U11 Panthers comfortably through to Round Two - a happy return to AOM

8 January 2011

It was Groundhog Day with a cup twist for the U11 Panthers this morning as they revisted Ashton-on-Mersey following their most recent league fixture at the same venue in November. The league fixture had produced a convincing 10-0 win; the cup re-match ended with a similar result.

The Panthers started strongly and went ahead within the first five minutes - Calvin converting a free-kick from the edge of the AOM box. The second followed shortly afterwards and Calvin was involved again as the pivot in a long one-two that saw the ball returned from the right-wing to Dan centre field, who cleared the AOM defence and 'keeper with a great long range effort into the top left corner.

But for some impressive goalkeeping the Panthers would have moved further ahead. Nathan's well-placed shot from inside the area looked a certain goal until the 'keeper made an excellent diving save to deny him. The opposition No.1 was less fortunate minutes later when he produced another good stop to prevent Jack from scoring, only for the ball to ricochet onto Nathan who finished in style . . . with his kneecap.

Ashton were on the wrong side of the score line, but not out of the game. With 20 minutes gone, the AOM forward line caught Wilmslow on the break and chased-down a long clearance before finishing well past Henners. Buoyed by their goal, Ashton looked stronger and more confident as the match drew towards half-time, however it was the Panthers that extended their lead with another close range goal. Dan's 25 yard free kick hit the bar, the ball travelled vertically upwards before dropping onto Josh Wheeler's forehead inches from the line. 4-1 to Wilmslow at half time; a deserved lead but sympathy all round for the AOM goalkeeper who was playing a blinder, without much luck or defensive cover.

The second half followed the same pattern as the first. Wilmslow enjoyed the lion's share of possession and territorial advantage, AOM were dangerous on the break. On 45 minutes Nathan was fouled on the edge of the AOM box. Calvin stepped-up to take the free kick and ball came off the defensive wall, twice, before a third shot slipped through the cluster of defenders and past the 'keeper with the help of a deflection.

The last goal of the game was scored by Rohan; just reward for a battling overall performance and a jinking run that took him past three defenders before he placed the ball into the bottom corner as the 'keeper advanced.

Despite the long lay-off, the Panthers returned to competitive action in good style. The boys tried to play a passing game, and largely succeeded. The midfield - Jack, Rohan, Dan, Max and MOTM Calvin - were particularly impressive. The defence looked solid for the most part, and covered well for each other on the odd occasions when they didn't. Harrison provided some good link and support play from the left back position. Henners made some valuable interceptions but was a spectator for long periods.

Source: A Wheeler

<< to news index

• Fixtures
• Results
• News and Reports
• League Data
• Stats