The lads were apprehensive about today’s match as the visitors had historically the upper hand regarding previous encounters. Hasbury came to Smethwick Park fielding the most physically developed team in the league but having an indifferent season winning 5 and losing 5 so a draw looked highly unlikely.
Warley started off as a 4-4-1-1 and played facing up and Hasbury took full advantage of the hill as they took a justified 8th minute lead when a Warley corner was cleared and a defence splitting pass was met by the Hasbury forward who ran on to score. Warley Boro 0 Hasbury Rangers 1 Warley then settled and a neat move saw the Hasbury keeper make a sensational save to deny Sam S. The boys continued to play good attacking football forcing a number of corners before Hasbury struck again in the 25th minute. This time it was a defensive header that should have been cleared. The loose ball fell to an attacker who calmly netted Warley Boro 0 Hasbury Rangers 2. Again the lads forced forward with the Hasbury goalkeeper producing another splendid save to deny Dan W. Warley’s defence was still being tested as Hasbury’s tactic of lifting the ball over them was having great success which was once again proved in the 30th minute as another defensive error ended with three defenders backing off the attacker, after Colm had made a great save, only for him to place the ball into the net. Warley Boro 0 Hasbury Rangers 3 Warley finished the half with another corner, there 7th of the half and it was Dan W. who again was unlucky with a bullet header which was inches over.Half time score Warley Boro 0 Hasbury Rangers 3
Coach Jones was not happy at Warley’s defence who had displayed an inept attitude to deal with the high balls. Yes, the opposition had big players, yes they were winning the midfield and yes they were 3 goals to the good. However we were now playing downhill and Matt made it clear to the lads that they were the best team on that pitch and it would be possible to win the game.
That talk inspired the lads and it was Dan W. who led the line superbly and on 42 minutes started the fight back with a cooly taken goal blasting the ball through the hands of the Hasbury keeper. Warley Boro 1 Hasbury Rangers 3 Six minutes later Dan W was scoring again after a good ball from Brad to Sam S who fed Dan W to round the keeper and smash the ball home. Warley Boro 2 Hasbury Rangers 3. The lads were now in full flow and eager to draw level with a number of chances going begging and limiting Hasbury’s chances to a bare minimum as the defence tightened up and the midfield started to win those battles that they weren’t winning in the first half. It wasn’t until the 63th minute that the elusive third goal came. Anil took another corner from the right side which was blocked but fell to him again and as the Hasbury defenders ran to close him down he delivered a superb cross to the back post for Sam S. to fire home and complete a remarkable comeback. Final score: Warley Boro 3 Hasbury Rangers 3
This game was a real test on how far Warley has come as a team. We have staged a number of comebacks this season with our never say die attitude but we have never done it from 3 goals down. Great attackers need great support and on this occasion our defence and midfield had their worse half of the season. However they rallied in the 2ndhalf and limited the opposition to very few chances, a testimony to how good they can play when they are fully focused. Undefeated in 9, W7 D2. Have a great Christmas and we’ll all resume in the New Year for what I’m sure will be one to remember.
