Wilmslow Mens 1st 2 Leeds Men 2nd 2
Still beset by injuries a young Wilmslow side took the field against the league leaders with 16 year old Tom Davenport awarded the captains armband, skipper Ben James being sidelined with injury.
The game started at a blistering pace and continued that way until half time. Leeds went into an early lead in the second minute of the game and the oranges were rocked back on their heels. Good defending and tight marking by the midfield kept Leeds at bay. Si Pickering in goal was a massive presence.
Gradually the home side grew in confidence. In the early stages of the second half a deflection from Pete Hallinan levelled the scores. Three minutes later Leeds made it 2-1 but the oranges came straight back with a breakaway goal from David Boddy.
Tom and the youngsters all came into their own in the tightly fought last quarter of the game, with a sound contribution from Fabio Stubbs.
In spite of their lowly position in the league table Wilmslow are getting better and are now matching the top sides.
Mens 2nd recovered their composure after last weeks defeat against Macclesfield with a good win, 2-1 away to Deeside 3s, which takes them 3rd in the table. The 3rd XI lost a very tight match at home against Mossley Hill 1st 0-1. The 4ths and 5ths had disappointing defeats, 1-2 and 2-5 against Bowdon and Triton respectively.
Lymm Ladies 1s 1 Wilmslow Ladies 1s 2
On Satuday the L1s made the short trip along the M56 to Lymm, who were relegated from the division above last season.
The depleted and injury filled squad of only 13 were looking to continue their run at the top of the table against a very young, fit and full squad opposition.
Team Tangerine started with their usual fast passing game with some lovely transfers and outlets from defence carving through the Lymm front line. Continued pressure led to several short corners with Lily Harrison eventually opening the scoring with a beautiful deflection high into the top corner. Buoyed by this, the ladies pushed forward looking to add more. Lymm's young, speedy attack threatened occasionally, but they were only able to capitalise after two clear fouls on Wilmslow players went unpunished, and a questionable equaliser found the backboard.
The ladies frustration appeared to be getting the better of them with an uncharacteristic drop in standards and attitudes. Thankfully the half time whistle was soon blown and coach Ray-Hills was able to regroup and restore the teams positive attitude and focus.
The second half found determination renewed and the stats would have shown a high percentage of possession, with most of the play deep in the Lymm defensive area.
Corner after corner was thwarted by a combination of the excellent Lymm keeper, experienced defence and an abundance of fallen leaves and twigs in the D. It was during a broken down routine that captain C.Kelman was able to put Wilmslow ahead once again with an exquisite reverse stick shot across the keeper and hard into the far corner.
With little to offer other than the occasional counter, Lymm were fortunate not to concede more with a final result of 2-1 flattering the hosts somewhat.
Next week the Tangerines play at home versus Welsh wanderers Wrexham when they will hope to continue their push for promotion.
Ladies 2nd had the best result of the day beating top side Brooklands 3rd 2-1. Brooklands led at half time but 2 second half goals by Di Law, emulating her illustrious father, Denis, secured the points.
Ladies 3rd drew 2-2 with Lymm 3rd and Ladies 4th also drew 2-2 with Sale 3rd to stay in second place. The young 5th lost 0-2 at Golborne 3rd.
Photo: 16 year old Tom Davenport awarded the 1st team captain's armband by Club President Steve Kinsella.
Match report by Steve Kinsella.
