1st Team Vs Cannock 2s

Old Wulfs 1s welcomed Cannock 2s to an unseasonably warm WGS for a top-of-the-table clash - the away team looking to extend their 100% start to the season, and Old Wulfs looking to get back on track after the poor result from our last game.

Due to a number of enforced changes to the team, Old Wulfs started with a new formation and it was fair to say it took about 10 minutes for the home team to properly understand what was needed in each position. In this time Cannock put a good amount of pressure on Old Wulfs but failed to make any clear cut chances.

After this initial rocky spell, Old Wulfs got a firm grasp of the game and started to push the away team further back. Some excellent movement off the ball and passing from both teams, coupled with very strong defending, ensured that honours were even going into half time.

After a very high quality first half by both teams, Old Wulfs recognised the need to take the game by the scruff of the neck. Early pressure soon told and after about 5 minutes, excellent work from Rajveer Duhra and Finn Townsend (on debut) allowed Harry Flanagan to get a very well deserved goal. The balance of the game was firmly swinging towards Old Wulfs and after a further 10 minutes, Old Wulfs won a short corner which was put away in trademark fashion by Gareth Minton. 

At 2-0 down Cannock changed formation and played a much higher press, which allowed them to dominate territory and possession for the following 15 minutes or so. The defensive line and midfield of Old Wulfs held firm on the whole, but Cannock adeptly won a number of short corners, two of which were well-rehearsed passing moves leading to goals and equalising the game. 

Sensing blood, Cannock felt like they were the team to go on and win the game. Old Wulfs however had other ideas - after withstanding another Cannock barrage, a quickly taken 16 allowed Wulfs one final chance at a break, which was excellently finished at a very acute angle by Flanagan for his second of the game. 

At this stage there were barely a couple of minutes left and Wulfs confidently retained possession to see the game out. 

An excellent game, played in good spirits on the whole, with a stunning result for what was a young Old Wulfs first team. Old Wulfs move level on points with Cannock, just missing out on second place in the league on goal difference.

Goals:

H. Flanagan x2, G. Minton X 1

MOTM - H. Flanagan