Matt Jones, Warley manager opted for a surprise formation as the boys faced up to league champions Old Wulfurians this afternoon. Last season Warley finished 6th in the league whilst their opposition became Champions losing 1 game all season. This season that had won thier first 3 so the odds were certainly in their favour. Manager Matt opted for a 3-5-3, learning from the mistakes that cost him 3 points last week when Mostyn overran the midfield in the second half.
Warley dominated the early exchanges as OW struggled to put their authority on the game and the two sides battled for midfield supremacy. As the game wore on it was Anil, Reece and Byron, the three Warley boys, that started to win the battles and gain control. Chances were at a premium, Sam S. was unlucky not to score from 4 yards with a header after a great Anil cross and OW were upset after a finger tip save by Colm pushed the ball onto the bar only for it to drop kindly to a OW player who calmly put the ball in but was ruled offside. The half looked to be heading goalless but on 33 minutes OW struck first blood as they caught the boro defence napping and forced home the ball from eight yards. Warley Boro 0 Old Wulfurians 1. Warley pressed forward with Dan W. forcing a corner. Quickly taken junior took possession and pinpointed a cross that found the clinical head of Byron to score he’s first of the season. It was a great response from the lads and they finished the half Warley Boro 1 Old Wulfurians 1
In the second half there was more urgency and desire for the boys. Their confidence was rewarded as Dan W. battling performance won him the ball on the edge of the box and he’s sublime pass found Sam who duly despatched into the net in the 53rd minute Warley Boro 2 Old Wulfurians 1 The champions were now behind and thrust forward forcing two great saves from Colm who was in sparkling form. Warley were reduced to counter attacks but they continued to play football using the channels well. Dan W was tenacious in attack and that tenacity was well reward on 69 minutes when he blasted the ball home after a cross from Reece. What a team, what a game, what a result. Final score: Warley Boro 3 Old Wulfurians 1
Today’s message was simple: ‘Do not get use to losing’ The lads kept their discipline and battled their way to three points against a team that had only lost 2 games all last season and had already won all their matches this season. Colm was superb in goal and the togetherness of the team oozed enthusiasm and determination. Well done Matt Jones who tinkered with the team because of the quality of the opposition and got it spot on after learning from last week’s disappointment against Mostyn. Well done to all.
