Patched-up Panthers let U11 league leaders off the hook - Groundhog Day at Benchill

To be fair to the dejected Panthers, today's result was sealed by a long-range effort in the dying minutes that hit the bar and rebounded kindly for the home side to tap in the equaliser. It wasn't through a lack of concentration in defence or players going walkabouts, it was just one of those things. And credit to Benchill for putting in 100% right to the final whistle to make it happen.

 

The set-up for this fixture couldn't have been much worse for Wilmslow. Calvin recovering from an achilles injury, Josh Wheeler 50% fit after two weeks out with a sprain, Dan dragged from his sick-bed to bolster the midfield, Greg standing on two planks looking down a hill somewhere far away and a pitch rendered sticky by overnight rain to limit the Panthers' passing game. Nevertheless, confidence levels were high at kick-off, at least until Benchill went into the lead with their first attack of the game, as most of the Panthers' midfield and defence looked on.

 

However, this side knows its talents and none of the players looked unduly concerned at the early setback. Sure enough, within a couple of minutes the Panthers were level - Matias shot from the edge of the area and Calvin followed-up to poke the ball over the line after the 'keeper failed to hold on to the ball.

 

Wilmslow's tails were up, and the boys started to probe down both flanks as the half wore on. Ultimately, it was Matias who made the next breakthrough, finishing from a tight angle after the 'keeper had done well to parry his initial effort. At the back, the unusual formation appeared to be coping well with Benchill's wing play, and limited their opponents to a couple of half chances from outside right, which ended-up either in the side netting or wide.

 

Half-time arrived and the Panthers looked relatively comfortable with their 2-1 lead.

 

There were some changes in personnel at half-time and Wilmslow carried on where they had left off, although Benchill were starting to pose more danger down the flanks. Wilmslow extended their lead five minutes into the second period after Max drifted into the centre, just outside the box, and found Jack advancing from the left wing. Jack rounded his marker and finished with precision past the exposed 'keeper.

 

More of the same followed until the 45 minute mark, by which time health and fitness issues were starting to tell and the Panthers also lost Jack's composed presence to a VIP trip to Elland Road. Wilmslow were still creating chances, and missed a golden opportunity to extend their lead when the ball was cleared off the Benchill line with strikers in close attendance. It was a miss that they would come to rue.

 

With about ten minutes remaining, the ball was played into the Wilmslow area from the Benchill right wing. The pass evaded a couple of swinging defensive boots and ran on invitingly for the opposition striker who scored from close range. Benchill buoyed, but Panthers pragmatic; no need to panic. In the final ten minutes there were few chances at either end until the killer blow came with three minutes to play. A Wilmslow clearance returned long and hard, that sailed high over defenders heads, came tumbling down from the bar and was tapped into the net.

 

The players' reactions on the final whistle told the story. Benchill jubilant in having rescued a point and safeguarded their unbeaten record. Wilmslow desperately disappointed to have bossed most of the game but fallen short of the finish line. Consolation, to be taken on another day, in knowing that they did enough to win the game . . . but didn't.

 

Incredibly, both the final result and score sequence (0-1, 1-1, 2-1, 3-1, 3-2, 3-3) were identical to the match played between the two teams on the opening day of the season. On that day too, the Panthers had entered the closing stages of the game in control, only to concede two late goals. Groundhog Day indeed.

 

Man of the Match was awarded to Matias, who was a constant concern for the opposition defence on his first return to Benchill. There were various contenders for the Silver and Bronze awards, based - in differing degrees - on skill, attitude, physical fortitude and sheer bloody-mindedness. Calvin took the Silver for a battling display playing between the midfield and attack. George won the Bronze for his efforts in repelling Benchill forays and some great covering tackles.

 

Congratulations today to all of the boys. Despite some setbacks, they put on a performance to make coaches and parents very proud of their efforts. Congratulations also to Benchill, who worked hard as a unit and stuck at their task until the very end. If they go on to win the league, then it will be a testament to their teamwork and endeavour.

 

At the half-way point in the season (11 played, 11 to play), the Panthers find themselves lying fourth in the table, four points off the top. Following today's draw, Benchill have been displaced at the summit by next week's opposition, Broadheath Cobras, while Alderley United 'A' sit in third. The league situation promises an exciting few months ahead; Broadheath still have five fixtures to play against others in the top four, Alderley will play four, Wilmslow will play three and Benchill will play two. Longhey - with five wins from their last six games and five fixtures to play against the leading four - will also feature. Meanwhile, other mid-table sides have shown in recent results that they are not far off the mark.

 

Lots to look forward to!