| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Rob Bellingham |
Posted - 15/11/2007 : 23:36:52
Timperley and District Junior Football League
Division 2
November 11 2007
OLD STRETFORDIANS 0 UNICORN WIZARDS 2
After a break of four weeks without a league fixture, it was back into the action at Stretfordians. For the record, the Wizards played a friendly at Lymm on 4 November and ran out 4 – 0 winners with a superb performance, capped by goals from Ross (2), Felix and Matt.
After a well observed minutes silence for Remembrance Sunday, the Wizards were quickly into their stride. Felix was the first to create problems for the home defence with a run and cross that Tom narrowly failed to convert. Within a few minutes the Wizards had taken the lead with a floated cross from George which Felix guided into the corner of the net with his forehead. (Today’s obscure fact – I think that this was the first headed goal the Wizards have scored in a league match (the only two others I can remember were in the in the same memorable game at the Urmston Tournament – for new readers, you will have to ask Mark for the reason it was memorable.))
Felix was absolutely flying in this first period of play and stormed past three defenders on his next run. His cross was met by James O, whose shot was well saved by the home keeper.
James O was unlucky again a few moments later, this time following a strong tackle and cross from Joe. James then turned creator with a skilful run and cross into the Stretfordians box.
With the sustained pressure not having been converted into a more comfortable lead, Stretfordians always presented a threat of getting back into the game. A break saw the Stretfordians striker get a clear run on goal, with his low shot skimming narrowly wide of the post.
Joe again did well to create an opportunity but with the ball hitting the divot that followed his father throughout his career, George was only able to produce an extravagant air shot. As the chances began to mount, James O controlled the ball well and played a fine through pass into space for Tom who had set off on a powerful run from well inside his own half. He advanced on goal and shot just wide, just missing out on the classic breakaway goal.
Half Time – Stretfordians 0 Wizards 1
The Wizards started the second half in familiar fashion, almost giving away an immediate equaliser after a bout of “After You, Claude” between the midfield and defence.
The visitors then produced a period of sustained pressure. Felix was again in the action, winning the ball and finding Ross who outpaced his defender before shooting inches wide. James D and George linked well with a trademark one-two, with George putting in a fine cross for Ross who was again causing problems in the box.
The Wizards football was starting to flow now, with Joe and Ross combining to create space for Tom D, whose effort was well saved by the excellent home keeper. Tom then created an opportunity for himself with a run and shot into the side netting.
Matt had now pushed forward into midfield and had a shot cleared off the line before a second effort flew wide. James D produced the champagne moment of the day, when his clever back flick found Matt on the right wing. Matt’s cross reached Ross who was again unlucky with his effort.
With the game entering its latter stages, the Wizards managed to add to their lead. The ball ran loose in the penalty area and Matt was able to get to the ball ahead of the advancing keeper. His touch took the ball out wide and with a cross into the box looking the only option, he was able to produce a lofted chip into the empty net to make it 2 – 0.
Following some further Wizards pressure, the game came to end with the visitors pleased with a hard earned away win. Stretfordians had produced a fine display, with their keeper producing a string of very good saves.
Thanks also to Stretfordians for allowing us to film the fixture, to include in the footage which we are planning to send to our new partners, the Kansas City Wizards from the American MLS. It is hoped that it will not be used to check the accuracy of this report.
Man of the Match today goes to Tom for an excellent display of box to box midfield play. A mention also to Felix, particularly for an unstoppable first fifteen minutes.
OLD STRETFORDIANS 0 UNICORN WIZARDS 2
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