4th Team Vs North Stafford 4

The fourth team travelled to Newcastle under Lyme for an away fixture against North Staffs 4ths. With the two games prior cancelled due to a flooded pitch the omens were not good, however come match time the pitch was looking fine.

The game started evenly but Wulfs looked more dangerous. From an early short corner Mann fed Minton who swept home. Unfortunately the umpire deemed that the ball had not left the D. Straight away Staffs won their own short which was duly dispatched. Wulfs came back and Lally fed Wilson who forced the keeper into a save. Anderson from a wide position put in a cross which the front defender decided to leave, unfortunately he hadn't noticed Thompson at the far post who swept home. At the end of the half Wilson found himself 1 on 1 with the last defender, he raced towards goal and fed Lally who moved around the keeper, his marker got in a last ditch challenge but the ball trickled free, from a wide angle Lally shot just wide.

The second half started with Wulfs continuing to press, but against the run of play Staffs retook the lead. Next came the key moment of the half, Staffs scored again , the Wulfs defenders enquired whether an obstruction had taken place in the build up. After a discussion between umpires the goal was given. Wulfs had to attack but left gaps at the back and conceded twice more, the final goal coming from a penalty stroke.

Wulfs had chances in the second half but luck wasn't with us today (Mann, Lally, Wilson, Anderson).

At the death the two sides both agreed that this was never a 5-1 game.

Next week we entertain the runaway league leaders Bridgnorth 4ths,  we need to rise to the challenge to take anything from that game.