U9 Panthers finish season with hat trick of wins - Revenge over Unicorn Crusaders in the rain

7 May 2011

The Panthers travelled to Timperley to take on Unicorn Crusaders, They knew this would be a good test as the Crusaders were the first team to defeat the Panthers this season and like the Panthers were not the biggest team in division 2 but contained lots of quick and skillful players.

1st Period

Gabriel was captain for the day and in front f him were the ever reliable Ollie and Martin in defence, a midfield trio of Jack Sam and Ben with the versatile Davy in attack, trying to keep warm in miserable wet conditions on the sidelines waiting for their opportunity were Archie Dillan,Aidan and Marcus.

Gabriel was the first keeper called into action saving well from a long shot. Davy then tested the Unicorn keeper.Jack then forced a corner with a powerful shot , Unicorn were pressing on the counter attack and Ollie made some strong challenges. There was a delay while one of the Unicorn players was asked to remove an ear ring.

The Panthers then went ahead after good work by Sam who found Ben in space on the right, Ben took aim and struck a poweful low shot past the Unicorn keeper to open the scoring for the Panthers. The Panthers continued to press and finished the first period the stronger with Davy again going close.

2nd Period

The 2nd period saw the introduction of Marcus,Dillan and Aidan with Martin pushing forward into attack, these four combined well and Dillan came close to increasing the Panthers lead.

Archie was then introduced in place of Martin and he to held the ball up well and linked with the wide players. Unicorn equalized though on a breakaway down the right with Gabriel having no chance. Sam and Ben were steady at the back though and Marcus was linking the defence and attack well

The good work was rewarded when Aidan and Archie combined well and Archie finished strongly from the edge of the area. This was his first goal for the Panthers and was much deserved after lots of hard working performances. It also ensured that all the outfield players had found the net this season.

3rd period

The Panthers continued to press in the final period, a good turn and shot by Aidan nearly extended the Panthers lead , Marcus also tested the Unicorn keeper. The pressure eventually told when the ball broke to Dillan on the right , he dispatched a poweful strike beyond the Unicorn keeper to make the score3-1 to the Panthers.

Unicorn were not done with though and another quick break down the left saw them pull a goal back to create a nervy final five minutes. Martin was then re-introduced in attack and the Panthers finished the game looking the team most likely to score.

Summary

A very enjoyable and competitive game played in difficult conditions. The result which completes a hat trick of wins demonstrates how well the Panthers have adapted to playing at a higher level, and they are well placed to be a force in next seasons U10 Division 2.

I am sure all the parents and regular supporters will join me in thanking Chris and Keith  for their patience and hard work throughout the season, the boys individual and collective improvement has been a joy to witness and I know all the boys have thoroughly enjoyed the training and the matches.

Source:

<< to news index

• Fixtures
• Results
• News and Reports
• League Data
• Stats