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Rob Bellingham
Unicorn Diamond Reporter
United Kingdom
48 Posts |
 Posted - 10/02/2008 : 16:44:48
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Timperley and District Junior Football League
Division 2
February 10 2008
UNICORN WIZARDS 0 DEANS SPORTS 3
Sadly for the Wizards, after emulating Manchester United’s late equaliser last week, they mirrored their illustrious neighbours again this week with a disappointing performance which resulted in their first home defeat of the season.
The warning signals were there for all to see from the outset, with the Wizards being pinned back into their own half during the early stages.
Unusually for these reports the majority of my notes for the first half relate to good play or near misses from Deans. The visitors came close to taking the lead with a header just wide following a good run and cross. Barney then produced a fine save with a diving stop at the feet of the visitor’s attacker.
The Wizards really were on the back foot and one of the few bright spots came when Felix used his pace to create some space and win a corner.
Deans again came close to taking the lead when, after a catalogue of missed Wizards tackles, the attacker found himself at the edge of the box with a clear shot on goal. To the home team’s relief, the shot was dragged wide and the scores remained level.
Barney was again called upon to make a sharp save when he dived to gather a ball which bounced dangerously in front of him. Deans were launching wave after wave of pressure and again saw one of their attackers shoot wide after beating two men.
A goal looked increasingly likely and finally came from a corner. The ball was played in and with Barney calling for the ball, Matt attempted to head clear. The ball reached the edge of the box but fell into the path of a Deans player who met it sweetly with a first time volley into the corner of the net. It was a superb finish and reflected the run of play.
The Wizards best chance of the game came a few moments after going behind when Tom found Felix with a neat through ball. Felix again burnt off his defender and advanced on goal with the option of shooting or passing to an unmarked colleague. He attempted to beat the keeper at the near post and saw the ball crash into the side netting.
The half drew to a close with a Deans corner which resulted in a shot which was only inches away from doubling the visitors lead.
Half Time – Wizards 0 Deans 1
After being outplayed for long periods of the first half, the Wizards had taken heart at half-time in the fact that they were only a goal down and they had an opportunity to regroup and make amends in the second period.
What was needed was a bright opening to the second period to put the visitors on the back foot. What transpired was a disastrous few minutes which saw the Wizards concede two goals to give them an almost impossible mountain to climb.
The first goal characterised what seemed like Deans greater desire or strength on the day. After some missed Wizards tackles, the ball was played across goal to leave the striker with a straightforward tap in to make it 2 – 0. The third goal came in similar circumstances when a cross went right across goal and gently rolled in at the far post.
In fairness to the Wizards, from here to the end of the game things were a lot more evenly balanced with both teams creating chances.
Ross created an opportunity for Tom, whose shot was saved by a Deans keeper who had been having a relatively quiet morning until this point.
Deans were still dangerous and had an effort which hit the post after an excellent run and cross from the tricky wide player.
Tom then nearly created a goal single handedly with a battling run into the box, culminating in a shot which almost found the back of the net.
After Deans had again gone close, James O had a low shot just wide and then shot over following good work from Matt and George.
George almost created a “what happened next” moment when he headed the goalkeepers powerful clearance straight back towards goal. The keeper just managed to make the save and despite taking a step backwards, avoided taking the ball behind the line. George was still to be seen rubbing his head several minutes later.
Joe was next to try and get the Wizards off the mark with a long range shot which went over the bar. This was followed by a good piece of play involving Ross and Matt which culminated in George shooting across the face of the goal.
The whistle blew on a well deserved Deans victory. They had put in a fine all round performance today and on this evidence will be a difficult team to beat for the rest of the season.
For the Wizards, today probably should go down as “one of those days” that happen to most teams over the course of a season. We have to look no further than the opening paragraph of this report for evidence of it happening in the Premiership. To the players’ credit, everyone battled throughout and some chances were created as the game drew on.
Man of the Match today was Ross, in reflection of another fine performance today, the 100% effort he always shows and his willingness to listen and learn. Well played Ross.
We don’t have a champagne moment award but if we did, I think today it would have to go to James D for his overhead defensive clearance.
UNICORN WIZARDS 0 DEANS SPORTS 3
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Wizards v Deans - 10 February
