2nd Team Vs Droitwich

The seconds ended their season on a high on Tuesday night as skipper Chris Nightingale celebrated extending his tenure* into next year with a hard-fought win over promotion chasing Droitwich.

After getting off to a perfect start when an Ash Taylor drag flick snuck through the keeper’s defences Wulfs were soon pegged back by a well-worked penalty corner routine from Droitwich.

A period of end-to-end play followed, with key interceptions from Matt Willies and Alex Thompson denying Droitwich, and at the other end Andy Cooper shot straight at the keeper and Taylor dragged a shot wide of the far post.

A flying save from the Droitwich keeper then denied Chris Tibble as a goal-bound shot deflected wide off his helmet, before a Luke Archer double save denied Droitwich another short corner goal.

The third goal of the game came at the perfect time, as Wulfs retook the lead just before the break. A quick one-two between Tibble and Taylor gave the latter the space to fire home. 2-1 Wulfs.

Droitwich came out quickly in the second half and spectators were left wondering how Wulfs survived the period of pressure during the first 15 minutes of it.

Archer was forced into an early save shortly before Droitwich struck the woodwork twice in quick succession, and it was only last ditch tackles from Nightingale and Ricky Lally that prevented further chances.

Later in the half Wulfs began to get a foothold in the game again and went forward in search of the third goal.

Taylor was denied a hat-trick by the quick reactions of the Droitwich keeper and Stu Upton’s ball into the ‘D’ narrowly evaded Tibble, before Nightingale deflected against the post from a penalty corner.

The last minute involved Nightingale running the clock down by holding onto the ball in the corner with as much dogged determination as he has used to hold onto his beloved role as captain*.

After graciously accepting club coach Roger Cooper’s request after the Evesham game on Saturday that he carry on, Chris talked to us about how much the job means to him.

He said: “I’m delighted I’ve been asked to carry on as captain into next season, I’d like to thank the club for their faith in me.

“I would have been devastated if I’d been asked to step down, I’m already looking ahead to tactics for next season.

“I feel like we’re moving in the right direction and I know that under my leadership we can push on next year and aim for promotion.

Well Chris, allow me to say on behalf of the club that we’re all behind you one hundred percent and we’re looking forward to confirming your contract extension at the AGM.

MOM: The team man of the match went to Ash, and the Official Sunbeam Man of the Match Award, chosen by analyst Ben Humpherson, went to Matt Willies.

*Chris Nightingale's personnal contract negoiations with Mrs Nightingale are still being held and permission for another year as Captain is stil to be confirmed.