A midweek swap from Bilston Cup to Lichfield Shield action saw the Jags entertain Four Oaks Pumas and despite a victory over the visitors in a league tie before Christmas it was, as expected a tough encounter for the home side.
The first 10 minutes belonged to Four Oaks who took an early hold on the game in heavy conditions, the Jags couldn’t get hold of the ball or keep it but despite Pumas one sided possession they couldn’t penetrate Wyrley’s solid back four. Slowly but surely the Jags worked their way into the tie by getting the ball forward to Luke and Taylor who’s pace was starting to give the Pumas defence problems. As confidence grew the Jags put together some neat build up play but that illusive first goal was proving difficult to find. Wyrley were now getting success down the right with Coops who as ever was strong in the tackle with impressive forward movement and after some good build up play with Ollie Ingry and Billy, Coops got his first of the season from a yard out.
As in the first game against Pumas the first goal was key and the Jags never looked back, some fine goal keeping and off the line defending from the Pumas kept the sore at 1-0 at half time, realistically it should have been more with the chances created late in the half.
The second half couldn’t have started any better, winning the ball in midfield Euan placed a perfectly timed pass into the path of Taylor, his first touch taking it away from a defender and his when his second touch looked to have been too heavy a beautifully placed chip gave the keeper no chance and Wyrley doubled their lead.
It really was one way traffic for the next 15 minutes the Jags put Four Oaks under pressure and to their credit they battled for every ball. Late in the second half the Pumas dogged defending had now seen them break on the counter to create a couple of half chances that the Jags dealt with to then launch some counters of their own.
Another clean sheet and plenty of chances created for the majority of the match, a solid team effort with everyone playing their part. Man of the Match could have gone to several players, a tight call between Coops and Euan with the later just getting the nod.
Well played again lads!!!