U9Bs on a roll with three sixes - and their first local derby win

1 November 2008

The U9B's unbeaten start to the season has seen them promoted from Division 5 to Division 3, and their opening game at the higher level was also the boys' first local derby, at home to Wilmslow Sports.

From the first game of the season, the U9Bs performances have been remarkable not just for the score lines (averaging more than 7.5 goals a game and conceding just one goal in over four hours of football) but for the manner in which every player contributes in every area of the pitch. Today's match was no exception, and the last of the six goals provided a cameo of the determined and unselfish approach that makes this team so difficult to play against.

Registering their third 6-0 win on the bounce, the U9Bs started life in Division 3 in exactly the same manner as they departed Division 5.

The first period started with Albion in control and fashioning a series of chances without taking the lead. Rohan saw a good shot go past the post, following a long throw from Dan, and the home side applied sustained pressure with a series of corners after good interplay between Rohan and Sol, and some determined support play from Sam.

Sam met another long throw with a well struck volley that sailed just past the right-hand post and good link-up play from Josh Wheeler was rewarded with a fourth corner but Albion were unable to make the pressure count after Sports survived two goal-mouth scrambles.

So far this season, Dan's contribution from the sidelines has been as significant as his solid defensive presence. And it was another long throw that led to the first goal – the ball travelling through a crowd of players to the unmarked Sol at the back post who calmly collected the ball and put Albion into the lead.

Wilmslow Albion 1 – Wilmslow Sports 0

15 mins:  Wilmslow Albion 1 – Wilmslow Sports 0

Sam opened the action in the second period with a long range shot that was well saved by the keeper, tipping the ball onto the angle of post and bar before it dropped invitingly into the six yard box and was well cleared by the Sports defence under pressure. He then completed a surging run down the left wing with a teasing cross which ran across the goal mouth eluding both defence and attack to run out for a goal kick.

While Albion enjoyed the better of play and the vast majority of chances, Wilmslow Sports put in a solid performance in defence and midfield throughout the game. However, Sports had to wait until the half-hour mark before enjoying their first period of sustained attacking pressure, winning a couple of corners in quick succession that were cleared without undue alarm. Sol then missed a half-chance for Albion, ending his jinking run with a right foot shot which was safely taken by the keeper.

Albion then seized the initiative and the match following a determined run down the left side by Nathan - beating four of the Sports defence and midfield (twice) before shooting on target. The Sports keeper parried the shot and was unlucky to see it fall into the path of Josh Mehta, who buried the ball safely into the net to double the lead.

Wilmslow Albion 2 – Wilmslow Sports 0

Another period of good Albion possession followed, ending with the ball falling at Dan's feet 20 yards from goal and the Sports 'keeper did really well to push his long range effort over the bar. Sam helped to maintain the pressure, carrying the ball into shooting range and seeing his goal-bound effort deflected. The resulting corner was cleared for an Albion throw-in near the corner flag and Dan launched a trademark long throw into the area that was deflected for an own goal.

Wilmslow Albion 3 – Wilmslow Sports 0

Albion capitalised on their growing confidence and momentum with an almost carbon copy of goal number two. Nathan charged down the left side and fired from just inside the box. His shot rebounded off the 'keeper to Josh Mehta who once again finished cleanly.

Wilmslow Albion 4 – Wilmslow Sports 0

The second period closed with Albion maintaining control of the game. Another strong run and shot from Nathan was well saved by the 'keeper, and safely cleared by the Sports defence. Sam went close with a header from a corner and Dan shot narrowly wide of the post after creating a chance following a game of pinball inside the Wilmslow Sports box. Josh Ezair, back for his first game since September, helped to maintain pressure on the Wilmslow Sports back line.

30 mins:  Wilmslow Albion 4 – Wilmslow Sports 0

Sports, who deserve great credit for their battling approach throughout the game, won a free kick just outside the Albion box early in the third period. Albion's defence then treated spectators to an impromptu rendition of the balloon dance (minus balloons) as they attempted to construct a wall – but enjoyed the last laugh as they successfully cleared the free kick.

A good run from Finn - who covered a lot of ground today without figuring in the goals – won yet another corner, which was cleared to the feet of Josh Wheeler who tested the 'keeper with a shot from distance that was stopped on the line.

Despite the commanding lead, Sports ensured that Albion had their fair share of defending to do. Dan and Josh provided a solid partnership throughout and special mentions go to Harrison - who enhanced his defensive credentials with a series of timely and determined challenges - and to Rohan and Sol, both of whom tracked back to make essential blocks when shots on goal looked likely.

At the other end, Albion continued to rack-up the chances – a long shot from Dan was cleared off the line to Sol, who shimmied past two defenders and placed a delicate shot past the keeper, but also past the outside of the post. And Josh Mehta continued to keep the opposition defence busy; shooting twice from distance after good breaks down the right. Then a wake-up call for the Albion defence as Josh Wheeler had to cover 20 yards to make a last-gasp challenge after good work down the middle of the pitch from Sports.

Albion's fifth came as a result of another goal mouth scramble; with Sol converting a half-chance after good work from Finn.

Wilmslow Albion 5 – Wilmslow Sports 0

Albion closed the scoring with the best of their six goals. A sweeping move was started by Josh Mehta, who beat four players in a run that started inside the Albion half. He then exchanged neat passes with Rohan and Sol before finishing the move with a clean strike past the Sports 'keeper. A great team goal.

Wilmslow Albion 6 – Wilmslow Sports 0

With the game drawing to a close, Sol fired a half-chance into the side netting and Finn forced another save from the Sports 'keeper.

45 mins:  Wilmslow Albion 6 – Wilmslow Sports 0

As each game passes, the U9Bs appear to gain a better understanding that team success is more important than personal glory. There's a collective commitment and a willingness to create chances for others that will continue to deliver results such as this in games to come.

James, playing his first league game in goal, didn't have a shot to save throughout the 45 minutes (in contrast to his baptism of fire in last week's friendly!). However, his strong kicking and confident handling bode well for more testing encounters. Welcome to Wilmslow Albion.

It should also be noted that, once again, the game was played in a friendly atmosphere with players on both sides enjoying good natured support and encouragement from the assembled parents and spectators.

Man of the match : Dan Nield

Source: A Wheeler

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