Wilmslow pile on the pressure
In both side’s first match since the Christmas break Knutsford came out of the blocks the sharpest and scored from a short corner in the first few minutes.
The ball was slipped to the left and struck into the corner of the goal leaving Paul Pearson with no chance.
The home team continued to press and only resolute defending from the Wilmslow back four kept the scoreline at 1-0. The away team then gradually clawed their way back into the game and began to dominate possession. A number of goal-scoring chances went begging before Sam Holt levelled the scores, rifling the ball into the top corner from a tight angle.
Wilmslow continued to pile on the pressure, the predatorial Pat Jupp was in the right place at the right time to slide the ball under the ‘keeper from close range. The half-time break gave everyone a chance for a breather, the visitors then started off in the same vain in the second half with the bulk of possession. As the half wore on the game got a little fractous with some strong challenges from both sides.
With ten minutes to go Knutsford threw caution to the wind to get back on level terms, and it worked after a scramble in the ‘D’ which was not cleared by the Wilmslow defence. The ball was then played to the back post and slapped in the net to tie the scores. With seconds to go Wilmslow missed a guilt edge chance to win the game after a slick passing movement, the score-line finishing 2-2.
This result leaves Wilmslow 6th in the league hoping to push on the second half of the season.
Knutsford Mens 2s (2, Two) Vs Wilmslow Mens 2s (2, Two)
Wilmslow Men’s 1st team had a tough start to the New Year with both the Cheshire Plate Semi final and a tough away fixture at Deeside to contend with after only one training session since November.
The semi final was away against fellow 1st Division side Tameside. Both sides opened cagily with the winter break telling on both fitness and skill. It was the home side who struck first and went into the half time break one goal to the good and Wilmslow lucky not to be more goals down, very much reliant on sharp saves from Man of the Match Si Pickering. The second half was much of the same with Wilmslow not taking their chances and leaving the defence open to Tameside’s quick counter attack. A 3-0 defeat was not the start to the New Year’s Wilmslow had wished for!
A stern talking to was given by coach Dave Egerton prior to Sunday’s game against a strong Deeside team who have been averaging 5 goals a game. Knowing a victory would close the gap with second place, Wilmslow started strong and looked much more settled than the previous day. It was Deeside however, who broke through first with a well worked goal from their centre half. Looking much more positive in attack, it was only a matter of time until Wilmslow equalised and slick work from Westbrook and Mellor gave Eden a tap in for the equaliser.
The second half brought much the same with both sides creating numerous chances but were unable to convert. It took Wilmslow’s centre back Tim Hadfield to break the deadlock when he arrived in the Deeside area to tap in but again Deeside equalised. With the seconds ticking away Keune made it 3-2 and, in a thrilling finish, Deeside equalised before Sam Howell stepped up to cap a great performance and secure the victory.
Short URL: http://www.wilmslowtimes.com/?p=539
Posted by WilmslowHockey
on Jan 10 2011. Filed under Hockey.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0.
You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
