A brilliant team performance saw Mersey Valley inflict a first home defeat for Stretford Paddock and move them up to fourth in the table.

Just two changes to the side that beat Moore United, Cooke replacing Rigby in goals and Johnson coming in for the ill Baroudi.

Man of the match Pete Greenwood opened the scoring

Both sides started nervously but it was the visitors that struck first, Deering with a deep corner headed over the keeper by Pete Greenwood for his first goal of the season.

The home side responded well and levelled on 18 minutes. Howarth misjudged a header and the dangerous De Andrade set up Katumba for a simple finish past Cooke.

Olatunji was fortunate to escape without a booking after a horrible lunge on Johnson.

Paddock were controlling the ball with Taylor and Salmon-Harris looking dangerous but they couldn’t create any clear chances.

Johnson had a great chance after creating space in the box, but the ball seemed to get stuck under his feet and the keeper did well to block his attempt. Deering then went close, beating three players before curling his shot wide.

Olatunji finally got the yellow card after his third bad challenge and from the free kick, Johnson again went close after a brilliant delivery from Riley.

HT: Stretford Paddock 1 Mersey Valley 1

It wasn’t a good start to the second half for the visitors. Roach was sin-binned for comments made to the linesmen but in the ten minutes down to 10 men Valley were the better team and defended brilliantly not allowing Paddock any chances.

Mersey seemed to grow in confidence, the fitness levels of the players again showing as they started to win the midfield battles. Goldrick went close with a shot from the edge of the box after his own free-kick hit the wall.

Roach had a glorious chance from a corner but got underneath the ball and headed over and Derring burst through but the excellent Salceanu was again quick off his line to smother his shot.

Ewan Roach celebrate his first Mersey Valley goal.

The pressure told, Goldrick with another corner and this time Ewan Roach timed his run and jump to perfection to head home and restore the lead for Valley.

Roach and Riley then brilliantly combined to create a chance for Johnson but again the keeper made another good block.

Paddock tried to get back into the game but Cooke was in top form with a brilliant catch from a dangerous cross.

Another brilliant performance from Sam Deering and another goal

With 8 minutes to go Johnson brilliantly span his man and raced clear, the keeper once again blocked his shot but this time Deering took control, taking his time and brilliantly smashing the ball past the keeper

Wilson and Chaddock game on to keep things tight and Paddock ended up with 10 men as Sinclair was sent off for a professional foul as he pulled down Riley.

The whistle went to cheers from the Valley supporters and players – a very good day for the club against one of the pre-season favourites.

FT: Stretford Paddock 1 Mersey Valley 3