U9 Panthers win D2 Cup Final - Despite a late scare

18 May 2009

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After mixed league results in recent weeks, the U9 Panthers had a cup final opportunity to end the season on a high. Arriving at Trafford FC's ground, the rain lashed down and the team warm-ups were watched from the relative comfort of the covered stands while players and coaches were drenched before a competitive ball had been kicked.

Both sides ended the season in the lower half of the league and while Albion sat above Stretford in the table, the Panthers had managed just one draw in the previous seven league fixtures whereas Stretford has lost just two of their corresponding matches. On form, Wilmslow had it all to do.

The game was a well-matched affair, with neither side showing any nerves despite the big occasion. Wilmslow opening the scoring mid-way through the first period as Sol slotted the ball calmly past the Stretford keeper from close range. Wilmslow enjoyed the better of the first 15 minutes and looked comfortable with their one goal lead at the first break.

15 mins: Wilmslow Albion 1 - Stretford Victoria 0

Early in the second period the lead was doubled. Sam earned the Panthers a free-kick in a dangerous position 10 yards from the edge of the Stretford box and Dan fired in a fierce kick which took a slight deflection before whistling past the Stretford 'keeper. 2-0 to Wilmslow and the game seemingly well under control.

As we neared the end of the second period, Wilmslow's ascendancy in midfield began to wane. Stretford started to enjoy more space down the right flank and more time on the ball in central areas. Increasingly, James in the Wilmslow goal was tested with long high balls from the Stretford midfield which proved difficult to handle in the wet, blustery conditions. Five minutes before the end of the period, a long lofted ball slipped through his hands and over the line to reduce the lead to a single goal.

30 mins: Wilmslow Albion 2 - Stretford Victoria 1

The third period picked-up where the second had ended – with Stretford pushing for an equaliser while Wilmslow looked increasingly nervy across defence and midfield. However, goal scoring opportunities were few and far between and with the exception of a headed goal line clearance from Dan there was little to concern either keeper as we entered the final ten minutes.

Then disaster for the Panthers as a defensive clearance was played back across the area and fell at the feet of a Stretford striker who provided an excellent finish from the edge of the box to level the scores.  As the game re-started the soggy Wilmslow support probably feared the worst, however their concerns were unfounded as the Panthers immediately re-established their rhythm and their lead. Sam received the ball just inside the Stretford half, moved towards the left edge of the opposition area and unleashed a low left-footed drive that skipped across the wet surface and into the bottom right corner of the goal. 3-2.

The third goal appeared to kill-off the spirited Stretford comeback and the last six minutes passed without any notable chances for either side. The match ended 3-2 and both teams should be thanked for producing a highly competitive and engaging cup final despite the very poor conditions.

45 mins: Wilmslow Albion 3 - Stretford Victoria 2

The rain subsided and the sun shone briefly as players from both teams received their medals. Congratulations to the Panthers and condolences to Stretford, who played an equal part in the game and were both gracious and sportsmanlike in defeat.

Source: A Wheeler

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