The boys travelled to the wonderful ground at Lee castle for their semi final against an unbeaten Mostyn who lie third in the league with games to spare and have every chance of lifting the league title this season. Warley had midfield combatant Reece out and could only name one fit substitute.
Matt opted for the lads favoured 4-4-2 formation and buoyed by the largest crowd of the season they hit an unexpectant Mostyn from the kick off. The awesome threesome of Junior, Sam S and Dan W combined just as the first minute passed. Junior picked the ball up on the left passed to Sam who exquisitely threaded the ball over to Dan W inside the box. He neatly swivelled and then produced a stunning shot that hit the top left hand corner of the net. A stunning goal and he’s 27th of the season. Mostyn 0 Warley Boro 1. The lads confidence soared as they then found that they were the better team against a shell shocked Mostyn who had’t to work hard against a stubborn Boro defence. On 10 minutes Mostyn got the break they were looking for. An innocuous corner was flighted over which Colm claimed but somehow lost it in the ensuing melee and Mostyn reacted first to score from 3 yards. The lads reacted well and attacked wholeheartedly but Mostyn continued to thwart their efforts. The champions elect took the lead in the 27nd minute when a defensive clearance fell kindly on the edge of the box and was clinically put away from 18 yrds. Mostyn 2 Warley Boro 1. The lads continued to play with tenacity and threat but it was Mostyn that finished the half stronger. Half Time Mostyn 2 Warley Boro 1.
The lads rallied after the break but the strength and physicality of their opponents meant that it was becoming an uphill struggle. In the 43rd minute Mostyn went further ahead after a right sided free kick found the head of a ranger to make the score Mostyn 3 Warley Boro 1. With Warley continuing to attack and ignore the score it was becoming evident that Mostyn's long ball tactic was splitting the defence and so the inevitable happened as the ball was played forward and the ensuing confusion led to a penalty that was cooly despatched to Colm's left. Mostyn 4 Warley Boro 1. It was rough justice as the lads deserved better but this season the defence has not been as solid as they would have wished for. For all their heart and enthusiasm Warley did come close on a number of occasions and got a deserved 2nd goal in the 62nd minute when a beautifully flighted Anil corner found the head of Sam to nestle the ball into the Mostyn net. Final Score: Mostyn Rangers 4 Warley Boro 2.
There is no doubting the player’s efforts this afternoon. They are a well drilled dedicated unit but lack the physicality of the top teams. On their day they can out play any team when the ball is on the floor but too many times this season the defence has been pulled apart by the long ball tactics of most teams. Today was no exception and 3 of the goals should never have been. Next Sunday they will play their last game together as some players have indicated they may leave. We finished 6th last season which could have been 5th if we had drawn or won the last game of the season against..........Hasbury. Good luck lads.
