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Rob Bellingham
Unicorn Diamond Reporter
United Kingdom
48 Posts |
 Posted - 18/11/2007 : 19:59:59
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Timperley and District Junior Football League
Division 2
November 18 2007
UNICORN WIZARDS 3 PARKWYDDYN 0
With other results going their way, the Wizards hit top spot today with a convincing home victory against Parkwyddyn.
The first fifteen minutes saw the Wizards playing some champagne football with a series of one touch passing moves and interplays which almost inspired a chorus of “It’s just like watching Brazil” from the touchline. George and Joe were particularly prominent on the right hand side in these opening exchanges.
However, with the Wizards struggling to find the final killer pass and the visitors producing some resolute defending, the scores remained level. The closest we came to a goal was when Ross almost latched onto a through ball but was narrowly beaten to it by the keeper.
When the opening goal did come, it was via the Wizards first penalty of the season. Ross was tripped in the box and the referee confidently pointed to the spot for what seemed like a fairly straightforward decision. Matt stepped forward and despite the keeper getting a hand to it, the ball flew into the back of the net to provide a reward for the territorial advantage the Wizards had enjoyed.
There followed a further period of sustained pressure, with the Wizards creating a host of chances.
Joe showed fine skill on the ball in picking out James O, whose first touch created the space for him to fire a shot on goal.
Tom then picked out George with an excellent pass inside the full back but his shot across the keeper was well saved. The Wizards did have the ball in the net a few moments later but were adjudged to have been offside.
After winning a free kick deep in the Parkwyddyn half, George took it himself and watched the ball bounce across the six yard box without an attacker being able to apply the finishing touch.
Alex showed up well in the latter part of the first half with a series of impressive passes following some important interceptions as Parkwyddyn fought to impose themselves on the game.
The half time whistle blew on an impressive first half performance with the Wizards perhaps wondering how it was only still 1 – 0. Of course, credit for this must go to Parkwyddyn, who were putting up a spirited rearguard action and doing enough to indicate that they may be in the market for an equaliser.
Half Time – Wizards 1 Parkwyddyn 0
The Wizards commenced the second half, attempting to keep up the momentum and came close to an early goal when Matt intercepted and found Tom. Tom threaded another fine pass to James O who beat the keeper but saw the ball cleared off the line by the covering defender.
James O then set up an opportunity for James D who, making the most of a rare foray into the opposition penalty area, had a shot on goal which was saved by the visitor’s keeper.
The Wizards second goal was an example of what the rugby fraternity would call making good use of “turnover ball”. Matt intercepted a pass just inside the Parkwyddyn half and quickly picked out George wide on the right. Showing the value of using the width of the pitch, George was able to whip in a perfect cross into the “corridor of uncertainty” where James O was on hand with a neat finish over the keeper and into the back of the net.
(Author’s note – Three sports in one paragraph there – I don’t just throw this stuff together you know).
One of the notable features of the last few Wizards games is how the players are starting to look more and more composed on the ball. This was well illustrated when Joe picked up the ball and held it whilst attempting to direct colleagues into space. When the first option was cut off he was able to cut back and pick out Tom who shot just wide from outside the box.
With the game entering its closing stages, Harry was pushed forward and had an effort blocked to win a corner. This looked to have been the final opportunity of the day but was merely the hors d'oeuvre for the day’s magic moment.
Ross fired in a corner which from the touch line appeared to be floating away from danger. However, Harry had other ideas and produced a memorable volley from midway inside the box which flew into the roof of the net. A fine goal to cap off a fine team performance.
There was time for Matt to embark on another mazy run which nearly created a scoring opportunity for Tom but this time it wasn’t to be.
The Wizards will be pleased with this performance and will hope for a repeat next week in the return fixture at Parkwyddyn.
Today’s Man of the Match award goes to George, capping off a series of great performances wide on the right. Another fine performance also from Tom who ran George close for today’s award.
UNICORN WIZARDS 3 PARKWYDDYN 0
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Wizards v Parkwyddyn 18 November
