Masters Over 50's Vs Shrewsbury O50

Old Wulfs Over 50's played in their first cup game since 2017. The first round drew us away to Shrewsbury Over 50's, A repeat of what would have been our opening game had Covid not curtailed the competition the last time we entered a side.

The Weather leading up to the game was to put it mildly 'a bit on the wet side', but fortunately the weather gave way to a sunny but breezy afternoon.

The game started with a Shrews pushing back to Old Wulfs, it wasn't long however before we found ourselves under pressure with Shrewsbury working the ball back and forth across the width of the pitch on their advancement into Old Wulfs D. The defence however held firm and with Shrews failure to capitalise the score remained at 0-0. 

 At11 mins in, Shrews broke the deadlock with a well taken short corner and added another a few minutes later from open play after the restart.  Old Wulfs were struggling to make any meaningful progress into Shrews half, often finding themselves playing deep. Another 2 goals quickly followed and with around 12 minutes of the half remaining a tactical formation change (4,5,1) from (4,4,2), enabled Old Wulfs to enjoy more of the ball in the opposition’s half. Old Wulfs weren't going to let Shrews have it all their own way, with more balls finding their way to our forward players and some excellent hold up play from Colin, Old Wulfs found themselves creating a few chances of their own, only to be snuffed out by Shrewsburys rear guard. As the first half was coming to an end Old Wulfs could have pulled one back.  Shrewsbury lost possession just outside Old Wulfs 23m line, midfield quickly moved the ball between players, pushed the ball out wide and Old Wulfs found themselves in some space advancing down the right. A well weighted diagonal ball was dispatched towards the penalty spot and Old Wulfs advancing centre forward,  who  by the smallest of margins couldn't quite get a stick on it and the ball went out harmously for a 16. 

Half Time 4-0 down.

Old Wulfs started the second half (formation 4-5-1). Old Wulfs came close to conceding within the first 5 minutes of the restart, but fortunately Shrews failed to capitalise thanks to some last ditch defending. As trhe game continued Old Wulfs started to have more of the ball, but also continued to struggle to put pressure on the Shrews goal.  Shrews continued to recycle play very efficiently, again playing the ball around the back on numerous occasions. Old Wulfs did venture into the oppositions D on numerous occasions but failed to create clear chances as Shrews defence stood firm, bringing the ball out confidently as soon as play broke down.  Shrews did have the ball in the back of Old Wulfs net from open play only for the goal to be disallowed for a foul on Old Wulfs keeper. Old Wulfs continued to battle but to no avail. Shrews fifth goal came around 5 minutes from the end of the match. Shrews were awarded a penalty corner, Old Wulfs successfully defended the initial play, only for Shrews to play the ball around before finding the bottom corner of the net from a well-placed shot.

The game finished 5-0 to Shrewsbury.

In summary we were beaten by a better team. Hockey is a simple game and Shrews demonstrated their proficiency, their movement both on and off the ball, was at times textbook.  A game played in good spirits and big thanks to Shrewsbury players for the hospitality and friendliness shown before, during and after the game. Thanks to all for your support and effort, out the cup but now in the plate, next game will be on 28th Nov, draw later this week.

Old Wulf’s Man of the Match Richie Roberts.