| Match Report |
Old Wulfs 4 - 3 Leamington After a disappointing defeat last week, Old Wulfs looked to return to winning ways, the match had a lot at stake with the winner taking a sizeable advantage over the loser in the league standings and safety in the league. Last time out Leamington had won 4-0 and Old Wulfs were looking to avoid defeat at all costs. The game plan was to press high and go for an early goal. However within the first 53 seconds of the match Leamington scored with Old Wulfs all at sea. (Statistics provided by Manesh Patel). Within minutes Old Wulfs were 2-0 down when poor marking allowed Leamington to win a short corner and although the initial shot was saved the rebound was put away. Things could have been worse when Leamington were awarded another short corner, however Colin saved well to tip the shot on to the cross bar and away. Old Wulfs finally got into the game when Peters was given the ball and had time to drive at the Leamington defence. Peters managed to pull one back for Old Wulfs when he scored from the back post 2-1. With a glimmer of hope Old Wulfs rallied and started to play and after period of sustained pressure Old Wulfs were awarded a penalty stroke as ball stuck a player on the line. Mark Wilson stepped up and missed, must have been watching Birchy at indoor... Minutes later Wilson atoned for his penalty flick miss, when Old Wulfs won a short corner. Wilson stepped up and finished superbly into the side netting giving the keeper no chance. 2-2 at half time, Old Wulfs back in the game but woefully in danger of losing the game if they mimicked their first half display. The second half started as the first Leamington going for the early goal. However The defence stood up to the barrage with some well timed tackles and Colin making some good saves. From a 16 yard hit, Old Wulfs countered well. Ward past the ball out to Birchy, who put it up the line to Ashworth, Ashworth in turn drove up the pitch put the ball into the D and Griff finished at the back post 3-2. Old Wulfs did not hold their lead for long, as a defensive lapse by Birch allowed a Leamington player to get ahead of him and deflect a shot into the far corner, giving Colin no chance 3-3. Despite the score line Old Wulfs kept pressing for the winning goal and when Ashworth's shot on the turn was saved by the goal keeper up stepped Litchy, elbows sharpened to beat the Leamington player to the rebound and finish into the top corner 4-3. Leamington had their chances to equalise as they had a series of short corners, which were all dealt with and as the last few minutes were ticking away Leamington's threat dwindled as the Old Wulfs defence and midfield held their structure and worked tirelessly for each other. Final score Old Wulfs 4-3 Leamington. 3 very hard earned points. Man of the match Andy Peters. |