Egerton Vs Vale Juniors

Saturday 15th January 2011

Egerton Pumas 2-0 Vale Juniors

Wet, windy and playing on a pitch that had already been cut up from a earlier match, the Pumas set about recording their second win of the year. the pitch wasn't ideal and the game started slowly with our quick passing game being interrupted by the slow surface. Jack was the first to get a sight at goal, his shot sailing wide of the target. Would the boy with the illuminous laces make his mark today? It didn't seem so as his next chance was well saved from close range, a quick look at the manager and the shake of his head suggested he believed he should have done better.
Vale took promise from the Pumas early missed chances and began to put a few flowing moves together themselves, most noticeable a one on one situation, which somehow Matt manage to deflect round the post, fantastic save to keep the scores level.
The deadlock was almost broken minutes later when a strong run and shot by Bradley narrowly missed the far post, the Vale defenders blaming each other for being tied in knots by the silky winger. Another quick break by Vale saw Matt pull off another fantastic save, would they be able to beat him today? Mitch was growing in confidence and began to break up the Vale attacks with a few tackles that made the watching parents wince!
A slick move down the left by Freddie and Adam saw the latter smash his effort off the underside of the bar, only for it to bounce the wrong side of the line, the Vale defence breathing a sigh of relief. That relief didn't last long, a pin point pass by Bradley saw Jack race through and smash the ball into the roof of the net, fantastic move, even better finish 1-0.
The goal seemed to knock the stuffing out of Vale and the Pumas began to dominate, keeping the score at 1-0 until the half time whistle blew.

Vale started the second half with a bang, and only an unbelievable close range save by Matt, when a goal seemed inevitable, kept the score at 1-0. The response from the parents showed how brilliant the save was. This lifted the Pumas and after good work by Brad, he squared for Jack, only for him to cannon his shot off the post. Another goal for the pumas was on the cards and it came shortly after when Bradley won the ball after a poor goal kick, he fed Jack who slotted calmly into the far corner 2-0. 5 goals in two games, Rooney take note.
The Pumas seemed to be happy to play the game out and hard work by Ben in midfield cancelled any Vale attacks out. He even got far enough forward to smash a long range effort over the bar.
It could have been 3-0 late on, however after rounding the keeper, Isaac was dispossessed by his own team mate and the Vale defence cleared, the gaffers face said it all! Adam then went close from close range but a great save saw the game finish 2-0. A gutsy home performance by the Pumas with the keeper and striker making the difference when it mattered.

Egerton Panthers 0-2 Vale Juniors

With midfield general Ed back today the outlook was good for the Panthers, a strong start saw the same player through on goal, only for him to hit his shot straight at the keeper. The Panthers would need to work hard today to get a result and good battling by Ollie on the edge of the area almost lead to a goal. With pacy winger Luke spending the first half in goal, the Panthers play became very narrow, with the midfield becoming crowded. Matters got worst when Ed hurt his ankle after a crunching tackle and needed to replaced. Leo was moved into the centre to cover but couldn't stop the game from becoming scrappy. This half looked certain to finish 0-0 until a freak goal put Vale 1-0 up. A routine clearance by Tom was sliced, got caught in the wind and somehow managed to end up in the far corner of the Egerton net 0-1. Tom did not let this get to him and kept his composure to put in a typical battling performance.
This goal got Vale going and could have made it 2 only for Luke to save brilliantly to keep the Panthers within touching distance HT 0-1.

Ed was showing signs he was ok to come back on, but before he had chance, Leo needed to be at full stretch to tackle the Vale forward who looked clear through on goal, this was a tackle Ben, who was now in goal, would have loved to have made. With the re-introduction of Ed, the Panthers began to build in confidence and almost scored when Ollie slid a through ball to Leo, who slid in only to see his shot saved. Oliver Howarth also went close with a shot, catching the keeper out with a shot when most thought he would cross.
Luke was beginning to get in behind the Vale defence but on two occasions, the through balls played to him were too strong and the chances lead to nothing.
The Panthers deserved an equaliser and it almost came when good strength by Leo saw him steal the ball in the area followed by him smashing the ball off the keeper and out for a corner, it was going to be one of those days. This was confirmed when a long clearance from the Vale defence bounced in the Egerton area. the quickest player to react being the Vale striker who bundled the ball over the line with what looked like his knee. FT 0-2

A disappointing day for the Panthers who will no doubt be back firing on all cylinders next week at Tytherington, the difference between the two Egerton sides being one had a permanent keeper and the other an outfield player between the sticks. Let the scouting commence.