U11 Panthers pip Benchill on penalties in pulsating Cup Semi - a fantastic game of football, a credit to all involved

9 April 2011

Wow.

When this morning's match started, it was all about the Panthers' ambition of reaching the cup final. Two hours, 80 minutes of pulsating football and a nail-biting penalty shoot-out later, the cup final place came a poor second to the quality of the competition that we had witnessed. Both sides had poured 100% into a ding-dong cup tie that entertained as much as it enthralled.

This was competitive, well-matched, good mannered, high octane junior soccer (with all its highs and lows) and it is such a shame that one team had to go away disappointed. Benchill were marvellous on the pitch and gracious in defeat. Penalties are a cruel way to end an even contest and these young players have already been involved in enough competitions to know how it feels to come out on the losing end. The Panthers' celebrations at the conclusion were low-key and the customary after-match commiserations were heartfelt.

Congratulations to both teams for playing their part in such a great game, the attitude and behaviour of players on both sides was exemplary throughout.

Here's what happened . . .

Benchill started the brighter of the two teams and Wilmslow looked ragged at the back, failing to clear their lines effectively. After a period of sustained pressure, the visitors went ahead with an emphatic finish from near the penalty spot. Not the start Wilmslow wanted, but no argument with the score line.

Thankfully, the Panthers responded immediately - Josh Wheeler battling well in midfield, Dan collecting the ball and feeding Matias to finish into the bottom corner. 1-1.

Wilmslow were buoyed by the equaliser and started to apply some pressure in the attacking third. On one foray, Matias was adjudged to have been fouled just inside the Benchill area and Jack stepped-up to take the penalty kick . . . only to see it disappear past the wrong side of the upright. However, the Panthers continued to press and Josh Wheeler fed Matias with a cross field ball from the right wing, which Matias did well to control and then despatch past the Benchill 'keeper from close range. 2-1 to Wilmslow.

All the while, Benchill were causing problems for the Wilmslow defence with their speed and agility down both flanks. Regularly, two or three white shirts were required to counter the threat from the wingers. Not surprisingly, it was from wide on the left wing that Benchill launched the attack for the equaliser. Quick work from a throw-in mid-way into the Panthers half left the Wilmslow defence trailing, the ball was crossed into the box and, after a couple of failed attempts to clear the danger, the Benchill forward applied a beautiful finish to give Henners no chance. 2-2 with five minutes remaining in the first half.

With both managers expecting the teams to go in level at half-time, Nathan popped up outside the right corner of the Benchill area and send a great looping effort over the 'keeper and into the top left corner of the goal. 3-2 to Wilmslow on the half-time whistle.

The Panthers restarted the second half by giving the ball directly to the opposition, and it got worse shortly afterwards. The Benchill left winger set off on a mazy run from inside his own half, with three Panthers on his heels. As he entered the Wilmslow box he cut across the chasing pack and was tripped - Penalty. No mistake from the spot this time around; stroked into the bottom left corner of the Wilmslow goal to make it 3-3.

The Panthers picked themselves up again and within five minutes had regained the lead. A smart through ball from Josh Mehta invited Jack to attack the Benchill area and he set himself before sending a fierce effort across and over the 'keeper. 4-3 to Wilmslow.

Both sides continued to attack with menace while the opposing defences stood strong during 10 minutes of exchanges. With just over 10 minutes to play, and with Wilmslow about to switch to a more defensive formation (!), a Benchill cross from the left was stopped but not cleared inside the Panthers' six-yard box. The Benchill striker must have thought it was Christmas as he poked the ball over the line unmarked. 4-4 going into the last 10 minutes.

There was no let-up in the closing minutes of normal time, although scoring chances at either end were limited. The final whistle sounded and everyone drew breath.

After the league meetings between the two sides (3-3 home and away), no-one was too surprised that there was nothing separating them as they kicked-off for extra time. Indeed, twenty minutes of extra time passed and still neither side had managed to seize the advantage, so we moved to penalties.

Ten spot kicks where taken and nine were converted. Joy at the end for Wilmslow, disappointment for Benchill.

For the Panthers, Josh Wheeler was awarded the Bronze award for his positional play in midfield and occasional defence, Silver was awarded to Nathan for mixing dogged defending with a stunning goal from right midfield and Gold/MOTM to Henners who gave us one his most assured performances to date and capped this with a penalty in the shoot-out and the penalty save to win the tie.

Source: A Wheeler

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