U9Bs have the edge over Stretford - in another close encounter

1 March 2009

Albion U9s had an early opportunity to improve upon last week's disappointing 0-0 draw with a rematch away to Stretford Victoria. Unlike the previous encounter, Stretford had a full squad to draw upon and Albion knew that a better showing was required to get a result.

The game started with Wilmslow enjoying the majority of possession. Sam, Josh Mehta and Sol combined well to create chances up front and Albion came close to taking the lead with a shot from Josh Mehta that hit the angle of crossbar and post. Sol twice tested the Stretford 'keeper in an opening ten minutes that was pretty much one-way traffic.

Stretford were presented with the most clear-cut scoring opportunity when the  Wilmslow back two were both drawn to the left side leaving two attackers unmarked around the penalty spot. Thankfully, when the ball arrived in the area the Stretford striker put his shot past the left-hand post.

Albion won their first corner late in the first period following good work through the middle by Sam, which culminated in a shot that the Stretford 'keeper was forced to push round the post.

The period closed with Albion having enjoyed the vast majority of possession and chances, but the score line goalless.

15 mins: Stretford Victoria 0 - Wilmslow Albion 0

Stretford started the second period in a more purposeful fashion, creating a couple of early half-chances before Albion started to regain control of the midfield.

A swift passing move between Dan, Rohan and Nathan ended with Nathan turning his marker on the edge of the Stretford box and shooting narrowly over the bar.

Then – after more than an hour of football between the two sides – a goal!

Josh Wheeler carried the ball down the right wing, riding a tackle as he neared the corner, and crossed into a crowded box. Rohan collected the ball on the edge of the area, created some space for the shot and fired across the 'keeper into the bottom right corner of the goal. 0-1

Having taken the lead Wilmslow continued to dominate, and hard work by Rohan created an excellent chance for Josh Mehta but he was unable to put it away.

Next, "the goal that wasn't". Albion signalled a substitution and while the players were being switched, Stretford – presumably unaware of the change - continued with a throw-in that was crossed powerfully into the Albion area. In attempting to clear the ball, Dan capped an otherwise flawless performance with a stunning volley into the top corner of his own goal. Thankfully for Wilmslow, and Dan, the stand-in referee was aware of the situation and the goal was disallowed.

The second period drew to a close with some scrappy play that saw minor injuries to players on both sides. Finn rejoined the action as Sam limped off, and he was immediately involved in two moves with Harrison and Rohan that both led to shots on target being safely taken by the Stretford 'keeper (who proved himself to be more than competent across the two games).

30 mins: Stretford Victoria 0 - Wilmslow Albion 1

It was Finn who opened the action in the final period, with a good long shot that made sure the opposing 'keeper kept his hands warm.

Despite creating only limited chances in front of goal, Stretford never stopped battling and they ended a good running move down the left wing with a cut inside and shot just over the Albion bar.

Albion had three chances late in the game to put the result beyond doubt. First, Nathan found himself 15 yards from goal and forced a save from the 'keeper. Then Nathan again found himself in shooting range after intercepting a goal kick, but shot wide to the right and the same player saw a strike from outside the box well saved.

James was called into action on a couple of occasions in the final minutes, however there was limited attacking threat and Albion played out the period in relative comfort to register their third win in four games.

45 mins: Stretford Victoria 0 - Wilmslow Albion 1

Albion retain third position in the Division 2 table on the back of this result, and still have a realistic chance of promotion to Division 1 for the U10 season. This week's performance was a big improvement and the margin of victory should have been greater considering the number of opportunities that were created.

Stretford's position at the foot of the table belies the fact that they have the second-best defensive record in the league, so Albion's failure to score more than one goal across the two fixtures should be read in context. With a little luck in front of goal for the final games of their season, Stretford will hopefully get the results that their work in defence and midfield merits.

The U9Bs appear to be coming to terms with the fact that winning games in this division requires hard work and, importantly, teamwork on every occasion. Most of the squad are looking to pass the ball when in possession and drop into defensive positions when not. It is difficult to fault the performance of Albion's defence and midfield today. Up front, more composure and a greater awareness of the time and options available is all that is required to make the opportunities count.

Today's Man of the Match was Josh Wheeler, who gave 100% throughout and provided the assist for the winning goal.

Source: A Wheeler

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