Garforth U12s Division, 19/11/2006 The press have been quiet on the progress of Pannal ash Under 12s recently – largely because they have been poor. One word reports of RUBBISH are simply not worth writing… For the 1st time since the team was formed as under 7s they lost two in a row, and to be fair they deserved too. Rothwell simply out muscled ‘em in the cup and Colton out fought them in the league. Last year Pannal were unbeaten in the league, this year they have lost one after three games and been booted out the cup – a wobble or a crisis? Are the managers under threat? Will the pressure break them or can messers Rowbottom and Reaney turn it around or will the chairman knee jerk? Knaresborough replay? After narrowly beating local rivals Knaresborough Celtic last week in the County Cup Pannal returned to league action this week against Rothwell. Wounds were still open since the comprehensive cup defeat and revenge was on the agenda. Rothwell have significantly strengthened their side this year with the inclusion of boys who are selected for the Leeds City boys team. Pannal remain a team of local lads from the Harrogate area inviting the best around to take em on... On a cold November afternoon Rothwell started proceedings and very early on Pannal’s strategy became evident. Rothwell have a highly skilful right winger that all play looks to come through. He was double marked. Blocking that route simply seemed to block off Rothwell's ideas. Pannal stepped up to the plate and simply controlled the game. For the 1st time this season the team played with confidence and skill. Was it going to be one of those days? After just ten mins Pacey Peachy was left all alone eight yards in front of goal but alas missed the target dragging the shot wide. Five mins later he was six yards out but again was unable to find the target. Was it going to be one of those days ? No. Another minute another attack.. and this was a great attack.. The ball started from the back, into midfield and onto Pacey on the half way line. One touch took it wide right to Jake Reaney who magnificently passed it straight back into Pacey’s path. One on one and he wasn’t going to miss this one. With the visiting keeper going awol Pacey slotted it into the net. 1 – 0. Pannal on top, defensively awesome, in midfield Pannal were strong and skillfull and sharp upfront… So into the 2nd half… Pacey’s dad still hung-over (at 3pm in the afternoon – he’s too old !!!!) but still alert enough to see his boy make it 2 – 0 within a minute of the restart. An opportunistic shot simply seemed to roll itself into the left hand corner of the net and the quality continued. At the back Pannal were simply awesome. Making the art of defending look easy... Cal “Quick Feet” sacrificed his natural attacking instincts and worked his socks off down the left to nullify all that Rothwell's play maker could muster and on the few occasions he couldn’t get back, Joe “The Wizard” Whiteley and Will “the Vision” Rushworth made the art of defending look easy. As Rothwell tried to switch it to the right Harry “Real Fine” and Greg Mcmarvellous” simply snuffed out the threat. Awesome. In midfield new boy “King” Lewis was winning everything, Jordan “The Rock” was back to his best spraying the ball from left to right and Jack “The terrier” Rowbottom was battling for everything… As the game continued the inevitable happened.. Another attack resulted in the ball squirming out to the left of Rothwell's goal. The “Rock” looked up, coolly chipped the ball over the keeper to fine Ben “the finisher” bursting from midfield to volley home from two yards. A great goal and 3 – 0. Moments later, a quick team reshuffle had seen Will “The Vision” move up front.. His quick feet saw him dance into the box and promptly bundled to the floor.. Penalty.. “King” Lewis steps up to the plate and simply slides the ball into the corner 4 – 0. The boys are back in town From this performance it is clear to see the boys are back in town. For the 1st time this year they played great football, got the ball under control and simply passed it through the opposition. Back to their best? I suspect this team can move further forward. So currently 4th place in the league with two games in hand on league leaders Colton. Make no mistake this was a big big win. Played four Won three Lost one. Goals scored 12 Goals against two. Nine points. League leaders Colton sit on 16pts having played six and remain unbeaten.. Could be an interesting season.. Andrew | 
