U10 Panthers dig deep - to recover from early setbacks

5 September 2010

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If Wilmslow Town U10 Panthers thought they were in for an easy first game of the season after the summer break, they were sadly mistaken, and it showed in the first 15 minute period when a very strong and disciplined Urmston took charge of the game straight from the kick off. Pressure on the Wilmslow goal was immediate and Tom was forced into a couple of important saves early on. The Urmston attack came forward with ease and inevitably, after a flowing move through midfield they took the lead. Almost immediately from the restart, the Panthers were caught in possession and found themselves two goals down. Finally, they started to put some passing together and soon, a good shot from Lincoln brought the Urmston keeper into the game with a good save. Joel shot just wide shortly after, but just when it seemed Wilmslow were in the ascendency they conceded a cheap corner and Urmston scored their third.

Wilmslow had to dig deep, and dig they did. From a poor goal kick Sam H hammered the ball against the Urmston bar and Sam D forced the Urmston keeper to make a good save down to his left.

Despite the score line, Wilmslow were certainly the improving side as the opening period came to a close.

15 mins: Wilmslow Town Panthers 0 – Urmston Meadowside Red Star 3

Urmston, however, reminded Wilmslow that there was still a game to be played as almost immediately into the second period, Tom was required to make another great save to prevent Urmston going even further ahead. Wilmslow now though were starting to show their true ability and started retaining the ball more and passing it around much better. Both Calum and Joel came close to opening the Wilmslow scoring, but it was Scott who finally made the breakthrough when, after some good passing play between Sam D and Joel, he was able to slot home from close range. Wilmslow now moved forward with a vengeance and Scott hit the post with their next attack. Lincoln then won a corner and as the ball came into the Urmston penalty box, the Wilmslow attackers rushed the area and the ball was diverted into the net off an Urmston defenders’ head to bring Wilmslow right back into the game at 2-3.

30 mins: Wilmslow Town Panthers 2 – Urmston Meadowside Red Star 3

The Panthers could now sense that the game was there to be won and started very brightly. Early in the final period, Sam D made a good run down the right side, crossed into the area and Calum, with only the keeper to beat turned and made no mistake equalising for the Panthers.

Urmston did not allow themselves to become dispirited and soon had the ball down at the Wilmslow end, but some great tackling from Tenniel and a fine save from Tom, tipping over from a corner kept the scores level. Wilmslow thought they had finally taken the lead late in the 3rd period when Calum lobbed the goalkeeper, only to have his shot brilliantly headed off the line by an Urmston defender. With the game in the balance Urmston came on strong for the last couple of minutes. They were denied again by a flying save by Tom to his right and then hit the woodwork themselves.

The game could have gone either way in the last period, but the Panthers did extremely well to recover from going three goals down at home to earn a very well deserved draw.
 
45 mins: Wilmslow Town Panthers 3 – Urmston Meadowside Red Star 3

Source: I Dickinson

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