As the penultimate league game of the season Warley travelled to Hasbury knowing that a draw would be good enough to earn fifth spot in the league and finish the season on a record high. Hasbury themselves needed to win as they were level on points with Warley but a place below on goal difference.
Hasbury had a full squad to choose from whereas Warley were missing four players in Brad, Sam S. Sam D. and Byron. Coach Jones opted for a 4-5-1 formation in the first half to contain the Hasbury advance but on a slopping pitch but it was not enough to contain a Hasbury attack that was fired up after losing to Gornal 5-0 the week before.
The goals flowed in the first half as Hasbury dominated the midfield starting in the 10th minute when a cracking strike from 20 yards gave Colm no chance as Hasbury took the lead. Hasbury Rangers 1 Warley Boro 0. Two minutes later and Rangers were 2-0 up as the Warley defence struggled to cope with some slick football by the opposition. Hasbury Rangers 2 Warley Boro 0. Warley rallied briefly and some excellent play by Junior on the left set up Dan F to strike home on 14 minutes Hasbury Rangers 2 Warley Boro 1. The goal of the game came on 18 minutes as Rangers speed on the left beat the Warley back line and was polished off with a cross and shot and secure Rangers third. Hasbury Rangers 3 Warley Boro 1. The game was all but over as a contest when in the 32nd minute a deft lob found the back of the net for Rangers 4th and finish the half Hasbury Rangers 4 Warley Boro 1.
Coach Jones made a couple of tactical changes at half time as Reece was moved into midfield and Luke dropped back into defence. This gave a more balanced feel to the side and Warley started to grip the midfield and create a host of chances. Their persistence paid off in the 64rd minute when Reece bundled home for he's first goal in Warley colors from a junior corner Hasbury Rangers 4 Warley Boro 2. Their bravery quickly deminished as Hasbury finished the scoring in the 67th minute, albeit with a hint of offside, and secure that coveted fifth spot. Final score Hasbury Rangers 5 Warley Boro 2.
A brave gutsy performance by the 11 available players which, judging by the second half performance, will put us in a great position to improve next season. Next up is the Cup final when the whole squad will be available so good luck and well done on an outstanding season in the league.
