U13 Cup Dreams - blown away (again)

In the illustrious history of this team, winning cup-ties can be counted on one hand (or should that be one finger ?), so it should not be of any great surprise that another tie was lost, although what was surprising and disappointing was the manner of the defeat. Unfortunately there was a lack of passion, desire and belief, which allowed Great Moor to run out comfortable winners.

 

In very blustery, wintry conditions reminiscent of the hurricane these two teams played a pre-season friendly in just a few weeks ago, the home side made the best use of the elements right from the kick off and kept Town pressed deep in their own half with only the odd sortie forward. It was one of these brief forward runs that saw Wilmslow almost snatch the lead, when Barto arriving late & unmarked at the far post failed to get his head on Bradley’s swinging free kick.

 

With the corner count growing (in total 11 corners were conceded in the first half) it was no great surprise when the home team took the lead, although the manner it was conceded was disappointing. Isaac who had earlier pulled off a couple of fine saves, was struggling kicking into a strong wind and Great Moor took advantage of this, by pressing forward in anticipation of winning the ball, which they did and the resulting long range effort was too high & powerful for Isaac to keep out. 

 

Great Moor with the wind behind them and buoyed by this goal continued to press forward and despite some resolute defending by the back line of Jordi, Raife, Barto & Benno, a second goal was of no surprise, to the suffering away crowd trying to remain dry in the now driving rain. Unfortunately in a carbon copy of the first goal, Isaac’s clearance fell straight to the Great Moor forward, who smashed it straight back towards the goal and Isaac in his desperation to save the ball, lost his footing at the vital moment and could only watch as the ball limped over the line.

 

The half time whistle could not come too soon and allowed the coach to make some significant changes and remind the boys of his pre match comments “that if they fall 3 goals behind, don’t drop their heads as anything can happen”.

 

Well all the changes & an inspired team talk, seemed to have done the trick as the boys came out firing at the start of the second half and for a 10 minute spell looked like they could turn this defeat around.  

 

With Ol Mehta on for a surprisingly quiet Dan, to inject some pace up front & Adam on the right for Ollie Ford, Milan in centre midfield with Owain moving out to the left, Dan dropping back to left back for Benno who moved into the middle for Barto, who dropped back into net & donned the gloves (hope you all followed this).

 

Well the moves certainly worked, and suddenly Brad & Milan got the team driving forward with Pete & Ol Mehta now pulling the Great Moor defence around gaps started to appear and the early pressure paid off, with a great strike from Milan from outside the box, that left the left the keeper with no chance. Suddenly it was wave after wave of blue shirts pouring forward but the killer final ball was missing. The closest the Blues came to squaring the match was when Owain was clattered in the box, but being the honest player he is, he tried to stay on his feet, rather than doing a Torres!!!, however the ref ignored the robust challenge and played on.

 

Great Moor reverted to playing the long ball by-passing midfield, where Brad and Milan were starting to get a foothold by winning tackles and moving the ball quickly to team mates. This tactic worked as by regularly turning our back four, the home team were able to regain their earlier momentum and if Barto had not pulled off two fine saves, they would have extended their lead much sooner than they did. Unfortunately his heroics could not last and he was finally beaten at the near post with a powerful low shot.

 

Whatever small spark Town had, was literally blown out by the 3^rd goal. Without the drive and tenacity of the missing G & Lawto, there was no response and Town’s cup run came to a very disappointing end.

 

 

Struggled in the windy conditions to get any distance on his clearances, although he still managed to pull off a couple of fine saves. Was visibly disappointed with the manner the goals were conceded.

 

Worked tirelessly at the back to stem the constant threat of the Great Moor forward line.

 

A solid performance, winning most challenges, but could not help stem the flow.

 

Showed what a true all rounder he is, donning the gloves in the second half and pulling off a couple of fine saves.

 

Played well at both left back and then centre half, showed great pace and good timing with some key challenges.

 

Struggled to get into the game through lack of ball. Found himself playing right back late on.

 

Struggled in the first half with Bradley to gain any foothold in central midfield, made some telling forward passes in the second half when switched to wide left. Would have won a penalty if he’d “gone down” as per the match reporter’s instructions

 

Was deservedly selected as Town’s man of the match as he did not give up and battled away throughout the match.

 

As with Ol Ford, struggled in the first half through lack of ball. Dropped to left back in the second half.

 

Without any quality ball to play with and struggling to loose the markers assigned to follow him, Pete ended up coming too deep in search of the ball.

 

Was well marked and apart from one shot, struggled to make any contribution in the match.

 

With lack of forward ball to run onto was not able to make any major contribution when coming on as a second half sub. Playing on the “boggy” side of the pitch didn’t help, especially as the ground on the other wing was firm and more suited to his gazelle-like sprinting style

 

Caused a positive spark when he came on as a second half sub. Made some intelligent runs behind the defence.

 

Scored a stunning goal from outside the box and made some telling challenges and passes in central midfield.