Wolves secured promotion to the Brian Clark Shield Divsion three this weekend with two fine performances whilst extending their unbeaten run to 16 games.
Wolves’ first game was a friendly against a very physical APR team. Undaunted by the physical challenge Wolves set about their task in hand to good effect and could have taken an early lead had Callum bought his shooting boots! A relatively quiet half saw Wolves dominate the ball without scoring a goal. In fairness APR never really threatened with Cameron, Tom & Jordan as solid as a rock at the back.
The second half saw the introduction of Ben & Regan and a little more desire from Wolves. It was only a matter of time before Ben & Lily were linking up well to create problems for the ARP defence. After 20 minutes some tireless running by Josh & Callum saw them hunt down the ball from the APR midfield. When the ball was passed out to Ben his vision and touch were pure class as he slotted the ball through to Lily who drilled the ball hard and low past the APR keeper to give Wolves the lead.
Wolves were now threatening to run riot as they set up camp in the APR half. It was no surprise that Wolves soon extended their lead after Ben was hacked down in the APR box to give Wolves a penalty. Up stepped the coolest man on pitch Cameron to set the ball on the spot and smash home a deserved second goal.
With the win now secured Wolves were able to experiment by pushing Ed up front and Tom into midfield with both giving fine performances in the process.
Full Time APR 0 v Wyrley Wolves 2
Wolves’ second game was against a Cresswell Colt’s team who had pushed Wolves to a narrow win earlier in the season. A similar result looked on the cards early on in the game with Cameron giving away a free kick when the Cresswell striker refused to give him a piggyback!!! From the resulting free kick the Cresswell striker smashed the ball hard and low past a stranded Jordan.
Going a goal behind spurred Wolves on as they began to press the Cresswell team further and further back. A short while later an excellent run by Lily released Callum down the right but just as he went to pull the trigger the ball took a little bobble as Callum lashed the ball onto pitch number 1.
Undeterred by their missed chances Wolves continued to press with Regan giving a masterclass in the art of the long throw in. It was from a Regan trademark throw in that Wolves drew level after seven minutes. Delivering the ball from the right it took a slight deflection off a Cresswell defender and into the back of the net.
Wolves were now on a roll and took the lead just two minutes later when a corner fell to the feet of Cameron who volleyed home from close range. Realising that promotion was now in their grasp Wolves pushed for a third and when Ed produced footwork which would not look out of place on strictly come dancing to release Lily down the left, the outcome was oh so predictable ;3-1!!!!
The half time introduction of Tom & Josh gave Wolves a little more energy. However it was Tom, trying to replicate a move from Kung Fu Panda on the Cresswell striker who gave Cresswell a lifeline as the pulled a goal back with a fine free kick following the slightly high tackle.
Despite a slight set back Wolves continued to press and when Ben decided he wanted to come to the party he soon extended Wolves’ lead with a neat finish. Wolves were now hungry for goals with Lily adding to her impressive tally and Ben calmly chipping the keeper for his second of the day.
It looked like Regan was set to wrap the points up in the last three minutes following a lovely one two with the efficient and impressive Callum which left the Cresswell defender no choice but to pull back Regan just as he was about to shoot. From the resulting penalty Regan stepped up and drilled the ball hard, low and just fractions wide.
With the points and promotion well in the bag Wolves donated their win to Jake who has ill over the past few weeks, get well soon mate. Great effort gang, well done on gaining promotion now lets secure the title next week!!!