Meds returned back to league action this weekend against local rivals Urmston Town Atoms.
Recent results suggested that Meds should come away with all the points. However, the form book goes out of the window for derby matches and this would prove to be the case.

Period 1
Meds kicked off and had the best of the early play. On 2 minutes Meds forced a corner and this resulted in a shot on goal from Sean Flynn. Meds continued to pressure the Atoms and a long punt up the field from James Wight provided Sean with another chance. Atoms, chances were few and far between, but when Meds made a mistake they were ready to pounce and some desperate goalkeeping from James Wight just about kept the scores level. Towards the end of the period Meds forced a series of corners but failed to capitalise on several golden opportunities to score.

Period 2
The Atoms started off well in the second period and put Meds under some early pressure. Meds relied on the counter attack and Reece Martin exploited the space down the left but failed to produce an end product. Atoms next attack produced a free kick as James Wight fouled. The free kick was in shooting range, but the wall did its job. Soon after Harry Quick managed a shot on goal, then James Wight had an opportunity but blazed the ball high. Tom Pye in the Meds goal was called on to make several saves as the Atoms came back at Meds.

Period 3
The final period was a battle, with little in the way of quality, but good entertainment as end to end football ensued. The Atoms defended like their lives depended on it as Meds desperately probed for an opening. However, it was The Atoms who nearly broke the deadlock, as their forward managed to turn and shoot, producing a save from James Wight. Meds reply was swift as they broke through the Atoms defence; Eddy Brown was through one on one. He went round the keeper, but was forced wide and the narrow angle prevented a shot on target. Soon after, Harry Quick had a great opportunity, but the pressure seemed to affect the striker’s confidence and his shot hit the post when he should really have scored. Following this, Meds had a succession of corners which were taken by Alex Eccles, the first was headed goal wards by Eddy, the second was half cleared by the goalie, but the ball fell to Eddy who had a clear sight of goal, but the shot went narrowly wide. Some good work from Jayson Thompson on the right in this half produced some more pressure, but somehow the Atoms defence survived and they maintained their clean sheet on the final whistle.

Urmston Town Atoms 0-0 Meds Red Star

Coaches Summary
Player of the week was Reece Martin. Reece didn’t put a foot wrong today and showed some great determination in the third period, when some of the others players were flagging. Particularly, strong and tenacious in the tackle.