Top quality finishing puts gloss on victory at Long Hey - U11 Panthers maintain momentum

11 September 2010

The U11 Panthers travelled to Long Hey for their second league fixture in the knowledge that their opponents had enjoyed a comfortable win on the opening weekend. The corresponding fixtures last season had both been close affairs, so they knew that a challenge lay ahead.

For the second week running, the Panthers conceded early in the game. On this occasion within the first couple of minutes. 1-0 Last season, an early setback like this may have signalled the final result, however the current side is aware of their talents and did not dwell on the score line. They were soon into their stride and a prolonged period of pressure ended with the ball rolling into Rohan's path on the edge of the six-yard box from where he put the ball firmly past the 'keeper to level the scores. 1-1

Wilmslow continued to press and goals from Josh Wheeler and Dan - a commanding header - provided some breathing space. 1-3. Long Hey worked the counter attack well and threatened throughout the half with balls over or through the Panthers back line. Josh M, Hazza and George worked hard to harness the opposition strikers and Calvin extended the lead with a deft chip over the Long Hey 'keeper as the end of the first half drew near.1-4.

Unfortunately, the Panthers appeared to take their break a few minutes earlier than scheduled as Long Hey responded immediately. Running strongly at a half-hearted Panthers, they swept the ball through to the striker who finished confidently to peg back the deficit on the stroke of half-time.

HT: Long Hey Athletic 2 Wilmslow Town Panthers 4

Having enjoyed the majority of possession and goal-scoring chances, the half-time talk was about producing more of the same - while containing Long Hey's dangerous counter-attacks.

After a brief spell of solid possession the Panthers re-established a three-goal cushion with a goal from Matias. 2-5. At this early stage in the season, a two or three goal comfort margin is proving to be the Panthers' worst enemy. Sure enough, as soon as the result seemed assured, Wilmslow went walkabouts. Two goals in quick succession raised Long Hey hopes and a match that was won was back in the balance. 4-5

Some tense moments followed as Wilmslow coaches and spectators waited to see how the team would respond to the increased pressure. After some to and fro, Matias appeared to have scored in the top-left corner, only for the ref to determine that the ball had not crossed the line. It was Dan that eventually produced the decisive blow as he beat the 'keeper from mid-range to calm the nerves. 4-6. Long Hey were down but not beaten; they came back strongly and forced a fantastic finger-tip save from Henners to protect the Panthers' two-goal lead.

Late in the game legs were tiring on both sides. Play was stretched across the field and Wilmslow took the initiative to launch first Josh Wheeler and then Matias towards the Long Hey box. Both chances were finished with aplomb as the Panthers' goal-scorers lifted the ball coolly over the advancing Long Hey 'keeper to put a welcome gloss on the score line.

FT: Long Hey Athletic 4 Wilmslow Town Panthers 8

Some really good performances across the team today. Goals were well taken and the midfield worked hard for each other and for their strikers. At the back, Henners had an excellent game and the back three showed growing confidence and teamwork when dealing with fast and skilful opponents. The Panthers demonstrated their ability to "switch-off" for periods of the game and there was (again) a lack of urgency when attempting to clear danger within the box - which cost the Panthers at least one goal. However, these were minor detractions from an otherwise composed but hard-fought victory, which was adorned with some top class finishing.

Dan and Calvin received the Gold and Silver awards respectively. Max picked-up the Bronze for one of his best performances to date.

Source: A Wheeler

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