Mersey Valley gave manager Jon Hudson the perfect 50th birthday gift with a brilliant performance and a comprehensive victory over Cheadle Heath Nomads Reserves.

Hudson made two changes from the side that lost at Knutsford – Renshaw and Taaffe both unlucky to miss out – Roach and Sam Deering recalled to the starting line-up.

The home side started well and took the lead after 7 minutes with a lovely flowing move, Howarth breaking down the left, Matthews with a clever flick into the path of Riley, who finished with a smart shot.

In-form Mike Woolley was involved down the left, his superb run and cross set up Deering, but his shot hit the post. Dignan then set up Woolley again, he fired over a great low cross which was turned into his own net by the Nomads’ number 5.

Nomads started to gain more possession, Stephenson dropping into good positions and looking dangerous, but Greenwood and Roach stood firm, and Gorst made two good saves.

The game swung in the final five minutes of the first half. Nomads had a corner, Gorst cleared with a strong punch, a quick break, and Deering put Matthews in the clear. The striker kept his nerve and beat the keeper.

Then, in added-on time, Howarth created the chance for Deering, who smashed the ball past the keeper to give the home side a 4-0 lead at the break.

HT: Mersey Valley 4 Cheadle Heath Nomads Reserves 0

Valley flew out of the blocks in the second half – another good move, Skelton feeding Matthews, who grabbed his second of the match.

The sixth goal arrived just after the hour, Woolley scoring directly from a corner. Changes followed with all five Mersey subs coming onto the pitch.

A great run from Lincoln Green resulted in the young winger being brought down in the box – Goldrick stepped up with a well-taken penalty to make it 7-0.

From the kick off, Nomads grabbed a goal back after a nice move.

The game ended with the goal of the game, Renshaw setting up Goldrick, who smashed the ball past the keeper from the edge of the box to round off a very satisfactory afternoon for Mersey Valley.

FT: Mersey Valley 8 Cheadle Heath Nomads Reserves 1