With a rapidly expanding squad in readiness for the step up to ‘proper’ football this tie proved to be a good opportunity for mixing it up and resting a few regulars to see how they are developing as a group. They didn’t disappoint pleasingly starting off in the same manner as they finished the previous weeks fixture, on the front foot putting the Panthers defence and keeper under early pressure.
As seen so often this season the Jags have not converted pressure into goals and this was again the case against a Four Oaks side several leagues below but with some talent, spirit and determination! Despite all the Jags early possession it was the Panthers who took the lead mid way through the first half . A swift break down the right saw a cross whipped in which was unfortunately turned into his own net by Charlie Machin. Massive credit goes to young Charlie as there was absolutely nothing he could do about the deflection but he picked himself up and went about producing his strongest performance of the season. It wasn’t long before Wyrley were level with a spirited fight back that saw Brandon Garrat net twice in five minutes having linked up well with Jack Griffiths and Sam New.
The second half saw much of the same as Wyrley become more dominant and Josh Price in the Jags goal became a virtual spectator. Chance after chance came and went as good build up play from Billy Hammond, Man of the Match Max Goodier and Machin saw the Jags miss out on developing a healthy goal difference in this group. The introduction of changes to the line up didn’t alter the pattern of play as Josh Hill went close on several occasions before making it two in two from 20 yards out making all three points safe!
Another satisfactory performance but there is tougher tests to come as the season grinds on, but with the squad bonding well both on and off the pitch more success is sure to be achieved, exciting times ahead for the Jags!