| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Rob Smallwood |
Posted - 30/03/2007 : 16:16:26
The Metros welcomed Eddie back after a absence through injury but unfortunately lost Kenny who was stuck in Wilmslow of all places (watching his Dad complete the half marathon in a very respectable time) and Sean who was on International duty in Florida.
Again winning the toss and again kicking in to the wind meant that the Metros were under pressure for much of the first half, but as ever resolute defending from Joe, Hussein and Ben meant that Luke had a fairly easy time of things, whilst at the other end Harry B gave the Wilmslow defence a hard time.
No subs meant a tough half for the players who had to work hard for every ball.
Turning round at 0 -0 was a confidence booster and in the second half the Metros cranked up the pressure. Calum and Matty worked industriously and Eddie and Harry used their pace well. Unfortunately Tom had to come off at half time and with no subs the Metros were down to 8 men.
Despite this honours were even, and if anything the Metros looked the most likely to score, Harry in particular was having his best game of the season, but the deserved goal never came.
At the other end Wilmslow were finding it hard to make an impression until the referee gave a free kick for reasons only he (and a less than inmpartial Wilmslow parent next to me) could fathom.
The free kick came in, was only half cleared and fell to a Wilmslow striker whose shot seemed destined to find the back of the net. Luke had other ideas though, and he leapt to his right and finger tipped the ball, unfortunately straight on to the head of the Wilmslow striker (who must have been close to offside) who headed home from close range. (0 - 1  )
The eight men rallied again, but it was not obvious where a goal would come from. Then Hussein did what he has threatened to do all season. Picking the ball up on the edge of his own area he ran forward to clear the danger, beating a couple of players, and then continued his run. Suddenly he was on the half way line and making progress. He beat another Wilmslow midfielder and pushed in to the Wilmslow half. He then took on the last Wilmslow defender, raced in to the box and coolly passed the ball in to the net past the Wilmslow keeper. The simplicity of the finish was in stark contrast to the mazy run - certainly a candidate for goal of the season! (1 - 1  )
The pendulum began to swing and before long Matty forced his way through the Wilmslow defence only to be hauled down for a controversial penalty (the only controversy being whether it was the tugged shirt, push in the back or trip that forced the decision!).
Matty dusted himself down and stepped up to take the kick. The penalty spot appeared to be in a small crater, and the referee insisted that the kick was taken from the spot. A clean connection was unlikely and Matty dragged his shot on to the post.
This gave Wimslow fresh hope, and sure enough more pressure lead to a half clearance which fell to a Wilmslow midfielder who returned it, first time and on the turn past Luke and Wilmslow were in front again. In fairness it was a great strike. (1 - 2  )
By this time Tom had recovered enough to return, but despite more hard work it was Wilmslow who wrapped up the points when the ball appeared to be hooked out of Luke's hands which themselves were high before dropping on to poor old Ben's foot and trickling over the line. (1 - 3  )
It was a game that the Metros did not to lose, and with a full squad would probably have won. The work rate however was again very good, and everyone played their part.
The Metros seem destined to end the season in the bottom half of the table - but they are better than that, and with luck and a bit of activity on the transfer market in the close season may well be pushing for one of the top spots next year.
Rob |
| 3 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Rob Smallwood |
Posted - 05/04/2007 : 16:16:13
One for the statisticians:
5 more goals this season (one in each of the 5 "0 - 0 games) would have put the Metros on 35 points and in 4th place, 3 more on top of that in the three single goal defeats would have put them on 38 with Broadheath on 37 and The Falcons on 34!
Its all "ifs" and "buts" I know - but what price a 15 goal a season striker eh?!
Rob |
| Nick Rigden |
Posted - 05/04/2007 : 13:48:02
Yes, I saw that! It's a funny old game (as someone once said).
It's certainly shaping up for an exciting race to the Division 2 title. Broadheath and the Falcons are the obvious front-runners, with Wilmslow (who entertain both of the above at home in their last two matches) also in with a shout. But watch out for Stretford Vics coming up fast on the rails. With two matches to play next against Deans, SV could be 3 points behind the Falcons with a game in hand, with their next game against ..... the Metros.
Let's hope we can end the season on a high note, and perhaps do the Falcons a favour in the process. |
| Rob Smallwood |
Posted - 04/04/2007 : 15:21:12
No match last weekend - but Wilmslow Sports played Broadheath - and lost 7 - 1. Given that the Metros beat Broadheath 1 - 0 recently it just goes to show what an odd league this is!
Rob |
|
|
