It was a match of mixed emotions as the Warley Boys visited Netherton North. The tragic loss of coach Steve Forbes during the week was appropriately honored with a minute’s silence by both teams before the match and Warley wore black armbands as a sign of respect. The boys had all wanted to play this game in honor of Steve especially Dan F. who started the game upfront.
Current form had seen Netherton lose their last 6 shipping 28 goals in the process whilst Warley had lost only two and was riding high after last weeks winning performance against Phoenix.
Warley controlled the play straight from the off and it wasn’t long before they took the lead as Sam S. crossed from the left and Dan.F came flying in to attack and bundle the ball over the line. It was a great goal to start with and even more appropriate that Dan F. should score it. Netherton N. 0 Warley Boro 1. 10 minutes later and Warley’s attack was once again the busier as Sam S. scored the first of he’s Four goals after Junior had run on to an exquisite ball off Callum to cross for Sam who neatly slotted home.Netherton N 0 Warley 2. The Warley boys continued to press with Kieran unlucky not to score with a shot just inside the box. From the resulting Dan F. corner Captain Callum opened he’s account for the season with a smart near post header when surrounded by four Netherton players. Netherton N. 0 Warley Boro 3. Warley’s hold on the midfield was paying dividends as they again launched attack after attacked and it was just reward when Byron slipped through an inch perfect ball for Sam S. to poke past the advancing Netherton keeper. Netherton N. 0 WarleyBoro 4. Warley’s best scoring half in five seasons was complete in the 33rd minute as a right sided free kick taken by Anil found the head of Sam S. to fire home Warley’s 5th and a well earned hatrick.
Half time:Netherton N. 0 Warley Boro 5.
The second half saw a more resilient Netherton N. with Warley being closed down a lot quicker limiting their chances on goal. Jack B. on the left, Brad S. in defence Junior, Colm, Sam D and Azza all played their part in creating chances but it wasn’t until the 60th minute when Dan W. was clipped on the heal inside the centre circle and free kick specialist Anil thundered in an unstoppable effort making the score Netherton N. 0 Warley Boro 6. With five minutes left the tackles continued to increase in intensity from both sides and once again another Warley free kick taken by Luke B. floated into the box, found Sam S. who calmly slotted home for he’s 4th and Warley’s 7th. It was a great Warley performance that was dedicated by the boys to the loving memory of Steve Forbes.
Final score Netherton N. 0 Warley Boro 7.
Managers Comments
First of all, a special thanks to Lee and his Netherton North team for their empathy and willingness to recognise the difficult day for all involved at Warley Boro – a real credit to Football. In fact, the compassion shown by Netherton Colts as a club during the run up to the game was a credit to the wider footballing community and special thanks also goes out to Chris Drew (Netherton u13’s East) for his personal messages and involvement in ther run up to Sundays game.
I would also like to mention a special thanks to Sundays referee who was exceptional throughout a difficult game…WELL DONE REF
The pride and passion shown by all the Warley Players was..simply….exceptional. Taking aside the fantastic result and also the performance of the team, their attitude and application on Sunday will NEVER be forgotten. To begin the game, it seemed fitting to start with Eleven players that had the longest service with Warley Boro. This resulted with 3 substitutes who showed great maturity and understanding when I explained my reasons (well done guys – you know who you are). Understandably, not 1 Warley Player wanted to be substituted on Sunday and each and every change/substitute that was made was again excepted without any upset and all players showed a first class attitude, thanks boys.
I would also like to praise the Boys discipline during the game, especially the 2nd Half which at stages became a physical encounter from both teams battling to hold/control the midfield on a pitch that just started to soften up and show signs of wear due to the overnight heavy rain. Given the circumstances surrounding the match, It would have been easy for players to have lost their cool, but all concerned acted responsibly and like every competitive sporting occasion should do, ended up with handshakes and good wishes – credit to both teams.
Next up, we travel away to Old Wulfrunians who will be a difficult side to compete with after an impressive start to the season currently sitting top of the league. The following week we Welcome Hasbury Rangers to our home ground, currently sitting 2nd in the table with an equally good start to the season.
Will the boys be up for it….I’m sure they will.
Well done Sunday boys for many, many reasons. Lets take that attitude and application with us throughout the remainder of the season.
Gaffer.
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