| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Rob Bellingham |
Posted - 17/04/2008 : 22:54:18
Timperley and District Junior Football League
Division 2
April 13 2008
BROADHEATH CENTRAL 0 UNICORN WIZARDS 1
With last weeks defeat acting as a spur, the Wizards produced one of their grittiest performances of the season for a hard earned away win.
This was a game that was evenly balanced throughout, with the first half settling into a pattern of end to end play with both teams working hard to create openings.
Tom was at the heart of a lot of the Wizards best play in the early stages and came close to an opener when meeting George’s corner at the near post, only to see his header saved by the home keeper.
Barney was on hand at the opposite end with an impressive gather from an on-target Broadheath effort.
The best move of the half came from the Wizards when James O picked up the ball in midfield and spread the play out wide to George on the right. George played a superb cross into the box where Tom had made up a tremendous amount of ground to meet the ball with a powerful header which went close to finding the target.
The next Wizards opportunity was created on the left, with Tom linking up with Simon for some good interplay, culminating in a shot which was just wide of the post.
As half time approached, we saw a pivotal moment in the game when a Broadheath striker found himself with a clear run on goal and only Barney to beat. Barney was quickly off his line and managed to get a decisive touch to deflect the goalbound effort wide of the post.
Half Time – Broadheath 0 Wizards 0
The half time break didn’t interrupt the flow of the game, with the outcome still too close to call. If anything, it was Broadheath who were slightly on top in the early stages, with the Wizards struggling to hold onto the ball. The defence however held firm, leaving Broadheath struggling to create clear cut opportunities. The closest they came was via a good move which ended with a shot into the side netting.
Alex then put in an important saving tackle to cut out a dangerous looking attack, a moment which typified his own performance on the day and that of the defence as a whole.
As the game wore on, chances remained at a premium and it became more and more likely that a piece of inspired play would be required to break the deadlock. This is exactly what Tom and George provided for the Wizards with a classic breakaway goal. Tom picked up the ball in midfield and chose exactly the right moment to play a through ball to George in space on the right. George produced a text book low finish, leaving the home keeper with no chance of making the save.
With the crucial breakthrough made, the Wizards were able to maintain their discipline and shape to keep things tight. Ross almost created a second Wizards goal by battling hard to win the ball and find Joe. Joe made a good run into space in the box but his shot flew the wrong side of the post.
The game ended with the Wizards stoutly defending some Broadheath corners to hold on to the slimmest of winning margins.
On a bright Sunday morning, (one of the first opportunities to say that this season), this was a thoroughly enjoyable fixture, played in the right spirit by two well matched teams.
Today’s man of the match goes to Alex, for a decisive display of tackling and overall defensive play. A special mention also to the squad as a whole for a strong team effort.
BROADHEATH CENTRAL 0 UNICORN WIZARDS 1
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