For the U11 Panthers, the future is bright - but today it was orange

12 February 2011

Recent postponements made this morning's meeting feel like a reunion of old friends. In fact, three of the Panthers' last four games have been against the oranges from Ashton; the first having taken place 84 days ago!

The Panthers were a couple of players short due to injuries (Calvin and Josh Wheeler) and opened the game in unconvincing fashion. Ashton put in a strong defensive performance throughout the first 20 minutes, Wilmslow failed to put away some good chances and the opposition 'keeper was on good form.

The match changed shape shortly before half-time after Dan released Matias who finished cleanly to give the Panthers the lead. Ashton were still competing in all areas of the pitch and came close to an equaliser with a long range looping shot that dropped inches over the bar. However, the tide had turned. In the five minutes before the break, the Panthers added three more. Matias set-up Rohan, Dan fed Matias once again and Rohan put Jack in on goal to make the score 4-0. Probably a fair reflection of Wilmslow's territorial dominance over 30 minutes, but harsh on Ashton who had fought hard to keep on level terms for so long.

The early play in the second half was a significant improvement on the jittery start that we witnessed at the outset. Jack continued the scoring with a clinical left-foot finish from mid-distance after being played in by Josh Mehta. Jack then provided the assist for Matias to complete his second hat-trick in consecutive games against Ashton. It was then Mat's turn to put Dan through on goal, who duly tucked away his fourth goal in four games.

The Panther's eighth, and best, goal followed. Jack produced a beautifully weighted cross-field ball that invited Josh Mehta to shoot from the right corner of the area; and the finish was as impressive as the set-up, arrowing into the top-left corner of the Ashton net. What a way to open your account for the season!

With 10 minutes of the game remaining, Josh Wheeler trotted gingerly off the bench to complete the scoring with a well-directed header from Matias' corner.

In summary, another convincing win for the Panthers despite an uncharacteristically lacklustre opening 15 minutes. Wilmslow were rarely troubled in defence, although Henners did produce a couple of good saves when required and handled confidently throughout. For the second match in succession, six different players were on the score-sheet, which bodes well for future encounters (on another day, two more would have expected to convert their chances too). The Ashton 'keeper - who had a great game, including a penalty save - also deserves an honourable mention.

Jack was awarded MOTM for his goals, his assists and the fact that he looked dangerous every time he got the ball at his feet. The Silver award went to Josh Mehta who performed well in defence and in the right midfield role, and scored a cracking goal from distance. The bronze went to George for another strong defensive performance, and some consolation for seeing his penalty well saved by the Ashton 'keeper.

It should also be noted that we saw less than half-a-dozen fouls awarded in this morning's match. Players and coaches on both sides set-out to enjoy the game and it was played in a friendly, but competitive, spirit.

Two of the toughest games of the season follow, and it is good to go into these matches as the form team in the league (and with 26 goals scored in the last four outings). On points, there is little to separate the top four sides in the table. Over the next couple of weeks we will see how far the Panthers have developed as a team, and have a better idea of whether or not they are contenders for the title. Watch this space . . .
 

Source: A Wheeler

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