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Rob Bellingham
Unicorn Platinum Reporter
United Kingdom
54 Posts |
 Posted - 14/09/2008 : 22:47:08
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Wizards fight back to grab a point
Hough End Griffins 5 Unicorn Wizards 5
After last season’s promotion, the Wizards made a promising start to their Division 1 campaign with a hard earned point against a strong Hough End side. The coach has been busy in the transfer market during the close season, with four players making their league debuts today.
The Wizards got off to the worst possible start, conceding an early goal. The ball was crossed in from the left and despite Barney’s best efforts, the Hough End striker managed to force the ball in from close range.
This was the signal for the floodgates to open with the Wizards equalising straight from the kick off. The ball was played back to Matt who threaded a ball through to George wide on the right. George saw has cross intercepted but managed to win the ball back and find Dan in space in the box. Less than 5 minutes into his league debut, Dan grabbed the Wizards first goal of the season with a fine finish into the roof of the net.
Hough End were soon back on the offensive and had two clear chances to regain the lead after some hesitation in the Wizards defence. Hough End did manage to add a second when, despite James D’s valiant efforts, a cross into the box was well finished for a fine goal.
The game was entering a key phase with the home team looking like they may be taking control. Brad had other ideas and singlehandly brought the Wizards back onto level terms. Dispossessing a defender at the edge of the box, he thundered towards goal and was brought down to earn a penalty. Brad stepped up to take the kick himself and made no mistake to make it 2 – 2.
With half time approaching the Griffins took the lead for a third time with a close range finish from a corner. The visitors defence will probably feel they could have done a little better with this one and will no doubt be aware that each of the first three goals came from crosses into the box.
Half Time – Griffins 3 Wizards 2
With the home team a goal ahead, the second half was going to be a good test of character and resilience for the Wizards. Their uphill task was made still more difficult when the Griffins scored a fourth with a sharp run and finish after Matt was dispossessed midway inside his own half.
Despite being two goals down, the Wizards were still very much in the game and pulled a goal back with a well worked move. Jake won the ball in his own half and played a good ball forward. Dan played the ball onto James O who found himself moving into the penalty area with just the keeper in front of him. With typical coolness, James drew the keeper and calmly slid the ball wide of his dive and into the net. The Wizards were sensing that there was something in this game for them and kept the pressure on the home team, who were still looking dangerous themselves.
In a game of twists and turns, it was the Wizards who scored next to make it 4 – 4 and look as if they may have done enough to grab a point. Joe picked up the ball in midfield and hit in a long range effort which the keeper could only parry into the direction of the onrushing James O. Like a true goalscorer, James was in the right place at the right time to make no mistake from close range.
Of course, the drama was yet to be completed and all credit to Hough End who again managed to get forward and take the lead. This time it was a long range effort which seemed to travel almost in slow motion to the bottom corner of the net, eluding all the home defenders and the diving Barney.
With time running out, it seemed that this would be an encouraging but ultimately disappointing first league game of the season for the Wizards. Given the events of the morning so far, perhaps we should have known better and sure enough it was the Wizards who provided the last act of this thrilling game.
Matt won a challenge deep in his own half and his clearance found its way to Dan wide on the right. Dan produced a fine run and cross, finding Tom, (responding to the instructions of his coach !), in space on the left of the box. Tom controlled the ball and produced an unerring finish into the far corner of the net to make it an amazing 5 – 5 scoreline.
With only a few minutes to play, the Wizards held out to secure a good away point against a well established first division team.
As well as the incidents described above, a few other items of note from today’s game:-
o Well done to the four debutants, Brad, Dan, Josh and Tom C. Great performances from all of you. Welcome to the Wizards.
o The “I’ve been eating three Shredded Wheat all summer” award must be shared by James O and Ross, both of whom showed tremendous strength today. Special mentions in this category also to Jake and James D for some strong defensive tackling.
o Thanks to Andy Colley for picking up the refereeing duties at short notice. Much appreciated by all, particularly by those who may have been candidates for the job had he not done it.
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Date: 14 September 2008
Competition: Timperley and District Under 12 League Division 1
Wizards: Barney, Matt, Jake, Alex, James D, Josh, Tom D, Tom C, Joe, Brad, Simon, George, Dan, Ross, James O
Goals: Dan, Brad (pen), James O (2), Tom D
Yellow Cards: None
Red Cards: None
Man of the match: James O – two well taken goals and great strength on and off the ball
Moment of the match – Brad wins the ball, powers into the box, is brought down and gets up to convert the penalty to make it 2 – 2.
Click Here for League Table: http://full-time.thefa.com/gen/Index.do?league=7712931
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Wizards Under 12s v Hough End 14 September
