U9's B take honours - from previously unbeaten Urmston

16 November 2008

A tough game in prospect today against an Urmston team who were unbeaten so far this season and by the look of the training routines in warm up they clearly wanted to keep this record intact.

The boys started brightly and were more awake in this game which must count as a good start, presumably the pre match lecture from the coaching staff was more inspirational than usual.

The first period was most noticeable by it being a real slogging match with both teams having chances but failing to take advantage or gain the upper hand, certainly the boys were growing in confidence as they realised that they could cope with this much respected club.

As ever Dan and Josh W were putting in solid work in the crucial defensive area, and James in goal made some crucial saves and showed he wasn’t scared of venturing off his line when he needed to and showed confidence to back himself at these times.

Finn and Rohan and Sam were putting in some strong runs and when they could some good passing moves, but despite everyone’s best efforts the first period ground its way to a nil- nil conclusion.

Second half started with Nathan on for Rohan. Finally a breakthrough, a long free kick early on which Urmston failed to clear, Finn pounced and the score was 1-0 Wilmslow, The second soon followed, a powerful shot from Nathan hit the post and the defenders couldn’t clear and both Finn and Sam pounced on the loose ball but Finn rightly claimed the goal.

This was by now a great spell of play for Wilmslow, they were all working hard, closing down the opposition and not giving up on anything and this was starting to tell as the Urmston defence became more and more uncomfortable.

The midfield with Harrison, Josh and Sam were working well and when they had the chance were stringing together some great passing moves

The third goal was a quick move; Sam collected a loose ball in his own defence, took it down the wing past a couple of players and put in a pass to Finn that set him free in attack. Finn stayed strong and rode the final desperate tackle to slot the ball past the keeper and into the net as he fell to the ground, a great way to claim a hat trick.

We were in for a period blitzing the opposition, and Wilmslow’s fourth came from great pressure, Wilmslow again causing a panic in the defence allowing Sam to hit a loose ball into the net.4-0

No one however should doubt Urmston’s ability and sure enough a few minutes later the football gods were shining on us when a free kick to Urmston from the edge of the box cleared the wall and luckily for us hit the top of the bar and carried on safely.

All credit in this game must go to Josh and Daniel at the back who was putting in strong challenges, stepping in at the right time to stop the danger.

Urmston however got a goal back when a Wilmslow short corner went wrong leaving us badly exposed at the back and Urmston took full advantage 4-1.

The third period showed more great work effort from Wilmslow again with a great run down the wing from Daniel who crossed to Nathan allowing him to get a shot in which sadly went just wide of the post, both sides carried on looking dangerous with Urmston desperate to get back in this game, after five minutes Sam was substituted allowing Josh Mehta to come back on.

Soon after a corner to Albion gave Nathan the chance to cross the ball in to the danger area, the ball was partially cleared but fell to Nathan who hit another strong shot but again just wide of the post.

Finn was to come back on for Nathan, and again Urmston were still strong putting some excellent crosses in which James dealt with as solidly as ever.

A fine passing move between Josh W and Finn released Josh down the wing who delivered a fine cross to trouble the Urmston defence. The game was now really starting to open up and at one time we concocted a great move with 3 attackers and only the goalkeeper to beat, but sadly we confused ourselves more than him and wasted the chance.

Just as crucial were the great defensive qualities of Josh and Dan who throughout the game made very few mistakes and worked tirelessly to snuff out the Urmston attacks. I’m sure it must help them in confidence knowing that James as always is ready to come out from this goal and clear any danger with a very strong kick.

A fifth goal for Wilmslow came from a cross from Rohan met on the volley by Finn straight into the net.

Sam came back on with the difficult task of trying to fill the shoes of Daniel in defence and was soon in the action putting in strong tackles and blocks as Urmston threw everything at us.

To the boys credit they hung in there and finally the refs whistle sealed a fantastic win.

If anything this game should prove to them all what can happen when they work hard and keep the pressure on the other team, most of our goals from errors by their defence which were forced on them by our teams hard work and never stopping to chase opportunities.

Man of the match went to James who had a tremendous game in goal and kept us in the game on numerous occasions.

Source: J Higginson

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