A tough start to the season against a team with possibly the best individual player in the league. With two players missing we drafted Luke into defence for only his 3rd ever league game.
The Warriors had destroyed us 2-0 last Sunday at the Aztec’s tournament so we knew we had to do something to stop their big and skilful Number 9.
Jacob was chosen to do a marking job with Nathan in support and Dylan playing up front on his own. The Wolves opted to play uphill in the first half. The first few minutes saw a great midfield battle and Nathan and Jacob did a brilliant job snuffing out any danger. The Wolves had the first chance with a free kick which just went wide and then after 4 minutes Jacob opened the scoring from a nicely weighted Dylan cross: 1-0
The Warriors kept battling in midfield and Cole saved well from a long range shot before another long range effort went high over the bar. Mid-way through the half Tom put Dylan clear with a great pass wide on the left but, with Ollie making a great run into the box, Dylan shot wide. Another lovely passing move involving Dylan, Jacob and Ollie saw Dylan’s shot well saved by the Warrior’s keeper.
Jacob had been doing a fantastic job on the Warrior’s Number 9 however he managed to get away on the edge of his own box and left a trail of Wolves’ players in his wake as he raced downfield to score giving Cole no chance: 1-1
Two minutes later the same player broke free from a quick throw in and powered into the box to score his second: 1-2.
Almost straight after he had another chance but this time Cole raced off his line and smothered the ball brilliantly to stop the Warriors going two goals clear. Luke also cleared well with Cole on the floor after another Warriors’ attack. Just on the stroke of half time Dylan took a long throw into the area which hit a defender and bounced into the path of Jacob who made no mistake in getting the equaliser: 2-2
Half time: 2-2
It was a relief to see their Number 9 subbed for the start of the second half as Jacob was shattered from chasing him up and down the pitch in the first half. With a bit more space in midfield there was some lovely passing and the Wolves started to dominate. Ollie played a great through pass into space for Dylan and after his shot hit the bar Jacob powered home the rebound for his hat trick: 3-2
Tom and Nathan, with Luke in support, were blocking every Warriors attack and playing some great balls forward. Dylan and Ollie both had shots saved and Cole saved well from a corner and a Luke defensive header. Another powerful shot from Dylan hit the corner of the post and cross bar. With their Number 9 back on the pitch Jacob and Nathan stuck to him like glue and the Warriors only had one more chance which Cole saved well with his feet.
With 5 minutes left the Wolves put the game to bed. Ollie broke down the right wing and crossed superbly for Dylan to score from close range.
Full time: 4-2
This was the Wolves back to their battling best against a dangerous Warriors side. This was an all round superb team performance today with Luke settling in well and playing with confidence and intelligence. I can’t underestimate the job Jacob and Nathan did in keeping their Number 9 quiet for the vast majority of the game. We need to work on passing more quickly at times in order to keep possession and getting into better positions to support the player on the ball.
