Tameside League Division One, Sunday March 7th 2010
It could well have been a title-decider, but following this incredibly tight contest the destination of the Tameside League title is still very much there for the taking for both teams.
Keen to avenge the 5-0 drubbing that Pumas handed them back in December, Moston were quickest out of the blocks and took a fifth minute lead with the first chance of the game.
But back came Wilmslow and on 12 minutes good work down the left by George Wood saw the late-arriving Michael Taylor arrive just in time at the far post to tap home the leveller.
This sparked a period of prolonged Pumas pressure but they were unable to turn possession into clearcut chances and were clearly missing the twin striking threats of Will Batterbury and Ben Gray, absent through injury and illness. Moston ended the half in the ascendency again but again found real goalscoring efforts at a premium and the sides went in at the break deadlocked.
Wilmslow burst into life in the second period and a carbon copy of their equaliser saw them take the lead on 45 minutes, George Wood again the provider for Michael Taylor to grab his second of the game.
Pumas were now dominating the game and looked certain to stretch their lead as Moston heads appeared to go down but they got their second wind and on 65 minutes their tricky right midfielder managed to evade a series of challenges and cut the ball back for the easiest of goals to be smashed home from the edge of the six yard box.
A smart stop by Jack Barlow kept the scores level on 75 minutes and Callum Whelan saw his shot flash just wide of the post in the dying minutes but the teams were left with a share of the points.
With games coming thick and fast now it’s going to be the team who can withstand the pressure of the final run-in and be lucky to avoid injuries that wins the league and it’s almost certain to go the distance.
Moston Blues 2, Wilmslow U15 Pumas 2
March 8th, 2010Sat 27th Feb Lymm Rovers V U11 Hawks 0 – 6
March 1st, 2010An exposed location of Lymm High school was the venue and the boys looked like a cohesive team at least in terms of kit to start with everyone sporting their team sweatshirts. It wasn’t just in terms of kit though as the Wilmslow team took a commanding lead in the field. Martin was putting pressure on the Lymm team within minutes and Tom’s first push on the Rover’s goal was not to be rewarded. But it wasn’t long before a well placed pass by Tom gave Will H his first goal. 1-0. Miles was on form and was keen to make his mark on the day with some excellent passing and strong challenges. Lymm responded with equal confidence from their centre forward and Wilmslow realised quickly they needed to play at their best to make a difference against this spirited team. Joe was responsible for a superb pass landing Will his second goal. Lymm had barely noted the score line when Will took a clean pass from Miles with some considerable distance to the net and with time to think he perfectly place his arching shot into the left corner of the net which was unrecoverable by the Lymm goaly. The majority of the play had been in the Lymm half and with a couple more challenges before the end of the first half Lymm were determined to try and level the score. 3-0.
Within minutes of the start of the second half Alex was bearing down on the Lymm goal again and an excellent kick was saved and denied him a goal. Brade made a challenge within minutes but was also unrewarded. The offside rule was to be the downfall of the team for the next few challenges and it took a strong kick from Ian to Will for him to get the team to 4-0. Will C was all over the Lymm team and pushing hard to try and get his goal but he also fell fowl of the offside rule. Both Lymm and Wilmslow started to drop like flies with a series of injuries giving a lack lustre period of play for both teams with many request on the Lymm coach for the quieter spot in goal (even given the cold !) . Patrick finally having just one touch of ball at the Wilmslow end. Steve and Joe in defence keeping a tight command and preventing Lymm from progressing too far. Will passed to Martin but this too never made the scoreboard again disallowed. Alex and Tom worked together to finally get the result they wanted of 5-0. After both a great kick from Alex and another strike from Ian failing to net a goal it was a pass from Miles to Martin then onto Will to make the final scoreline of 6-0.
Man of the Match. Will H
Sat 20 Feb U11 Hawks v Unicorn Comets 6 – 0
February 23rd, 2010Playing for Wilmslow: Alex, Calvin, Ian, Miles, Will H., Martin, Steve, Joe, Braden, Will C., Nathan
1st Half
Unicorn Comets were short of players so the game started with Wilmslow fielding 8 against 7. Despite being short-handed, Unicorn gave our boys a good challenge during the entire game and particularly during the first 10 minutes when our side looked like they were still waking up! It made for some enjoyable end-to-end football and both sides noticed the difference with increased ground to cover. The Hawks first solid effort was unfortunately an offside ball; Unicorn responded with a corner that was forced out of play by a rapidly-waking Wilmslow team. Once the boys realised they actually had a game on their hands, the shots on the Comets goal started to increase and their defence valiantly deflected several shots until finally a pass from Ian found Alex in position to score to make it 1-0. After a bit more end-to-end play, including a brave diving ground save by Nathan with a Comets player bearing down at full speed, a ball in by Calvin was knocked in by a defending player to make it 2-0 on an own-goal. After that the Hawks seemed to come alive with some beautiful passing work (even noticed and complimented on by the opposing side’s fans) up the field and a couple of great shots by Ian and Miles, both well-saved by the Unicorn keeper. Despite some more excellent defence and goal-keeping, Wilmslow managed 2 more goals before half-time with another own goal Miles beating the keeper by crossing into the far side of the goal. 4-0 at half-time.
2nd Half
The half started with some more end-to-end play as the Comets came out revived. Nathan was put to the test a couple of times before the Wilmslow side turned up the heat again. About 10 minutes into the half, another Unicorn player arrived providing a fresh set of legs. Wilmslow kept their formation, making it 8 v 8 on the field. The substitute Comets keeper (changed at half-time) made some excellent saves against some well-coordinated play by Wilmslow, keeping the score at 4-0 for some time. Eventually however, a beautiful pass up the field by Ian saw Alex’s first time cross to Martin on a counter attack where he patiently waited for the keeper to commit and then slotted it past him to get the 5th goal. Shortly after, a corner from Alex was finished by Will C to make it 6-0.
Man of the Match
Martin for a sterling display and clinical finish
Comment
The Unicorn Comets team came with a great attitude and did their very best to give the Hawks a good game. Although the odds were against them they gave of their all and put in a really good and sporting performance. They deserve recognition for this – WELL DNE UNICORN.
Also, in only his second game as referee Chris Roache was a credit to match officials with a mature performance where common sense ruled. Surely he is a referee of the future.
Overall, a very pleasant morning watching some great sporting junior football.
Saturday 6th Feb 2010 U11 Hawks v Fletcher Moss 6 – 0
February 20th, 2010As always a trip to Fletcher Moss can produce a tough game and today was going to be no exception despite the end score line.
From the first whistle Fletcher Moss looked a dangerous team with some skilful and fast players, and they kept us busy trying to contain them, Alex in particular put in a huge a mount of work containing and dealing with the threat of one of their wingers.
Playing on a large pitch we needed to make the ball do more of the work and after a little while we got into our stride and started to do just that.
Our first chance of the game came with a free kick on the edge of the Fletcher moss penalty area. The cross from Alex was dealt with by Fletcher moss but the clearance was met by Martin who shot just wide.
The game was still evenly balanced and our defence of Steve and Joe certainly had to concentrate and work hard to contain the treat, Patrick in goals likewise had to concentrate to help clear frequent back passes and shots.
Another chance to Wilmslow fell to Tom who was partnering Braden in what now seems to be an established up front partnership. Martin put over a great cross, met by Tom but the tap from Tom was stopped by the keeper.
A free kick to Fletcher Moss close to goal was now a cause for concern and we were all relieved to see the shot go wide.
All the boys must be credited on the work rate, Miles in midfield was battling as hard as ever, Martin and Alex were putting in great runs down the wing causing problems and just as importantly working hard to get the ball back whenever they lost it.
Finally the breakthrough came with a pass from Tom putting Miles into a position where he could put in a strong run down the edge of the penalty area, a great cross across the goal gave Braden the chance to tap the ball into the goal for a one nil lead.
This was followed shortly afterwards with our second goal, some great passing between Alex and Miles put Miles into a great position and he calmly placed the ball past the keeper for a two goal lead.
This could have been extended a few minutes later when a corner from Alex was headed by Tom sadly just wide.
The end of the Half 2-0 to Wilmslow
The second period saw a change in goalkeeper with Nathan taking his place, Fletcher Moss were by no means out of this, they kept on coming at us and they have some very good players. Credit again to Steve and Joe in defence, Miles and Calvin in midfield who all had to work very hard.
Soon however the momentum again went our way, a pass from Braden to Miles who put a great long pass through to Alex gave Alex a chance to score and the goal took us to 3-0.
This goal seemed to be the one that finally made all the difference, soon after Braden was through on goal in a great position but a bad bounce on the ball took it away from him, Tom soon afterwards had a shot which went just wide.
We now seemed able to contain the Fletcher Moss threat better although Nathan in goals had to stay alert and on numerous occasions was quickly on hand to deal with any threat. We were certainly applying more and more pressure but ironically the more possession we had and the more pressure we applied the more we seemed to forget to pass, or take too many touches or try and beat one to many players, and chances were certainly wasted because of this.
Eventually the fourth goal came, the Fletcher Moss goalkeeper kicked from his hands but his kick was met by Tom stood outside the box who chested it down and then fired the ball past the keeper into the back of the net. 4-0
Tom added another soon afterwards when Alex put in a good cross over the keeper, met by Tom who headed into an open goal 5-0
The final goal fell to Miles after a good run by Alex and a great pass gave Miles his chance to shoot 6-0
Well done to the boys who all played to their best against a team who probably felt hard done to by the score line. On another day this Fletcher Moss team have the players to make the score look very different.
Man of the match – Miles Fenton.
Wilmslow U15s Pumas 4, Ridgewood Rangers 0
February 15th, 2010Cheshire County Cup Semi Final
Sunday 14th February 2010-02-15
Wilmslow powered into the Cheshire County Cup final with another strong performance against a determined Ridgewood. Pumas went straight for their opponents from the first whistle and were rewarded for their early energy when Will Batterbury was on hand to force the ball home from the edge of the six yard box after good work on the right flank by Michael Taylor.
But if they thought this was the signal for an easy victory they were brought back down to earth as Ridgewood fought back and almost scrambled an immediate equaliser.
Wilmslow settled after a quick tactical reshuffle though and Elliot Goodwin’s pace and skill was causing the visitors’ defence some hairy moments and they final buckled as another jinking run resulted in him being upended and Callum Whelan made it 2-0 from the penalty spot on 32 minutes.
Ridgewood fought gamely to get back into the game before half time but were frustrated as George Gibson won the aerial battles and James Bundred and Jack Dyson quickly turned defence into attack down the flanks. When they were able to breach the back four they found ‘keeper Jack Barlow alert and quickly off his line to thwart their efforts.
In the centre of the park, Lee Gregory and Will Swift were battling hard to break down Ridgewood possession as the pitch became heavy and harder to move the ball about fluently on.
George Wood’s left wing run and cross right on half time whizzed tantalisingly past the post and Wilmslow went in at half time with a two goal advantage and the game still very much in the balance.
The second half continued in much the same way as the first with Ridgewood knowing that one goal would put them right back in the tie and both teams stepped up the pace to get that crucial third goal of the game.
Wilmslow gained the upper hand as the game reached the hour mark with James Bate calmly and skillfully sweeping up at the back. James Kelly was rewarded for his hard work when his 64th minute shot was parried by the ‘keeper and played back across to him by Michael Taylor and he made no mistake with his second chance, slamming home to make it 3-0 and finally give his team some breathing space.
The victory was sealed in the last minute when centre back turned centre forward Tom Payne was in the right place at the right time to snatch a goal from point blank range following a scramble in the area and Wilmslow’s place in the final was confirmed with the final whistle.
In the end a hard fought victory but the boys made it with hard work and determination and will now face Newton Athletic in the final. Mention should be given to the visitors coaching staff who were exceptionally sporting and complimentary, as were the players at the final whistle. Well done to everyone – now let’s bring home the cup!
Wilmslow Sports U15s Pumas 5, Moston Reds 1
February 8th, 2010Tameside Sunday League Division One
Sunday February 7th, 2010
An injury-hit Wilmslow hit five for the fourth successive game and stepped up their quest for the title against fellow contenders Moston Reds.
Moston had inflicted Wilmslow’s first league defeat in almost two years earlier in the season so the victory was all the sweeter to gain revenge for the 3-1 reverse back in September.
Pumas got off to the perfect start when Michael Taylor chested down and volleyed home from 30 yards into the roof of the net on five minutes. Jack Barlow preserved the lead with a smart point blank stop on ten minutes as Moston hit back but it was 2-0 on fifteen as Elliott Goodwin sped down the right flank and crossed inch-perfectly for Ben Gray to make it 2-0.
The visitors did eventually break through and made it 2-1 in the 22nd minute but the two goal cushion was restored when Will Swift struck home a sweet left foot drive into the bottom corner on the half hour mark.
The next goal was always going to be crucial and it came in the opening minutes of the second half, Elliott Goodwin heading home after superb work from Ben Gray on the left.
The Wilmslow defence was doing a sterling job of containing an increasingly frustrated Moston side and further chances to increase the lead were thwarted by some excellent shot stopping by the visitor’s ‘keeper.
The victory was sealed in the final minute when Matt Taylor cut Ben’s goalline shot back across goal for Ben to grab his second and Wilmslow’s fifth.
A very satisfying victory especially in light of the absences who will hopefully return next week as Wilmslow look to book their place in the Cheshire County Cup final. The Tameside league title is now very much in their sights but with nine games still to play, including main rivals Moston Blues, there is a long way to go and a lot of football to be played.
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Wilmslow Under 15s Pumas 5, Broadheath Central 2
January 25th, 2010Cheshire County Cup Quarter Finals
Sunday January 24th 2010
Wilmslow are in the last four of the Cheshire County Cup but were made to fight all the way by a spirited Broadheath team.
Illness and injury meant they were only able to field 11 players and on a heavy pitch this was always going to be a stern test of Wilmslow’s fitness after a long lay-off. Pumas dominated the opening stages of the game and had two penalty shouts waved away but it was third time lucky as Will Batterbury was tripped in the area and Callum Whelan made it 1-0 from the spot on 15 minutes.
But Wilmslow were shocked to find themselves behind when Broadheath levelled with their first attack of the game five minutes later and on 25 minutes scored direct from a corner.
The lead lasted less than two minutes as Ben Gray reacted first after the ‘keeper parried Callum Whelan’s shot to make it 2-2 after 27 minutes.
Broadheath could have retaken the lead with a free header from a corner at the start of the second half but the effort flew over the bar.
A tactical change saw Callum Whelan move back into midfield and Tom Payne up front and it paid off almost immediately when Tom gambled at the near post to scramble home Will Batterbury’s cross from the right on 55 minutes to give Wilmslow the lead once more.
More great wingplay, this time on the left by Ben Gray, saw Will Batterbury fire home from 12 yards out to make it 4-2 on 67 minutes and Pumas seemed to be cruising.
With five minutes left, Broadheath threw everything forward and won a penalty and with it possibly a way back into the match. But Jack Barlow made a great stop with his feet to preserve the two goal cushion – and Wilmslow’s nerves.
The match was finally settled when Callum Whelan hooked home his second of the game in the 78th minute and Wilmslow now look forward to a place in the semi finals.
Sat 17 Jan 2010 U11 Hawks v Broadheath Central
January 24th, 2010Broadheath Central 1 – 8 Wilmslow Sports Hawks
Team; Nathan, Joe, Steve, Will C, Calvin, Ian, Martin, Braden, Tom, Subs, Miles, Alex, Will H.
This was the first game of the year on a misty cold morning on a heavy pitch after a month or so without a game.
The game started with both teams fighting for possession in midfield, then the Hawks started to push Broadheath further back into their own half.
The first attack from the Hawks saw a curling cross from Ian cleared by the keeper for a corner, then Will C made a good run through the Broadheath defence only for the ball to run out for a dead ball.
Tom was causing problems in the opponents’ penalty area and was nearly rewarded when he picked up a through ball from Steve and was just narrowly wide. Will C had a header saved by the keeper then Joe crossed for Braden to head just wide!
Alex came on for Calvin, who had helped Wilmslow press forward with Ian, Martin & Will C, Miles came on for Will C, the Hawks then pressed forward and forced several corners then finally Alex crossed for Miles to hit the ball into the top corner of the net 1-0.
Broadheath then push forward and won a corner but Joe cleared the ball. Miles then had another shot but this one was cleared for a corner. Alex took the corner for Tom to volley home 2-0.
Will H came on for Martin. Alex had a great run and passed to Braden only for the keeper to make a fine save, then Tom was put through by Alex who shot narrowly wide. Miles had two shots at goals, one hitting the bar and the other being saved by the keeper. Broadheath were still proving to be a threat and finished the half attacking.
Second half
Wilmslow started to press forward and were nearly rewarded when Will H hits the underside of the bar from a good Martin cross. Will H then had another shot just wide. As Broadheath pushed forward gaps started to appear at the back and Tom found himself clear and just as he was about to shoot he was tripped and the referee awarded a penalty which Tom takes and scores 3-0.
Tom then played through ball to Will H who coolly slotted the ball home 4-0.
Ian & Martin were now causing problems on the wings with their crosses and when Ian sent another cross over the keeper could only palm it out straight to Alex who slotted home 5-0.
Miles then chipped the bar for the second time, but Broadheath would not lie down, they kept battling and were rewarded with a goal 5-1.
The Broadheath forward went on a determine run before sliding the ball just under Nathan. Broadheath now had their tails up and were clean through again
But Nathan closed the forward down causing him to shoot just wide, Alex found himself clean through but his shot was saved and the rebound falls to Braden who makes no mistake 6-1.
Calvin then crossed for Miles who hit the bar again, Will H then crossed but is cleared to Steve who’s shot is blocked by defenders and scrambled out for a corner, Martin swings the corner in and it’s met by Will C 7-1.
Martin was running at the defence and put Braden through to cross to Tom who just hit the ball over and finally Will H chips the keeper from of outside the area with the last kick of the game 8-1.
A good all round team performance from everyone! And thanks to Broadheath who showed Great Spirit.
Man of the Match – Tom (took his goals well & was always a threat).
U11 Hawks v Alderley Edge Nomads 9 – 0
December 17th, 2009Alderly Edge Nomads v Wilmslow Sports Hawks
12th December 2009
On a bright but frosty Saturday Morning, Wilmslow made the short journey to Alderley Edge’s home pitch to resume league play. The pitch would be a testing surface for both teams to master as the frost was melting and soggy conditions ensued.
Wilmslow kicked off and were quick to assert their attacking philosophy onto the game, with the Alderley keeper making a succession of fine saves. One highlight was a good effort from distance off the boot of Alex Jackson that just went over the bar. Although this was an improved Alderley team Wilmslow’s pressure was rewarded in the 12th minute. Martin picked up the ball wide on the left and fed a good pass into Will who turned sharply and put the ball into the bottom corner of the net. 1 – 0. Martin took a knock on the knee and came off to recuperate, Miles then came on in his place and the good football continued with both teams trying to play football. More pressure and Ian Finney making a well timed run towards goal was fed the ball, his effort was well saved again by the Alderley keeper but fortune was not smiling on him as the resulting rebound was put away coolly by Calvin following up 2-0.
Alderley Edge showing a good team spirit then had a good spell of possession and only some resolute defending denied them any clear cut chance on the Wilmslow goal. Braden making a rare start up front was having a good game and seemed to be popping up everywhere. It was his well placed layoff to Will in the 23rd minute that was despatched with aplomb to make it 3-0. Braden was soon to be rewarded for his efforts, for in the 25th minute Alex having done some great work down the left flank spotted Braden in support and unselfishly passed the ball square for Braden to score. 4-0.
The Alderley keeper made a string of fine saves denying the Wilmslow strikers and was providing a fine example to the rest of his team with his never give up attitude. Unfortunately he was powerless to stop Braden from adding another to his tally when he was quickest to react to a goal mouth scramble to poke in his second and Wilmslow’s 5th. Wilmslow now had their attacking game going and it was only more spirited defending that saw a string of 4 successive corners being rebuffed. Alderley then took the game back to Wilmslow and keeper Nathan did well to keep his eye on a looping ball to hold on between two attacking Alderley forwards. As the first half drew to a close it was climaxed with a top draw save from the Alderley keeper high to his left from Alex Jackson. Alex was not to be denied with almost the last kick of the half a speculative cross from the right somehow went through a number of players to Alex who banged the ball hard and low under a helpless keeper into the old onion bag to make it 6-0.
An honourable mention must now be made to Tony and Marie who provided much needed warm coffees to the freezing parents on the sidelines.
The Second half started with Alderley starting strong and giving it a real good effort. A revised Wilmslow team with Patrick now in goal and Steve and Joe having more chance to play forward took a few minutes to adjust. Steve had a number of chances that were either saved or went just wide. Just as he must of thought it would never happen Steve had another chance and although again well saved by the keeper he was able to put away his own rebound to make it 7 – 0. Wilmslow were now trying to keep up the attractive positive football with good runs and nice passing play. Alderley still defended well and always looked to try and give the forwards an opportunity. Joe, now playing up front saw what he must of thought as a goal bound effort again superbly turned away by the opposing keeper. All spectators thought it worthy of a generous round of applause.
Alderley still tried to get the ball forward and efforts were rewarded with a corner that Wilmslow had to do well to defend. Another change and Keeper Nathan now had the chance to come on and play up front on the left. Joe was still plugging away up front and was seeing a host of chances either going wide or being saved. It was another effort from Joe that saw the ball drop kindly to Nathan who volleyed in the ball from close range to make the score 8-0. Nathan is now the leading scorer for goalkeepers in the league with two to his credit! The game was now almost over and both teams had shown some good football on a trying surface. Joe was rewarded for his efforts in the last minute when he latched onto a through ball and calmly put it hard and low across the stranded keeper into the corner. 9-0. Final Score
Well Done Wilmslow for another great team effort and some nice football. All the spectators certainly appreciate the talent on show and the team spirit shown. Well done Alderley who have shown improvement and play with a good team spirit – they are a credit to fair play.
Wilmslow Hawks Man of the Match went to Braden Harris who put in a great display whilst netting his first brace of goals for the season
Rampant Pumas give leaders the Blues
December 14th, 2009Wilmslow Sports Under 15s Pumas 5, Moston Blues 0
Tameside League Division One, Sunday December 13th, 2009
The long-awaited opportunity to see how Wilmslow’s title credentials shaped up against the unbeaten pacesetters from Moston Blues didn’t disappoint as Pumas turned in a truly awesome display of clinical finishing and disciplined defending to blow Blues out of the water and the title race wide open.
A formiddable looking Moston side with what appeared to be a complete squad of six foot plus players were restricted to a single chance on goal in the entire game.
On 8 minutes their centre forward ran clear of the Wilmslow back four and seemed certain to score but with Jack Barlow off his line in a flash it was enough to distract the striker and his shot went just wide of the left hand upright.
The opening goal came on 12 minutes from Will Batterbury who finished from ten yards after his initial effort had been parried by the ‘keeper and it signalled a spell of constant Wilmslow pressure as Moston struggled to contain the pacey attacks from both flanks.
Callum Whelan and George Wood were a constant thorn in the side but the Moston ‘keeper was equal to everything that was thrown at him and Wilmslow went in at half time with just a single goal advantage.
The second half saw more of the same, any attempt by Moston to claw their way back into the game was snuffed out by some superb tackling in the centre of midfield with Lee Gregory and Will Swift getting through an incredible amount of work.
When they did manage to advance anywhere near the Wilmslow penalty area they found a back four of Jack Dyson, Tom Payne, Jamie Bate and James Bundred impenetrable as they defended as a rock solid unit and with Michael Taylor offering his usual speedy and skilful outlet, defence was quickly turned into attack and Moston started to buckle.
It was no surprise when the lead was extended on 50 minutes. A great cross by George Wood found Callum Whelan who composed himself before firing home from the edge of the six yard box.
Five minutes later it was three as Whelan burst clear of the Moston back four to finish clinically. The introduction of James Kelly on the hour mark signalled more punishment for the now ragged league leaders as he sprayed passes to both flanks and helped open them up as Wilmslow looked to finish the game off and put some real gloss on the scoreline.
To their credit Moston regrouped in an attempt to salvage the game but this exposed them at the back and Michael Taylor was giving them a torried time with his skilful runs. It was no more than he deserved when he weaved his way into the Moston area and grabbed a goal for himself to make it 4-0 with three minutes left.
There was still time for Callum Whelan to complete a well-deserved hat-trick and make it 5-0 right on the final whistle to put the seal on an incredible team performance.
The boys can deservedly bask in the glory of a great win, but not for too long as it’s back to business next weekend with another tough encounter, this time away to Wythenshawe and they face Moston Blues in the return game on January 3rd when no doubt they will be keen to avenge this defeat.
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