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13 December 2009 Match report for Wilmslow Town U13 Cougars 0 - 2 away win against Wilmslow Albion U13 (13/12/2009)
I’m afraid that you regular readers will just have to put up with the rantings of a hitherto retired match reporter who at short notice (reluctantly) agreed to help out Boyley with journalistic duties today on the basis that it would be the only way Villa’s 26 year’s painful wait to turn United over at the Swamp yesterday would get the prominent feature it deserved. Clearly Boyley’s unavailability to chronicle today’s magnificent performance by the lads had less to do with pressures of work and was more a case of post-traumatic stress as the realisation that the big red bubble has finally burst set in, and that a new footballing order is now amongst us....and long may it continue !
Anyway, back to this afternoon’s game and you will have to forgive me, but as today’s emergency Hack, I did not come prepared, and all of this is penned from an aging and at times failing memory. If I missed an individual moment of glory, don’t worry, you’ll get over it.
1st Half
Compared with the rather lumpy and ladylike performance the last time these two teams met and I’m talking Jo Brand here, rather than Linda Lusardi (just ask your Dad lads, they’ll explain), Town dominated this Cup Tie over near neighbours (Albion) and it was certainly not the ugly, wobbly spectacle of a few week’s ago.
From the first whistle, Town dominated possession and territory which they pretty much maintained throughout the whole game. Owain was unlucky not to open the scoring early on, as was Boyley, but his shot rebounded off the post and spun away and out of danger.
Totally dominant in every area of the pitch, the lads were making excellent use of the space down both flanks, with the Town wingers getting excellent and quick ball from the midfield.
It wasn’t that long before the opening goal came, and although Boyley put it in the back of the net with a great finish, Brad’s set-up play and the rebound from Ollie Mehta’s initial shot on target provided the assist.
At the other end, and simmering nicely between the sticks in a “I’m a Centre Half....Get Me Out Of Here !!” sort of way, Barto certainly looked and played the part in a fetching black ‘keeper’s little number, by holding onto a couple of looping free-kicks just under his cross bar. He also showed a lot of calmed assuredness demanding back passes which were all duly dispatched to the extremities of Town’s territory.
As the half wore on, you got the feeling that another goal was on it’s way and it came in spectacular style when Boyley half-volleyed a screamer of a shot into the roof of the net to make it 2-0 and that’s how it stayed up to the interval.
2nd Half
Every so often, you see a scoreless period of play that does not do justice to the quality and domination of the performance, and we had one of those today. The lads simply swept aside a tiring Albion side, but could not just find the final bit of quality to convert the possession and silky build-up play into goals.
Brad and Milan were both running the show in midfield with Ollies (Ford and Mehta) tormenting their markers, which in turn provided Boyley with the space and opportunity to put the fear of Christ into the Albion back line.
Raife came close when pouncing on a loose ball from a corner, only to see his shot tipped over the bar, when it deserved to hit the back of the net, although credit where it is due, it was a fine save by the ‘keeper. Shortly after, the lad then repeated the save from a Boyley free kick just outside the area that was also destined for goal.
It was Brad who came closest though, when he went on a bullocking run (and I choose my words carefully) right through an over the Albion defence but was cruelly denied by the post having beaten the excellent ‘keeper with his final shot.
As much as one can on a 2-0 lead, Town were cruising and the Coach, incentivised by the prospect of a malteaser win bonus felt confident enough to make a triple change using the strength he had waiting impatiently on the bench.
The match finished 2-0, but the score line barely reflected the gulf between the two teams on the evidence of today’s performance. Town were just irresistible and like the Coach said, it was a magnificent all round team performance that made it virtually impossible to select a man of the match, as every lad played an immense game. However, Barto edged it today with a commanding performance, making some big saves at crucial times.
Finally, before making my way back to match reporting oblivion, I would like to thank Boyley for the opportunity of documenting one of the rarest events , namely a cup tie win by this team. I’d also like to thank Gabriel Agbonlahor for making it a perfect football weekend!
Player Ratings
Isaac Bass
Although no longer with the team, I’d like to take this unexpected opportunity to thank Isaac for all the good times over four seasons and wish him the very best at his new club. We’ll miss you mate !
Jordan Garner
Still not fully recovered, but came on for brief run out in the closing stages. He’ll soon be fully fit, but will have to fight Adam hard for that right back slot. Hopefully though, there’ll be no “bad blood “ between them !!
Raife Copp-Barton
Typical fearless and uncompromising performance from the skipper. Almost scored a cracker of a goal in the 2nd half, but a fingertip save tipped his shot over the bar.
James Lawton
The team always looks a lot stronger with Lawto at the back and today was no exception. All he needs now is to forget the un-necessary distraction of golf (which as we all know is a waste of a good walk), and he’d be a dead cert for the 2014 World Cup.... well maybe 2018.
Ol Barton
Deservedly Man of the Match but would also have won the “most reluctant ‘keeper of the season” award if there were such a thing and top of his Xmas list is the hope that Santa will bring Erik a new goalie. You better be careful though Barto, ‘cos a few more performances like that between the sticks and you’ll have a job for life! All the girls reckon Ollie looks dead fit in black though ;-)
Benno
Came on with Jordi and Deano as part of a late, triple substitution and not really tested in the short time on the pitch.
Ol Ford
Shook off the effects of a nasty knock sustained during a rugby game the previous day, but you’d never have known it as his performance was as feisty and full-on as ever. Linked well with Adam down the right and the source of many of Town’s attacks.
Owain
Left wing is not Owain’s normal spot, but he played a blinder and added steel down the flank. Came close to goal early in the 1st half and he can take a lot of confidence from today's display
Bradley
I’ve missed a few games this season, but every time I see Brad, he seems to surpass his previous performance when you think he can't play any better. Must have the quickest feet and brain in the League.... if only his team mates could always keep up with him !
G
Playing at centre half today G showed his versatility and you could imagine him playing comfortably in any position (except substitute)
Deano
See comments for Jordi and Benno. Will get his chance again soon, but the competition for places is fierce at the moment.
Pete
Did what his heroes failed to do against Villa yesterday, and actually found the back of the net. Both goals were quality finishes and should give him loads of confidence to rattle in a few more against next week's opposition.
Dan
Not available for selection today
Adam
Another accomplished run out at right back gaining audible praise from Albion's parents, despite battling against loose boot laces that stubbornly failed to stay tied up throughout the game. Throw-ins were of Delap proportions. Made more tackles in one game today than he did in the whole of the previous season...keep it up, son !
Ol Mehta
Must have run the equivalent of a mini-marathon out there today, and instrumental in Town’s 1st goal. Unfortunately for Ollie, the ball seemed to have a mind of it’s own on today’s bobbly surface which didn’t do him any favours for all the effort and energy he put in (or, he was not on his normal investment banker sized goal bonus otherwise he would have had a hat-full).
Milan
Put in a real shift today and paired up with Brad in the centre of the park, the midfield generals put in a truly commanding performance. All I would say about Milan is that once be believes he’s as good as he really is, he will be a sensational player as opposed to just a very good one....it’s all in the mind !
 Man of the Match: Oliver Barton
Team : O Barton, R Copp-Barton, J Garner, J Lawton, O Davies, O Ford, B Harris, B Jackson, D Musa, A Shaw, M Starkie,
G Todd, P Boyle, O Mehta
 Goals : P Boyle (2)
 Assists : O Mehta
Source: M Shaw << to news index
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