U9 Panthers overcome Stretford Vics - Successful start to New Year campaign

25 January 2010

A great turn out from the squad for the first match of 2010.  The pitch was in remarkably good condition considering recent snow and rain and the team were feeling very confident having won the last two outings against Victoria.  There was one odd turn of events before kick-off.  No ref!  Victoria voluntered a ref.  Victoria kicked off just 5 mintues late. 
 
Early exchanges were all played in midfield, each team trying to take the ball on without much passing.  Then Sam H. took a knock in a tackle at his right back position and was replaced by Lincon.  A quick switch to bring Lincon out to the left and Tenniel to the right immidiatley saw Lincon, running into attack with the ball like Maldini on fire. He took the  ball to the 18 yard box and slid a pass to Scott.  The familiar sight of Scott twisting and turning and then a shot.  Slight deflection. One nil the Panthers.
 
The age old saying that you're weakest just after you have scored looked true, and Stretford Victoria pushed forward at pace. Playing all their football down the middle saw a bobble into the box and Tom rush to take the ball, half held, Victoria swept the ball into the net.  Disallowed.  It was keepers ball and the danger was over. The first period ended with some end to end play. Each Victoria attack was stopped with a tackle in the Wilmslow half, each Wilmslow attack produced several corners, but it stayed 1-0.
 
The second period opened with Wilmslow under some real pressure.  Vistoria just lacked the finishing skills to gain a result from their hard work. A corner came from one attack, Ten tried to clear, only for the ball to hit Tom in the face.  Tom had to retire with a bloody nose, Sam H. took the gloves and Sam D. paired with Ten at the back.  These changes seemed to help Wilmslow steady and the attacks then came from them.  Now pushing down the right more often, with some passing returning to their game.  The period finished with no improvement in the score. 
 
Sam H saved early in the third period and showed some confidence in net.  Will, captain for the day, led from the front. He really picked up his energy, always hustling for the ball, tracking back well and looking for a counter attack at every opportunity.  Stretford shot at goal, Sam H gathered and kicked long.  From the resulting play and corner, Fynn crossed in and Joel smashed the ball home. Two to the Panthers. That was the final score.  Two unanswered away goals.  Sam D deservingly taking the man of the match.

Man of the Match : S Dickinson

Source: A Cowen

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