Under 14's.

(Metro Cup first round)

Sunday 20th October 2011 - Away v Hazel Grove United 'B'

  Result - Woodley Albion 1 Hazel Grove United 'B' 0

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Match Report: Mike Lamont (Manager)

3rd Division opposition again faced us as we entered the 1st round proper of the Knock Out cup and again Hazel Grove, this time the Predators stood in our way. Having beaten them in pre-season we stressed to the lads that the previous result meant nothing. The big strap line for this game was that keep a clean sheet and we will win the game as I feel we will always have enough to score at the other end. This is indeed exactly what occurred and it was the combination of strong defensive play and a relentless pressure on the edge of the opposition box that got us the win.

Early possession was 50/50 with a number of half chances for both sides that didn't threaten either net. The first real chance came from a through ball from Franco that released Danny down the channel and he bore down on goal but a tame shot was collected by the keeper. A corner for Grove led to a bobble in the box and as the ball bounced Jake pounced and took a boot in the chest as the striker placed one over the bar. As the game went on this wasn't the last time players put their heads in where it hurts. This included Zach, Liam, Brandon and Josh. More corners rained in and Jake was strong in directing the defenders with Louis and Brandon standing strong. Jake's strong kicking led to another chance for Danny who shot narrowly wide after a flick on from Rudgie. One of the best moves of the half came from another Jake punt that found Nathan who controlled well, laid off a good ball back into Matt who played the ball into Danny's chest who cushioned it nicely into the advancing Rudgie who struck a good shot just over the bar.

 David was playing well on the left with Reece and a great ball into the box deserved better as it rolled wide. A long free kick from Franco found Danny in the box and he expertly volleyed again just over the bar. A great defensive duo of headers from Brandon and Louis found Franco who played the ball onto Rudgie who hit it first time and the ball looked like it might creep in but again just cleared the bar. Half time came at 0-0 but we were on top and all the squad played well.

 With changes across the pitch in the second half we looked a bit stronger and early into the half Tom interchanged well with James and a good passage of football didn't produce a goal chance. But chances did start to come and as the half progressed Grove got deeper and deeper into their half. We won corners by pressing from the front and their keeper came under increasing pressure.

Shots came in from a number of angles and the game became a classic cup tie of could the home side hang on or would all our pressure get it's rewards. We still needed to remain sharp at the back and we did this well and the midfield supported the defence including Andy and Tom supporting them down the flanks.

 After greater and greater pressure and some good strong running at the Grove defence we looked even likelier to score and from one of the resultant corners the ball fell to Danny outside the box with a large number of defenders between him and the net. With his back to goal he got free of 2 defenders turned  and sent a wicked shot across goal and it rifled into the side of the net and we were finally 1-0 up with about 10 minutes to go.

 Another great chance happened within minutes with James running from deep and found himself wide left and sent a great cross deep into the box. The ball went over everyone including the keeper but Danny was at the back post for a great diving header which somehow was kept out off the line.

 The final whistle was met with great relief that we had got the win that we richly deserved and I enjoyed that we played some sterner competition and played some excellent football at times throughout the game and didn't look anxious that we didn't strike until deep into the second half. A good test for games to come. The win means we face a trip into the final 16 of the competition and the likelihood of a tie with a top 2 division side which is a test I know the lads will look forward to. A great performance and result, well done lads everyone played their part but I felt that Danny worked tirelessly with and without the ball and unlike other weeks when scoring hat tricks seemed simple this was a justly deserved goal that came from excellent commitment and drive to win, worthy for a string of great performances and goals but for me this was the pinnacle, well done Danny,
Man of the Match.

 See you all at training on Wednesday as we prepare for a tough test next week against the unbeaten Inter Cheadle East back in the League.

  Cheers - Mike 
 
Man of the match award - Danny