U13's wonder - where have all the goals gone

18 April 2010

Conditions were in marked contrast to the home fixture with no wind and warm sunshine. The pitch was noticeably wide rather than long and in line with the spring season offered a hard surface with plenty of bounce
.
Wilmslow knew this was going to be a tough fixture against a competent, well organised team but given their strong recent form entered the game looking confident. Played the better football throughout and deserved the three points. Unable to put the icing on the cake despite creating
a number of chances.

Wilmslow indeed were the team that opened the game with the upper hand. The back four looked strong and James was very quick to establish command of the midfield ably supported by Brad and G. This resulted in some good movement going forward with chances early on for Pete and Deano - Pete coming closest with a shot just wide.

Barr Hill seemed content with pumping the ball upfield and any threat was easily dealt with due to the height of Barto and Raife and the energy of Benno and Ollie Methta ably filling in for Jordi. Wilmslow were looking well organised and solid throughout with promising breaks down the right and left wing by Ollie and Deano.

Given his very recent return, following a committed first quarter, G took a break and Dan came on to add additional strike power upfront . Wilmslow won a number of corners and from a set piece the ball broke for Pete who forced a fine save. If he could have responded to the rebound more quickly Dan might have opened the scoring but it was not to be. The first half finished all square with no score albeit Wilmslow had the lions' share of possession and attempts on goal .

Owain came on for Deano in the second half with the coaching team asking for more urgency and desire. The Barr Hill coach demanded the same and both teams had chances to open the scoring. Brad forced another corner for Wilmslow and went close from the corner with a shot at the near post.

Pete and Brad were proving a handful down the left and right flanks respectively and G returned to the fray with James taking a well earned rest. Ollie was retired for Jack and as a unit Wilmslow continued to put on the pressure.

Barr Hill were playing much better in the second half but the defence was solid and Henry unbeatable. Barto was having a game and a half – a strong first half performance was matched by solid defensive work showing great strength and skill on a number of occasions .

Brad was a player on a mission - he continually tortured the opposition's defence who just could not find a way to tackle him. He looked certain to score but could not find the net but another strong run up the middle presented Jack with a chance . Beating two players he found the back of the net only to find that the ref had strangely blown for a Wilmslow free kick.

It was just going to be one of those games that despite a solid and competent team performance Wilmslow could not find the net . Nil – nil being the final result.

Player comments.

Henry
A typically confident display - dealt competently with any threat to the Wilmslow goal.

Ollie M
A solid performance at right back. Competed effectively at every opportunity.

Barto
Deservedly winning MOM for an excellent performance. Solid in the tackle, strong in the air and skillful with the ball at his feet .

Raife
A typically uncompromising performance - particularly strong in the air.

Benno
Typical no nonsense performance. Used his speed will to cover on a number of occasions.

James
Continued to enjoy his new role sitting in front of the back four. A noticeably strong first half covering a huge amount of ground.

G
Great to see him back after a long absence. Demonstrated his usual ability to read the game and will benefit as his fitness improves.

Brad
Another strong performance from Brad. The opposition had no answer to his strong skillful running. Pushed for MOM honours.

Deano
A promising first half against a strong opposite number. Created a number of chances and went close himself.

Pete
A strong first half and worked hard on the left wing in the second half. A number of chances on goal but unable to convert.

Ollie
A spirited performance from Ollie working hard on the right wing. Went close with taking up a Scholes type position but the goalkeeper saved - unlike Given !!

Dan
Came on mid way through the first half and caused the opposition a number of problems. A number of shots on goal but found the goalkeeper hard to beat.

Owain
A strong second half performance in midfield - committed running and tackling winning the ball well on a number of occasions.

Jack
Finished a fine move by scoring what looked like a good goal. Extremely unlucky that the ref made a rare mistake by not allowing advantage to be fully played.

Management
Fordy loses a few brownie points by -
1. Arriving at the Boddies late.
2 . Blaming Sally for getting the time wrong.

Boyley filling in well in Erik's absence - offered some good advice to the team which they could have paid more attention to. Excellent navigation and clear " Wacky race " winner .

MOM
Undeniably Barto as mentioned already but Brad pushing hard for the honours.

Mars moment - if they still exist
Ollie Mehta for saving a certain goal with a fine goal-line header in the first half.

MIA
Garners and Shaws - last seen heading for Bognor Regis, with an oval ball .
 

Source: R Harris

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