U11 Panthers plod past Alderley - no frills or spills in 4-1 win

6 November 2010

With one exception, there was little to get excited about in this week's fixture against Alderley United's B team.

Wimslow set-out with a game plan to give all players equal time on the pitch, while maintaining a consistent level of "talent" in-play throughout the game. The result - an hour of just about good enough against a hard-working Alderley side.

The Panthers started the game slowly and played the first 20 minutes without ever getting out of first gear. They enjoyed some good possession, but failed to really trouble an organised Alderley defence. At the same time, the opposition presented little to animate Henry in the Panthers' goal.

Some changes were made and the first goal came almost immediately - Josh Wheeler switching the ball neatly to Matias between two Alderley defenders and Matias found the back of the net. There was more than a hint of offside about the move, but you win some and you lose some, so manager and coaches sided with Arsene Wenger on this one.

The goal gave Wilmslow an energy boost and the second followed shortly after. Calvin - whose craft and industry set him apart from most of the players on the pitch today - crossed from the right and Josh Wheeler finished with a beautiful controlled volley from around the penalty spot. A contender for goal of the season at this early stage.

Wilmslow finished the half with a 2-0 lead.

More of the same in the second half. The third goal came courtesy of a lay off from Josh Wheeler for Nathan, who duly slammed the ball into the top left corner. There were questions asked about offside on this goal too - but we've since had a non-partisan (in fact, an Alderley supporter) view that this one was kosher.

Jack completed the home score with a typically decisive close range finish. Alderley competed throughout and in the latter stages of the second half started to capitalise on the habitual midfield walk-about that the Panthers like to employ when they have decided that the game is over as a contest. On three or four occasions Wilmslow found themselves outnumbered in their own half and one forray ended with a delightful chip over a stranded Henners to bring the final score to 4-1.

Plus points today - never looking troubled while never playing the strongest line-up, Josh's volley, Calvin's artistry, Matias' positional play.

Minus points today - never looking that convincing, throwing away the chance for this season's first clean sheet in the league

MOTM awards came this week from Simon. Bronze to Max for another solid performance, Silver to Calvin for a busy display across the midfield and Gold to Matias for doing exactly what he was asked to do and doing it with a smile on his face!

Source: A Wheeler

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