U12 Panthers claw back some points - digging deep to dispel the Demons

13 November 2011

There's nothing like a win to bring the match reporter back to the keyboard!

Conditions were windy but fair this afternoon as the Panthers welcomed the Demons to Jim Evison. Wilmslow were keen to bring a two match losing streak to an end while Broadheath came into the game with two big wins under their belt.

As in recent encounters, there was little to separate the two teams. Broadheath enjoyed the better of the early exchanges and took the lead after 10 minutes as the Panthers' defence struggled to take control of a long, bouncing ball into the area. And more troubles quickly followed. The Demons were awarded a penalty for a clear foul in the area; however the kick was placed directly at Henry in goals, who gathered gratefully. Unfortunately for Wilmslow, the referee wanted the spot kick re-taken for encroachment; but there was another reprieve as the Broadheath striker rolled the ball narrowly wide of the left hand post.

Buoyed by having survived the penalty incident, the Panthers started to look more solid in the middle of the pitch. Then Matias levelled the scores from a seemingly innocuous position, swivelling on the edge of the Broadheath box and shooting high into the centre of the net. The Panthers' tails were up and a second goal followed - Matias again the scorer - in less spectacular fashion from within a crowded area.

Wilmslow reached the half-time break with their one-goal lead intact and were conscious of the fact that they would enjoy the advantage of wind assistance and the gentle slope of the pitch during the second half.

Despite having gravity and the elements of their side, the Panthers spent much of the early second period repelling Broadheath advances. Their opponents created some chances at 10 - 15 yards out, but the Wilmslow defence managed to block all but a couple of shots before they troubled Henry in goal. The next goal was likely to prove decisive and it went the Panthers' way. Matias made good ground on the right touchline and fired the ball across the edge of the six yard box for Josh W to meet it waist-high on the volley with the outside of his right boot, giving the Broadheath No 1 no chance.

Both teams worked industriously until the final whistle. Following the third goal, the highlights for Wilmslow were Matias drawing an incredible diving save from Broadheath's excellent 'keeper and a scare for the visitors as a deflected shot wrong-footed the defence but hit the top of the upright and rebounded safely away.

This was not a classic, as both teams worked very hard to largely cancel each other out. There was a level of determination in the Panthers' play that has been missing in recent performances and this, as much as anything, proved to be the difference between the two sides. The Timperley fixture matrix has thrown up the reverse fixture in seven days time; both Wilmslow and Broadheath will be looking forward to the rematch.

There were many candidates for today's match awards, but the gongs went to (Bronze) Matias for his spectacular equaliser and constant running throughout the second half, (Silver) to Rohan for his endeavour and attitude throughout and (Gold) to MOTM Dan for a captain's performance in the heart of the midfield.

Source: A Wheeler

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