Our campaign moved on to Goals Willenhall for the first time this season. Today we played two games with a full squad of Warriors.

First match of the day against Walsall Phoenix Colts, was a great display of what the Warriors can do when they play as a team. In the first half almost all the play took place in the opposition’s half. Our defence was effective, in particular, Alfie being more aware of the need for defenders not just to tackle but also to pass the ball forward. This prevented Phoenix from making any real progress and was helped too by Cole’s alertness in goal. This half , however, was marked by teamwork as there were some excellent passing between Warriors which outplayed the opposition, as their first goal demonstrated well. Hayden set this up with an accurate pass to Jack who was well placed in front of goal to thunder the ball into the back of the net. Hayden  nearly scored a second but the goalkeeper just cleared the ball off the line.

In the second half Phoenix showed more determination and immediately got a corner. However, Harry, now in goal, easily stopped the ball. It wasn’t long before Warriors before put the pressure back on Phoenix  and Isaac had a chance on goal and luckily for him, the goalkeeper fumbled the ball and Warriors were even further ahead. Our passing was again effective  and Phoenix’s only chance was extinguished when Carter cleared the ball well.

Phoenix lacked any real ability to finish off but this was a good performance by Warriors who showed that when they remember that they are footballers, they are a skilful team.

The opposition in our second match, Pelsall Villa Colts Red, proved to be more difficult to overcome. Their first goal, however, was not achieved by great skill, but was a lucky opportunity when the ball dropped near the goalmouth and a Pelsall player banged it in. Pelsall must have felt more confident now and put Warriors under a lot of pressure. However, once again Warriors defence was effective and prevented any more slip-ups. Just before half time Warriors even managed a corner.

In the second half  Warriors showed determination, obviously not wanting to lose. Isaac had a good break  and in an effort to stop him scoring Pelsall put the ball in their own net. Lewis had a chance and beat all of  Pelsall’s defence with only the goalkeeper making a last stand. By now Pelsall were showing signs of desperation : disputing decisions by the referee and taking wild shots at goal. Warriors nearly took a late lead when Cole crossed the ball well to Isaac but a goal was not to be.

Neil congratulated the team on their improvement today and said that everyone deserved to be man of the match.

Rob Smith