U11 Panthers pick up the pace - points in the bag but lots of room for improvement

7 April 2011

The first evening fixture of the league season saw the Panthers travel to Lymm High School to take on a Rovers side weakened through half-term absentees.

The Panthers enjoyed the majority of possession throughout, but failed to make chances count or stamp their authority on the game. Dan opened the scoring after ten minutes with a strong but speculative long range shot that travelled through a crowded area and past the Lymm 'keeper. A succession of goal scoring opportunities followed - including a couple of one-on-one with the 'keeper - but the Panthers' leading scorers had evidently left their shooting boots at home. Shortly before half-time, Rohan increased the lead as he stole in at the back post to meet Matias' cross.

The second half was in keeping with the first. There was some good build-up play (notably Rohan/Jack down the left and Dan/Max down the right) and we saw some quality balls floated into and across the Lymm area, but Wilmslow lacked the finishing touch. As the half drew on, the Panthers midfield and defence were slowly drawn from their scheduled duties and Lymm enjoyed some promising counter attacks, often with attackers outnumbering their vacant markers. Credit to George and Rohan for holding fast at the back and clearing-up when necessary.

Rohan pushed the Panthers further ahead with a precise finish as he ran onto a lay-off from Matias. More good chances went begging before Lymm scored on the break with a solid strike from distance. The reduced margin appeared to shake the Panthers back into their recognised positions, and the last five minutes were played out without any significant pressure on either goal.

At times this evening we saw glimpses of the early season fluency in midfield and attack. The two most incisive moves of the game (Matias/Josh/Matias/Josh/Matias in the first half and Dan/Max/Josh in the second) brought no reward, but the boys will hopefully learn from their own demonstration of how well they can move and use the ball when they choose to.

The awards went to Rohan (Gold/MOTM) for a goal in both halves and for succeeding (where others failed) in playing his position. Silver went to George for a near faultless display at the back and, like Rohan, sticking to the position he was playing. Bronze went to Max for mixing some intelligent wing-play with a toughened approach to winning and keeping hold of the ball. Matias, just outside the medals, deserves a mention for three assists on a day when a hat-trick of goals seemed more likely but proved elusive.

Source: A Wheeler

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