U9Bs throw it away - again

24 January 2009

After last-week's disappointing defeat against Unicorn, Albion were keen to get back to winning ways. Most of the early exchanges were played-out in midfield, with some solid work across the Albion midfield and defence, and Dan and Sam applying good pressure to deny Broadheath time and space.

After the first five minutes, Albion slowly took control of the midfield and a neat passing move between Josh M, Sol and Finn put the Broadheath defence under pressure to win a corner. A strong run from Josh M was then ended with a foul and the Broadheath 'keeper spilled the free kick but recovered well to gather the ball under pressure.

The 'keeper was soon tested again, and was only able to parry Sam's long-range effort to the feet of Finn, whose goal-bound shot was blocked at the expense of a corner.

Broadheath enjoyed their own spells of possession, but clearing headers from Josh W and Dan averted the danger and Sam also excelled in defence positions – most notably with a battling triple-tackle to stop a trio of Broadheath players making progress down their right wing.

Nathan joined the game, replacing Sol, and had an immediate impact, winning a free kick near the corner. Sam rifled the ball across the area and the Broadheath 'keeper was unlucky to deflect it into his own net. 0-1

Buoyed by their advantage, Albion twice went close to increasing the lead before the break. First, Sam was awarded a free-kick 20 yards from goal and Dan sent a long-range effort narrowly past the right-hand post. Then Sam placed a left-foot drive just inside the left-hand post, only to see the 'keeper pull off a great save, diving low to push the ball away.

15 mins: Broadheath 0 – Wilmslow Albion 1

Albion started slowly in the second period and Broadheath's centre forward created a good shooting opportunity, only to be denied by Sam tracking back to take the ball off his laces as he pulled the trigger.

Wilmslow then picked-up the pace. Nathan and Rohan interchanged passes before feeding Sam, who beat one defender and placed the ball from outside the box into the bottom-right corner. 0-2 Shortly afterwards, Nathan battled well to win the ball on the half-way line, turned his marker and carried the ball into the Broadheath box before placing the ball confidently past the exposed 'keeper. 0-3

Rohan then entertained with some great footwork on the left touchline, beating three Broadheath players (some of them twice) before delivering a dangerous ball into the area.

The game was opening up and Dan did well to make-up ground and put in a last-ditch tackle to deny Broadheath a scoring opportunity. James, who had already made some timely interceptions, saved well diving full-length to his right. Wilmslow responded with Nathan collecting a long clearance from Dan, holding off the challenging Broadheath defenders and placing his shot just the wrong side of the post from the edge of the box.

And then the rot set in.

There was a mix-up in the Wilmslow defence as they attempted a short goal kick with the Broadheath attack in close attendance.  Broadheath were quick to spot the opportunity, win the ball and play it across the area to present their striker with an open goal. 1-3

Wilmslow were on the back foot, and not getting the best of the decisions. Josh W and Sam worked hard on the left side, but were penalised for a combination tackle on the Broadheath winger; although the resulting free kick sailed harmlessly across the box. Broadheath quickly won another free kick in the same position, which was well cleared by Wilmslow before the referee "penalised" Broadheath for taking the kick too quickly . . . by giving them another go!

Wilmslow continued to enjoy the occasional break, with Nathan a welcome and eager outlet. In the final seconds of the period, he chased down a long clearance which the Broadheath 'keeper initially fumbled and - thankfully for Nathan, the 'keeper and the referee – he checked his run which would otherwise have left an imprint of 'keeper and ball in the back of the net.

30 mins: Broadheath 1 – Wilmslow Albion 3

Broadheath started the final period with a belief that they could get back into the game. Despite some good, old fashioned defending, clearances into the Broadheath half were returned without challenge and, unable to keep possession of the ball in attack, the pressure was mounting.

Eventually it told. Broadheath put together a smooth passing move down the right wing which was finished with an excellent cross, duly tapped-in at the far post by an unmarked attacker. 2-3

Albion's effort levels were still high; however the intelligent passing of earlier moves was replaced with runs from defence into the crowded centre of the field. Some strong running by Josh W through the middle did create a chance for Josh M on the edge of the box, which was fired narrowly wide.

As the minutes ticked by, Wilmslow appeared to have done enough to hold out for the win. Broadheath had other ideas and a fast passing move down the centre of the pitch was given a quality finish, as the attacker took the ball in his stride and switched feet to slip the ball inside Albion's left-hand post. 3-3

The match ended with Albion enjoying a brief spell of pressure as they tried in vain to re-establish their lead in the dying seconds.

45 mins: Broadheath 3 – Wilmslow Albion 3

So, the U9Bs have played 90 minutes of Div 2 football; have held the lead for 75 of those 90 minutes and have one point to show for their efforts. Over two games, a 5-0 advantage converted into one defeat and one draw.

Broadheath are a good side and deserved the draw on the balance of play, although it is debateable whether they would have got back into the game had Albion not gifted them their first goal. But mistakes happen, and the U9s should be happy in the knowledge that their overall performances in the last two games have merited more than a solitary point.

Despite the improving quality of the opposition, it is evident that this team does have the skill and commitment to compete and win comfortably at this level. Unfortunately, these attributes are not always demonstrated by every member of the side and the outcome of future games – like this one - will be determined by which players are on their game and which are on the field.

Today's Man of the Match was Nathan, who created real problems for the Broadheath defence, provided a target for passing moves out of midfield and scored an excellent solo goal. His MOM award justified by the fact that we would probably have witnessed an Albion victory had he been on the pitch longer. An equally worthy contender was Sam, who scored twice as well as making a significant contribution in defence throughout the game.

Source: A Wheeler

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