4th Team Vs Old Wulfrunians 5

There is nothing like a local Derby, and they don’t come more local than playing one of the teams from your own club. Old Wulf’s 4ths were entertained by Old Wulf’s 5ths at a chilly but frost free WGS.  This was the second meeting of the teams with the 4ths just edging the previous encounter with a 2-1 win.

With both teams next to each other sitting mid table in the league, only went to emphasise how little difference there was overall between the two teams. OW 5ths started the game with a sporting push to OW 4ths, who buoyed by their excellent win last week well full of confidence, perhaps a little too confident.  Yes, when in possession 4ths moved the ball well but out of possession they were slower to react than 5ths. 4ths had the majority of possession in the first half but lacked teeth when inside the oppositions 23. Half chances went begging without working 5ths keeper, and it was Rowley who weas the busiest keeper pulling off some good saves to keep the scores at 0-0.  With around 10 mins to go 4ths found themselves once again on the attack, the ball was played into Baz who deflected the ball past the 5ths keeper and into the back of the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for no contact by a 4ths player in the D.

HT 0-0

4ths started the second half and again strong in possession were stringing several passes together only for possession to be lost on more than one occasion by failing to find a fellow 4th team player. The game was still a tight affair, with 4ths generally having the better of possession, but 5ths having a greater desire and more clinical in their attacks. At around 12 mins in the deadlock was broken when 4ths failed to clear their lines and the 5ths were ahead. (1-0). Following the goal 4ths worked tirelessly to get something from the game, the pressure was on OW 4ths and some over-enthusiastic play from Manni resulted in him receiving a green card. Down to 10 men 4ths still battled on but has to whether a few forward forages from 5ths with Colin, Peter and Dave P creating some chances following some good interplay.  With time running out and 4ths back to full strength an unforced error saw 5ths give the ball away from a free hit from just inside their 23.  The ball was played towards Vish who carried the ball from outside the 23 into the 5ths D remaining strong to hold off a defender and getting a well hit shot off which beat Dill at his near post. 1-1. 4ths continued to press 5ths looking for a winner, but to no avail and the game ended in a draw.

Full Time 1-1 draw

Players MOM goes to Vish with 3 votes, others were Rowley 2, Nic 2, Baz 1, Finn 1, Manni 1, Ed 1, Andy H 1.

Summary: A fair result but disappointing from 4ths point of view, OW 5ths had the greater desire and with each side being fairly equally balanced, this gave 5ths the edge. At the end of the game the phrase “Got out of jail” and although that may be a little harsh on the balance of play, with OW 4ths avoiding defeat and having to come from behind, it certainly felt like it.