Last gasp leveler - Clinical finishing helps U10 Panthers keep up with the Hounds

26 September 2009

After consecutive matches where the U10 Panthers had emerged with the lesser share of three goals, today's scoreline against AFC Urmston Meadowside Hounds had a familiar feel to it as we entered the final minute. Wilmslow led 0-1 in the opening period but then played most of the fixture toiling (with and without the ball) and found themselves 2-1 down with time running out. Thankfully, this time around, they managed to snatch something from the game through Sol's last minute goal. 2-2 the final result and a point to show for increased effort, although this was arguably more reward than the team performance merited.

The morning started positively. After early exchanges Sol positioned himself well to latch onto a long goal-kick from George and then lifted the ball calmly over the advancing 'keeper into the empty net. However the Hounds were level before the end of the first period thanks to a combination of strong direct attacking play and sloppy Wilmslow defending. Three Panthers players missed opportunities to prevent their opponents carrying the ball to the edge of the box and then an innocuous looking cross slipped through the last line of defence and sneaked into the net.

15 minutes: AFC Urmston Meadowside Hounds 1  - Wilmslow Town 1

The second period followed the same pattern as the first - Wilmslow defending frequent raids down their flanks while enjoying a fair share of possession. But they struggled to establish any rhythm or create chances on goal. Lots of huffing and puffing - not much football.

After last week's half-hearted performance against Lymm, there was a real improvement in attitude, although we still saw a lack of conviction and concentration at key points in the game. Too often the Panthers covered lots of ground only to come off second best in 50/50 challenges and where defensive situations required firm, swift action there was deliberation and indecision. And so it was that early in the second period Wilmslow failed to clear their area and paid the price, conceding a soft goal from close range when a solid boot could and would have averted the danger.

30 minutes: AFC Urmston Meadowside Hounds 2  - Wilmslow Town 1

The third period saw more endeavor from the Panthers and they created some half-chances as they looked for an equaliser. For the first time in the game the majority of play was in the opposition's half and the boys pressed well. An increasing commitment to attack meant that gaps started to appear in defence and they rode their luck on a couple of occasions as the Hounds put close-range efforts wide of goal.

Just when it looked as if the boys were going to leave Flixton Fields empty handed for the first time, the Panthers won a corner. With seconds left on the clock, they crowded the area and when the ball fell on the edge of the six-yard box Sol was quickest to react - planting the ball firmly into the back of the net. Phew.

45 minutes: AFC Urmston Meadowside Hounds 2  - Wilmslow Town 2

On the balance of today's play this was definitely a case of a point gained rather than two points lost. The Hounds are a good side and the Panthers made too many mistakes, failed to make challenges count when it really mattered and didn't create enough when in possession. However, what they did do was show some character, play as a team and keep going until the very last second. There is evidently work to be done, but if the boys show this level of effort every weekend then the results will come.

Sol was awarded Man of the Match for his two excellent finishes that earned the draw. Honourable mentions go to Dan and Josh W (for sheer effort) and to the team as a whole for responding positively and collectively to recent questions about their commitment.

Source: A Wheeler

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