Division 1 Garforth 11 A side U11 League, 15/12/06 After a long long break from league fixtures due to Christmas and postponed games, this week Pannal Ash under 11s finally returned to continue their seemingly relentless march to win the Garforth U11 11 a side league championship. Had the boys let themselves go over Christmas? Had they made New Year resolutions never to experience the bitter taste of defeat? And could they, like coach Neil Reaney’s beloved Sheffield Utd, show the metal required to deliver ultimate glory in 2006 ?? After a night on the beer getting up whilst it is still dark on a Sunday morning is no fun at all, but these loyal fans are keen and up they got, pale faced and red eyed, to transport the lads to this enticing away fixture. This week it was the turn of Manor Park juniors to try and break Pannals 100% league record…. The first half started brightly. Pannal, settled back in their 4 4 2 formation, knocked the ball around calmly and seemed very keen not to let Manor Park have a touch. Within the first 60 seconds the first chance had been and gone, “quick feet” Fenn just couldn’t get his toe end on a great cross from “real fine” Finney. Three or four more moves ended in similar chances but Pannal could not quite do the necessary as Manor Park defended resolutely. The reason this league is widely recognised as the best and toughest around is that every team has quality. Manor Park were just about to show theirs. Despite Pannal being on top they went a goal down. A good move down Manor Park's right resulted in a corner which was promptly floated in.. as the whole of the Pannal side clearly hoped somebody else would get the ball instead of them in sailed the home forward to head it home. 1 – 0 and a very happy home support. But Pannal aren’t top of the league because they let these little mishaps phase them – no siree bob. They simply kept on playing and passing and continued to dominate… A great through ball by the ever impressive “the Rock” Emsley sent “the Power” Swain clear and he never misses 1 on 1’s. He didn’t. 1 – 1. Calm finish, good half. During half time the away support passed the time freezing cold, chatting about some very fancy pink wellies and complaining about the lack of available refreshments. However manager Steve Rowbottom and Blade Neil Reaney were clearly being more constructive with the lads as they came out firing on all cylinders for the second half. Within 5 minutes Pannal were ahead. Continuing to play flowing football a resulting corner was not cleared effectively and as the ball bobbled around the area up popped “the Rock” to sweep it into the net. 2 – 1. Now Pannal upped the gears. In the middle of the park “The Rock” was inspirational. He dominated the pitch and used the ball intelligently every time to set up wave after wave of attack. Pannal were rampaging forward but could not get the 3rd to kill off the game. The Manor Park keeper was having a blinder, excellent stops, followed brave save after save but when he was finally breached there was nothing he could do. Another corner was swung in, it was cleared to the edge of the box where the “Rock” used the canon he obviously stores in his right boot to blast the ball in to the net. 3 – 1. Pannal were now flying and with every boy showing a cultured, assured foot on the ball, knocking it wide and keeping possession the inevitable 4th was well deserved. Again the ball broke loose in the box following another fine save and this time it was “the finisher” Finney who was in the right place at the right time. No more than he deserved as through the game he managed to hit the bar twice and keep the keeper warm with some stinging long range shots. Although the game was now won Pannal weren’t finished. There was still time for centre back “the Vision” Rushmore to finish another fine move with an exquisite lob to make it 5. So 2006 starts as 2005 league form finished. Pannal Ash still clear top of the top division and back to playing quality football. This was a real team performance with everybody working together and playing really well. This team is the real deal. Played 8 won 8, scored 37, and conceded 6. Andy Whiteley | 
