3rd Team Vs North Stafford 5s

3rds with their squad of 14, enabling a formation change from last week, were the first of three matches at home this week, hosting North Stafford 5ths on a sunny autumnal morning. Old Wulfs winning the toss, chose ends, letting North Staffs have the 'push off'. Old Wulfs pressed from the off and instantly put pressure on Staffs back line, and controlled the game well. Passing was for the most part crisp and accurate and Old Wulfs moved the ball confidently and at times with a freedom rarely seen by a team at this level. It wasn't long (inside the first 15 minutes) before Old Wulfs got their first from open play, Jandu with the goal assisted by Ahmed. 1-0 Old Wulfs. That’s not to say that Staffs weren't in the game, they created their own chances with the best of these coming from short corners, as a result of the Old Wulfs Midfield & Defence quickly snuffing out any threat from open play. At around the 25 minute mark, Old Wulfs having created several chances prior, got their second from a short corner which Jandu dispatched from the top of the D into the Staffs goal.  2-0 Old Wulfs. Despite gaps starting to appear between the Old Wulfs lines which Staffs began to exploit, Old Wulfs created other chances during the remainder of the half and realy should have gone in at half time with a few more goals to the good.

Half Time 2-0.

Despite the half time team talk, stressing the importance of closing these gaps, the gaps only seemed to be bigger.  It wasn't long before Staffs were testing Old Wulfs defensive line and it was during such a press Old Wulfs found themselves with an overload which allowed Staffs to pull a goal back. 2-1 Old Wulfs.  Staffs second and equalising goal came from Staffs pressing and using the increased space they were now finding, they advanced in numbers into Old Wulfs 23. The ball was played in and was repelled by Old Wulfs somehow gained some height just outside the D where a Staffs player brought the ball down under control. With several Old Wulfs players incorrectly looking for umpire intervention, Staffs calmly slotted the ball past Rowley.  2-2 Honours even. 

The game was turning out to be a more even affair, on the balance of play.  Shortly after conceding that goal Old Wulfs were forced into a change with Vish having to go off having taken a knock while advancing out wide on the left.  With the slight positional shuffle that followed, Old Wulfs pressed Staffs winning two short corners in quick succession. It was from the second of these with around 9 minutes to go, Old Wulfs were awarded a P Flick, as a result of the goal bound shot being stopped on the line by a Staffs foot.  Up steps Jandu who calmly flicks the ball past the keeper to maintain his 100% record from the spot (2 from 2), 3-2 Old Wulfs. Both sides still had time to create chances but it remained 3-2 at the final whistle.

FT 3-2 Old Wulfs.

A game where 3rds were in control for the most part, but allowed Staffs back into the game far too easily. A hattrick for Jandu and some would say a full house, scoring from open play, a short corner and P Flick.

Special mentions this week to Vish, Ahmed, Roger, Nic, Jandu, who received votes for players Man of the Match, but Players Man of the Match goes to Harry Brooks.  Thanks also to Neil who as an unused substitute managed the team from the side.

Next Week away versus Market Drayton at Lilleshall.