1st XI result against Grange

This weekend Hulme played the Grange School from Northwich. Heading into the game off the back of a hard game at Shrewsbury, the lads were hoping for a good result. Before the game had started, the lads were somewhat nervous due to the lack of Mr Marshall as he was being a real gentleman this weekend. Our first game without the permanent manager was always going to pose a true test of character. However, his replacement was a man who needs no introduction, having previously taken the reigns as substitute manager, Mr Craig Mairs was the likely candidate. He proved his worth throughout the game, from the pre-match warm up, speech, coaching, substitutes and comments, the lads will be sorry to see him go. From the first kick the boys were 110% dedicated in putting everything into the game. A flury of half-chances proceeded throughout most of the first half where Hulme dominated with Grange hardly having a chance. At the break the lads were a little disappointed not to be leading the game but Mr Mairs assured the boys the goal would come. We came out in the second half raring to prove a point and after more agonisingly close chances, in particular a superb shot on the turn from Josh McConnell, Zak Forster was brought down by the keeper and Hulme were awarded a penalty. I stepped up to the mark and slotted home to give us a 1-0 lead. No more than 5 minutes later, and a full array of chances Hulme received a corner which was floated in beautifully by Bradley Ashford, only to be powered home by Bradley Norcross for his first goal of the season (maybe career) From then on out the heads of the Grange players started to drop as Hulme dominated more coming close to increasing their lead. An incident towards the end of the game almost clouded an excellent game from Hulmes point of view but was shortly cleared up. The game finished 2-0 to Hulme. Man of the match Bradley Norcross had an outstanding game at centre half showing immense physical presence and capped off his performance with a goal. Credit should also be given to Jordan Strong, Daniel Harrop and Daniel Orr who all had outstanding games. Hulme can take many positives from today's performance and look forward to the ISFA cup game on Tuesday. The 1st XI would like to thank Mr Mairs for his services this weekend.