U9Bs look to New Years honours - table topping display against AFC Urmston

7 December 2008

Just three weeks ago, Albion travelled to Urmston for the away leg of this fixture, and came away with a 5-1 win. While Wilmslow deserved to win that game, the score line flattered and Urmston could understandably feel ill-rewarded for their efforts. So, this morning's fixture presented an interesting re-match, with Albion keen to extend their ten-match unbeaten run and their opponents looking to reverse the recent defeat.

Albion were without Nathan and Rohan for this fixture, and started with Harrison on the "bench".

Things could have started better. Inside the first minute, a long Urmston throw into the Albion box was met with a good header straight into the top left corner. One-nil down and a wake-up call for Wilmslow. 0-1

Following the shock of going behind so early, Albion slowly began to get a foothold in the game as both sides battled well in midfield. However, it was Urmston who threatened next, when a good passing move down left ended with a clean strike from distance which was well saved by James.

Wilmslow's first spell of pressure brought a couple of corners, which were ultimately cleared by Urmston without any real threat to their goal. However, Albion made a breakthrough shortly after, as Josh Wheeler pushed through the midfield and picked out Sol unmarked inside the Urmston area. Sol controlled well and finished confidently high to the keeper's left. One each. 1-1

The equaliser appeared to blow away any remaining Albion cobwebs, and Sam spent a few minutes taking the game single-handedly to the opposition. First, a strong run and cross that was deflected over the bar and then a similar surge forward that took him past three players and into space 20 yards from goal, from where he picked his spot and buried the ball in the top left corner. A great finish. 2-1

As the first period drew to a close, it was Albion who continued to boss the game. More corners followed and they were denied another clear shot on goal by the Urmston keeper who made a very brave and timely save at Sam's feet to deflect the ball away from goal.

Urmston continued to press and some confusion in the Albion defence left just one defender between James and three oncoming Urmston strikers. Fortunately for Wilmslow, the final pass between attackers was slightly over hit and ran harmlessly out of play for a goal kick. A real let-off with the game so finely balanced.

15 mins: Wilmslow Albion 2 AFC Urmston Meadowside 1

Harrison started the second period, with Josh Mehta making way and Josh Wheeler moving into midfield. The opening five minutes were pretty nondescript as the two midfields fought to take control, without either side getting the upper hand or creating any clear cut chances. The first real action of the period saw a good long-range effort from the Urmston left which James took confidently.

At the other end, Finn lost his marker, then his boot and his bearings as he shot narrowly past the right-hand post and then hopped towards his missing footwear.

Albion were beginning to enjoy a good spell of possession, and Sam had a fair penalty claim dismissed as he lined up to strike a loose ball in the area only to be knocked sideways by the covering defender. A dubious decision, at best.

Overall, the game was played in a sporting, if committed, manner by both sides. We saw very few fouls, but there were a number of full-blooded tackles. Indeed, much of the second period was a bruising affair, which left both Sam and Finn feeling (and nursing) the effects of some tough midfield encounters. As the challenges went in, it was good to see players from both sides get to their feet, dust themselves off and get on with the game.

The nature of the fourth goal was in keeping with the period of play that preceded it. Finn battled hard to win a free-kick just outside the box and Sam hammered the kick into the area where it pinballed off two defenders and past the unfortunate keeper for an own goal. Not pretty, but they all count. 3-1

For the first time in the game, Urmston heads appeared to drop, and Wilmslow seized the initiative. Finn ran at the left fullback and cut inside before shooting across the keeper, who did well to make the initial save. However, he was only able to push the ball into the path of Sol, who duly complete the tap-in to give Wilmslow a three-goal cushion at the second break. 4-1

30 mins: Wilmslow Albion 4 AFC Urmston Meadowside 1

Josh Mehta rejoined the fray, replacing Finn who was still feeling the after effects of some earlier knocks.

After the break it was Urmston who re-started brighter, winning a corner after some good passing down the right hand side. Albion eventually cleared, however Urmston played the ball straight back into the danger area and Wilmslow were left to thank James for an excellent double save and maintaining their lead.

Josh Wheeler then enjoyed a couple of strong runs; first carrying the ball out of his own half and towards the Urmston box, and then starting from deep before threading a pass through to Josh Mehta bearing down on the Urmston goal who brought a solid save from the keeper with his first-touch effort.

A series of throw-ins close to the Urmston line maintained Albion's grip on the game before the two Josh's combined again to increase the advantage - Josh Mehta giving the Urmston 'keeper no chance with a beautifully struck volley from Josh Wheeler's header across the box. 5-1

Little mention thus far for Albion's defensive duo of Dan and Harrison, who made challenges across the pitch when are where necessary, and mopped-up Urmston pressure with composure and confidence. Dan's contribution included his usual quota of dead-ball specials and it was especially pleasing to see Harrison looking more and more comfortable on the ball and growing into a position with which he's relatively unfamiliar.

Despite the score line, Urmston never lost heart and they were rewarded late in the third period with a very well taken goal from the edge of the Albion box - the striker lifting the ball over defence and keeper, into the top-right corner of the goal. 5-2

However, Albion's four-goal advantage was restored soon afterwards as a tempting ball across the Urmston box was turned into the net by Sam. 6-2

45 mins: Wilmslow Albion 6 AFC Urmston Meadowside 2

So, the Albion U9Bs have successfully carried their unbeaten record through the second phase of their debut season, with a Division 3 record of Played 6 Won 5 Drawn 1, and we wait to see whether the New Year's challenges will be at a higher level.

Congratulations boys, enjoy a deserved Christmas break (but remember to turn up for training!).

Man of the Match: Sol Moore

Source: A Wheeler

<< to news index

• Fixtures
• Results
• News and Reports
• League Data
• Stats