Whaley Bridge Under 16s played at home for the first time this year, and it brought about a disappointing defeat.

Whaley Bridge started slowly, and when Rose Hill converted a penalty the writing was on the wall. Two more defensive lapses saw the visitors into a comfortable lead, but then Whaley fought back. A low corner was driven in by Zain Saeed, and an unlucky Rose Hill defender sliced it into the back of his own net. Just before the break Whaley won a free kick. Saeed swung it into the box, and in the scramble that followed Alfie Hodges bundled the ball home. 3-2 to Rose Hill at the half, and Whaley came out with new desire. Chances fell to Saeed and Danny Burt, but neither found the target, and in a breakaway Rose Hill extended their lead with a sweetly struck shot from outside the box. There were a few physical challenges as the game ticked down, but Whaley made it interesting as Howell glanced a diving header home. Unfortunately time ran out, and Rose Hill came away with a 4-3 victory. The result puts a severe dent into Whaley's promotion chase, but with several more home fixtures to come there is still plenty to play for.