In another must win away game, Stretford Paddock turned up to the races in true style. Goals from Tom Jones, Alan Kay and Kieron Molloy helped guide Paddock to their second win of the season. With fixtures against Hartford and Bollington coming up thick and fast, Ste will be hoping that a much-needed winning run is just getting started.
The match got off to a slow start however, it was Paddock who were in control. Some good link up play and lots of pressure when out of possession showed that the visitors were desperate to get back to winning ways. The first 10 minutes saw errors from West Didsbury & Chorlton Reserves forced by the Paddock front 3.
In the 15th minute Tom Jones and Ronaldo Brown worked well together to cause a mistake from the West Didsbury & Chorlton Reserves keeper. The ball fell awkwardly to Nosa Iyamu and his tame shot was easily saved.
West Didsbury & Chorlton Reserves looked very good on the ball – a very well coached team. Stretford Paddock, however, were first to everything and really suffocated them whilst the young side tried to build out from the back. Although real fighting spirit was evident from all 10 of Paddock’s outfield players, Ryan Pickering put in some key tackles early on to make sure Paddock deemed kept control of the first half.
The half was scattered with a number of half chances from Stretford Paddock but it took until the 41st minute until we saw their first true chance. Ronaldo Brown had the ball on the left-hand side of the pitch and dispatched the ball perfectly to his attacking counterpart, Tom Jones. Tom graciously entered the box with the ball close to his feet and slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
HT: West Didsbury & Chorlton Reserves 0-1 Stretford Paddock
The second half started in a rather similar fashion to the first – slow yet, well under Paddock control. A West Didsbury & Chorlton shot from the edge of the box was saved comfortably by Victor Gimenez – an early warning sign, perhaps.
The majority of the second half saw Paddock continue to dominate in almost all areas of the game. They were first to everything, creating attacking overloads and putting their youthful opponents under plenty of pressure when they tried to build possession. The problem for Paddock was not being able to extend their lead.
More great pressure from Brown, Jones and de Andrade led to a couple of goal scoring opportunities for Paddock but both were dealt with well by the West Didsbury & Chorlton defence. In the 65th minute a close range freekick from the hosts was hit inches wide and then minutes later, West Didsbury & Chorlton again came close when they hit the cross bar. Was it going to be one of those days for Paddock?
The impact of half-time substitute, Aftab Jan, was there for all to see. Just when the game seemed to be momentarily slipping out of Paddocks hands, Jan took control of the game from the middle of the park. In the 70th minute, after dancing past the West Didsbury & Chorlton right back, Jan’s edge of the area shot forced a good save from the keeper.
Inspired by Jan’s fresh legs, Stretford Paddock took back control of the game and in the 80th minute, eventually doubled their lead. A majestic 30-yard strike from Cameron Watters clattered back off of the cross bar and, debutant, Alan Kay was there to slot the rebound home. A win was on the horizon for the visitors.
5 minutes later it was 3-0 and the game was well and truly put to bed. Injury doubt, Kieron Molloy, came on as a late substitute and found the back of the net with his weak foot.
FT: West Didsbury & Chorlton Reserves 0-3 Stretford Paddock
By Andre La Barbera
