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Rob Bellingham
Unicorn Platinum Reporter
United Kingdom
54 Posts |
 Posted - 22/09/2008 : 00:15:42
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Wizards outgunned by Champions
Broadheath Central 7 Unicorn Wizards 3
The Wizards visited the reigning League champions this morning and eventually came off second best in a game which was packed with incidents and talking points.
The first twenty minutes saw the Wizards at their very best, showing organisation, determination and skill in equal measure. They managed to grab an early lead after George put in a fine corner which Dan met, in a style reminiscent of Kevin Davies against Arsenal yesterday, to head home from close range.
The home team did everything they could grab a quick response but the Wizards looked strong and composed and were competing on level terms with their hosts. Ross even found time to produce some Robinhoesque ball juggling as he beat his man on the right wing.
After twenty minutes of hard endeavour, the Wizards conceded the equaliser to a sucker punch free kick. The Wizards defence and midfield decided to stand line abreast across the field, as the kick was being taken, allowing the ball to be floated over the top, cutting out the whole defensive unit at a stroke. With a clear run on goal, the striker made no mistake.
With Broadheath starting to get on top, the defending became a little less polished, although the Wizards did battle bravely until Broadheath added a second after 27 minutes. The defence was split with a through ball and although Barney was quickly off his line to block the first attempt, the ball richoted loose and fell for a Broadheath striker to tuck into the empty net.
Half Time – Broadheath 2 Wizards 1
Like last weeks game, with the score standing at 2 – 1, a penalty decision came at a crucial time. This week, the decision went to the opposing side after what might have been harshly adjudged as a trip just inside the box. The penalty was converted confidently to make it 3 – 1.
The Wizards seemed to feel hard done to by this decision and lost a little of their discipline and shape over the next 10 minutes or so. This lack of concentration was to cost them dear and provided a lesson that will need to be quickly learned if the team wishes to compete for a full 60 minutes against teams of this calibre.
A fourth Broadheath goal game from a high ball into the box and a fifth when a Wizards goal kick was intercepted, providing the striker with a clear run on goal.
At this stage, it looked as if the wheels were about to fall off for the Wizards, which would have been a real shame given the quality that had been shown in the early exchanges. However, to their credit they refused to lie down and managed to pull a goal back when George’s clearance found Dan on the right. Dan’s cross was eagerly finished by James O from close range.
An unwanted milestone then occurred with the Wizards first ever booking. As Arsene Wenger would probably say, I didn’t see exactly what happened but I think it was for an over-zealous tackle from Dan.
With the game now stretched out as the hot weather took its toll, Broadheath created a number of clear cut chances with the Wizards breathing sighs of relief as the ball flew narrowly wide or over the bar.
Amazingly, as the clock ticked towards full time, the Wizards pulled another goal back. Tom C played a fine through ball which the Broadheath defender could only manage to deflect into his own net as he attempted to clear the ball from the danger area.
With the score at 5 – 3, it seemed that the scoring had come to an end but then apparently deep into injury time, (more on this later), Broadheath added a sixth with another interception from a goal kick. Cruelly for the Wizards, a seventh was added when Matt’s defensive header diverted the ball into the path of a Broadheath attacker who made no mistake.
The final whistle finally went after what we thought was around seven minutes of added time, (to match a similar amount in the first half). The mystery was solved after the match when we were told that the referee thought we were playing 35 minutes each way rather than the prescribed 30.
A 7 – 3 scoreline looks like a comfortable home win and in truth, Broadheath were worthy of their win today. However, if we reflect on a penalty, two goals straight from goal kicks, and a final goal when we were well into “overtime”, it shows that the margin between victory and defeat can be quite slender.
Lots of things to ponder and comment on from this game. Here are my “top 3”:-
o Some of us will remember coming up against this team two years ago and being thoroughly outplayed on both occasions. Today showed that there is the quality in the team to compete in this division and that the players should take some confidence and encouragement for next week’s rematch.
o The Wizards were at their best today when they were focussed and organised. The team will need to learn quickly to move on from decisions that go against them or other factors over which they have no control
o Players and spectators alike probably need to reflect on the fact that the young referees are learning their trade in these matches as well as the players. Occasional questionable decisions will happen but to use an old cliché, these will balance themselves out over a season. A second cliché to finish with is that if there is no referee, there is no game.
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Date: 21 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. James O, OG
Yellow Cards: Dan
Red Cards: None
Man of the match: Joe – Showed plenty of determination, particularly in the first half, winning tackles and headers all over the field.
A particular mention also to Ross, who has been unlucky not to get the nod in both games so far.
Moment of the match – The Wizards take the lead against the league champions and have the better of the play for the next 15 minutes.
Click Here for League Table: http://full-time.thefa.com/gen/Index.do?league=7712931
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Wizards v Broadheath 21 September
