Today at Goals Willenhall we played our final games of 2016. As many of the squad as possible turned out  – get well soon Lewis – we need you! Both games provided plenty of action and entertainment.

Our first match was against Cresswell Jaguars. Warriors dominated the game throughout.Within a few moments of the match beginning, Harry scored the first goal by working his way straight through Jaguars’ defence. He made a nice pass to Hayden straight after but Hayden was off target. A corner followed but still Warriors led by only one goal. Hayden made up for his previous miss by harrying Jaguars’ goalkeeper until the ball went into the back of the net.

Jaguars attempted an attack but Cole made a great save and kept a clean sheet. However,  the pressure was still on Jaguars with another Wyrley attack. Then just as the ball appeared to be running out of play, Isaac caught up with it, turned and scored. Meanwhile, our defence was much improved – Alfie remembering to hold his position.

In the second half, Jaguars were overwhelmed as Warriors pressed home attack after attack. Jack moved fast and ran rings around the opposition and scored twice. By now Jaguars looked bewildered and a goalkeeper error allowed Cole to score the final goal.

The second game against Walsall Wood Allstars proved to be more of a test of Warriors’ spirit and determination. In this match, Alfie had to work hard in defence. Fortunately, when Allstars were awarded a free kick close to goal they missed the target. Warriors then went on the attack and Isaac made a good pass but unfortunately it did not reach one of our players. Jack showed skill in disrupting   another attack by Allstars and in our next attack Jack’s pass to Isaac nearly paid off. Our defence was then well occupied leading to a number of corners and even when Allstars did score, Cole only just missed the ball.

The second half could have followed the pattern of the first but hope returned when, after a goalmouth scramble, Cole scored the equaliser. Hayden followed this up with a great long ball and put Warriors ahead. This gave the side new energy. Jack acted quickly to stop Allstars attempt to equalise. However, when it did come, all credit to Allstars for a great run . After this, Warriors had to go on the defensive again. At first Warriors had a lucky escape when  goalkeeper Jack nearly lost the ball. In the next attack all the team fought hard to clear the ball away from the goalmouth. Unfortunately, in the dying seconds Wyrley conceded a corner and Allstars scored.

Lee described today’s effort as ‘great football’ but reminded the team not to put the goalkeeper in danger by passing back when it might be better to kick the ball out of play. He also spoke about the importance of identifying where midfielders had positioned themselves in relation to the kick off.

So the Warriors wish all our readers a happy Christmas and are looking forward to their football in the new year.

Rob Smith