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Rob Bellingham
Unicorn Diamond Reporter
United Kingdom
48 Posts |
 Posted - 27/11/2006 : 22:59:13
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Timperley and District Junior Football League
Under 10s Division 1
November 18 2006
UNICORN WIZARDS 1 WOODHOUSE PARK 4
It appears that it’s not just on the pitch that the Wizards have had a few difficulties of late. This certainly qualifies as the latest match report produced so far. It’s probably just as well that the fixture v Wilmslow scheduled for the 25th November was postponed or I would have had a backlog to contend with.
Anyway, back to the events of the 18th, (it’s a good job I take notes). Again the Wizards had a good first period, facing a Woodhouse team who were determined to play football the right way, always looking for the pass and eschewing the big boot up the field.
The early pressure was created by the visitors who forced a series of corners, one of which produced a header which flew narrowly wide. The Wizards were also soon into their attacking stride, with Matt finding George who put in a dangerous cross. James D featured strongly throughout the first period and was quick to make an interception which almost created an opening. James then started a move from which Matt found George, whose shot was saved by the keeper at the expense of a Wizards corner.
James D again found George a few moments later, with George unlucky not to see his cross converted.
Jake was also showing up strongly in attack and did well to control the ball and make a neat lay off to create a Wizards attack. As half time approached, Jake was inches away from opening the scoring when he intercepted a clearance and hammered in an effort which beat the keeper but flashed just the wrong side of the post.
The whistle blew with nothing to separate two well matched teams
End of first period – Wizards 0 Woodhouse Park 0
The second period began promisingly for the Wizards when Matt and James O linked up to find Felix in space. Felix set off on a powerful run which served notice to the Woodhouse defence that they would need to be on full alert to deal with his outstanding pace.
Barney was called upon twice in quick succession to keep the scores level, first with a good save from a powerful Woodhouse shot and then to scramble the ball clear when it seemed it could sneak over the line.
Another fine piece of football involving first Matt and then Felix, found James O who was looking dangerous up front. James D had a shot over the bar, then Tom produced a powerful run which ended with him narrowly failing to put James O through on goal with a through pass which was only centimetres away from being perfect.
Unfortunately for the Wizards, it was the visitors who opened the scoring with a moment which is typical of the Wizards season so far. The Woodhouse midfielder intercepted a Wizards throw which was directed towards Matt near the half way line. With Matt out of position, Woodhouse suddenly found themselves with a two versus one attack. Making no mistake the attacker calmly finished to put Woodhouse 1 – 0 up. In the second division, such a situation may not have been punished, but against first division opposition, there is less margin for error. Of course, giving away a goal attempting to do something creative is preferable to aimless throws or kicks to nowhere in particular, so such events must always be viewed in this light.
With the period coming to a close, Felix had two attempts saved by the keeper, following passes by Tom and James O respectively.
End of second period – Wizards 0 Woodhouse Park 1
With the Wizards looking to get back in the game, the third period got off to the worst possible start when a long looping shot evaded Barney’s grasp and made it 2 – 0 to Woodhouse. This could have knocked the stuffing out of the home team completely but after Barney had made a great save to prevent further addition to the score, the Wizards regrouped and looked to stage a fightback.
The deserved Wizards goal came when Felix managed to get around the back of the Woodhouse defence and put in a penetrative low cross which James O gratefully converted to put the game right back into the balance. A few seconds later, there was almost an equaliser when a deflection saw the ball ricochet narrowly wide, with the goalkeeper beaten.
The Wizards were creating some real pressure during this phase of the match with Matt shooting over and James O putting in a cross which caused more alarm in the Woodhouse defence.
With only seconds remaining and a draw or narrow away victory looking the only possibilities, Woodhouse managed to break away twice and score on both occasions, the third goal being a very well worked move ending with a neat finish. This put a gloss on the scoreline which hardly did justice to the Wizards but nevertheless provided another reminder of the realities of life in the top flight.
The Wizards should try hard not to be too disheartened by this result and should reflect on the positives within their performances. Man of the Match this week went to James O for his excellent performance leading the line but also in cumulative recognition of his efforts over previous weeks.
I should also mention the efforts of Harry and Patrick who formed a solid unit in defence throughout. Their solid tackling and distribution is becoming a vital feature of the Wizards play and the measure of their consistency is how much of it now passes without mention in these reports. Apologies to both players for the omission but well done for the quality of play.
A final mention should go to the visitors from Woodhouse Park who, in my view, were a pleasure to play against. They played the game in the correct way, looking to play passing football and giving their opponents the chance to do the same. I am sure the comments from their coach after the game were much appreciated by the Wizards players.
UNICORN WIZARDS 1 WOODHOUSE PARK 4
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U10 Wizards 1 v Woodhouse Park 4 18/11/06
