Res again so close yet NO far 'away'. - Who Robbed our Reserves?

With a packed squad fully determined, the Reserves sought their first points of the season. With simple instruction to be first to the ball and quick passing, it seemed that the long awaited victory was sure to come.

But the home side were in no way going to roll over. On the contrary, they were proving to be very physical and very direct. Their 'long ball' being held up effectively by the main striker whose skilfully utilised his strength and visionto give the Albion defence much concern. With his first appearence of the season, Willoughby and Somerville were doing the best to outwit their opponents, and largely coming up trumps, as were the whole defence, competing equally well.

 Time and again, the pattern of play saw 2 very contrasting styles. Leigh Athletic with their 'long ball tactic', either 'wellied' or 'thrown' into the Albion box. Whereas the 'footballing' skills of Calloway, another debutant, and Adie McConnell in the Wilmslow midfeild made this contest a fascination of approaches. A clutch of half chances from either side failing to produce any results. As the first half concluded, the cut and thrust never diminished and no seperation could be made. Half time 0 - 0.

The 2nd period saw no change in pattern, yet WA were encouraged to keep up the slick movement yet be aware of the 'Stoke FC' direct quick play of their opponents. WA were now easily the more dominant side as they continued to prise open the opposition defence. Baron and Nath McConnel both creating openings that were unconverted. Indeed, Baron latching onto a ball, drawing the keeper and gently guiding the ball towards the net....... unfortunately for Wilmslow, the determined Leigh defender somehow lifting the ball up & over the net from the goal line - a great clearence.

Haymes, Simpson and Rose were introduced into the fray to replace the spent forces of Baron, Ad McConnell & Bentley respectively; it only seemed that Wilmslow's failure to 'score when on top' could only bear the poisoned fruit bitterly tasted by many a team. Lo and behold in the 80th minute, Wilmslow had to taste just that!

A break down in another Wilmslow attack caught the team striding forward and unconcentrated on their defensive duties. The ball was seized on by the quick thinking Leigh forward who carried it goalwards, then poked his shot towards goal... The view from the sideline was reminiscent of time stopping ... and  oh no......, the ball evading the clutches of keeper Pertovic and rolling into the corner of the Wilmslow net, 1-0 Leigh.

The WA boys did there utmost to fashion an equaliser. Willoughby heading just over from inside the 6 yard box; another strike hitting the post, and other near misses to catalogue under 'strewth'!

Inevitably, the final whistle blew and Leigh tried hard to disguise their disbelief of their victory. Yet it is back to the drawing board for Wilmslow. With words to congratulate effort voiced to all involved as well as the realisation that intelligence & finishing are other elements required for success.

MOM performances from many today, Somerville, Weaver and McConnell bros to mention a few, but outstanding today on club debut, James Calloway.

See you all at training ( finishing school ).

ee.