Patient Perseverance Pays Off - U9B's leave it late

22 November 2008

On a very chilly morning the boys all assembled at Lacey Green to face Broadheath Central U9 C. This was their second fixture against the Altrincham based team, the first having been a 10-0 rout against the "D" team when the boys were in Division 5.

Having moved up divisions we knew a much closer match was in prospect, but the boys have played many more matches together since the first meeting and confidence was high.

Someone reminded me today that at least 4 of the boys in our team are playing up a year ahead of their age, and it’s to their credit that it’s something we’ve all forgotten, because the boys play so well together as a team.

I was going to call the first period scrappy, but actually that would be unfair. It may not have been pretty, though Rohan and Finn displayed a few silky skills, but it certainly showed how dogged and determined the team are.

Sam’s work rate was tremendous, chasing down every ball with fierce determination, he was all over the pitch. As for Josh and Dan, well what can I say that hasn’t already been said about our dynamite defence? They are quite simply awesome and with the skilful keeper James to mop up, it certainly makes it difficult for any team to score.

We had a few shots on goal, but nothing that ever looked like going in. However, we had 3 of the 4 magic ‘P’s – possession, passion and perseverance but sadly the end ‘p’roduct eluded us. 0-0 at the end of the period; not a score line that we are too familiar with!

15 mins: Wilmslow Albion 0 – Broadheath Central 0

The boys started really brightly in the second period. Possibly the unfamiliar feel of a 0 – 0 scoreline was getting to them! Still the goal wouldn’t come and Broadheath began to get into the game, with Dan and Josh called on to sweep up a few forays into our area. A corner from Sam brought a clever chip from Dan which just floated over the top of the net, proving that not only has Dan got a massive throw and a kick like a thunderbolt, but he can also finesse the ball too.

Finn had a near miss with a header, but as time went by, we were beginning to wonder if this was to be the boys' first ever goal free game.

Sol had a fabulous shot on goal which was literally just tipped over the bar by the keeper and then it came. Started by one of Dan’s immense throw-in’s Sol’s shot was deflected off the keepers legs, pinballed around the boys legs and finally went in off Josh M. A goalmouth scramble, but with Josh the victor the second period ended happy.

30 mins: Wilmslow Albion 1 – Broadheath Central 0

Much like my beloved Manchester United, the boys had, of course, been saving the best ‘til last!

Spurred on by their goal at the end of the 2nd period, the boys were on the pitch and waiting eagerly for Broadheath’s return.. . .

Surprise, surprise, the boys second goal started with a throw-in from Dan, Finn took the ball on, passed to Sol who finished beautifully 2 – 0.

Wilmslow Albion 2 – Broadheath Central 0

But the goal that followed has to be a contender for Goal of the Season. Dan threw the ball in, Finn passed it back to him and then wallop! An amazing thunderbolt of a shot, from just by the sideline and a long way out from the goal.

It rocketed into the back of the net and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a bigger smile on Dan’s face than when that ball went in. A real virtuoso goal 3 - 0.

Wilmslow Albion 3 – Broadheath Central 0

The boys didn’t have it all their own way and James was called on to produce a good save. Then with the ball back down in Broadheath’s area, Nathan passed back to Finn who literally put the ball and the keeper in the net. Fortunately they all count, so it was 4 – 0.

Wilmslow Albion 4 – Broadheath Central 0

They may have thought it was all over, but Josh W had other thoughts. Fed up with being the defensive powerhouse he gathered the ball up ran down the wing, skipped over a couple of Broadheath challenges and smashed the ball into the back of the net. 5 – 0 and another Goal of the Season contender.

45 mins: Wilmslow Albion 5 – Broadheath Central 0

Rohan’s silky skills and team play earned him the Man of the Match award, but in truth, yet again, any of the boys would have been worthy of the title.

It has been lovely to watch them all grow in confidence over the weeks they’ve been playing together and each and every one of them is a team player. In a team of such young boys it’s great to see that though they all want to score, they are still keen to pass, and happy to give the assist. There’s no showboating and no greedy players. Well done boys you certainly deserved your chocolates this week!

Man of the Match: Rohan Batra

Source: Karen McEwan

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