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League day 7 saw a new fixture for the MHC with Haslingden their opponents. A tight opening began to open up with the young Haslingden defence disrupting the Manchester rhythm, and their youthful legs taking advantage of numerous fast breaks. Manchester were thankful for Deak for keeping the score respectable at half time. After the break, Manchester came out with more purpose, and with a stronger defence, began to reduce the deficit. Significant periods of the game saw Manchester reduced by one or two players, yet keeping the scoreboard ticking over, and Deak frustrating Haslingden at the other end. A nervy end of the game saw Manchester take the lead for the first time, which was only secured by a fast break and goal by Hammache, who twisted his ankle in the process. A tough game against a good opponent.  -James B-

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League day 8 saw MHC travelling to Turf Moor for the second time to play Wirral. After a slow start probably due to the cold hall and the circumstances surrounding the game, Manchester slowly built an advantage over Wirral with some good sequences of play. However, poor finishing on the wings and too many ball losses in fast breaks gave Wirral a second chance in the game which they were more than happy to take. This ensured a tensed game up until the last ten minutes before the MHC boys took off a deserved lead to finish the game 5 goals clear. This game was probably the last of the season for founding father Jose Armesto who is returning to Spain after 4 years of fantastic service at the club. His contribution, passion, dedication and commitment to the club will be missed by everyone. -Karim H-

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Manchester 32 - Bolton 31

Sunday's game between Bolton and Manchester handball clubs showed just how close things have become in the northern section of England Handball's 1st division. Earlier in the season the Manchester outfit trounced a misfiring Bolton by 8 goals. However, things were somewhat different this time round.  
Throughout the game there was no seperating either team. Despite the Manchester side being ahead by a goal at half time, recent victories meant that a resurgent and confident Bolton were never going to let this one go. Goals from Manchester's Tomas Lasek were quickly countered by Bolton's Andre Kafack and Patryk Jankowiak. When Manchester's strong defence managed to stop the Bolton half back's some nifty passes were met with well taken goals by Bolton's Dave Brookes on the line. However, the real heroes of the day were the two sides goal keepers. The Manchester keeper Fabien Lauret kept them from going behind on numerous occasions with saves of close range shots from Kafack, Jankowiak and Brookes. The Bolton Keeper, Sam Hanvey, likewise kept the scores tight with a number of critical saves. 
 Going into the last minute of the game Manchester held a one goal lead. Despite a last ditch assault by the Bolton team, another crucial save by the Manchester keeper ensured that they ended up victorious.  (Courtesy of Kris Marsh, Bolton HC)

Manchester 26 - Liverpool Speke 16

After a long break due to the Christmas vacations, Manchester were to meet Liverpool Speke for the second encounter of the season. As per usual, Manchester had a slow start and Liverpool Speke made the most of it and took a deserved lead of a couple of goals which they kept for a good portion of the half. However, once Manchester had their defense sorted out, Liverpool started to run out of ideas and this gave the Mancunians a chance to recover and then build up a lead. Ultimately, the MHC boys  won the game thanks to their solid defense and Zsolt Deak saving penalties and important shots a critical times. However, the mancunians's attack will have to improve though, if Manchester is to challenge for honours this season. -Karim H-

Manchester 31 - Haslingden 21
League Day 12 saw Manchester play against Haslingden who proved more than a match in the first encounter last November, Manchester truly escaping with victory in the last minute of the game. This time around, and unlike in previous matches, the MHC lads took an early advantage thanks to some good moves and a good shot efficiency From Minas Georgiou (8/10). The comfortable lead obtained at half time (15-10) allowed Manchester to try some new moves and a new system with two line players.

Haslingden’s young team played quite smart though, and tried to counter Manchester’s fervour through fast breaks, scoring many goals in the process. However, Manchester’s very strong defence made their opponents understand quickly that they could not win this game. However, Aiden Woodall (Haslingden HC) deservedly got player of the match. Overall a very good preparation before the Mancunian derby in two weeks time which will be decisive for the unofficial but notheless symbolic Northern League title. -Aurelien B-

Manchester 23 -  Manchester university 23

From  Sun 4th Nov Manchester handball club players were preparing for the next clash against Manchester university. After a very bad first game M.H.C lost 20-28 and the only thing that was on their mind was the next game against University. The preparation before the second game was hard and difficult and all the players gave their best to improve enough until Sun 3rd Feb. The improvement was very obvious to see, the score of the second game being M.H.C 23 Man university 23.
The game started with both teams fighting to take the lead of the game, strong defenses from both teams was the main characteristic of the first few minutes. With strong and clever defense and patience in attack   M.H.C took an early lead of the game with 5-3 at the tenth minute and then extended to 8-4 until the first half finished with 11-10 for M.H.C .  The first stage of the second half proved tricky enough for M.H.C players as they lost the tempo of the game by making a few mistakes in the attack loosing some early balls. University handle to take the lead by 18-15. Then after a few changes of the formation of the team, and with the experienced MHC players, they  took the responsibility of the game. The result? Manchester handball club was ahead by 22-20 with 2 minutes to go. Unfortunately, the stress and lack of power was very obvious in the faces of the players and it was just matter of time which team would survive from that game. Unlucky with 2 consecutive mistakes, 2 balls were lost and gave the chance to the University Students to score and Draw the game. We are very proud of what happened in the game and we showed that we are back to fight for the title. -Minas G-

Manchester 27 -  Liverpool 25

Sun 10th Feb saw Manchester travel to Liverpool to play the Liverpudians for another classic game of the Northern Division 1 calendar. However, unlike in previous season, Liverpool 2007/08 have been in a bit of a transition phase with key players retiring from the game. This gave Manchester an opportunity to change their approach starting with star player Tomasz Lasek on the right hand side..of the bench!

Tomasz although having limited contact with the match ball still inspired and showed his commitment to the cause, keeping his fingers warm and ready for action by peeling an orange over the first 15 minutes of the game. An inspiration to watch for all...to the surprise of Liverpool HC friend Peter Irving.

There was never more than a couple of points in this game which saw rookie boys Julien Tamsson play on the right wing and trying his best to fit in this difficult position and Julien Blieck showing his impressive pace on the other wing.

Manchester managed to control Liverpool's attack quite well and scored fairly easily at the other end through Aurelien Bouche's whose tally at 7 helped build up his army of supporters at the club -Aurelien being to date, the only MHC player ever to have a fan club from within the team-

Manchester controlling the pace deservedly took the lead in this game where the friendship between the two clubs showed again.

We hope Liverpool will come back with strength next year and wish them the very best. Also to note, Moussa Taleb who showed his focus on penalties and Minas Gergiou his determination to learn playing in an unusual right half position for him.  -Karim H-