a huge victory over Sandbach Town and move into third place in the Cheshire League.

Hudson and his assistant Paul Riley

Hudson named the same starting eleven as last week’s victory over Stretford Paddock and there was great news on the bench as Jordan Downing returned after over a year out with a serious knee injury.

Right from the first whistle, the visitors set up very defensively and looked to slow the game down and the opening period was very flat, the home side forced four corners in the opening ten minutes but failed to test the keeper.

The opening goal arrived in bizarre fashion, Adams with a great ball breaking the line for Johnson to attack, the Sandbach full-back had to make a challenge but he skewed his clearance, and it rolled into the back of the net to give Valley a deserved lead.

Pete Greenwood with another goal as Valley doubled their lead before half time.

It was all Mersey Valley, Johnson creating several half chances and Adams missing a glorious chance from a corner. Good combination play between Riley and Johnson created a good opening for Riley but the defence closed him down and the ball went behind for another corner.

This time Goldrick delivered a good ball and Greenwood found space at the back post to smash the ball past the keeper and double the home side’s lead with his second goal in as many games.

HT: Mersey Valley 2 Sandbach Town 0

The instructions at half-time were very clear, start fast and play with intensity and hunger – it certainly was taken on board by the players who scored two quick goals.

New signing Niall Goldrick has made an impressive start to his Mersey Valley career

Sam Deering went on a brilliant run, beating three players before getting his shot away which was brilliantly saved by the keeper, Howarth attacked the rebound and his drive was again saved but the rebound was pounced upon by Johnson who poked the ball into the net.

Then a poor error by the keeper as he let a pass back roll under his foot, Adams anticipated and smashed the ball into an empty net!

Hudson rang the changes. Woolley, Renshaw, Wilson, Chaddock and Jordan Downing all came on – Dignan, Howarth, Adams, Evans and Riley all withdrawn with the game safe.

Another two goals for striker Aaron Johnson who has now hit 5 goals in 5 games this season.

Johnson made it five after great work from Goldrick down the right, despite the changes the home side continued to completely dominate the game.

It was soon six, Chaddock with a great cross into the box finding the head of Niall Goldrick who powered his header past the keeper.

The biggest cheer of the day was saved for the 90^th minute. Chaddock with another brilliant delivery from a corner and Jordan Downing towered above his marker to head home and complete a very satisfactory day for Mersey Valley

FT: Mersey Valley 7 Sandbach Town 0