Wyrley Panthers v Shire Oak Acorns Friendly Match
A disappointing week for the Panthers ended with a draw and only a second loss of the season.
The Panthers were on the back foot from the start in this game as they went down early from poor defending at a corner kick. The Acorns took the corner quickly and put the ball through Lewis ‘the Cat’ Rochelle’s legs as he was left exposed by the players in front of him.
The boys were shell-shocked at half time, having been so dominant in most games this season.
However, it was good to see them return in the second-half fighting to stay in the game. They put the Acorns under pressure with corner after corner. It didn’t look like an equaliser was going to arrive and Acorns were looking dangerous on the break.
However, Sam ‘Scotty’ Scott strode out from the back down the right hand side of the pitch and struck a beautiful shot, which took a slight deflection and nestled in the back of the net. The sheer joy on the boys’ faces when they celebrated was joyous to watch following their hard work to get back into the game.
Man of the match in this game was George Whitehouse.
Wyrley Panthers v Brewood Friendly Match
Another great game took place between these two great sides.
Brewood came out of the traps quickly on an extremely bobbly pitch, which did not really suit either team’s passing game. However, Brewood adjusted more quickly to the conditions scoring first through what was a magical run and finish from the Brewood striker.
Again, the Panthers were struggling to impose themselves on the game and it was sheer endeavour and will to win that got them back into it. The goal that arrived was an absolute screamer from Ben ‘Whizza’ Herrington, another long-range effort to add to his collection.
However, Brewood were not to be outdone and put the Panthers under pressure late on and scored what was a scrappy goal by any stretch of the imagination.
In the end, Brewood deserved the victory as they played some lovely football. However, even when these boys don’t play as well as they can, their will to win is unquestionable. Something that just cannot be coached.
Man of the match in this game, following some important saves, Lewis ‘the Cat’ Rochelle.