Smells like team spirit - Cup Quarter-Final nirvana for U9Bs

14 March 2009

After last week's disappointing display against Timperley Villa in the league, the U9Bs faced the same opposition in the Division Two cup.

The opening period was an even contest between two sides committed to tackles and keen to deny their opponents any time or space on the ball. Albion looked a different side from the one that faded so notably in the previous fixture and had marginally the better of the early chances – a nice turn and shot from Nathan and a long range effort from Josh Wheeler both keeping the Timperley 'keeper on his toes.

Timperley looked confident in building attacks from midfield and kept the Albion defence busy throughout.

Wilmslow finished the period on the front foot. A run from Nathan was halted with a foul just outside the Timperley area and Dan placed the free kick just high and wide to the left of the goal. Then a corner, taken by Sam, found Dan advancing towards the near post and his bullet header flew narrowly past the upright.

15 mins: Wilmslow Albion 0 – Timperley Villa 0

The second period carried on in the same vein with some uncompromising tackling in midfield but little action in either penalty area.

Wilmslow then began to play the ball faster and put together some good passing moves, ultimately winning a free-kick on the left wing. The kick was played into the Timperley box and the 'keeper did well to save one shot, but the ball fell to Nathan who hammered it into the back of the net from close range. 1-0

Timperley continued to press and caused some anxiety amongst the Wilmslow back line with dangerous crosses from the right wing – one evading strikers and defenders as it passed across the six yard line. But despite enjoying the majority of possession after Wilmslow took the lead, the visitors failed to test James in the Albion goal and the second period finished with Wilmslow holding onto their lead.

30 mins: Wilmslow Albion 1 – Timperley Villa 0

The final period saw Wilmslow grow in confidence and work as a team to relieve pressure at the back through hard work and determination. As the period wore on, they also began to create opportunities through some intelligent passing and movement. One such move ended with Harrison setting up Finn neatly for a shot from 15 yards which he curled just outside the right-hand post.

Timperley needed an equaliser and started to play further up the pitch. Wilmslow coped well with the opposition threat from midfield and succeeded in smothering any attacking moves on the edge of the area. Increasingly it looked like the visitors would need a long range effort to level the score.

With two minutes remaining, Wilmslow took advantage of space in the Timperley half and Nathan was tripped as he headed goal wards inside the Timperley box – Penalty! Dan stepped up to take the spot-kick and put the result beyond doubt with a clinical finish low to the 'keeper's right. 2-0

The timing of the second Wilmslow goal effectively ended the contest and the final minutes were played out without incident.

45 mins: Wilmslow Albion 2 – Timperley Villa 0

This was a far better performance from the U9Bs; not only did every one of the boys play their part, but they also played as a team – this was the cup, and they were clearly up for it.

Timperley Villa is a good side (you only have to look back seven days for evidence of this) and has some notable talents in defence and midfield. However, Albion's collective work rate and concentration today were enough to see them through. The boys' reaction to the full-time whistle illustrated their desire to advance to the next round.

Nathan was awarded Man of the Match for his goal, his running and for his defensive input. Everyone in the Albion defence and midfield should also be credited for their commitment and effort – this is the first time in any of their 2008/2009 fixtures that Timperley Villa have failed to score.

The cup semi-finals are provisionally scheduled for Saturday 18th April, when Albion will play at home against Unicorn Athletic Hurricanes.

Source: A Wheeler

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