U11 Panthers left to rue missed chances - points shared with Benchill on the opening weekend

4 September 2010

The U11 Panthers started their Saturday League campaign with a visit from a well organised and combative team from Benchill. The home side enjoyed most of the early possession and had a goal disallowed for offside in the first 10 minutes. However, it was Benchill that took the lead with a direct ball to their striker who finished confidently when clear on goal.

Wilmslow seemed to take this in their stride as they continued to pass the ball when and where possible and continued to have the greater share of time on the ball. Midway through the first half the scores were level following a short passing move inside the Benchill box and  a strong finish from Jack that the ‘keeper was only able to parry into the goal. The Panthers’ second goal came quickly afterwards – Dan putting the ball away with his left foot through a cluster of defenders after the ball had been played around the penalty spot.

There were more chances, with Nathan advancing from the corner of the box to clip the ball past the ‘keeper and against the post and another effort flashing wide.

HT: Wilmslow Town Panthers 2   -  Benchill 1

The second-half started as the first had ended – little between the two sides, but Wilmslow seeing more of the ball. And the Panthers increased their lead as the ball rolled invitingly to Josh Wheeler just inside the box and he made it 3-1 with a clean strike. Calvin also kept the Benchill ‘keeper busy, forcing two excellent saves from mid-range.

As the game wore on Benchill began to assert more pressure and the Panthers’ desire to play the ball out of defence proved to be their undoing as the opposition winger jumped on a loose ball to set up a close range tap-in for the striker. And it was not long before another defensive lapse cost Wilmslow their lead. With five white shirts in or around the six-yard box, there were three failed attempts to clear the danger before Benchill accepted the invitation to smash the ball past Henners for the equaliser.

FT: Wilmslow Town Panthers 3   -  Benchill 3

Overall, another encouraging performance from the Panthers. However, these were 2 points lost from a game that they had under control with 20 minutes to play. Credit to Benchill for sticking at their task and getting a result for their efforts. Despite a couple of unfortunate (but unintentional) clashes, the fixture was played in a competitive and sportsmanlike manner by two well-matched teams.
 

Source: A Wheeler

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