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27 March 2011 Match report for Wilmslow Town U12 Panthers 1 - 3 away win against Roundthorn Rangers JFC U12 (27/03/2011)
Sun peeping through the mist, on the first day of British Summer Time provided a very early but pleasant backdrop to a return fixture that was not necessarily the most eagerly awaited. Any fears of a repeat of last time were quickly dispelled as the new Roundthorn Rangers Management team gave us a very warm greeting, which was matched throughout the match by a very attractive display of competitive football from both teams.
Jamie took the gloves, hoping to extend his clean sheets to three out of three, protected by George, TC, Ted and Max, with Harry, Shorty and TJ in midfield, Joe and TB on the flanks and Braden up front. Both teams started well in a very competitive game, with the Rangers having the better of the early exchanges. Winning a couple of corners early on, they tested the training the Panthers had done on Friday - but they defended them well. TC and Ted looked strong, and Max assisted by Joe had to work hard to keep a lively right winger at bay. Gradually the Panthers started playing their passing game with TJ, TB, Joe, Sam, George, Harry and Shorty all contributing to some great attacking play, running at pace at the Rangers. TB had a good attempt on goal but unfortunately his shot wasn’t on target. On 20 minutes Braden picked up a ball from midfield and put Sam, who had already had one attempt on goal that went just over, through. Sam - like lightning - bolted past the last defenders and drawing the keeper, slotted it, side foot, into the net -1-0. The restart was greeted by substitutions where Neil, Adam, Charlie and Callum replaced Shorty, TB, Max and Braden. Unfortunately before the lads had settled back down a ball was played over the top, and for once the defence was caught slightly out of position with too much to do, but the finish from the Rangers number 7 sailed into the top of the net blotting Jamie’s ‘clean sheet copybook’ – 1-1. Undeterred the subs settled in, and Callum started to look dangerous as Joe, TJ, and Adam pulled the attacking strings, as Harry and Neil won the ball in midfield. The passing was getting better and more accurate. Joe played a superb cross-field ball in for Adam who was denied by the keeper. However just minutes later Joe repeated the cross-field ball over the defence - Callum controlled, it, laid it off to TJ - who threaded a defence splitting pass through to Adam, who coming in off his flank struck the ball sweetly into the Rangers’ net – 2-1. This was one of the Panthers’ best team goals ever, where the technique and awareness shown by the four involved were excellent. TC, Ted, Charlie and George ensured the Rangers didn’t equalise again before half time with Teddy dealing superbly with any aerial challenge. Jamie also dealt comfortably with anything that came his way, making a handful of good stops and saves, displaying an air of confidence between the sticks as he distributed the ball well out of his hands and off the floor.
‘More of the same and remember to keep it tight and not let the attack get separated from the defence on such a big pitch’ was the half time team talk, and that’s exactly what the Panthers did for the second half. After 40 minutes Shorty, TB, Max and Braden replaced, Harry, George, Joe and TJ and slotted back seamlessly into this impressive performance. The Rangers continued to show what a good footballing side they really can be, but were kept at bay with an increasingly impressive display from TC, Charlie and Ted, while TB had more freedom to get forward a bit and help get attacks moving, while also getting in timely challenges. Jamie dealt with a free kick and a corner very well, catching the ball confidently. The Panthers continued to display more confidence dealing with set plays, with only one occasion were they struggled to get the ball cleared effectively, although more clearing to wings would have been good. Neil and Braden showed great positional awareness in midfield - particularly when Shorty was on his marauding runs that threatened to wreak havoc on the Rangers. The Rangers’ number 2 defended so many of Callum and Shorty’s attacks so well that he was my opposition man of the match. However, if only Shorty could have finished the runs where his pace did get him through, as well as his goal, he would have got a hatful. Then Sam got through again, the keeper pulled off an excellent stop only to parry it to Callum who slotted it home – 3-1. Shorty had one other effort where his pace got him through but the keeper came out bravely to thwart him once again. And so it ended 3-1.
Summary
An excellent team performance where the defence were so disciplined and communicated with each other so well that it provided the platform for a very good win. Creative and pacey midfield and attacking play ensured we scored three goals, however we need to work on the accuracy of our shooting and control of the ball at pace if we are to be even more difficult to defend against. The defence of set-plays was greatly improved and the offside trap worked a treat in this game. This was greatly helped by the best refereeing display I have seen since I have been involved in junior football, thanks to Eric Bates, who seemed to get every decision right. All the boys played their roles with thought, some even seeking feedback to check they were getting it right, which is great to see.
The Rangers were excellent opposition and will almost definitely surprise their opponents as they finish off their season. It was such a shame they were only able to field 11 players, one of whom bravely carried an injury throughout the game, so as not to let his teammates down. They were a credit to their management team and parents.
Thanks to all the parents, brothers and sisters and grandparents who came to support the team and to Andy and Stu for their work with the team. Thanks to Alan, Jimmy and Elizabeth and the young Rangers who made this game such a good display of junior football, played in the right way!
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LATE BREAKING NEWS… Maybe it’s not over until the ‘fat lady’ sings….Urmston Meds lost 5-3 to Lymm Rovers today and have to play them again before the end of the season!!....... Time to prepare to get another three points next week!
GBK MOTM (Gold Award): Adam for great passing, awareness, movement and creative wing play as well as clinical finishing. Silver Award: TC for a superb defensive display, commanding the defence Bronze Award: Charlie for numerous excellent well timed challenges, thoughtful clearances and excellent communication with Teddy and TC
Crunchie Awards: TJ for a classy assist for Adam’s goal, Joe for his raking cross-field passes, Teddy for so many powerful headed clearances, Shorty for so many marauding runs and a very well taken side-footed goal
Wispa Moments: Harry for smothering the ball in his tenacious attempt to prevent a Rangers’ attack.
 MOTM: Adam Leigh Silver: Tom Collicott Bronze: Charlie Sciple
Team : J Nugent, T Botham, T Collicott, M Forde-Dunlop, C Sciple, G Steel, T Strang, T Jefferis, A Leigh, H Mail,
J Saks, S Short, N Woodward, B Harris, C McKew
 Goals : A Leigh, S Short, C McKew
 Assists : T Jefferis, S Short, B Harris
Referee : Eric Bates
Source: Trevor Francis << to news index
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