U9Bs pass the reality check - and maintain 100% start to the season

20 September 2008

It was never going to be easy following last week's 13-0 romp in the opening league fixture. This week, Albion came up against a well organised and determined Ashton on Mersey team, which threatened little but put in a resolute defensive performance. Albion's hunger in midfield and speed in attack ultimately delivered three goals and a deserved win; however a special mention must go to the Ashton keeper, who produced a string of fine saves and without whom the margin of victory would surely have been larger.

The match opened with good work in midfield from Sol, Rohan, Sam and Joshua M preventing any attacking pressure from Ashton on Mersey and creating a number of scoring chances. A goal bound shot from Sol brought the first save from the Ashton keeper, while Joshua M and Finn both hit the post during an early period of sustained pressure. Josh W beat a succession of players in a box-to-box run, only to miscue his shot on goal.

As Albion's midfield dominance continued to provide openings, Sam unleashed a powerful 20-yard strike which produced an excellent save from the Ashton keeper, diving high to his right. With the first period drawing to a close, Ashton mounted their first serious attack of the game, which saw their striker shepherded towards the corner-flag by three Albion defenders when a shooting chance looked likely.

15 mins: Albion 0 - Ashton on Mersey 0

In the opening 30 seconds of the second period, Sam released another powerful long-range effort which the opposition keeper did well to parry. A shot from Josh W was then deflected for a corner - Albion's eighth of the game - as Wilmslow continued to look for the opening goal.

The next 5 minutes saw a succession of throw-ins and corners for Albion as they maintained pressure without posing a serious threat to the Ashton goal. Then a long ball by Sam was controlled expertly by Sol, who turned in the area to draw yet another good save from the keeper. The Ashton defence was soon under pressure again, with the keeper acting quickly to come off his line and smother the ball at the feet of Joshua E.

Ashton on Mersey then enjoyed a spell of possession and tested Nathan in the Albion goal for the first time with a well struck shot that was safely taken. More attacking play from the opposition kept the Albion defence occupied but rarely troubled - with Dan providing an assured rearguard and a notable contribution from Harrison, tackling back to help clear any danger.

At the end of the second period, Albion had again enjoyed the majority of chances but failed to make their dominance count against a sound Ashton on Mersey defence and an outstanding performance from their goalkeeper.

30 mins: Albion 0 - Ashton on Mersey 0

There was a tense atmosphere at the start of the third period. Albion started well, with two attacks following midfield battling from Rohan and Sam. Josh W carried the ball from the Albion half into the Ashton box, finishing with a shot which was turned round the post for another corner. The resulting goalmouth scramble saw shots from Sol well saved, after great support work from Rohan.

Ten minutes to go, and the Ashton defence was finally undone as a long goal kick from Nathan was collected in the box by Finn who turned to sweep the ball past the keeper, high into the net.

Albion 1 - Ashton on Mersey 0

The game began to open-up following the goal, with the midfield finding more time and space to pass the ball around, and Albion soon doubled their lead. Josh W over-ran the ball as he stopped it on the touchline midway into the Ashton half, then recovered to cross the ball to Sol who finished clinically, slotting the ball between the keeper and left post for the second goal.

Albion 2 - Ashton on Mersey 0

Sol very nearly extended the lead after being put through on goal by Rohan, only to see his strike met by yet another fine save from the opposition keeper. Ashton never stopped battling and put Albion under pressure as they looked for a way back into the game. However the next goalmouth action was back in the Ashton box as Sam and Rohan combined to feed Finn whose shot was safely gathered by the keeper. Another well-worked attack ended with a shot from Sol into the side netting.

With five minutes to play, a well weighted ball through the centre of the Albion defence was controlled by the Ashton striker who ran at goal before calmly despatching the ball into the bottom right corner.

Albion 2 - Ashton on Mersey 1

With time running out, Ashton pushed forward looking for the equaliser, however Josh W and Dan - who received the Man of the Match award for his defensive performance - were never seriously troubled. Albion took advantage of the extra space and a promising run from midfield by Finn was only halted by a poorly timed tackle, resulting in a free kick 25 yards from goal. Finn picked himself up, sized up the distance and scored with a free kick that bounced through a group of players in front of goal before passing the unsighted keeper and nestling in the bottom corner.

Albion 3 - Ashton on Mersey 1

45 mins: Albion 3 - Ashton on Mersey 1

Overall a good performance from a team that is starting to show its character; A solid back line, with the capacity and inclination to turn defence into attack, a battling defensive midfield and a fast, combative front line happy to create chances for each other and confident in front of goal.

Credit to Ashton on Mersey, who came to play passing football and proved very worthy opposition, and congratulations to their keeper who had a fantastic game.

Source: A Wheeler

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