Parents 0, Coaches 4

In a thoroughly enjoyable game at Fog Lane Park it was the Coaches who ran out winners after a strong second half performance.

In the opening stages it was very cagey with the Parents' defence being marshalled well by Phil Bullen and neither side wanting to make the first mistake. The Parents thought they had gone 1-0 up when a fine flowing move involving Darren, Mick and finished off superbly well by Chris, with a header, was ruled out for offside against Mick. The Ref indicating that he was offside by the width of his stomach apparently!!

Directly after this disappointment, the Parents team faced more just before half time as Scott raced through into the box and was hauled down for a penalty. Young Garry stepped up and slotted the penalty into the top right hand corner. Half time 1-0 to Coaches

In the second half the game continued at the same 'walking' pace with the crowd now swelling, as news of this thrilling encounter spread around Didsbury Village. Paul Drobig nearly pulled the Parents level from kick off, a delightful lob which narrowly spun over and wide. In the opening 10 minutes it was constant pressure from the Parents but the Coaches back line stood firm. Against the run of play, the second goal came for the Coaches, a ball from central midfield, out wide to Coynie, who drew the keeper off his line before chipping the ball into the net.

Paul thought he'd then scored a net-bursting third but instead of the rippling net, all that was heard was a thud, as the ball hit the brave Nick Royle in the face - great defending, I'm sure the scares will be worth it!!

As the Parents team tired, Simon, in the Parents goal, pulled off a stunning save as the ball looked to be heading for the top corner. Garry moments later scored his second and the Coaches third. A free-kick which deceived Simon and flew into the back of the net. The Coaches could smell victory and pushed forward looking for a fourth. It came from a mazy dribble by Gareth, taking on at least four players before slotting the ball into the far corner - sublime.

But if the Coaches thought they would have it all their own way in the final 15 minutes, they were wrong. Rob made at least three cracking saves, when the Parents broke free of the Coaches defence. For many the sound of the final whistle came with great relief!

A massive thank you to the players, supporters and ref all of whom made the afternoon very enjoyable - another game is on the cards, for October time, so keep your eyes peeled if you'd like to be involved in this game.