The start of the 2019-20 Timperley and District U13 League did not start as planned for The Mavericks as they were well beaten in the end by a very good Irlam side.
The new boys to the league, Irlam, came with a reputation of being one of the best teams in The North West and they certainly lived up to that billing with a fine performance and result.
With the Timperley League deciding that Development games for the first 4 weeks will be played to decide league placing's, although no points at stake it was a chance for both teams to lay down a marker for the season ahead.
Mavericks were without Harry M who was away and with Harry O managing only just to make the bench through injury they got off to the worst possible start when Irlam scored within a minute.
The Irlam player was let to run un-challenged from kick off and unleashed a 25 yard high shot which caught everyone off guard including goalkeeper Jon who was unable to keep the shot out despite managing to get his outstretched palms to it.
If anyone thought Mavericks would roll over they were mistaken within minutes of conceding a strong run into the box from Callum saw him being upended and a penalty being awarded. Up stepped the ever reliable Joe to calmly hammer the ball high to the goalies left and the game was level.
For the next 30 minutes both teams played a tense hard and well fought game, in fairness Irlam were making a lot of the running but they couldn’t break down the Wythenshawe team and when they did they couldn’t beat the goalkeeper. Wythenshawe themselves were not without threatening and themselves pressed at times for a goal but the Irlam defence stood strong.
Just as the game looked like it was heading into half time level a mishit back pass saw the Irlam centre forward pounce and run clear and slot the ball home into the net, to score at an ideal time. As soon as the game had restarted the referee blew his whistle to end an entertaining first half. As the two teams headed off for half time there difference in moods were very noticeable, one team elated while the others dejected.
After the restart Irlam really stamped their authority on the game, their big number 6 in the middle of the pitch started to pull the strings and despite the Wythenshawe Town defiance Irlam scored three very well taken unanswered goals.
For Mavericks they definitely fought hard and had a few chances to get on the scoresheet themselves in the second half but they just couldn’t keep up with Irlams second half attack.
It was a fantastic learning curve for the team and showed the boys where they need to be if they want to challenge at the top of the table this year. Plenty of positives to take from the game as well as lessons that need to be addressed and worked upon.
Again a lot of good performances from Mavericks, Theo, Will and Jon impressing however for his work-rate and never stop attitude and a proper captains performance man of the match went to Danny.
If the Wythenshawe boys thought it was going to get easier they were wrong as next up his a game against last years undefeated league champions Lymm Rovers Darts.
