U9 Panthers win in style - Panthers passing game working perfectly

9 April 2011

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A perfect sunny day greeted the Panthers as they played host to Benchill Celtic Warriors. Only a few weeks ago at Wythenshawe the teams had shared the honours in a six goal thriller that either team could have won. The Panthers knew therefore that they would have to be in top form if they were going to prevail.

1st period

The Panthers kicked downhill in the first period In front of Gabriel were a back pairing of Sam and Davy ,3 in midfield with Dillan wide right Jack wide left and Ben in the centre, upfront was Martin with Archie Aidan Olli and Marcus bursting to come on. 

The Panthers started brightly and Martin nearly opened the scoring with a free kick that just went wide. Dillan then combined well with Ben whose shot also narrowly missed the target. It was all Panthers in the early stages with some great passing throughout the team , all that was missing was the final touch. 

As the period wore on Benchill came back into it and took the lead against the run of play following a cross from the left that was headed beyond Gabriel's grasp to give the Warriors the lead. The Panthers continued with the passing strategy and some good moves created a few more chances but as in previous weeks the Panthers were finding goals a little harder to come by. 

2nd Period

The 4 subs appeared with Archie now up front flanked by Aidan and Dillan with Marcus in central midfield and Martin dropping back to partner Ollie. The Panthers continued to pass their way around Benchill and Archie came closest to the equalizer but could not get a firm shot away when he managed to get beyond the defense.

  There were some tough tackles going in, and none more so than from Aidan who despite being the smallest player on the pitch was competing fiercely. Olle was proving ever reliable at the back and made several vital blocks and tackles as Benchill sought to extend their lead. Dillan fighting for possession came off second best in a tough challenge and had to depart the action injured. This led to Davy's return on the right . The change seemed to galvanise the Panthers who continued to press forward moving the ball around well. a good combination between Archie Martin and Davy led to Davy creating an opening for Martin. The ball sat up nicely for Martin about 20 yards out and not needing a second invitation to shoot he dispatched a powerful shot over the Benchill keeper for the equalising goal.

The Panthers were now playing some stylish football and Martin returned the compliment playing in Davy whose powerful shot from the edge of the area put the Panthers into the lead for the first time. 

3rd Period

The final period saw the return of Ben, Jack and Sam and the Panthers were now playing some of their best football of the season passing the ball around with ease and not giving Benchill any opportunity. Benchill did come close early though with another powerful strike from the left that skimmed Gabriel's crossbar, apart from that though he was rarely troubled as the Panthers maintained control of the game. Sam and Davy in midfield were dominating play.

All that was missing from this fine performance were more goals with Jack Ben and Marcus coming the closest to increasing the winning margin

Summary

Despite the close final score this was a really good performance from the Panthers who now seem to have added some steel to their fluent passing game. It is the shame the season is coming to a close as the boys now seem to have found their feet in division 2 where most teams seem to be bigger and stronger than them.

MOM - Davy in absolute control today and turned the game when returning in the 2nd Period

Silver - Aidan - really competetive and won tackles against opponents twice his size

Bronze - Sam really calm and composed whether in defense or midfield , passed the ball around confidently    

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