Inter Cheadle 2, Prestbury 3

Stockport Metro League Division One, Sunday April 20th

An injury-ravaged Inter surrendered a 2-1 lead to fall to a last minute goal against runners-up hopefuls Prestbury at Alvanley Road.  

The visitors were quick out of the traps and took the lead in the 10th minute as Inter failed to pick up the runner who converted a cross from the edge of the six yard box after good work on the right.  

Cheadle rolled their sleeves up though and fought their way back into it. Some neat interchanging play on the left between Kay and Liam saw Josh turn a great cross over the line to level the scores.  

It was an even better cross - again from the left - that saw John head the hosts into the lead and at the other end Prestbury spurned several chances to add to their own score as this end-of-season thriller really opened up.   Prestbury began the second half with renewed vigour.

With a mountain of games to catch up on, they were desperate for the points to claim runners up spot behind Great Moor A in their debut Division One season, but the Inter defence held firm with Paul, Joe and Dan all looking commanding.   When the back line was breached, Prestbury found Dane in inspired form yet again between the sticks, and Inter still looked likely to nick a third in an end to end battle.  

The game turned significantly when Joe brilliantly cleared yet another Prestbury attack and landed awkwardly on his ankle. He was forced off and with just two recognised defenders left, Cheadle were always going to struggle to keep their lead against such a potent attack for the last fifteen minutes of the match.  

Within minutes of Joe leaving the fray the equaliser came but Inter clung on grimly to try and salvage a creditable point. The final goal came in heartbreaking fashion with virtually the last kick of the game as the impressive Prestbury forward strode clear of a tiring Inter back line and finished with aplomb to seal the points.  

A fantastic game of football played in great spirit to match the first encounter at Prestbury at the start of the season, on balance, with the amount of chances that went begging for the visitors you have to say they deserved the points but for bravery and effort alone Inter really deserved something from the game but for that cruel later goal.