Wolves’ unbeaten season sadly came to an end this weekend losing in an epic battle against second in the league Wyrley Panthers. Wolves were desperately unlucky to be missing Regan “the rock” through holiday and Tom & Ben through illness. In fairness Wolves were lucky to pull together seven players with Jake recovering from Chicken pox and Callum from a midweek sickness bug.
Illness to one side, Wolves could not take away from Panthers a very good first half performance. Despite both Ed & Lily going close in the first few minutes it was Panthers who took the lead when their forward bulldozed his way past the Wolves defence to smash the ball past a stranded Jordan in the Wolves goal.
Despite going a goal down Wolves dug deep and should have been awarded a penalty when Jake was pushed in the box only for the ref to award a free kick on the edge of the box. From the resulting free kick Lily made the keeper work hard but the salt was rubbed deep into Wolves’ wounds when Panthers broke free and scored their second just moments later.
Being 2-0 down at half time many teams would have given up, but not this bunch! Just 30 seconds into the second half Lily showed why she is the best number 9 in this league bar none as she chased down a deflected pass which seemed to be running out for a corner. Keeping the ball in play she was able to turn the Panthers defence before passing to Ed at the back post who pulled a goal back for Wolves.
After getting back into the game Wolves pushed for an equaliser which seemed inevitable. Unfortunately the more Wolves pushed the more exposed they left themselves at the back as they left an excellent Josh (playing out of position in defence) exposed for Panthers to score their third with a sucker punch strike.
A never say die attitude kicked in as Wolves set about getting back in the game with Lily forcing two great saves from the Panthers keeper before smashing home to make the score 3-2. In fairness the last 6 minutes were all about Wolves as Cameron tied up the defence, Callum went into battle mode and Josh bombarded the Panthers defence with his long throw in’s. Unfortunately on this occasion time was against Wolves as Panthers hung on the their narrow lead.
If Wolves were to lose to any team this season then it is fitting that it is to their closest rivals and another Wyrley team. Good luck to Neil and his boys and fingers crossed they gain enough points for promotion and ensure more titanic battles in the New Year!!!
Full Time Wyrley Panthers 3 v Wyrley Wolves 2
Wolves’ second game was back to business as usual with a convincing win over Shire Oak Saints which puts them within just one point of winning the title. It was Wolves who started the brighter with both Ed & Callum going close, however the breakthrough goal came on seven minutes when “fox in the box” Jake pounced on a deflected shot to drill the ball past the Shire Oak keeper and give Wolves the lead.
It looked as though Wolves would surely extend their lead with Callum, Ed & Lily all going close. It came as some surprise when Shire Oak made the most of a defensive mistake to level at 1-1 just before half time. A half time team talk centred around the merits of composure seemed to pay dividends as Wolves came out like a different team. On 18 minutes Lily broke free drown the right and delivered the ball to the back post where Ed was there to slot home his second of the day.
Wolves quickly raced into a 4-1 lead with Lily scoring the third before Ed scored his third of the day all with his right foot!!! Despite extending their lead a spirited Shire Oak kept on going forcing Jordan to make two smart saves before finally scoring with a deflected shot.
Wolves wrapped up the points with three minutes remaining as Lily smashed home from the tightest of angles to score her 26th goal of the season and give Wolves the points.
Full Time Shire Oak Saints 2 v Wyrley Wolves 5
POTM Lily (Outstanding 26 goals in 16 games speaks volumes)
Well done gang a great first half season and I know you CAN & WILL win this league!!!!