Whaley Bridge Under 16s once again turned victory into defeat as they hosted Hazel Grove.

Both teams were committed to playing football in an entertaining start, and it was Whaley who made the breakthrough as the ball broke to Ethan Williams in the box. The left winger made no mistake as he coolly slotted home. The visitors came back strongly, and only a string of fine saves from Ash Blackham kept the Bridge in front at the break. The second half started evenly, but the home defence eventually crumbled as Hazel Grove levelled. Whaley showed good character in seeking the winner, and Zain Saeed thought he had found it when he scored direct from a free kick from 20 yards. Whaley had more chances, with Hamaad Chaudhry and Nathan Wild combining well, but to no avail. With injury time looming the ball was looped into the Whaley box. Blackham seemed to have it in his hands, but it dropped to the feet of the Grove attacker who tapped it home. Seconds later disaster struck, as the ball again bounced around the Whaley box. It broke to an attacker, and with shouts of offside he buried it and the goal was given. The whistle went and it was a very disappointed Whaley side that trudged off after a third successive one goal defeat. They must regroup in time for the visit of Spurley Hey next week.