U10 Panthers open with a win - but not without a scare

5 September 2009

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The U10 Panthers started the new season with a hard-won victory over a good Unicorn side that refused to lie down.

With a full squad containing four new recruits, the Panthers started strongly and dominated the opening period. Rohan and Nathan were busy up-front and we were treated to some excellent passing football.

Josh M opened the scoring after receiving a delightful through-ball from Rohan and sliding the ball past the Unicorn 'keeper from close range. The lead was extended shortly afterwards as Nathan returned a neat one-two to Rohan who shot across the 'keeper and inside the right-hand post.

The Panthers defence was largely untroubled and Dan added a third when Rohan cushioned the ball back to Dan from his throw-in and he unleashed a spectacular long-range effort that hit the top-right corner of the Unicorn goal. As we went into the first break, there was much to admire and little cause for concern.

15 mins: Wilmslow Town 3 – Unicorn Hurricanes 0

Panthers opened the second period with a number of changes and Unicorn set about the daunting task of reversing a three goal deficit.

The visitors began to create a succession of good chances and scored from close range to get a foothold in the game. With the Panthers on the back foot, Unicorn's renewed confidence was evident. And when Wilmslow conceded a foul 20 yards from goal, Unicorn took full advantage through an excellent free-kick that cleared the two-man wall and hit the top-corner of the Panthers net. Nerves were jangling.

The Hurricanes continued to press while the Panthers struggled to get control of the ball in midfield. However, with the period drawing to a close, Wilmslow broke on the counter and Josh M got behind the Unicorn defence and scored his second goal of the game. Much against the run of play, but a welcome boost for a Panthers side that had spent most of the previous 15 minutes looking to re-establish its shape and rhythm.

30 mins: Wilmslow Town 4 – Unicorn Hurricanes 2

The Panthers started the final period with clear instructions to concentrate on defending their lead. Directly from the kick-off, they played the ball back into the large hole between their midfield and defence and it was eagerly collected by one of the Unicorn attack, who carried the ball skilfully through a static Panthers defence and made no mistake in placing the ball past an advancing George in goal.

Hanging on to a one-goal lead, the Panthers decided to go with a replica kick-off to the one that had brought about the Unicorn goal. Once again the ball was played invitingly into the gap between defence and midfield. Once again the Unicorn attack took up the invitation. Thankfully on this occasion the defence massed upon the forward to clear the danger.

Still Unicorn looked for the equaliser and they were denied only by a great save from George, diving to push away a powerful dipping shot from under the crossbar.

Slowly, some composure began to return to the Wilmslow ranks and as the clock ran down a Panthers win looked increasingly likely.

45 mins: Wilmslow Town 4 – Unicorn Hurricanes 3

So, an exciting and highly entertaining game to open the new season, played with great spirit from both sides. The Panthers produced some of their very best and very worse football to cruise into a seemingly unassailable lead and then hand back the advantage through careless errors and a lack of concentration. The Hurricanes deserve great credit for their never-say-die attitude – Wilmslow will not meet many tougher opponents this season.

Highlights included Rohan's unselfish passing and clinical finish, Nathan's tireless running and classy lay-off for the second goal, Dan's long-range strike and two saves – one painful and one spectacular - from George in his first league appearance. Last season's defensive stalwarts Dan, Josh W and Harrison all played their part and George B acclimatised well to the competitive environment (including some commanding defensive headers that defied his stature).

In midfield, Josh M was unfortunate not to pick up the MOTM award for his two-goal performance and again demonstrated his growing maturity in reading the game. Max was denied any real opportunities to show-off his natural passing ability but moved a step closer to full match tempo.

Up front, George S and Sol - last season's top goal scorer - were both willing runners but found themselves starved of supply and opportunity during periods of the game where Unicorn had the Panthers pinned back in defence.

Source: A Wheeler

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