The 3rds went away to face a very strong Stratford side. Owing to clubwide selection issues we took a mature (but experienced, average age in the mid 40's) side with us. Stratford started off very strongly and were camped around our area for the majority of the first half, we restricted them to 2-0 at half time. Our own forays into their area only brought us a short corner won by Sheldon and a few half chances from the skipper.
The 2nd half brought more of the same, wave after wave of Stratford attacks. Dillworth in goal was having an inspired afternoon and after Jeff conceded a penalty stroke (not a World Cup winning tackle but a stylish swan dive and tremor landing from the attacker), Dillworth was on hand to save the stroke. The attacks though were unrelenting and Stratford added a further 4 goals to the tally (some slightly fortuitous - penalised tackle by Cooper, stunning save by Dilworth which managed to still sneak in). The second half did bring an upturn in our attacking with Sheldon and Thompson going close and the skipper and Haselum making a nuisance of theselves and giving the home defence a few scares.
So 6-0 but considering the opposition a spirited permormance from the Wulfs, their heads didn't go down. Spirited tackling from the defence, a stunning display from the keeper, miles of forlorn tracking from the central midfield trio and stubborn resistance from the attack. After the game we were told that the star Stratford player was making his comeback to competitive hockey after some years out, as he was formerly a National League player I don't see him in the opposition 3rd team for long.
Man of the Match - For the 4th week running there can only one choice, Ian Dillworth who in my opinion I've never seen play better. The score would have been greater had he not put in the performance he did. |