Mercurial moments from the U11 Panthers - in a convincing home win against a spirited Lymm

After last week's reverse at the hands of Stretford Vics, the Panthers were eager to get back on the pitch and put things right. The visitors were a Lymm side that has recorded mixed results in their opening fixtures, including two wins in their last four outings.

 

The Panthers' response to last week's defeat was immediate and clinical - seven goals in blistering opening 20 minutes.

 

Rohan - who played his best ever game in a Wilmslow Town shirt - started the party as he feigned a run down the left wing, opting to simply roll the ball across the edge of the box to Calvin who placed the ball accurately into the bottom-left corner of the goal.

 

Max created the opportunity for Wilmslow's second as he was impeded while attempting to go outside the Lymm left back. Dan stepped-up to take the long-range free-kick which passed through a clump of players in the middle of the Lymm box and squirmed underneath the 'keeper to make it 2-0.

 

Jack scored the first of his three goals in typical fashion, running strongly with the ball from wide left, dribbling through a couple of defenders and finishing neatly just inside the post. Next, two goals in quick succession from Josh; on both occasions collecting passes from Dan before turning and shooting clinically inches inside the right-hand post. Another strong run and finish from Jack made it 6-0.

 

The final goal action in a breathtaking 15-minute spell saw Josh lift the ball over his shoulder with back to goal and Jack latch onto the loose ball to make in 7-0.

 

With less than 20 minutes of the game played and the result almost assured, the Panthers used their advantage to bring three subs into play and the opposition made some defensive changes of their own. The last 10 minutes of the first half passed with little incident, although Lymm started to show signs of attacking intent and Wilmslow were happy to reach half-time with their lead intact.

 

 

Lymm, to their credit, approached the second half in workmanlike fashion. Henners was called into action to repel a number of long balls through to the Lymm strikers and the visitors scored twice in the middle of the period. They could have had more too, but for good work by Henners who advanced quickly off his line when 1-on-1 with the opposition striker.

 

Up front, the Panthers threatened to add to their score but too often found themselves flat across their front-line, with a gaping hole where midfield used to be and supporting players higher up the field than their strikers. Dan got a good head to a corner from the right, but steered it narrowly wide of the right-hand post. Eventually a goal did materialise; Nathan struck the "woodwork" and the ball rebounded to Matias who duly scored from close range.

 

 

There was some frustration in the post-match discussion because, not for the first time this season, the team lost its shape for much of the second half as players went in search of goal-mouth glory. No damage done, but an important lesson for the boys; play your position.

 

On the positive side, the Panthers' performance in the opening 20 minutes was almost faultless. We know that this team has the individual talents to compete with anyone at this age group. What we saw this morning was proof that when they choose to work for each other, the results can be devastating.

 

After the early bombardment, Lymm recovered very well in the second period and could have added to their two goals. If the Panthers' early play was a lesson in passing and shooting, their opposition provided an equally impressive demonstration of fortitude and determination to 'win' the second half, despite chasing a lost cause in terms of the final result. Supporters on both sides should be proud.

 

This week’s MOTM Awards were selected by Rohan’s dad, Bunty. Not an easy job in light of some very good performances. Bronze award to Dan for another display of strength in the middle of the field, Silver to Rohan who showed that he is capable of making great decisions as well as great runs down the wing and Gold to Calvin for an outstanding performance on and off the ball. A mention should also go to hat-trick hero Jack for three well-taken goals.