|
Rob Bellingham
Unicorn Platinum Reporter
United Kingdom
53 Posts |
 Posted - 05/05/2008 : 20:11:04
|
Timperley and District Junior Football League
Division 2
May 4 2008
URMSTON MEADOWSIDE 0 UNICORN WIZARDS 4
On a day of torrential showers in Urmston, the Wizards produced a fantastic display to end the season in style.
The mathematicians had been hard at work before the game and had reached the conclusion that any one of three outcomes was still possible at the top of the table. For the Wizards, the equation was simple; anything other than a win would present the title to Stretford Vics. A Wizards victory would leave the Vics needing a draw to force a play off or a win to clinch the title.
With the rain lashing down, the Wizards started well with George and Tom linking up to positive effect. The first chance of the game came when Ross won the ball and shot across the face of the Urmston goal.
A piece of interplay involving Joe and Ross saw Joe advancing into the Urmston penalty area before shooting wide of goal to keep the pressure on the Meds defence.
Barney was the architect of the next Wizards opportunity when, following a fine save, he was quickly back on his feet to begin a move which involved George, Joe and Ross. George then produced a fine piece of skill to play a cross field ball with the outside of his foot to find Simon in space. Simon’s shot was on target but gathered by the keeper.
To show that the Wizards were intent on gaining every possible advantage, the next move involved a one-two off the referee, with George picking up the loose ball and testing the keeper with a long range effort.
The Wizards opener came from a fine move which started deep in their own half. Matt picked up the ball in defence and played a ball through to Joe in the centre of midfield. Joe spread the play wide, picking out George on the right wing. George’s cross put the keeper under pressure and he was only able to parry the ball into the path of James O who was in the right place at the right time to make no mistake from close range.
In contrast to the first encounter between these two teams earlier in the season, the Wizards were quick to capitalise on their advantage and soon added a second. Again George was involved with a run and cross into the Urmston box. Tom and James D were both making a nuisance of themselves in the box meaning that the Meds defenders were unable to clear the danger. The ball eventually fell to James O wide on the left of goal and he produced an unerring finish, across the keeper into the far corner of the net.
The Wizards were on fire at this point and almost added a third when Jake started another flowing move, involving Tom and then George whose powerful shot flew just over the bar. Jake then created an opportunity for himself when he intercepted and set off on a run, before shooting powerfully on goal.
Keeping the pressure on right up to half time, the visitors produced another great move when George, Joe and Tom combined to create an opportunity for James D. As James closed in on goal, the home keeper raced off his line to make a brave block.
Half Time – Meds 0 Wizards 2
Realising that the game wasn’t yet won, the Wizards started the second period in the same vein as they ended the first. Tom headed inches over after another superb move which he started himself, with notable assists from Joe and George.
The Wizards third goal was a solo effort which clinched a memorable hat-trick for James O. Showing the benefit of all his hard work on the training ground, James showed great strength and determination to win the ball from an Urmston defender. He advanced goalwards and had the presence of mind to produce a decisive finish to make it 3 to James O and 3 for the Wizards.
With a three goal cushion, the Wizards were playing with tremendous confidence. George came close to what would have been a well deserved goal, shooting into the side netting after another move built from the back with Jake, Tom and Joe all involved.
James O almost turned creator in the next attack with a clever pull back from the by-line which found Alex in space in the box. Alex’s powerful effort was heading for the corner of the net but was cleared off the line by an Urmston defender.
Barney had produced another authoritative display between the posts and produced his personal moment of the day with a tremendous double save when an Urmston goal seemed inevitable.
A fourth goal came for the Wizards from what is becoming a very productive route, the Edmundson special, an inswinging corner. The defence were again unable to clear and this time it was Alex who did well to pick up the loose ball and apply the finish.
The Wizards were still hungry for goals with Ross and James O teaming up to create an opportunity and Simon having a run culminating in a shot which the keeper saved well. There was even time for Barney to come up for a couple of corners in the hope of getting in on the scoring action.
The whistle blew to signal the end of the Wizards league season and a performance which must be amongst the best of the campaign. As the players came off the pitch, the news filtered through from Ashton on Mersey that the Vics had won 2 – 1, thus clinching the title. It was fitting that a league which had been closely fought all season should go right to the wire, with the ultimate margin of victory being the single goal with which the Vics won their last game. Credit must be given to Stretford whose last 10 league games resulted in 8 victories and 2 draws, title winning form in any division.
From the Wizards point of view, this has been another memorable season. Promotion back to the first division has been clinched by a convincing margin and the team has produced a series of fine displays when it mattered most.
I will keep the statistics down to a minimum but the following are worthy of note. The Wizards were undefeated away from home throughout the entire season, with a record of 8 wins and 2 draws. They have the best defensive record in the league with only 23 goals conceded. The players are probably looking forward to moving to a new HQ next season with their home record, (excluding the walk over awarded v Alderley Edge), being 4 wins, 2 draws and 3 defeats.
As has been the case so often in recent weeks, it was hard to pick out a man of the match from today’s game. James O would have gone very close but for his awards in recent games. Joe was also a strong candidate but today’s award goes to Jake. Jake had a first class game defensively and was also at the heart of many Wizards attacks. His commitment to the cause, (and his dad’s), were shown by the fact that they interrupted their holiday to come back and play, returning back at the end of the match.
Well done Wizards and thanks for a great season.
URMSTON MEADOWSIDE 0 UNICORN WIZARDS 4
w
|
|
Wizards v Urmston Meadowside - 4 May
