4th Team Vs Wednesbury 3

Old Wulf’s 4ths entertained Wednesbury 3rds in the first game of the second half of the season on a chilly (2oC) but bright morning.  The pitch was subject to an early morning and pregame inspections to ascertain if the match could take place.  After much deliberation between players, manager & umpires the decision was to play. Wednesbury initiated the game with a push back, and the Old Wulf’s quickly settled into the game in a 3-2-3-2 formation, a change from their normal set up. Old Wulf’s dominated the first 5 minutes and took an early lead following some good interplay and pressure on the oppositions defence, the ball was played in from out wide with James putting the ball in the back of the net at the back post. Wednesbury then started to get some traction and twice went close to equalising but finding their efforts thwarted by Keeper Rowley and then the OW defence.  The game continued with OW enjoying a lot of possession and creating chances. OW went close to a second when Tom from a penalty corner, injected and went on to receive the return, his shot hitting the post from close range.  OW second came when Finn executed a well-placed shot into the net from close to the goal line, when Wednesbury failed to clear their lines following a period of OW pressure.  Wednesbury continued to create their own chances going close on more than one occasion. OW finished the half two goals to the good and deserved their lead on the balance of play.

HT 2-0

Following the half time team talk, where shape, discipline and game management were all discussed OW continued the game where they left off having plenty of possession. OW continued to press Wednesbury looking for their third, going close on several occasions, which included hitting the post for a second time, although this time from open play. Wednesbury in return continued to search for a goal of their own and went close, with OW defence finding themselves a little outnumbered on more than one occasion it required two fine saves and some last ditch defending to keep Wednesbury at bay. But it was Wednesbury’s time and following some good build up play they got their breakthrough. At around 15 mins into the half, despite the attention of the OW defence and keeper, Wednesbury manged to slot home from the P spot. (2-1). Despite this set back the goal appeared to galvanise OW and with around 5 minutes to go, OW got their reward when the ball made its way to James whose initial shot rebound off the keeper, with the ball finding its way to a defender, James made the tackle won the ball and then managed to create a bit of space, threading the ball through a lot of defenders for OW third.

Full Time 3-1 win

Players MOM goes to Finn with 4 votes, others were Rowley 3, Tom 2, Baz 1, Paul 1.

Summary: OW played some nice hockey at times and produced some good link up play. However, OW pass completion rate could be better and when OW lost their shape it invited the opposition to take advantage. A good competitive game, a good start to the year, with OW being only the 3rd team to beat Wednesbury so far this season. A great result, well done to all.