1st Team Vs Finchfield 2

It was another local derby for Old Wulfrunians, as they traveled the short trip to the Royal School to face Finchfield 2nds. 

The two sides met after making very strong starts to the season and looking like strong contenders for promotion.

The match started and both teams looked to establish their dominance with sensible passing and well-worked moves. 

There were early chances at either end, but it was Finchfield that were able to break the deadlock. On receiving a pass at the top of the circle, their striker was able to skilfully create some space for himself before unleashing a deadly shot into the bottom corner. 

After the goal, it was clear the home team were in the ascendancy, working more good chances to put themselves another goal up. 

Then, when an Old Wulfs midfielder miss-controlled the ball, it allowed Finchfield to break with an overload of players. The ball was quickly worked to the same striker, who had time and space to make it 2-0 - and he made no mistake with a emphatic finish. 

The second half began, and it looked as though there would be no way back for Old Wulfs, as Finchfield’s defence was resolute and giving little away.

However, around ten minutes into the second period, a cause for hope arrived for the away team. Darryl Ablard drove forward with the ball and picked a pin-point pass to the back post, where Matt McNay was waiting to tap in. 

From there, the complexion of the match seemed to change. Old Wulfs were having much more success going forward, and launched several attacks into the Finchfield half, particularly from penetrating aerial passes by Ricky Lally. 

When Owen shave went on good run to the byline around fifteen minutes from time, he was able to put a ball into the circle that eventually found its way to Joel Wall, who had just returned to the field after a green card. He controlled and calmly finished to square the game. 

Having completed the comeback, the only thing on the away side’s minds was finding  an unlikely winner. Then, Ben Humpherson collected the ball high up the pitch and passed to Archie Harris on the left wing. 

The ball was then worked to Will Ashworth in the circle who quickly turned and shot despite being at a very tight angle. His shot was aimed at the near post where there was only a tiny gap between the upright and the goalkeeper - but he was able to find it - and when it crossed the line, the away side were sent into raptures. 

With only a few minutes remaining, Old Wulfs were able to calmly run the clock down, and claim a stunning victory. Their winning run continues and is now extended to four games, which they will hope to extend further against Market Drayton next week.

Goals (Old Wulfs): Matt McNay (1), Joel Wall (1), Will Ashworth(1)

Man of the match: Matt Griffiths