| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Rob Bellingham |
Posted - 14/10/2006 : 15:10:42
Timperley and District Junior Football League
Under 10s Division 1
October 14 2006
UNICORN WIZARDS 2 FLETCHER MOSS C 5
It seems incredible to be reporting on a second consecutive 5-2 defeat, after a game which the Wizards will probably think they could and should have won. The game followed a frustratingly familiar pattern with the Wizards going two goals down, staging an excellent comeback and then conceding late on. There can be no faulting the football played by the team though and that perhaps will be the lasting memory from this game.
Unfortunately, since last week’s match, Barney has picked up an injury to his hand playing that other game where they use a funny shaped ball. Best wishes from all at the Wizards for a speedy recovery and well done today to George for stepping into the breach with great aplomb.
The Wizards created the first chance of the opening period with a brilliant move. Harry and Matt exchanged two sets of passes in midfield before the ball was slotted through to Tom. Tom in turn found James O who shot narrowly wide.
With the game quickly settling in to an open pattern with some good football from both teams, James D was on hand to make two strong challenges to stifle a dangerous looking Fletcher Moss attack. The Wizards again came close to grabbing the lead when Tom again found James O in space. This time the keeper was quick to react and knocked the ball wide for a corner.
Fletcher’s first serious attempt on goal came from a long range effort which went wide. The Wizards were soon back on the attack with Harry showing some great skill to win a corner. Harry was back in the action a few moments later when he battled to win the ball, allowing Tom to find James D, who shot just wide.
Fletcher Moss managed to win a corner which Patrick did well to head off the goal line. However, from the resulting second corner, the Fletcher attacker was first to the ball with a header which flew into the corner to make it 1-0 to the visitors.
From the kick off, the Wizards tried to regroup and Tom set off on a strong run which was eventually halted by the Fletcher defence. Amazingly, or at least so it seemed to this not entirely impartial observer, Fletcher managed a quick breakaway which was neatly finished to make it 2-0. Whilst acknowledging two very well worked and taken goals by our visitors, a scoreline of 2-0 seemed scant reward from a good first period display by the Wizards.
With the period rapidly drawing to a close, George had to make a fine save to prevent the deficit from growing further.
End of first period – Wizards 0 Fletcher Moss 2
The Wizards set about repairing the damage as the second period began, with Felix immediately looking dangerous on the wing. Showing his pace he ran clear of his marker and put a powerful cross shot which evaded both the far post and the onrushing Wizards attackers.
Patrick was looking extremely solid in defence and made a crunching challenge followed by a neat pass through to Felix, which resulted in the Wizards winning a corner. With the Wizards now applying real pressure a scramble ensued in the box with Tom first looping a header across the danger area and then a lob back into the box from the left. After another great run and cross from Felix, the Wizards finally saw their pressure rewarded with a goal.
Patrick spotted Tom in space and played the ball through to him. Tom ran forward, drawing the keeper, prior to applying a cool finish to put the Wizards right back into the game at 2-1.
The Wizards pressure continued, with James D cleverly finding Tom, who shot just wide. A good cross from James D, found Jake who had been making good runs into space throughout the period. On this occasion Jake saw a defender make a good block. Tom then found James D out wide, with his cross arrowing just behind for a goal kick.
This was very much the Wizards period and as the whistle blew, they could take a lot of pride from an excellent 15 minutes play.
End of second period – Wizards 1 Fletcher Moss 2
Fletcher had the first opportunity of the final period with a long range shot which went wide. It was taking the Wizards a few minutes to get into their stride in the early stages with the play largely taking place in their half.
Following a few strong challenges in midfield the Wizards managed to begin to gain some momentum and created some pressure on the visitors defence. Their first attempt on goal in this period came from Alex who shot just wide.
If I can be forgiven for saying so, the Wizards equaliser was very much the Matty B show. Tracking back after a Wizards attack had been broken up, Matt made a good interception and set off on a run. He was brought down by one of the visitors midfielders to win a free-kick on the left, midway into the Fletcher Moss half. Matt stepped forward and followed the instructions of his coach perfectly, hitting a shot to the far post, under the bar. Those of us watching from the touchline had a perfect view, seeing the ball curl and dip right into the far corner for a memorable goal.
With the home team back on level terms, it appeared that this may create the momentum to inspire a valuable victory. However, to the great credit of the Fletcher Moss team, they almost immediately put together an incisive break which was capped by a fine finish to regain their lead.
The Wizards fought hard to create a second equaliser with Tom capping a nice move with a good cross, James O firing just wide with a fierce shot and then linking up nicely with Felix who whose effort was also close to the target.
As the game drew to a close, we again had an interesting talking point. Most referees in this league seem to play pretty close to the 15 minute mark in each period, with little in the way of added time. We had the same referee as for the Broadheath Piranhas away game today and again he played significant extra time, the final period running to 17 minutes and 50 seconds, (multiplied up, this is the equivalent of 9 minutes injury time being played in a Premiership match). It seems that the Wizards players may be wanting to negotiate an overtime deal before committing to this extra work as they conceded after 16 and 17 minutes to make the final score 5 – 2 to Fletcher Moss. Clearly, this is the same for both teams so no criticism is intended of the referee, in fact it provides good assurance that this is the way he consistently applies the timekeeping rules, after our feelings of frustration resulting from the late equaliser at Broadheath.
So another defeat but this was a good display by the Wizards, with some of the best passing play we have seen this season. The final score of 5 – 2 was , without doubt, flattering to the visitors, although we must give them credit for five good goals and some fine play.
Several notable performances today with mentions to James D and Patrick. A special note to George for a fine and spirited display between the posts but today’s Man of the Match award goes to Tom for a great midfield display which was capped off by a goal.
UNICORN WIZARDS 2 FLETCHER MOSS C 5
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