| Match Report |
Earlier in the season Whitchurch shocked Wulfs by coming back from 3 goals down to secure a 4-4 draw, so there was a note of caution in the pre-match team talk after the long drive to the heart of Shropshire.
There was something of a formational reshuffle as 'Primark' Lally was missing, so the skipper moved to left back with Matt Cartwright taking the centre mid role. Also, Dave Cartwright was unavailable injured due to a nasty paper cut, so Birch moved to right back.
Whitchurch began with some verve and determination, pressing Wulfs, without really penetrating the danger area. On the subject of dangerous penetration, Al Brown denied the opposition with characteristic well-timed challenges.
Wulfs began to dominate possession with Ablard regularly poaching the ball from the sometimes timid Whitchurch men, and this soon lead to the first goal; a well worked passing manoeuvre converted deftly by Ashworth. Whitchurch responded with a couple of penalty corners, drag flicks parried away by Pearson. It was a penalty corner that doubled the lead. Ashworth buried a shot into the left hand corner, followed by what must qualify as celebration of the year, it was a primal scream that sent nearby wildlife scurrying back to their lair in fright.
2-0 at half time was still too close for comfort and there was plenty of work to do. Whitchurch had more of the ball in the second half but Wulfs extended their lead. Ashworth found himself one on one, and spun past the onrushing keeper to push the ball into an empty net. It was a hat trick that secured Wulfs' place in the division for another season.
Whitchurch pulled one back late on through a penalty corner, and it was a consolation they deserved for a dogged performance. As the season moves towards completion Old Wulfs are playing their best hockey in ages. |