Marple Athletic V Apollo Sunday  24th January Cup Match

Marple Athletic Under 13s took a break from league duty with a 3rd round cup match versus Apollo and put their unbeaten record on the line against the Division One champions and league leaders.  Marple full of confidence were determined to take the game to Apollo and Manyonda almost opened the scoring in the first five minutes with the ball flashing narrowly wide with the keeper stranded. Jarvis and Mcphee kept Betts in check at the back and limited Apollo to half chances. Kay combined well with Flynn down the left and the cross narrowly avoided Dean before being cleared for a corner which Kay fired in and Royle was within inches of making contact before the ball was again put behind for a corner. Coop fired this one in and Flynn was unable to connect at the back post. Marple took a deserved lead when Ackersley fed Coop who beat the fullback before firing home on the edge of the box in to the top corner. Manyonda again went close having been put through by Royle and Marple went into the half time break full of confidence and 1-0 in front.
Apollo pushed hard after the break but with Coop helping out Noxon on the right and Flynn receiving the same support from Kay Marple held firm and looked to use the pace of Manyonda on the break. With the game heading into the final fifteen minutes across from the left rebounded unluckily off Flynn and past Chester into the net as Apollo drew level. Marple threw on Dunford to try to regain the initiative but from a corner Marple failed to attack the ball and a simple header put Apollo in front. Marple threw caution to the wind but in the final seconds a quick break saw Apollo go 3-1  in front and put the tie beyond Marple.
Marple now are left to concentrate on their 100% league record and look to regain top spot from New Mills with the game in hand starting with Bramhall this weekend.
Man of the Match: Jordon Royle
Goals: Josh Coop