| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Rob Bellingham |
Posted - 27/01/2008 : 13:15:26
Timperley and District Junior Football League
Division 2 League Cup
January 27 2008
STRETFORD VICS 3 UNICORN WIZARDS 1
The Wizards seem to specialise in securing difficult cup draws and this season has been no exception. After being drawn away in the County Cup to a Reddish Vulcans team who remain undefeated this season, they received the hardest possible league cup draw, an away fixture against the team immediately below them in second place. It has to be said that this tie lived up to its billing with the two sides producing a thrilling cup tie which could have gone either way.
The Wizards began well with a four man move started by Tom and James O in midfield before Ross’s cross allowed James D to force a good save from the keeper with a well struck shot. Tom carved out another opening a few moments later with a superb through ball which James O picked up, only to see his shot well gathered by the keeper.
It was then Stretford’s turn to exert some pressure with Matt forced into a last ditch clearance to concede a corner. This was only a temporary respite as Stretford took the lead with a well taken goal which crossed the line despite Matt’s best efforts to clear.
In a game which could genuinely be described as evenly balanced, the Wizards then grasped the initiative with James O playing a great ball down the line for Ross to run on to deep in Vic’s territory. Stretford went close at the other end which a powerful effort which was only narrowly over the bar.
The half came to a close with James O having a first time effort well saved to win a corner and a scramble in the Vics box to which the final touch could not be applied.
Half Time – Vics 1 Wizards 0
With the injured Harry encouraging his team mates during the half time break, the Wizards started the second period with a renewed spirit and sense of purpose. James D came close early on with a shot just wide of the post and then a great move involving George and Joe saw Ross have his goalbound effort cleared off the line.
Stretford continued to put together some fine passing moves in what was turning into a thoroughly enjoyable game for the spectators. In an end to end passage of play, the Wizards saw efforts from Tom and George go narrowly wide, with the Vics also shooting wide from a free kick in a dangerous position.
After some further enterprising attacking play, the Wizards drew level. George floated across one of his trademark corners and Tom was on hand to apply a decisive headed finish to put the Wizards right back into the game.
The Wizards almost took the lead with what would have been a picture goal. Alex made one of a number of firm headers from defence, finding James O. James picked out Tom in a wide position, who in turn produced a fine cross which George closed in on, looking to apply the finish the move deserved. It has to be said that the Vics defender produced one of the tackles of the season to prevent an almost certain goal. Unfortunately for George this meant that he collided with a large defender rather than the ball and had to be withdrawn to ensure his faculties were all still in working order.
With time running out, the Vics pressed hard for a winner. Barney, who had produced another authoritative display between the posts, had to dive full length to tip a goalbound shot around the post and Alex, probably having his best game for the Wizards so far, needed to be alert to make an important covering interception.
The final whistle blew meaning that two seven minute periods of extra time would be required to try and split the teams.
End of Normal Time – Vics 1 Wizards 1
Extra time saw both teams have opportunities to seal a place in the semi-final with the Wizards creating the early opportunities. Tom and Ross linked up well, with Ross’s cross proving to be just too long for James O to apply the finishing touch. The Wizards then produced possibly the move of the match. Jake won the ball and played a lofted clearance to find Ross on the left wing. Ross picked out James O, who produced a clever ball into the box to find Tom in space. Tom’s powerful effort flew over the angle of bar and post when a goal looked a distinct possibility.
At this stage the Wizards looked the most likely winners but, as was the case throughout the game, the Vics were prepared to give as good as they got. They launched a counter attack from deep inside their own half and a through ball suddenly found the Vics striker with a clear run on goal. Despite Barney’s attempt to narrow the angle, the odds were stacked in the striker’s favour and he produced a cool finish to put the Vics back into the lead.
Extra Time – End of first period – Vics 2 Wizards 1
With only seven minutes to rescue the tie, the Wizards were forced to gamble in the second period, leaving only two men at the back and committing numbers into attack. Despite their brave endeavours, the vsitors were unable to breach the Vics defence and with time running out, a speculative long shot saw the ball fly over Barney’s head and into the net to seal the tie.
The game ended with the Vics running out 3 – 1 winners and the Wizards contemplating what might have been. In common with the league game earlier in the season, this was an extremely close game and there appears to be very little to choose between these teams.
Harry had the difficult task of choosing the Man of the Match this week and made a good choice in his selection of Alex for a solid defensive display.
Well played to both teams today for a “proper” cup tie and best wishes to Stretford for the rest of the tournament.
STRETFORD VICS 3 UNICORN WIZARDS 1
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