U11 Panthers come from 0-2 down - to book cup semi final spot

The game started evenly with both sides having their moments. Wilmslow battled but came off second-best in a number of 50/50 challenges and it was evident that any victory would be hard fought. The visitors went ahead after ten minutes following a move down the wing which left the Longhey forward bearing down on goal. Henners advanced to narrow the angles, but was stranded as the attacker lifted the ball coolly over him and into the net. A very good finish. 

 

If the first goal was a wake-up call for the Panthers, it wasn’t loud enough. Within five minutes Longhey had extended their lead in similar fashion after a move down the right wing ended with a shot over the ‘keeper.

 

With the exception of the last minute in the game with Broadheath, this was the first time the Panthers had faced a two-goal deficit. How would they respond?

 

After the re-start, Wilmslow’s passing started to look more assured and they were more committed in the tackle, especially when it mattered. Longhey continued to attack with menace and the Panthers had Henners to thank for two saves at close quarters, when Longhey looked set to increase their lead.

 

As the half progressed, opportunities started to arise for the home side and ten minutes before the break Josh Wheeler held off two defenders to latch on to a long pass from Dan to score and close the gap. Indeed, the boys should have levelled the score before half-time, Matias was unfortunate to see his strong left-foot strike hit the inside of the post and rebound across the face of the goal, Jack was unable to apply the finishing touch as he was crowded out on the line following a corner and Josh Wheeler had a carbon-copy of the earlier chance but the ball bobbled (let’s give him the benefit) as he went to shoot and the miscue drifted harmlessly wide.

 

1-2 the score at half-time and a team talk all about commitment.

 

The second period kicked-off and, unusually, some of the half-time advice appeared to have sunk in. There was more confidence in the tackles, less indecision in defence and midfield, and a sense that matters were in hand, despite the score line. However, with ten minutes and a couple of half-chances gone, there was some concern that this may not be our day. Then, in the space of five minutes, the Panthers had seized the advantage.

 

Matias scored the equaliser, assisted by an intelligent ball from Nathan that bisected the Longhey central defenders and gave Matias the time and space to pick his spot and beat the ‘keeper. For the second week in succession, the Panthers then thought they had a penalty after Jack went down as he attempted to dribble through the heart of the Longhey defence. Not given, but any perceived injustice was quickly forgotten as Rohan, in an advanced left-back position struck from the edge of the area, meeting a clearance on the half volley to give Wilmslow the lead via a deflection on the line. The celebrations that followed were a sight for sore eyes amongst parents and coaches who have witnessed tight situations turn sour on too many occasions already this season.

 

With fifteen minutes left to play it was still very much game on, although Longhey had failed to threaten Henners since the break and one sensed that Wilmslow now had sufficient momentum to see it through. Calvin re-joined the action and started to cause problems for the opposition on both flanks, winning a free kick first on the right touch line and then on the left. Following the second tackle, Jack stepped-up to take the kick and cleared defence and ‘keeper from outside the box to extend the lead with ten minutes to play. The goal prompted more celebrations and some tactical substitutions to block the midfield for the remaining minutes. Not surprisingly, the game meandered toward the final whistle without any notable chances being created at either end.

 

Despite the disappointing start, there was much to be pleased about today, not least the final result. At an age group where early losses can still prove fatal, the Panthers rallied well and always backed themselves to pull through. The opposition, tough and well disciplined, kept the Panthers busy throughout and forced them to focus on effort levels and responsibilities. It was good to see the team celebrate as one when the score turned around. The only negative was the fact that it took a two-goal kick up the backside to start the motor.

 

The Bronze award this week went to Rohan, for his decisive goal and a strong performance (out of position) at left back. Silver went to Henners for some timely interventions and brave smothering challenges. Gold went to Dan for a solid performance on the ball and for encouraging the rest when things were looking a little ropey.

 

In today's game, Longey demonstrated their improvement since the earlier league fixture between the two sides. Across the two matches, their players' attitude to the game has been tough, positive and honest - a real credit to their manager and coaches.  We wish them well for all (bar one!) of their remaining fixtures.